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