Day: August 1, 2008

Friday, 1 August 2008 3:51 PM

By George Kouroumalis | Photo by Pavlos Touliatos

After a disappointing result against Fawkner last week, South will need to regroup as it takes on the high flying and well disciplined Altona Magic outfit.

A win for the Blues could see the club get within a game of 6th position, whilst a home loss will see the Blues miss out on finals football in 2008.

A key factor of this contest will be the selection of retiring captain Dean Anastasiadis. The veteran has been a great player for the South Melbourne Football Club over the space of 10 seasons and all players will be keen to get a much needed home win for the man known as “Deano”. Anastasiadis will be replacing in-form goalkeeper Tommi Tomich, who will sit out South’s remaining two home games.

In defence, Shane Nunes will miss once again after failing to overturn a three game suspension following his red card against Melbourne Knights. This would most likely see Rama Tavsancioglu or his brother Adem Tavsancioglu fill in at centre back. With the dangerous trio of Michael Curcija, Esala Masi and Henry Fa’arodo in the Altona lineup, the South defence will need be on song should the Blues take the points.

The other key area of the park will be South’s attacking third. With hard working players such as Nathan Caldwell and Gianni De Nittis leading the attack, South have to capitalise on their opportunities against a seasoned Altona defence. Should South get the upper hand in this regard, then they will cause Altona quite a few headaches.

South urges all fans to get along to BJS and celebrate the career of captain Dean Anastasdiadis, as the skipper looks to lead the South Melbourne for one of the final times. Kick off is at 3pm.

South Melbourne FC vs Altona Magic

When: Sunday, August 3rd
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm (Under 21s at 12.45pm)

Projected Starting line-ups

South Melbourne
Dean Anastasiadis (GK/C), Sam Poutakidis, Rama Tavsancioglou, Adam Van Dommele, Steven O’Dor, Sebastian Petrovich, Goran Zoric, Scott MacNicol, Gianni De Nittis, Fernando De Moraes, Nathan Caldwell

Altona Magic
Bojo Jevdjevic (GK), Con Anthopoulos, Steve Laurie, Doug Mladenovic, Henry Fa’Arodo, Carl Recchia, Phillip Riccobene, Pece Siveski, Michael Curcija, Esala Masi, Pece Cergovski

Head to head (Games since 2005)

Played : 9 (includes finals)
South Melbourne : 3
Altona Magic : 6
Draw : 0

Last Meeting

When: Monday, April 28th
Where: Paisley Park, Altona
Score: Altona Magic 1 defeated South Melbourne 0

Form in 2008 (last 3 games)

South Melbourne: Loss, Draw, Loss
Altona Magic: Draw, Win, Loss

Friday, 1 August 2008 3:20 PM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC regrets to announce the retirement of club captain, championship winner and inspirational leader Dean Anastasiaidis.

Dean will leave the game and in particular the club being regarded as one of the best goalkeepers seen over the past decade, at VPL and NSL level. He was also given the honour of representing his country as a Socceroo in 2002.

Anastasiadis began his South career in the 1992/93 NSL season after impressing many football pundits with his outstanding goalkeeping performances in the Victorian Premier League competition. At the time, his glove work with Fawkner was considered to be the best in the state and he was subsequently selected to join the South Melbourne side.

With limited first team opportunities, Anastasiadis moved away from the club at the end of 1995/96 season, joining the newly formed Collingwood Warriors. As the years progressed he would also represent the Carlton Soccer Club and the Woolongong Wolves in the NSL, where he was able to play a prominent role against South to capture the 2000/01 NSL crown in a memorable Grand Final.

At the beginning of the 2002/03 season, “Deano” returned home to join the strong South Melbourne squad in the NSL. Since that day, he has played an inspirational role in the clubs fortunes both on and off the field, re-establishing himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in the state and playing a major role in the resurrgence of the club when it returned to the State Leagues.

This was showcased by being the captain of the 2006 championship team, which resulted in lifting the VPL Champions trophy along with his brother, coach and fellow club legend John Anastasiadis. On top of this honour, Dean was also the clear winner of the “Goalkeeper of the Year” honours in both 2005 and 2006.

In an opportunity to farewell the SMFC family, Anastasiadis will be selected as first choice goalkeeper for the final two home games of the Foxtel Cup season, starting this week against Altona Magic.

All fans are urged to come to Bob Jane Stadium to show their support this great club legend, who will be looking to finish his celebrated career on a high in front of a vocal and passionate home crowd.

Dean Anastasiadis Statistics

DOB: 6th June 1970
Position: Goalkeeper
Seasons at Club: 10 (1992/93 – 1995/96 & 2002/03 – 2008)

SMFC Statistics:
1992/93 (NSL): 22 games, 0 goals
1993/94 (NSL): 27 games, 0 goals
1994/95 (NSL): 11 games, 0 goals
1995/96 (NSL): 15 games, 0 goals
2002/03 (NSL): 9 games, 0 goals
2003/04 (NSL): 0 games, 0 goals
2005 (VPL): 28 games, 0 goals
2006 (VPL): 28 games, 0 goals
2007 (VPL): 4 games, 0 goals
2008 (VPL): 12 games, 0 goals

Total: 156 games (84 NSL, 72 VPL), 0 goals