South Melbourne FC added another chapter to its history on Thursday when Lord Mayor Nick Reece and the City of Melbourne welcomed the club to Melbourne Town Hall as Australia Cup Champions.
South Melbourne flags were draped across the front of Town Hall as players, staff and board members arrived with the Australia Cup trophy. Just over a month after lifting the Cup in front of a sold-out crowd at AAMI Park, our club was formally recognised by the city it has represented in Australian football for generations.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the City of Melbourne wanted to mark an achievement of rare significance for both the club and the city.
“South Melbourne has helped shape the history of football in Melbourne. Generations of families across our city have grown up supporting this club, and its Australia Cup win was an incredibly special moment for Melbourne,” Cr Reece said.
“It’s rare to welcome a football club to Melbourne Town Hall with its flags draped across the building and a national trophy in hand. This triumph deserved that level of celebration. We invited South Melbourne to be our guests because we wanted to recognise what they achieved at AAMI Park and the contribution this club has made to our city over many decades.
“A packed AAMI Park saw a Melbourne club with a remarkable history become Australia Cup Champions. That’s a moment our whole city can take pride in, and I hope it’s the start of something special for football in this country.”
South Melbourne FC Co-President Bill Papastergiadis OAM reflected on what the reception meant for the club’s longstanding relationship with the City of Melbourne.
“South Melbourne Hellas truly embodies all the best characteristics of our city. It’s a cosmopolitan and multicultural club that is aspirational and which also has a big presence in community development. Our club is an important part of the fabric of our great city and today’s event solidifies this relationship,” Papastergiadis said.
“Andrew and I want to thank, in particular, our Lord Mayor and Alison for their leadership and support. Nick Reece has for many years been part of the club, attending our matches and events. Hence this tribute by the City of Melbourne is part of this continuing partnership.
“Our club is committed to continuing to make all Melburnians proud of their sporting heritage.”
Captain Marco Jankovic said it was a privilege to represent the playing group and the supporters who had followed South Melbourne long before the Cup run.
“We had people in the stands at AAMI Park who have followed this club their whole lives. You think about them when you walk into Town Hall with the trophy and see our flags out the front,” Jankovic said.
“As players, we know how much it means to wear this shirt. To be there representing South Melbourne on a day like this is something I’ll remember long after I’ve finished playing.”
South Melbourne FC thanks Lord Mayor Nick Reece, City of Melbourne CEO Alison Leighton and the entire City of Melbourne team for their warm hospitality and for marking our Australia Cup triumph with an occasion worthy of it.
We will always remember the night we lifted the Australia Cup at AAMI Park. In the history of South Melbourne FC, Thursday will have a place of its own. It was the day our city welcomed Hellas to Melbourne Town Hall and honoured our club as Australia Cup Champions.