Wednesday, 28 February 2007 9:51 AM
The VPL 2007 season kicks off with the now regular opening fixture between Australian football heavyweights South Melbourne and Heidelberg United. The Bob Jane Stadium clash is likely to attract a bumper crowd.
South in particular, have assembled a squad full of depth and experience that appears to have achieved the crucial balance of experience and youth.
With players such as Trent Waterson, Yusef Yusef, Nathan Caldwell and Ricky Diaco signing over the summer, Coach John Anastasiadis has at his disposal his strongest squad to date since being at the helm of Australia’s most decorated club.
South has managed to retain the services of most the key members from last season’s Championship triumph. South best and fairest winner Fernando Moraes, fresh from signing a new two year deal, will no doubt be out to re-affirm his status as one of the most exciting and talented players in the State.
Moraes joins the likes of Dean Anastasiadis, Con Blatsis, Tansel Baser, Ramazan Tavsancioglu, Vasilios Natsioulas, Arthur Tsonis and Gianni De Nittis as core Championship winning players who will no doubt play a massive role in South’s plight this season.
Encouraging for South has been the pre-season form of new signing and VPL Player of the Year in 2005, Ricky Diaco, who in 3 starts for the club has managed to score 3 goals whilst providing a bustling physical presence up front, not to mention managing to show a tremendous understanding
with Brazilian Moraes.
In the Heidelberg camp, the most notable signings added to Coach Con Pappas’ squad are ex-South Melbourne midfield hard-man George Goutzioulis as well as experienced Premier League goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger who has moved from Green Gully in the summer to no doubt take the keeping duties
from the brilliant Lou Acevski who after years of service with Heidelberg has gone to the Preston Lions.
Both teams will be eager to start the season positively and with a big crowd expected and many quality players on show, a fascinating and exciting encounter awaits.
South Melbourne FC v Heidelberg United
Date: Sunday 4th March
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kick off: 6pm
For more information please contact Jim Marinis, media spokesperson on 9645 9797 or media@smfc.com.au