The veteran defender will become the first player to make his 100th appearance for Adelaide United FC in all competitions.

The defender was a member of the starting eleven for Adelaide United’s historic first ever game back on October 17, 2003 and has been a highly consistent contributor for The Reds since that time.

“To be able to play 100 games for Adelaide United, it has been a unique experience and opportunity to play in the old NSL and follow that into the Hyundai A-League and see the progression the game has made,” Alagich said on getting to the milestone.

Alagich’s match tally comprises of games from the old National Soccer League (NSL), FIFA Club World Championships, Pre-Season Cup, Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League.

Throughout these competitions, Alagich has compiled a list of achievements that include Adelaide United’s Player’s Player in 2003/04, inaugural Hyundai A-League Premiers, dual Pre-Season Cup winner and he was part of the United’s squad that competed in the AFC Champions League for the first time.

“It’s a young club and I just happened to be playing when the club started so it has been great to have been a part of everything Adelaide United has achieved in such a short period of time,” he said.

Of the 99 games Alagich has played for The Reds, the first holds a special place, having been part of newly formed team and a new wave of football in South Australia that saw the team play in front of a crowd that was packed to the rafters at Hindmarsh Stadium.

“It was a fantastic honour and a privilege to play in front of our supporters and just be part of the occasion. It was a watershed night and a day football came of age in this state.”

The 33 year old reached another significant milestone back in Round 4 this season, making his 250th appearance in Australia’s national leagues.

Alagich has signalled that this season will be his last in the Hyundai A-League and once it has come to end he is looking forward to turning up to Hindmarsh Stadium and supporting The Reds with his two sons.

“Reaching 100 games, it’s something that doesn’t matter what happens now, it will be with me forever and I look forward to when I can take my sons out to watch Adelaide United games and we can be supporters.”

While Alagich will enjoy the moment of walking out onto Hindmarsh Stadium to make his 100th appearance for The Reds on Sunday, he will be hoping to be able to savour it 90 minutes later with a victory over the Mariners.

Richie ALAGICH
Born 30-Oct-1973, Adelaide, Australia
Position Defender
Number 2
Height 177cm
Weight 74kg

Club history
• Raiders (SA) 2004
• Adelaide United FC (NSL) 2003/04
• Brisbane Strikers (NSL) 2001-03
• South Melbourne (NSL) 1999-2001
• West Adelaide (NSL) 1993-99
• Port Adelaide (SA) 1990-93

Australian representative honours
• Australia U/23, U/20, schoolboy

LEAGUE Appearances (Goals)
NATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE 2003/04 - Adelaide United - 28 (3)
2005 FIFA CWC (Aust.Qual.Tourn.) - Adelaide United - 2 (0)
2005 Pre-Season Cup - Adelaide United - 3 (0)
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 2005/06 - Adelaide United - 23 (0)
2006 Pre-Season Cup - Adelaide United - 6 (0)
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 2006/07 - Adelaide United - 21 (0)
ACL Champions League 2007 - Adelaide United - 6 (0)
2007 Pre-Season Cup - Adelaide United - 5 (1)
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 2007/08 - Adelaide United - 5 (1)
TOTAL - TOTAL - 99 (5)