EDFL: Essendon Doutta Stars gun John Roumeliotis debuts in VFL

After four knee reconstructions, Essendon Doutta Stars gun John Roumeliotis finally got the VFL opportunity he craved last Friday. He loved every minute of it.

John Roumeliotis has always refused to give up on his dream of playing at the highest level he could.

On Friday night, he made his VFL debut for the Northern Bullants in a 52-point loss to Frankston but it meant so much more than the result.

His opportunity came less than a week after being signed to the stand-alone club’s senior list.

To get there he had overcome four knee reconstructions — all which occurred during his teenage years.

Now 23, Roumeliotis said it was a case of never giving up which had led him to this moment.

“It’s been a pretty big week,” he said.

“I was over the moon when I signed the contract. I did my right knee three times in a row before I had my fourth knee reco when I was 19.

“After the first two I wanted to keep going but I did have thoughts about giving it away when I went down for a fourth time.

Ben Nikolovski and John Roumeliotis both debuted for the Northern Bullants last weekend. Photo: Facebook.

“I was also fortunate enough the Calder Cannons invited me back as a 19-year-old despite my injuries.

“It’s hard when people tell you that you might not play footy again or worse not walk properly.

“After my third surgery, Carlton’s recruiter encouraged me to go down to the Bullants when they were still aligned and do my rehab down there.

“That’s when I knew I could make it. It’s been a good test for me mentally and I’ve found how far I can push myself.”

John Roumeliotis in action for Doutta Stars. Picture: Hamish Blair

Roumeliotis showed promising signs in the first half of the game against the Dolphins before a “hiccup” with his finger in the second half.

He finished with eight touches and a goal.

His own previous state league experience was a “couple of practice” matches in years gone by.

“I really enjoyed it and didn’t feel out of place once I got past the nerves,” he said.

“People had told me before I was close to making it and to get that opportunity was really special. I’ve been signed every year so I’ve always believed I’ve had the ability.

“My friends and family have supported every decision I’ve made to keep chasing my dream.

“They’ve been there to help me out with life after surgery and been my emotional support. This meant as much to them as it did to me.”

John Roumeliotis back in his Calder Cannons days. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images.

Roumeliotis’ chance came on the back of a strong season for Essendon Doutta Stars at local level.

Despite the Essendon District Premier Division club only winning two games so far, the former Calder Cannon has impressed with 13 goals.

“It’s definitely been difficult on the club but everyone is working really hard,” he said.

“I’ve been shuffled around a bit but I’ve actually enjoyed it. I started the year forward then by about round 4 was in the midfield and then ended up in the forward line again.

“It’s allowed me to develop my craft a little bit more and my ground balls is an area where I think I have improved.”

After getting his VFL debut out of the way, Roumeliotis is now daring to dream of a potential AFL call up and is refusing to give up.

“To get where I am now is massive in itself but playing at the top level would be amazing,” he said.

“I’ve had nothing to lose and I’m not going to change that mindset.”

The Doutta Stars gun also credited his physio Adam Larkin for helping him reach this point of his career.