South Melbourne opened their 2025 campaign with a determined 1-0 victory over Port Melbourne at JL Murphy Reserve, securing three points in a tense and physical contest.
The match started with high intensity, as both teams battled fiercely in midfield, with no shortage of strong challenges. South controlled possession early and created several chances through Max Mikkola, George Mells, and Jake Marshall, but Sharks goalkeeper Kondoleon produced crucial saves to keep the game level.
The game’s turning point came in the 19th minute when Port Melbourne’s Nathan Dib was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Nahuel Bonada. The foul sparked a heated exchange between both teams, but South remained focused and capitalised on their numerical advantage.
Soon after, South found the breakthrough as Mikkola displayed smart control and a sharp turn inside the box before firing past Kondoleon, giving South a deserved 1-0 lead.
Both teams continued to create opportunities, with new signing Chairle Leech coming close to an equaliser, only to be denied in a one-on-one by Kontoleon once more. South, however, continued to press forward, with chances falling to Moller, Mells, and Andy Brennan, but Kondoleon remained resilient in goal for the Sharks.
Despite not adding to the scoreline, South defended strongly, with Lopez barely tested in goal. The team managed the final moments well, ensuring they secured all three points to kick-start their campaign in positive fashion.
Next Fixture
📅 Round 2: South Melbourne vs Melbourne Knights
🏟 Lakeside Stadium, 7.30pm
📆 Monday, February 17
South now turn their focus to their first home game of the season, a highly anticipated clash against traditional rivals Melbourne Knights at Lakeside Stadium.
