Name: Thomas Lambiris
Position: Right-back
Age: 18
Joined Victory: 2020
Youth teams: FTS, Melbourne City
Joining Victory
Thomas Lambiris was establishing himself as a future prospect at Melbourne Victory’s A-League rivals when he made the decision to switch allegiances.
Shortly after playing against Victory, Lambiris accepted an offer and continues to make an impression as a young defender.
“I had been at City for three years and my position had mellowed slightly, so the offer from Victory caught my attention,” he said.
“Within a few months at Victory I was training with the senior team, so it worked out well.”
Youth
Lambiris’ transition into a right-back happened on the international stage.
“I used to be a defensive-midfielder but the turning point was when I represented Australia in the Under-17 AFC World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
“I went there as a six but played the tournament as a right-back.
“Once I returned, I became a regular right-back and have stayed there ever since.”
NPL
Prior to the cancellation of the 2021 NPL 3 Victoria season, Lambiris had mad 12 appearances for Victory – forming defensive partnerships alongside the likes of Matthew Bozinovski and Aisen Ishak.
The 18-year-old was happy with his role in the back four, but had ambitions further up the field.
“In terms of my development, I would like to advance on the right side and contribute in the final third,” Lambiris said.
“Overall, it has been great to play competitively on the weekends and implement our plans from training.”
Lambiris and a contingent of youth players continue to train with the first team on Gosch’s Paddock, providing an alternative to competitive action.
“Game time is one of the most important aspects as a young player, so the season being called off isn’t ideal,” he said.
“However, training with the first team is a good replacement as it is very intense.”
First team
Lambiris recently featured for Victory in a pre-season friendly against Box Hill United, another step in his progression as a right-back.
“Playing alongside Jason Geria was unbelievable and learning from him during a match was a great experience,” Lambiris said.
“Also, as a right-back I had the Boss very close to me on the touchline and playing in front of him was a real confidence boost.”
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity so far and my ultimate goal is to make my A-League debut.”
