Day: March 9, 2018

Oakleigh Cannons v SMFC – Jack Edwards Reserve – Friday 9 March 2018 at 8:30pm

South Melbourne FC go into Friday night’s clash with Oakleigh brimming with confidence following the massive 9-0 win at Dandenong Thunder last Saturday night. Coach Sasa Kolman and his team come up against a wounded Oakleigh side that lost their opening two NPL Victoria fixtures in 2018. Peter Tsolakis’ side opened their season with a 3-2 loss at the Melbourne Knights before conceding a late goal for a 0-1 home loss against the Bentleigh Greens last Friday night.

Whilst some might feel that it’s a good time to play against Oakleigh, it needs to be remembered that South has not beaten Oakleigh at Jack Edwards Reserve since 2013. In fact, the results in games between the two clubs over the last few seasons indicate that the home side wins. Discipline has also been a problem for South in its last four visits to Oakleigh, with red cards issued to Brad Norton (2014), Michael Eagar (2015), Kristian Konstantinidis (2016) and Luke Pavlou (2017).

Last Five League Meetings – click individual game for highlights

2017 (R19): SMFC 1-0 Oakleigh Cannons (Lakeside Stadium)
2017 (R06): Oakleigh Cannons 1-0 SMFC (Jack Edwards Reserve)
2016 (GF): SMFC 3-2 Oakleigh Cannons (Lakeside Stadium)
2016 (R21): Oakleigh Cannons 4-3 SMFC (Jack Edwards Reserve)
2016 (R08): SMFC 4-1 Oakleigh Cannons (Lakeside Stadium)

Overall Head to Head (League):
Played: 28
SMFC Wins: 14
Oakleigh Wins: 10
Draws: 4

South Melbourne FC would like to confirm that Vice-Captain, Championship Winner and 2016 Theo Marmaras Medal winner Matthew Foschini has re-signed until the end of the 2020 season.

Since crossing from Oakleigh in 2016, Foschini has made a huge impression at Lakeside Stadium, including playing an active role in the club’s leadership group for the past three seasons.

The former Young Socceroo has played in 67 matches for the club, and will once again play a leading role for the 2018 season, with his versatility and reliability allowing him to play in numerous positions across the park.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Foschini was moved to re-sign for the club. “I am delighted to extend my stay at the club, this club is home to me. I have built an incredible bond with everyone involved in the club over the past 2 years, and am extremely excited in the direction that the club is heading under our new boss Sasa Kolman. I have a huge amount of respect for him and the way he approaches his coaching, with 100% commitment to his job every single day. I have no doubt in what he will be able to do for us over the coming years, and this was a major factor in me committing my future to the club.”

Senior Men’s Head Coach Sasa Kolman was also pleased with the contract extension. “Fish is an extremely important individual at this football club and we are happy to have him part of both our short and long-term future. His football ability, experience and versatility makes him an invaluable player for the first team. Combine this with his leadership qualities and love for the club, I am sure all South fans will enjoy seeing such a passionate player in our ranks for years to come.”

SMFC Men’s Football Director Nicholas Maikousis echoed the thoughts of Kolman. “We are extremely pleased to keep Matthew at the club, both from what he provides the club both on and off the park. We hope to see the best of Matthew once again in 2018 and beyond” We wish Matthew all the best for the current 2018 campaign, as well as congratulate him on his loyalty towards the club.