Game number three, or 300? It’s all the same to the daughters of Kosta Barbarouses!
The Wellington Phoenix veteran became just the eighth player to clock 300 appearances in Isuzu UTE A-League history on Friday night – but while speaking to former teammate Archie Thompson on Paramount+ post-game, revealed that his children may have some catching up to do on the longevity of his career to date.
“They made a video today and said: ‘Congrats on three games!’” Said Barbarouses.
“I don’t know, they’ve got a bit of catching up to do I think. I haven’t shown them many YouTube clips!”
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Barbarouses added one more highlight clip to the reel on Friday night in a 1-1 draw with Victory at AAMI Park.
Incredibly, Wellington failed to put a shot on goal in Melbourne, but a stellar piece of wing play from the milestone man was what brought about the visitors’ only goal of the night, with a fizzing Barbarouses cross destined for Oskar Zawada at the back post intercepted by Victory defender Damien Da Silva and diverted into his own net.
The 33-year-old Wellington winger might just have to sit his daughters down and show them the highlight moment while he clarifies the significance of game 300.
“It means a lot (to reach 300 games),” he said.
“I’m busy preparing for each game so I don’t have too much time to reflect on it, but I’m very proud.
“The A-League has given me a lot over the years. It’s given me a really good platform and a good life.
“I haven’t really looked to move too far many times. I’m really proud to reach (300 games) – and I want to see how far I can go now, and see what’s next.
“I think speed is an important part of the game, these days especially, and I work really hard during the week to maintain my body, to keep my speed, because I know it’s an important weapon for me.
“The coaching staff trust me to be that guy to make those forward runs still. I’m going to keep looking after my body and see where it takes me.”
Barbarouses now sits 81 games behind Melbourne Victory’s Leigh Broxham on the all-time list of appearance makers in Isuzu UTE A-League history.
“I don’t want to put a limit on it (my appearances),” he said.
“I look after myself, the way we recover and (with) sports science these days, who knows?
“I don’t want to get to the point where I’m embarrassing myself. I just want to keep enjoying it and see what happens, I’m not going to put a limit on my body or myself.”
