Day: March 17, 2003

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne had a few knee wobbles this season but none were bigger than the long term injuries to captain Paul Trimboli, Robert Liparoti and Zeljko Susa.

At the age of 33 and in his 15th season, captain Paul Trimboli caused serious damage to his medial and lateral cartilage, an injury that could have had serious implications to his career. Fortunately for Trimboli, he is rapidly recovering and is due to be back within two months.

“Paul Trimboli is doing really well and is now spending a lot of time in the gym. He has had a strong recovery and will be ready to play again within 6-8 weeks”, says South Melbourne physiotherapist, Mary Toomey”.

South’s number nine has been working through a daily program to get his knee right, as he aimed to return during the finals series.

“It is frustrating not making the finals, as I had pencilled in making a return during the finals series. I’m currently in a 12 – 16 week rehabilitation program which will enable me to prepare for the pre-season”, says Trimboli.

Unfortunately Susa and Liparoti’s seasons were brought to a halt when they both tore cruciate ligaments. Liparoti, who injured his opposite knee two seasons ago, is due to return for the pre-season while Susa awaits a knee operation.

South Melbourne physiotherapist Mary Toomey is pleased with the progress of the tall defender.

“Liparoti is equally doing well, riding bikes and swimming regularly. He will be ready for pre-season training.

“Susa still has to have surgery on his knee which is four weeks away. We will wait for after the operation to see what happens with Zeljko Susa”, says Toomey.

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne finished off season 2002-2003 in similar fashion to the way it commenced back in early October 2002. The Blue and Whites battled a 5 – 4 win with New Zealand based Kingz FC to finish the season in seventh spot, one point outside the top six.

In the initial rounds, the Albert Park Club played some thrilling matches against Olympic Sharks and Melbourne Knights, which were the highlights at Bob Jane Stadium this season.

Yesterday’s win was South’s second away win of the season, as South Melbourne who has had a problem scoring of late put that factor to rest in their season finale.

The home side opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but were soon behind as South went on a rampage netting three goals in 15 minutes to be two goals up at the break. Baird scored South’s first, while Coveny and a Boutsianis free kick added to South’s scoresheet.

After the break Coveny scored his second to give South handy 4 – 1 lead. But the Kingz were not finished yet as they clawed their way back with two goals in four minutes. Buljan came onto the field and put the game to rest in the 80th minute with South’s fifth and final goal.

In other matches, Perth Glory missed the opportunity to be crowned National Soccer League Premiers with a loss to Marconi who lifted themselves off the bottom of the table. Wollongong Wolves are this seasons wooden spooners. Current Champions Olympic Sharks finished top of the table.

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

On Friday evening South Melbourne Soccer Club players, Peter Buljan, Nick Tolios, Eugene Galekovic along with New Zealand International Vaughan Coveny and Young Socceroo Vince Lia fully shaved their hair for the World’s greatest shave for a cure.

Young gun Massimo Murdocca sprayed his hair grey and blue for this worthy cause.

With some of the players girlfriends watching on, the players themselves were nervous as they walked up to the electric clippers. But as Peter Buljan received his shave, the rest of the boys gained confidence and went the whole nine yards.

The Cricket Club Hotel put on a fabulous evening with many present, giving generous donations to raise funds for leukaemia research and patient support. South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to thank Tania and John McConnon of the Cricket Club Hotel for their support and hospitality.

The head shaving worked wonders for the boys with Vaughan Coveny and Peter Buljan getting on the scoresheet in yesterdays 5 – 4 win over the Kingz in Auckland.