Day: January 22, 2014

By John Kyrou (Photo by George Kouroumalis)

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm the signing of Milos Lujic ahead of the 2014 season. The centre-forward arrives from Northcote City in what has been a straight swap between the clubs, following Trent Rixon’s return to Northcote after two years with South Melbourne.

Lujic arrives at Lakeside Stadium following an outstanding 2013 season that saw him score 21 goals in the Victorian Premier League, including a goal in the 3-2 extra time win over Bentleigh Greens in the Grand Final. He scored 18 goals in the regular season, including scoring a double in six different matches. He then went on and scored another three goals in the finals series, two of which came against South in Northcote’s 5-0 demolition job at SS Anderson Reserve on Sunday 13 October. Along with Michael Eagar, Lujic was a vital part of Northcote’s success in 2013 and South coach Chris Taylor will be delighted to have secured both players for the 2014 season.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis said “we are quite excited with the addition of Milos to the squad. Milos is someone who we have admired and followed his progress for a while now. He had an extraordinary season at Northcote City where he played a leading role in their championship season, and will further strengthen our attacking options”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Milos Lujic to the Club and wishes him the very best for the new season.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that centre-back Bryan Bran will not play for the Club in 2014, after he signed for FC Chabab in Amsterdam following the close of the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

Bran arrived at Lakeside Stadium from Dandenong Thunder during the 2013 mid-season transfer window and made his debut for South Melbourne in the 1-4 home loss against Bentleigh Greens on Sunday 21 July 2013. For the rest of the season, Bran’s imposing figure at centre-half and his excellent distribution of the ball from defence, played a huge role in South rising from a mid-table side to eventually making the Preliminary Final. He scored once for South with what was a powerful header against his former team Dandenong on Sunday 28 July 2013. Even though he only played half the season for South, his impact was so great that he was awarded the SMFC Media’s Player of the Season award. In all he played 12 matches for the Club and scored one goal.

Speaking from Amsterdam, Bran passed on this personal message to the players, staff and supporters:

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to have played with, what is in my opinion, the most professional and respected club in the VPL. When I made the move from Dandenong, I felt like I had been welcomed into a family…which made it so easy to give 110% for Chris Taylor, the team, the fans and the amazing media team we had backing us. I feel very fortunate to have not only played for South Melbourne but to have also made some amazing friendships both on and off the pitch. The atmosphere, the passion and the support from everyone helped me play at an incredible level – a level that was pivotal in helping me move to Europe to play – so for that I am extremely grateful. Finally, I can say without a doubt that the media team is one of the best that I have seen or worked with. I have the utmost respect for you all and cannot thank you enough for your belief and encouragement throughout the season. Thanks again to Chris Taylor, the boys and the media team for making it an exceptional second half of the season. I look forward to staying in touch.”

South Melbourne FC would like to wish Bryan Bran all the best at FC Chabab and thanks him greatly for his contribution to the Club last season.