Club History

The principal founder of the club in 1962, under the name of Hellas, was Mr A. Hatzi-Stathi, who along with others created the club after the demise of the Olympic club which had been banned by the S.A.F.S.A following crowd disturbances.

The Club was a major force in South Australian soccer in the 1960's & 70's prior to joining the National Soccer League.

Hellas played its home games at Hindmarsh Stadium prior to and during their National League campaign. The venue was the scene of many local derby's and outstanding games.

The club entered the NSL in the inaugural year 1977 with cautious optimism having won the local championship in South Australia in 1976.

In 1978 it was probably the club's greatest achievement when they became National Champions of Australia in only their second year of participation in the National League.

Club Honours

NSL Champions: 1978

Champions National Youth League: 1993

Champions SA 1st Division: 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991

Champions SA 2nd Division: 1982

Champions SA Metro League: 1979

SA Federation Cup Winners: 1964, 1967, 1999

Coca Cola Cup Winners: 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1986, 1987, 1988

Ampol Cup Winners: 1964, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1988, 1993

West End Cup Winners: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

Player of the Year - NSL: Graham Honeyman

U/21 Player of the Year - NSL: 1977 John Kosmina, 1995/96 Jim Tsekinis

Classic Players

Of the 172 players used by West Adelaide in the NSL, it is obvious as in the case with Adelaide City, that some players for whatever reason will be remembered before others. Some of those that readily come to mind are the likes of John Kosmina who was a great striker, excellent in the air and had an exceptionally powerful shot. He could turn extremely quickly and was very fast over a short distance. John left South Australia to play for Arsenal in the U.K. and later returned. Although John only played 67 games for the club, he scored 24 goals which was an extremely impressive strike rate. John went on to play in Sydney and later went into coaching.

Martyn Crook was a master craftsman in his role as goalkeeper between 1977 and 1986. Many times when players thought they had him beat he would pull off some amazing save and have the crowd left in bewilderment. Martyn controlled the players around him in the penalty area and was responsible for keeping many clean sheets. Martyn played 192 NSL games for the club, the third highest for a West Adelaide player.

Neil McGachey, another icon of the game in South Australia, was captain and sweeper at the club for some time and was a legend before the NSL commenced. Neil had the ability to control games whether attacking or defending and had a tremendous influence with his passing and prompting of the players all around the ground. Neil had a few injury problems over the years but still managed to play 138 games for the club in the NSL. Neil took on a coaching role at the club and led them to their 1st and only NSL championship in 1978.

Ian McGregor was a tireless worker in every respect who had the speed and skill to break up attacks and to worry any defender when he made his runs down the wings. Ian was consistent in his performances for the club over the years and played 201 NSL games for the club which was the 2nd highest number of games played by a West Adelaide player in the NSL.

Graham Honeyman was a great player and stalwart of the club over a 10 year period, who had many outstanding performances. Graham played 238 NSL games for the club between 1977 and 1986 which was the highest number of games by a West Adelaide player in the NSL. He also managed to score 36 goals, which was the 2nd highest number of goals scored by a West Adelaide player in the NSL.

Brenton Hiern was a stylish defender who has great heading ability and positional sense and when he played alongside Robbie Dunn the club had 2 of the tallest defenders in the league. Brenton played 124 NSL games for the club between 1983 and 1993.

Robbie Dunn played mainly at the centre of the defence but on occasions was used up front as a striker. His long striding runs forward put fear into many opponents, as he was very hard to knock off the ball. Robbie played between 1982 and 1986 and during that period played 77 NSL games.

Robbie Slager another very reliable defender, good in the air and solid in the tackle. Robbie played 144 NSL games for the club.

Peter Blanzincic in goal gave many outstanding performances using his goalkeeping skills to help keep his team in the game. Peter played 121 NSL games for the club.

Richie Alagich was a hard working skilful midfield player who not only would break up opponent's attacks but would create havoc amongst opposing defences with his superb distribution of the ball. Richie played 117 NSL games for West Adelaide.

Robbie Hooker was an extremely reliable defender and would continually make attacking runs from the back. Robbie was quick at closing down opponents and had very good vision and positional sense. Robbie played 133 NSL games for the club.

Con Kokkinoplitis was another defender who initially played for the club in the NSL in 1991. Con was quick, skilful and a favourite with supporters, he played 137 NSL for West Adelaide.

Stan Lazaridis who could play equally well at left back as he could midfield, was absolutely adored by the Adelaide Hellas supporters. 'Stan the man', as he was and still is known, was brilliant at breaking through defences with his speed and strength and crossing balls into the opponent's penalty area. He was also an expert at taking free kicks, particularly with his left foot. After dominating in the NSL for West Adelaide, English club West Ham came knocking on our door enquiring about Stan the Man, for a record fee of $700,000 transfer fee Stan signed with West Ham and played there for 4 years until his move to Birmingham City, and is now currently playing for Perth Glory in the A league. Stan Played 73 NSL games for West Adelaide.

Pablo Cardozo, goal scorer extraordinaire, was capable of scoring some spectacular goals, Pablo had the skill to bend and move balls on the way to goal. Pablo played 111 NSL games for West Adelaide and scored 40 goals, the highest number of goals scored by a West Adelaide player in the NSL.

Jimmy Tsekinis, another crowd favourite, who with his skill could turn a game around in seconds. He had the ability to take players on and create openings and he was more than capable of scoring his fair share of goals. Jim played 112 NSL games for the club and scored 27 goals.