Kristian Sarkies

Kristian Sarkies
Kristian Sarkies
Born	October 25, 1986 (age 40); Melbourne, Australia
Occupation	Soccer player
Years active	2002–present
Known for	Playing for Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Melbourne Heart, and Sandringham SC

Kristian Ronald Sarkies (born 25 October 1986 in Melbourne, Australia) is an Australian soccer player currently representing Sandringham SC in the Victorian Metropolitan League 1. Raised in the Melbourne suburb of Dingley Village, near his present club located in Beaumaris, Sarkies boasts significant A-League experience having played for Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, and Melbourne Heart. Additionally, he has participated in the NPL, contributing his skills to several teams throughout Victoria.

South Melbourne

After showcasing his talent in the VIS youth league, Sarkies secured a contract with prominent Australian club South Melbourne FC at just 16 years old. He made his debut during round 5 against Newcastle Breakers and soon received his initial international youth selection for Australia.

During his only season at South Melbourne, Sarkies appeared in 17 matches and netted one goal. With the National Soccer League (NSL) folding, he transitioned to the newly established A-League.

Sarkies featured in the A-League Grand Final while playing for Melbourne Victory, where he scored his third goal for the team in a commanding 6-0 victory over Adelaide. He gained widespread media attention after kissing then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard on the head while receiving his championship medal.

Adelaide United

On 30 March 2007, Sarkies inked a one-year contract with Adelaide United, joining former under-23 teammates Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns, and Robert Cornthwaite. Following the departure of captain Ross Aloisi, Sarkies emerged as a vital figure in midfield. On 28 December, after scoring against Sydney FC, he was hospitalized due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) found in his arm.

In May 2008, he extended his contract to remain with Adelaide through the conclusion of the A-League 2009-10 season. During Adelaide’s 2–0 victory over Sydney FC, marking his 50th A-League appearance, Sarkies provided an assist from a free kick to Sasa Ognenovski. Despite a shaky start to the season, his impact intensified, exemplified by a decisive goal against Perth Glory in round 17 of the 2008–09 campaign and crucial assists contributing to a 2–0 win over Sydney FC on 3 January 2009.

Melbourne Heart

Following a season marked by inconsistency and limited starting opportunities at Adelaide, Sarkies transferred to A-League newcomer Melbourne Heart for the 2010–11 season. Announced as the club’s inaugural signing on 24 November 2009, he remained with Melbourne Heart until it was confirmed he would leave on 6 April 2012.

Goulburn Valley Suns

After playing in the Victorian Premier League with Heidelberg United, Port Melbourne Sharks, and Bulleen Lions, Sarkies joined Shepparton-based Goulburn Valley Suns for their first campaign in the National Premier Leagues Victoria. He opened his scoring account with the Suns on debut during a narrow 2–3 home defeat to Ballarat Red Devils on 29 March 2014.

International career

Ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, coach Guus Hiddink included Sarkies in Australia's "train-on" squad. He made his senior international debut in a friendly against Liechtenstein on 8 June 2006, contributing to a 3-1 victory and remained part of the Socceroos squad throughout the group stage in Germany. Having represented Australia at every youth level, Sarkies played an instrumental role during qualification for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, notably scoring four goals in an emphatic 11–0 triumph over Chinese Taipei on 7 February 2007.

Career statistics

(Accurate as of 29 December 2008)

Club	Season	League¹		Cup		International²		Overall
Club	Season	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals
Melbourne Victory	2005–06	18	0	4	0	0	0	22	0
	2006–07	17	3	5	0	0	0	22	3
	Total							44	3
Adelaide United	2007–08	11	1	2	1	0	0	13	2
	2008–09	11	1	0	0	9	0	17	1
	2009–10	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
Total								80	6

¹ - includes statistics from A-League final series
² - encompasses FIFA Club World Cup data; AFC Champions League figures are counted in the season following group stage matches (e.g., 2008 ACL stats included in the 2008-09 A-League season)