Versatile utility John Migas will walk away from top flight football on his own terms after confirming his retirement from the National Premier Leagues. Migas enjoyed a successful 16-year career in which he wore the club colours of Fremantle City, Floreat Athena, Balcatta, Western Knights and Inglewood United.
Along the way the 32-year old gained in excess of 350 senior appearances, collected State League and Cup winners’ medals with Floreat and represented West Australian at senior level. But after playing the game he loves for more than half his lifetime, Migas feels the time has come to put away his boots for the final time.
“The decision to retire wasn’t made over night, I’d been thinking about it since the end of last season,” admitted Migas, who last year added Inglewood United’s Fairest and Best trophy to the one he collected at Floreat in 2006. “This season was tough for me and I felt like I wasn’t 100% committed to playing.”
“I missed too many trainings due to work commitments and a player at my age can’t afford to be doing that. I’ve been playing since before I can remember and have made some lifelong friends along the way. I wanted to finish playing at this level on my own terms and I feel my best football is behind.”
“I was never a very skilful player but I’d like to be remembered for my determination and ‘never give up’ attitude. For me it was always about backing your team mates up and putting absolutely everything on the line for them and the club. My dad (Wally) made a name for himself in WA football and I hope I’ve done the Migas name proud.”
Migas began his senior football career as a 16-year old with Fremantle but it was six seasons at Floreat that his fondest memories stem. “I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some great teams who’ve won a few trophies,” he said. “And there’s nothing better than celebrating a Cup or League title with some of your best mates.”
“It’s hard to go past winning the League undefeated with Floreat Athena (in 2007) as co-captain with Baju Savic. I still look back and think how proud I am to have been part of such a talented side. Around this time I represented my State and I could not have been more honoured at pulling on the black and yellow of WA.”
Migas would spend three seasons at Balcatta and another with Western Knights before a late 2015 move to Inglewood, where he tallied up 50 appearances across the past two campaigns. And while trophy success evaded Migas while at Inglewood, he says he found something a lot more important – a sense of belonging.
“Inglewood is much more than a ‘football club’, it really felt to me like a family,” Migas said. “The amount of support and well wishes that I received from within the Club when my dad passed away earlier in the year was overwhelming. They helped me get through a rough time and for that I’m forever grateful.”
“I’ll still come down to a few games and support the guys but I very much doubt I’ll ever be tempted to pull the boots back on at this level again. Since my first child arrived six weeks ago my priorities in life have changed … maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to see my son pull on the blue and yellow jersey like his dad did.”
