Saturday, 23 August 2008 10:11 PM
In what will be the final game of a disappointing 2008 season, South will make the long trip down Eastlink to take on bottom-placed Frankston.
Despite sitting in the final position on the ladder, the Pines have caused many teams problems at home this year, taking points off most sides in the competition at Monterey Reserve. Their aim will be to finish the season on a high and take something from the game against South.
South will also go into the game with a similar aim, wanting one final win to end the season on a positive note.
The Blues will be lead by reliable defender Steven O’Dor, who was awarded the 2008 SMFC MVP on Friday night.
O’Dor has had a stellar season since returning from Wellington in the off-season and has once again asserted himself this season as one of the premier defenders in the state. He will form a formidable back four with Adam Van Dommele, Sam Poutakidis and Shane Nunes.
One player who will not be playing for the Blues will be goalkeeper Tommi Tomich, who has been loaned to Melbourne Victory for 3 weeks. Tomich has impressed everyone with his performances since arriving at South and was subsequently rewarded with a chance in the national league.
Replacing the big goalkeeper will be youngster Stefan Sardelic, who will play his first senior game for the club. With the retirement of Dean Anastasiadis, Sardelic will be given a chance on the back of a consistent season with the South Melbourne Under 21 team.
With South certain to miss the finals, it may also allow for Michael Michalakopoulos to give some other youngsters a chance in the senior side. One of these players could be young defender Srdjan Stefanovic, who won the 2008 SMFC Youth MVP award. Stefanovic has overcome a host of debilitating injuries to play some consistent football in the Under 21 side throughout the year.
South Melbourne FC urges all fans to make the trip to Frankston to support the team for one final time this year. Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday.
South Melbourne FC vs Frankston
When: Sunday, August 24th
Where: Monterey Reserve
Kick-off: 3pm (Under 21s at 1pm)
Projected Starting line-ups
South Melbourne
Stefan Sardelic, Sam Poutakidis, Rama Tavsancioglu, Adam Van Dommele, Steven O’Dor, Shane Nunes, Goran Zoric, Sebastian Petrovic, Gianni De Nittis, Fernando De Moraes, Scott MacNicol
Frankston
Peter Zois (GK), Daniel Black, Jason Dimozantos, Trent Malcolm (C), Andrew Skledar, Daniel Miller, Craig Smart, Adam Fadljevic, Thomas Saad, Craig Metcalfe, Simon Mur
Head to head (Games since 2005)
Played : 5
South Melbourne : 4
Frankston : 0
Draw : 1
Last Meeting
When: Sunday, 18 May 2008
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Score: South Melbourne 3 defeated Frankston 1
Form in 2008 (last 3 games)
South Melbourne: Win, Loss, Draw
Frankston: Win, Draw, Draw