Hugo Giménez
NSL Career: Melita Eagles, West Adelaide, Gippsland Falcons 104 (6) / 1989/90 - 1997/98
A skilful playmaker who was excellent at dropping back in midfield and starting his team's attacks with his precision passing, Hugo Giménez helped Melita Eagles gain promotion to the NSL and became one of the standout midfielders in the league. Despite failing to reach the footballing heights in his native Argentina, the diminutive Giménez possessed all the fine qualities expected from a South American footballer at the time and was one of the most efficient passers to play in the NSL.
Originally from Avellaneda, Buenos Aires - Giménez began his career at local club Racing, one of the "big five" clubs of Argentina, during which time the club played in the Primera B (second division). Following his time at Racing, Giménez had stints at Avellaneda Primera B and C clubs Arsenal and Dock Sud respectively.
Argentine-Australian coach Raúl Blanco, who had coached NSW club Melita Eagles since 1984, signed Giménez along with fellow Argentine Alfredo Barrios for the 1988 NSW Division One season. Giménez helped the side win the Division One Grand Final after the club were narrowly beaten to NSL promotion by Blacktown City.
Melita finished minor premiers the following season and gained promotion to the NSL before winning back-to-back Division One Grand Finals, defeating Canberra Croatia two-nil. Despite an injury-interrupted debut season in the NSL, Giménez's excellent vision and passing in midfield was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing season for the club. Giménez was again influential in the midfield for Melita during the 1990/91 season and helped the side qualify for the finals series for the first time before playing in Melita's NSL Cup Final win over Preston.
The talented Argentine was unavailable for selection in Melita's elimination semi-final loss to Marconi and spent another season at the club before joining Blanco at West Adelaide for the 1992/93 season. As one of West's six key signings along with Melita team mate Greg Brown, Giménez played a major role in the resurgence of the South Australian club as they qualified for the finals series for the first time.
Giménez played in both legs of West's elimination final loss to rivals Adelaide City before securing a move to Hong Kong First Division side Rangers. Giménez spent three seasons at the club as they remained in the top flight before returning to Australia to join Gippsland Falcons.
The veteran midfielder made just 16 league appearances for Gippsland in an injury-interrupted first season as the club struggled to compete and finished third-to-last. Giménez returned to first team action in round eight of the following season, in the first of just two league appearances for the 1997/98 season before hanging up his boots at the age of 33.
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