The late Billy Mavros has been remembered as a man of the people and a football genius

Darwin’s Greek community mourns the loss of family man and football star Billy Mavros after his death at age 51

FRIENDS and family of the late Billy Mavros remember him as a footballer and person of the highest order.

The Darwin Olympic and Territory soccer star was farewelled at a funeral service in Darwin yesterday to the tune of Liverpool Football Club’s anthem Never Walk Alone after a 14-month battle with lung cancer. He was 51.

Darwin’s Greek Orthodox Church was full to overflowing with mourners who remembered a devoted family man and a superstar on the football arena.

Billy Mavros left his beloved Darwin four years ago to support his sons’ love of the round ball game, taking great pride in oldest son Charlie’s selection in the Australian Joeys under-17 training squad.

His great friend and senior coach at Olympic, Leo Athanasiou, recalls a soccer player with tremendous skills and a fierce will to win.

“Billy was a builder and cabinet-maker by trade who was much loved for his ability in the sporting arena who genuinely enjoyed the game of soccer and being around people,’’ Athanasiou said.

“He was the best right back Darwin soccer ever saw and with his brother Tommy Olympic went on to win five premierships in a row.’’

Another close friend and former Olympic coach Steve Lolias said Mavros never arrived early for a game of football.

“He only focused on one game, his own and visualised it right down to the smallest detail, it was his way and it worked for him,’’ Lolias said.

Vasillios (Billy) Mavros is survived by his wife Tiana and five sons, Charlie, Joseph, Leo, Kosta and Daniel.