Tigers develop a taste for Greek (Neos Kosmos)

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Tigers develop a taste for Greek

Richmond Tigers indulge in Greek Feast: from lamb on the spit to traditional delicacies, AFL players embrace Greek cuisine tradition


(Left to right) Noah Balta, Sam Naismith, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Mate Colina and Samson Ryan. Photo: John Rerakis/Facebook

Michael Georgiou
neoskosmos.com
8 February 2024

It seems that the players of AFL club Richmond Tigers have developed a taste for Greek cuisine. A handful of players and coaches were hosted by John Rerakis from Philhellene Provincial Greek Cuisine, for a meal, now a tradition before the season begins.

Captain Toby Nankervis, Noah Balta, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Samson Ryan, Sam Naismith and tallest player in the league Mate Colina (2.13m) were all in attendance.

Also, over for the day were assistant coaches, former Adelaide and Richmond player Ivan Maric and former North Melbourne star Jack Ziebell.


Richmond captain Toby Nankervis (left) watches on as some of the other players look over the BBQ. Photo: John Rerakis/Facebook

They all enjoyed some lamb on the spit as usual but Rerakis tells Neos Kosmos that they’ve always been keen to try the “real” traditional foods like baked zucchini flowers, vlita (greens) and yemista (stuffed tomatoes or capsicum/peppers).

He also shared that they all took home some faki (lenti soup).

“These guys are professional sportsman who need to watch what they eat,” Rerakis said.

“They can’t be going out and eating takeout like souvlaki all the time.”


Photo: John Rerakis/Facebook

He went on to say that a lot of these players are young and not living at home anymore, so they’d be missing a home cooked meal.

“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food,” Rerakis quoted Hippocrates.

Greek and Mediterranean diets have long been ranked amongst the healthiest in the world, it’s not just all souvlaki and gyros as some may think says Zerakis.

He also shared that some Greek Orthodox priests have told him that if Richmond win the premiership, to bring the cup over to the church.

It may just very well be that the entire Richmond Football Club enjoy some Greek food, as their pre-season training in January saw food catered by Philip Vakos from Bahari | The Hellenic Palate.

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2024/02/08/sport/football/tigers-develop-a-taste-for-greek/