10 November, 2026
Collegians Football Club is delighted to welcome Sam Sofronidis back to the Lions full-time for the 2027 season, following VFL stints with Collingwood and Box Hill.
A familiar face at Harry Trott Oval, Sofronidis returns to Collegians with valuable experience at state league level as the Lions prepare for their return to VAFA Premier A football.
Having first arrived at Collegians as a 16-year-old, Sofronidis has developed into one of the club's most exciting football talents, combining his elite ball use across half-back with an outstanding ability to read and intercept the football.
Known for his trademark long sleeves, Sofronidis has already established a strong connection with the Collegians community, having played 70 senior games for the Lions, including a key role in the club's 2023 premiership side.
Across those 70 appearances, Sofronidis has been named among the club's best players on 32 occasions and kicked 11 goals.
His quality was on full display in his most recent appearance for the Lions against AJAX in Round 18, where he collected an impressive 33 disposals at 82% efficiency, 10 intercept possessions and 151 ranking points.
His football journey has also included 18 VFL appearances across Collingwood and Box Hill, providing an opportunity to further develop his game in high-performance football environments.
Now returning to the club full-time, Sofronidis adds further quality and experience to a Collegians side preparing to compete at the highest level of VAFA football in 2027.
Hear From Sof: Returning Home to the Lions
With his full-time return confirmed, we caught up with Sam to reflect on his VFL experience, his connection to Collegians and what excites him most about the upcoming season.
1. After spending time at VFL level with Frankston, Sandringham, Collingwood and Box Hill, what made you decide to return to Collegians full-time for 2027?
"What excites me the most is definitely coming back to a club I can call home. Overall, I think it's a really exciting time for Collegians, with Giesch coming in as coach and the boys winning the flag and making it back to Premier A."
2. What were some of the biggest lessons you took from your time in the VFL, and how do you think those experiences will benefit your football at Collegians?
"Being around the VFL system has given me a greater understanding of those one-percenters, both on and off the field.
"You obviously take in a lot at that level, and certain things stay with you. Hopefully, I can pass some of those things on to the boys, whether that's different structures, training drills or anything else I've picked up along the way."
3. You've been part of Collegians since you were 16 and experienced premiership success in 2023. What makes the club such a special place to play football?
"The club means a hell of a lot to me.
"I played at the Vampires and Ormond as a junior and wasn't really sure where I'd end up playing my senior footy. Then I met Michael Cove, who dragged me over to Collegians as a 16 or 17-year-old, and it's been everything I could have asked for in a football club.
"I remember first coming down in 2016 and seeing some absolute superstars running around, like Courtney Hylton, George Burbury and Viv Michie.
"Knowing how close those boys had come to winning a flag, and then ultimately being part of a premiership ourselves all those years later, was pretty special.
"Being at Collegians has definitely been the most I've ever enjoyed my footy."
4. With the Lions returning to Premier A in 2027 under new Senior Coach Jarrod Gieschen, what excites you most about the season ahead, and what are your expectations for the group?
"Expectation-wise, ultimately, it's to go the whole way.
"I think the boys have built such a solid foundation over the last 12 months in terms of what our game looks like and the standards we hold ourselves to.
"Hopefully, we can ride that momentum and continue to build on what's already been established."
Looking Ahead to 2027
Sofronidis' full-time return is another exciting development for Collegians as the club builds towards its first season back in Premier A following an undefeated 2026 home-and-away season and premiership campaign.
With a strong core of established players, emerging young talent and the appointment of Jarrod Gieschen as Senior Coach, the Lions are looking forward to building on the standards and success established throughout 2026.
For Sofronidis, the opportunity to return to the club where his senior football journey began represents another exciting chapter in his Collegians career.
Welcome home, Sof! 🦁💜💛
