Day: June 7, 2007

Thursday, 7 June 2007 2:36 PM

By George Kouroumalis

Further to the singing of Mitchell Langerak, South Melbourne would also like to announce the signing of former Adelaide United defender Adam Van Dommele for the remainder of the 2007 Foxtel Cup Season.

A product of the South Australian Institute of Sport, Van Dommele was regarded as a superb prospect as a youngster, playing a vital part in the 2001 FIFA U17 World Youth Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, where he managed to play every game for his nation in an impressive display.

In 2002, Van Dommele was given his first taste at senior football, where he joined South Australian club side Modbury Jets for the entire season. Following his performances in the state league were English Second Division Club Hartlepool United, who offered the quick defender a professional contract in 2003.

After injuries plagued him during his English stint, Van Dommele returned home to Australia, taking up a chance to return to the South Australian state leagues, playing for Enfield City and immediately impressing everyone with his tackling and all round defensive ability.

In 2005, he was offered a professional contract by A-League club Adelaide United and throughout two years under the helm of John Kosmina was able to muster up vital experience at national level against the best players on the domestic front. This included playing 19 games in his debut year at the club, which saw him receive the club’s rising star award as a reward for an exceptional debut season.

However, the 2006/07 season was slightly disappointing for Van Dommele, who only managed to play 6 games in total. This caused him to fall out of favour with new coach Aurellio Vidmar, who took over the reigns late in the season.

Most recently, Van Dommele was given a chance to represent Adelaide in the prestigious Asian Champions League. He played three games alongside former South player Michael Valkanis and impressed with his defensive efforts.

After parting company with Adelaide in May 2007, Van Dommele will now be given his chance to shine and prove his worth as a senior footballer with reigning champions South Melbourne in the Foxtel Cup, under the guidance of John Anastasiadis.

Thursday, 7 June 2007 2:31 PM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC would like to announce the signing of current Qantas Young Socceroo Mitchell Langerak for the remainder of the 2007 Foxtel Cup Season.

Langerak, who has been signed by South Melbourne on a loan deal from Melbourne Victory, has had a very impressive start to his career, receiving his first international cap for the Qantas Young Socceroos in August 2006.

Following his stellar form on debut, the young Goalkeeper was included in the squad for the 2006 AFC Youth Championships in India, playing an integral part in the Australian defensive unit.

His performances on the world stage were noticed by A-League club, Melbourne Victory, who in February 2007 signed the Queensland native on a two year contract to enable the youngster to continue his training in a professional football environment.

To further enhance his development, Victory allowed Langerak to gain some valuable first team experience and allowed for him to be loaned to South Melbourne, who saw the talented teenager as someone who could fill the gap left by injured Goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis.

Making his SMFC debut last Sunday, Langerak slotted into the South lineup well, ensuring that his side kept a clean sheet in an impressive 3-0 win away to the Kingston City Reds, making some critical one on one saves.

South Melbourne FC is thrilled to have a player of such calibre and promise available to the side and are proud of their continuing role in the development Australian Football.