Theo Selemidis

NSL Career: Heidelberg, Melbourne Croatia 393 (24) / 1977 - 1993/94

Socceroos Career: 7 (1) A Internationals / 10 (0) B Internationals

One of the longest-serving players in NSL history, the Greek-born sweeper/midfielder was part of two great teams that narrowly missed out on winning a NSL Championship. Strong, decisive and intelligent on the ball - Selemidis played equally well in midfield or defence in a long and consistent career.

Selemidis began his junior career with Sandown Dynamo before the club merged with South Springvale. Selemidis later joined South Melbourne's junior ranks before switching to Fitzroy United Alexander. Selemidis made his first team debut for Fitzroy at the age of 17 during the inaugural Phillips Soccer League season but had to bide his time thereafter as the team challenged for the championship between 1977 and 1979.

After making just 24 league appearances in his first three seasons at the club, Selemidis cemented his spot in the side as a 20 year old during the 1980 season. Heidelberg (formerly Fitzroy) finished runners-up to Sydney City in the league and lost the NSL Cup Final to Marconi before winning the Play-Off Series.

During the season, Selemidis made his full international debut and played in several international friendlies, scoring his only international goal against his country of birth (Greece). Selemidis played every game of the 1981 season as Heidelberg finished eighth (their lowest placing in the league) before qualifying for the Play-Off Series the following season.

Following Heidelberg's NSL Cup Final loss to APIA, Selemidis left for Greece to trial with Alpha Ethniki clubs in Thessaloniki and Athens. Failing to earn a contract, the 23 year old returned to Heidelberg and helped the side reach back-to-back NSL Cup Finals, losing two-nil to Sydney Olympic on aggregate.

Heidelberg finished second in the 1984 Southern Conference before defeating Brisbane Lions in a penalty shoot-out in the minor semi-final where Selemidis converted the penalty that put the Bergers in front. Heidelberg went on to reach the Southern Conference Final, losing four-two to South Melbourne, and continued their good form during the 1985 season as they finished the season with league's all-time best defensive record - conceding just 17 goals in 22 games. 

Selemidis competed in the finals series in 1985 and 1986 for the club but was unable to help the side avoid relegation to the Victorian State League at the end of the 1987 season. Eager to stay in the top flight, Selemidis joined Melbourne Croatia for the 1988 season and moved in to a more defensive role.

Following a disappointing first season with the club, Selemidis formed part of a talented Croatia defence that provided the backbone for the finals contenders over a period of four seasons. Selemidis was a consistent performer as Croatia reached the minor semi-final in the 1989 season, the preliminary final in the 1989/90 season and back-to-back grand finals in the following two seasons.

Croatia's form slumped in the 1992/93 season as they club recorded their equal-lowest league finish (10th). Following the 1992/93 season, Selemidis returned to Heidelberg where he finished his NSL career as the league's second all-time appearances holder (equal seventh all-time). Selemidis spent a season in the Victorian Premier League with Springvale City before hanging up his boots at the age of 35.