Madonis channeling his inner Gordon Ramsay during lock-down

Gordon Ramsay eat your heart out; Sydney Olympic star Jason Madonis is out to get you minus the swearing of course. 

Its no secret that many of our footballers have engaged in various activities as they eagerly await for football to get back on the road once more – Madonis in particular, has been busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

“I’ve been getting in touch with my inner Gordon Ramsey that’s for sure.

“The kitchens been getting a good workout I must say.

“If you’re ever in the area swing past, I’ll make you some Italian meatballs in marinara sauce from scratch, you’ll rate it.”

So when he’s not giving out his heart and soul for his beloved Olympic where he’s spent eleven solid seasons at, Madonis is busy creating dishes in the kitchen, but he’s also caught up with various other activities keeping him busy.

“I’ve been spending time with family and my dog Romeo, I don’t get to relax with them much when life is normal with work and football as everything is always at 100 miles an hour so its been great to enjoy this down time until we get back to normality.”

The 24-year-old has considered himself as one of the lucky ones who have not been personally affected by COVID-19.

“It’s no secret COVID-19 has affected most people’s daily routine and the way they would normally live, myself included.

“However, in the grand scheme of things, the small luxuries and privileges I’ve had to live without recently is nothing compared to the major problems some people are facing.

“I consider myself to be quite lucky as none of my friends or family have contracted the virus.

“I understand there are people around the world who have lost loved ones during this pandemic and my thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Work wise, its been an interesting time for the ambitious midfielder who had only just completed a two-year period working for the NSW Government with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

“Work has been a little tricky.

“Right before the Pandemic began, I had just finished working for the NSW Government with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

“I had two great years there but I decided to step away from the corporate world and focus on my playing and coaching career.

“Obviously with football being temporarily postponed it threw a spanner in the works, but I’m grateful that I’ve been able to continue 1 on 1 private coaching.

“I run sessions three days a week in the Sutherland Shire and two days a week in San Souci, so it’s definitely kept me busy.”

Training has not been a problem during this self-isolation period for Madonis who has been fortunate enough to have the Cronulla Esplanade as a perfect running backdrop alongside fellow Olympic teammate Anthony Bouzanis.

“Training has been pretty consistent to be fair!

“I’ve cleared out my upstairs balcony and turned it into a home workout space – doing core and strength workouts twice a week.

“There’s a football pitch round the corner from my house so getting my conditioning runs in a few times a week and adding in a run along Cronulla Esplanade whenever I’ve got some free time.

“I live quite close to Bouza (Anthony Bouzanis) so we’ve been training together and keeping each other honest.”

Commencing his football career at the proud Olympic club as a 13-year-old, playing for the Under 14s, Madonis misses the feeling of walking out on the howled turf that is Belmore Sports Ground during this time of football separation.

“I honestly cannot go past missing that feeling of stepping out onto our amazing home ground, namely Belmore Sports Ground.

“After eleven years at the club, I still get Goosebumps every time I walk onto the pitch.”

Wanting to get that feeling back again with the hope of playing his beloved sport once more this season, Madonis is hoping that the football family are following rules and regulations given out by the Governments in order of getting back to the life we once knew.

“We’re all missing football and want to be back sooner rather than later.

“Let’s do our part by practicing social distancing and adhering to Government restrictions and guidelines.

“We will overcome this Pandemic together and be back playing the game we love in no time.”

You may see a new match up arise in the Masterchef ranks as Madonis takes on Ramsay!