Monday, 28 May 2007 12:26 PM
Dino Djulbic has played his final game in South Melbourne colours for the time being, after accepting a sensational opportunity to join A-League club, Perth Glory for the 2007/08 season.
Growing up in Perth, Djublic crossed over to Victoria in 2006 after signing for the Frankston Pines in the VPL.
A little over 6 months later and with injuries plaguing the senior side, South Melbourne snapped up Djulbic in a hope that the impressive defender could make a difference to the team’s performances.
The faith in Dino by South was paid off almost immediately, with the big long-haired defender making his mark on the competition, shutting out some of the most influential and experienced attacking players in the state.
Dino’s rise was topped off in the 2006 Grand Final when he completely took the season’s Gold Medal and Golden Boot winner Sash Becvinovksi out of the game, limiting the star striker to only a few half chances over the 90 mins of play, which also went a long way to securing the championship win for his side.
Speaking to www.smfc.com.au last night, Dino had nothing but praise for the club that has been his home for the past year.
“South Melbourne is a massive club in this country and it has been an honour to play in the blue and white shirt for the last 12 months. I hope that one day we can see South reach the heights that it has previously held once again.”
“I would personally like to thank everyone associated with the club for my experience, including my team mates who I shared a championship with, the coaching staff who had faith in me, as well as the board of directors and club volunteers who made the place feel like it was my home.”
“Finally I would like to thank the South Melbourne fans for all their support over the past year. This club is blessed to have one of the largest support bases in not just Victoria but the entire country and it was an amazing feeling hearing the blue army roar every time I wore the famous shirt into battle for them.”
“For the supporters’ sake, I sincerely hope South can push into greener pastures and reach the heights that it has in the past, because this club deserves to be right up there with the best.”
The South Melbourne family would like to thank Dino Djublic for his contribution over the last 12 months and would like to wish him all the best for the future.