Tsapatolis’ career switch from basketball to AFL after rejecting Greece offer

·

Greek Australian sports star Paul Tsapatolis had a bright future in basketball, representing the country in FIBA Oceania and Asia Cup tournaments.

While a career in basketball seemed lined up for the youngster, he announced in November that he would be doing a career switch and joining Geelong Cats in the AFL.

The newly signed Category B rookie said he passed on offers from a number of rival AFL clubs.

“About two months ago a club in Greece said we’ll sign you, you just have to be here in a month. Here’s a contract, be here in a month and you’re playing,” Tsapatolis told RSN Sports Breakfast.

“I said nah, I told my parents footy is what I want to do and I’ll find a way to do it.

Tsapatolis represented Australia at the Oceania and Asian Cups. Image: Instagram

“Because of my background, I’m Greek, there was a lot of interest in Greece and I actually got asked to go to Olympiacos to try out two years ago but I broke my foot.

“Ever since then something has always popped in the way, whether that be an Asia Cup, Oceania or tournament.”

The Point Cook local formed a lasting friendship with Cats recruiter Troy Selwood over Victoria’s lockdown period, a bond that put the Cats in the box seat to secure the 18-year-old’s elusive signature.

“Geelong started talking to me, Troy Selwood came to my house for an interview in early March, just before the pandemic,” Tsapatolis says.

Paul Tsapatolis will join Geelong in 2021. Photo: Fox Sports

“He told me straight out what the plans were with Geelong, what they expected from me and what I expected from them. I said just give me a chance.

“We were training every weekend out at St Mary’s and just the connection I grew with Troy Selwood, Stephen Wells is awesome (as well).

“All the boys, they started messaging me, Joel Selwood and just the connection I had to Geelong (helped make the decision).”

Tsapatolis last played football for the Yarraville Seddon Eagles in under 13s but says he was never far from a Sherrin. 

“All the clubs have said my skills are pretty good so I’m just going to go off what they say. I’ve never really dropped the footy out of my hands, even at school I was always kicking the footy,” he says.

“The only thing that I lost dramatically was the endurance, but during this covid pandemic I bought a treadmill and I haven’t really got off of it.

“Last year I was training with Ryan O’Keefe, (Hawthorn’s) Emerson Jeka, (Carlton’s) Josh Honey and Sam Ramsay so I was always around people who are highly skilled.

“Torin Baker who’s now at Carlton Football club as a coach helped me out a lot and Anthony Koutoufides who is a close friend of mine always helped me out.”

greek film festival 2025

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Final farewell at Stanmore as Cyprus Community of NSW prepares to relocate

The Cyprus Community of NSW’s club, located at Stanmore for over four decades, is set to relocate, with an “End of an Era” party being held.

Kindred souls: West African blues meet Greek rebetiko

Stani Goma and Con Kalamaras are working on a project to bring West African and Greek roots music together.

What the 2025 Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal and recognition of Palestine mean for Cyprus

In an age where peace deals are brokered in weeks, Dean Kalimniou reflects on what this means for the unresolved Cyprus question.

Cyprus: Historical and political responsibilities of a national tragedy (Part 4)

The rejection by referendum on 24 April 2004 of the settlement plan of the UN by the Greek Cypriots had negatively influenced the international...

Vamvakou: A mountain village reborn in Greece’s Laconia

The mountain village of Vamvakou in Laconia has transformed into a vibrant community blending tradition and innovation.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia launches ‘COVID-19 Community Relief’ program

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has announced the creation of a 'COVID-19 Community Relief' program to give assistance to people struggling.

Theodore Drivas’, Waterview Venue in Bicentennial Park, to be first privately-owned vaccination hub

Waterview Venue in Bicentennial Park to be the first privately-owned hospitality venue to be used as an official NSW Health Vaccination Hub.

Apostolos Papastamos breaks swimming record to win gold at European championship

Apostolos Papastamos scored a top-10 time in the world winning gold in the Men’s 400 individual medley at the 2024 European Championships.