Friday, 13 June 2008 7:03 PM
South Melbourne FC will need to regroup after a disappointing draw last weekend when it plays host to the Oakleigh Cannons in a much anticipated and very important derby game on Sunday.
As with the majority of the South Melbourne and Oakleigh clashes of late, this game promises to be a very tight and extremely hard fought affair, with both clubs intent on trying to secure a final six position by the end of the season.
South will go into the contest with Vice-Captain Rama Tavsancioglu returning to the starting line-up. The hard working defensive player will be keen to get back on the pitch after a frustrating month on the sidelines.
He may also be joined by his younger brother Adem Tavsancioglu at some stage during the game, after the former Southern Stars player was signed by South in the recent transfer window. Just like his brother, Adem is a hard working defensive player that can also make an impact in the midfield as well.
The other players keen to make an impact on the match will be midfielders Scott MacNicol and Stuart Kelly. Both players signed from the Cannons in the recent transfer window and will be excited to come up against their former side. In two appearances so far for the club, both players have made an immediate impact throughout the South midfield area, as well as providing valuable support to both the attacking and defensive thirds.
In between the sticks, Tommi Tomich will look to achieve back to back clean sheets, with the tall goalkeeper playing a great first game for the club against Western Suburbs.
Oakleigh however will provide South with a tough opponent that will be intent on denting South Melbourne’s finals aspirations with a win at lakeside.
One of the players that needs to be watched is former South Melbourne championship winning midfielder in Bill Damianos.
In 2008, Damianos has continued to prove himself as one of the most creative and dangerous midfielders in the Foxtel Cup. His vision and ability to provide high quality service to his teammates will be something that South will try and negate.
Joining Damianos in the middle area will be another former South player, Trent Waterson. As with Damianos, Waterson is a very dangerous player and will need to be watched if South are to get the points.
Sunday will also be a day where South members, sponsors and fans will be able to hear about the exciting future of the club through a special “Future of South Melbourne Luncheon”. During this exciting event, State MP Martin Foley will be speaking in depth about the plans for the new Bob Jane Stadium, whilst also explaining how the redevelopment will impact on the South Melbourne Football Club.
Kick-off for the senior game is at 4pm and everyone is encouraged to get behind the side in one of the most important games of the season.
South Melbourne FC vs Oakleigh Cannons
When: Sunday, June 15th
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Kick-off: 4pm (Under 21s at 1.45pm)
Projected Starting line-ups
South Melbourne
Tommi Tomich (GK), Sam Poutakidis, Rama Tavsancioglou, Adam Van Dommele, Steve O’dor, Stuart Kelly, Scott MacNicol, Goran Zoric, Fernando De Moraes, Nathan Caldwell, Gianni De Nittis
Oakleigh
Adrian Cagalj (GK), Adam Ewin, Stelios Drakos, Aristidis Drakos, Felix Rosman, Jonathon Munoz, Trent Waterson, Scott Webster, Bill Damianos, Tex Apostolikas, Juan Nilo.
Head to head (Games since 2005)
Played : 7
Oakleigh : 4
South Melbourne : 2
Draw : 1
Last Meeting
When: Friday, 7 March 2008
Where: Jack Edwards Reserve
Score: Oakleigh Cannons 1 defeated South Melbourne 0
Form in 2008 (last 3 games)
South: Loss, Win, Draw
Oakleigh: Loss, Draw, Win