Day: November 10, 2022

South Melbourne FC is pleased to welcome Jack Painter-Andrews to Lakeside Stadium, with the right fullback signing with the club for the 2023 season.

The native Western Australian signs for us from fellow NPL club Bentleigh Greens after a tremendous season. As well as stamping himself as one of the toughest right sided defenders in the league, he often found himself in the forward half launching many attacks for the Greens whilst scoring on six occasions himself.

As well as a wingback, he can also play in any position across the park, including as a right winger, right-sided attacker and across the back due to his incredible versatility.

Prior to coming to Melbourne, he began his career in the NPL Western Australian competition, including a stint with our sister-club Floreat Athena and Perth Glory.

Speaking to SMFC Media, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was thrilled to have Jack at Lakeside. “Jack has had a fantastic breakout season with the Greens and established himself as a wonderful player and one of the more attacking fullbacks in the competition. With an ability to score himself or to turn provider he not only gives us a defensive option but another dangerous attacking player as well.”

We welcome Jack to the club and look forward to seeing him in our famous blue shirt.

South Melbourne FC can confirm the signing of attacking midfielder Dragana Kljajić for the 2023 NPLW Victoria season.

Kljajić is a highly skilled attacking midfielder who is calm with the ball at her feet and lethal when pressing forward. This includes both at playing a ball through to the strikers or taking it herself to score for her team.

Originally from South Australia, she’s regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the state and has contributed to the Championship winning sides of Salisbury Inter and West Adelaide Hellas in recent times. Her form also saw her signed by A-League Women’s Club Adelaide United.

Most recently, Kljajić joins us following a stint in Scotland where she was part of the most recent Motherwell squad.

South Melbourne Women’s Football Director Theo Chronis said “I’m excited to welcome Dragana to Melbourne and to our very own South Melbourne. We have seen and heard plenty about her ability, so we are thrilled to bring someone into our club who will automatically add experience and quality to the middle of the park.”

Senior Women’s coach George Georgiadis said “We have been watching Dragana for a little while now and we are excited to finally see her in our colours. She’s a tremendously talented footballer with an incredible football brain. Whether she is creating for our attacking players or opening space for herself to score, we are excited at what she will bring our club and the league. We cant wait to have her experience in the middle of the park in the 2023 season. ”

We can’t wait to see her on Lakeside Stadium in 2023!