South Melbourne FC

Author: George Kouroumalis

  • South Melbourne FC Appoints Sinisa Cohadzic as Caretaker Senior Head Coach

    South Melbourne FC Appoints Sinisa Cohadzic as Caretaker Senior Head Coach

    South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sinisa Cohadzic as the club’s Senior Head Coach for the remainder of the 2025 NPL Victoria season.

    Cohadzic returns to Lakeside with a strong connection to the club, having previously served as SMFC Technical Director for five years and led our Under 23s to a Championship. Throughout his time at South, he played a key role in developing numerous players from our youth program into the senior squad—many of whom he will now work with again.

    Known for his attacking style of football, Cohadzic brings over 20 years of coaching experience across both the men’s and women’s game. His previous roles include senior positions with Ballarat Red Devils and Alamein FC, and he is currently involved with the Philippines National Team.

    Cohadzic also holds both a UEFA A Licence and an AFC Pro Licence.

    Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis expressed his confidence in the appointment:

    “It’s been a challenging period, but we’re excited to head into this new direction. Sinisa understands the South DNA—he’s been part of our club for many years and has support at all levels. His passion for the role, commitment to attacking football, and strong relationship with our players will help drive this group forward.

    We’re also thrilled to have Sam Poutakidis, Leigh Minopoulos & Tyson Holmes continuing as assistant coaches as we strengthen our football department.”

    Cohadzic will take charge of the squad for the first time on Tuesday night in our Dockerty Cup clash against Bentleigh Greens, as we look to build a strong second half of the season.

     

  • Club Statement: Esteban Quintas

    Club Statement: Esteban Quintas

    South Melbourne FC confirms that the club has parted ways with Senior Coach Esteban Quintas.

    The Argentinean first joined the club’s senior setup in 2018 as an assistant coach, before stepping into the head coaching role in 2019. Over many years, Esteban has played a major role in the club’s direction, bringing a thorough approach and strong leadership to the senior program.

    During his time in charge, South Melbourne secured several major honours:
    🏆 Dockerty Cup – 2024
    🏆 NPL Victoria Premiers – 2022, 2024
    🇦🇺 Australia Cup Semi Finalist – 2024
    🛡 Charity Shield – 2025

    Across 131 league and finals matches, Esteban recorded 76 wins, 23 draws and 32 losses, including two Premierships, while in all competitions is was 158 games, 97 wins 23 draws 38 losses

    Esteban’s legacy also includes a clear focus on youth development. His willingness to integrate players from the junior and U23 ranks into the senior squad helped lay the foundation for long-term success, giving young talent opportunities to grow in a professional environment.

    We thank Esteban for his commitment, professionalism, and contribution to South Melbourne FC over many years. His work helped re-establish the club as a leader in Victorian football and a strong presence nationally.

    Further coaching announcements will be made during the week.

    We wish Esteban and his family all the very best for the future.

  • South Melbourne FC Announces Intralot Australia as Official Partner of the All Abilities Program

    South Melbourne FC Announces Intralot Australia as Official Partner of the All Abilities Program

    South Melbourne FC is proud to unveil Intralot Australia as the official partner of our All Abilities Program, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting inclusive football. As part of this partnership, Intralot Australia will provide support for our Powerchair and Blind Football Programs, helping to enhance accessibility and opportunities for players of all abilities.

    South Melbourne FC has a long-standing commitment to fostering football at all levels, ensuring that the sport is accessible to everyone. With Intralot Australia’s support, we will continue to strengthen and develop our All Abilities Program, offering further pathways for athletes while also exploring new opportunities to expand the initiative.

    “We are delighted to welcome Intralot Australia as a key partner in our All Abilities Program,” said South Melbourne FC President Nicholas Maikousis. “Their support will be instrumental in ensuring the continued growth of our Powerchair and Blind Football Programs, providing participants with the best possible environment to thrive in the game.”

    “We are incredibly proud to partner with South Melbourne FC in supporting the All Abilities Program,” said Marios Mitromaras, CEO at Intralot Australia. “At Intralot, we believe in the power of inclusivity to bring people together and create opportunities for all. This partnership aligns with our ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and making a meaningful impact in the community.”

    Together, South Melbourne FC and Intralot Australia will work to enhance the program and broaden its reach, reaffirming our joint commitment to inclusivity and the development of football for all.

    For more information about South Melbourne FC’s All Abilities Program, please visit our website or contact the club directly.

  • South Melbourne confirms Directed Group as Major Partner

    South Melbourne confirms Directed Group as Major Partner

    South Melbourne FC is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Directed Group as our major partner for the upcoming season. This collaboration unites two organisations committed to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

    Directed Group, a leader in consumer electronics and enterprise technology, offers a diverse range of own-brand and distributed products, including Eufy, Anker, Disney, Oura, Ryze, Pixbee, Zero-X, NIU, Frameo, SoHo, Schosche, Bitty Boomers, Pure, and Playermaker. Their cutting-edge telematics and IoT solutions serve the automotive, mobility, and health sectors, transforming the way people live, work, and move.

    As part of this partnership, Directed will showcase a selection of their brands with South Melbourne FC over the coming year. The first brand to be highlighted is Playermaker, an advanced sports motion-tracking system integrated into wearable footwear sensors. Used by elite sports clubs and academies worldwide, Playermaker provides real-time data on player performance, facilitating smarter training, injury prevention, and enhanced decision-making for athletes and coaches.

    Directed is collaborating with South Melbourne FC to enhance performance by deploying Playermaker in our high-performance program.

    South Melbourne FC President Nicholas Maikousis expressed his excitement about the partnership:
    “I am excited with this and I am confident of a long-term relationship. Directed is a global brand at the forefront of technology, and their values align with ours as we look to evolve our club and continue to be at the forefront of what we do. Innovation and excellence are key pillars of South Melbourne FC, and we are proud to partner with an organisation that shares this vision.”

    South Melbourne FC Chairman Bill Papastergiadis described the partnership as a significant moment for the club:
    “It is a historic day for the Club as we embark on the National Second Division. To have Steve Siolis and Directed as a major partner in this journey is a great coup for the Club. Directed is a trusted organisation, and Steve is also a great friend with terrific qualities. Football is being reinvigorated in Australia with the new league, and we have a great partner with us in this journey. I am thrilled Steve will be with us on this journey.”

    Steve Siolis, Founder and CEO of Directed, also shared his enthusiasm:
    “It’s great to be sponsoring South Melbourne again. South Melbourne FC has a proud history of success over the journey, and we’re excited to be part of its future. The club’s ambition, professionalism, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our values at Directed. Directed and South Melbourne FC are aligned in more than passion for the game. We both put high value on innovation, improving performance, success and community involvement. There’s a real energy around the club right now. From the players to the fans, there’s a sense of momentum and a drive for continued growth. We’re proud to support this iconic club and look forward to what’s ahead.”

    This partnership signifies a shared dedication to innovation and excellence, and we look forward to achieving great success together in the upcoming season.

  • South defeat Knights in Original Melbourne Derby

    South defeat Knights in Original Melbourne Derby

    A rare Monday night clash at Lakeside Stadium saw South Melbourne claim a 3-1 victory over Melbourne Knights in the Original Melbourne Derby, with a strong crowd in attendance for the occasion.

    South started with intensity and capitalised on their dominance in the 33rd minute when George Mells unleashed a scorching drive into the back of the net. The lifelong South boy made a memorable debut at Lakeside Stadium with his stunning strike.

    Just four minutes later, Argentine forward Nahuel Bonada pounced on a loose ball inside the area, turning quickly to fire a shot past Knights’ goalkeeper Chris Oldfield, doubling South’s advantage before the break.

    South continued to control proceedings early in the second half, though Melbourne Knights found a way back into the contest. Mark Petheriotis pulled one back with an effort that was adjudged to have crossed the line, despite strong protests from South defenders and goalkeeper Javi Lopez, who insisted he had kept it out.

    With the game still in the balance, South sealed the win in front of their passionate supporters when Danish striker Gustav Moller finished off a well-saved effort to restore the two-goal cushion and secure all three points.

    A commanding performance from South Melbourne in a crucial derby clash as we made it two from two to start the season

    Next week, we take on Melbourne Victory Youth at the Home of the Matildas.

  • Football Australia unveils the “Australian Championship”

    Football Australia unveils the “Australian Championship”

    Football Australia Media Release Below

    Following the confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format in October, Football Australia today proudly announced the launch of the Australian Championship, the official name and brand for the long-anticipated competition.

    This transformative initiative marks the next era for Australian football, providing a new national platform to showcase the talent, passion, and heritage that unite communities across the country.

    Scheduled to kick off in October 2025, the Australian Championship will feature 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, blending eight Foundation Clubs with eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs selected from the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine.

    Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold leap forward for the sport: “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition.

    “This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”

    The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away matches – with the top 2 in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.

    This innovative format prioritises competitive integrity, fan engagement, and commercial viability, creating a platform for players, clubs, and communities to thrive.

    Designed to deliver competitive integrity, excitement, and commercial appeal, the Australian Championship will celebrate Australian football’s authenticity, ambition, and connection while engaging fans nationwide.

    What the Australian Championship Stands For

    Authenticity: Celebrating local clubs, iconic grounds, and historic rivalries.

    Discovery: Unveiling new talent and rising stars from across the country.

    Connection: Bridging state competitions, professional pathways, and grassroots football.

    Pride & Belonging: Uniting fans, players, and communities through football’s universal appeal.

    Clubs and Pathways

    The eight clubs confirmed as Australian Championship Foundation Clubs include APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW).

    These clubs represent the heart of Australian football with rich histories, fierce rivalries, and strong community ties. They will be joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.

    This unique structure ensures the Australian Championship remains inclusive, aspirational, and representative of the national football landscape.

    Football fans are encouraged to follow the NPL competitions and Hahn Australia Cup around the country throughout the 2025 season to get a glimpse of the talent and rivalries set to feature in the Australian Championship. From the local grounds to the national stage, these clubs will bring the raw energy and excitement that define Australian football.

    Brand Identity: Bold, Vibrant, and Dynamic

    The Australian Championship’s brand identity, anchored by the theme of “Breakthrough,” reflects the competition’s energy, ambition, and momentum. Its bold design features Championship Green and Deep Steel, symbolising growth, resilience, and unity while celebrating the raw talent and vibrant communities that make Australian football unique.

    Stay Connected and Join the Journey

    Fans can stay up to date with the Australian Championship by visiting the official website and following its social media channels. A dedicated fan registration page through Football Australia’s Football Account, offers exclusive access to news, ticketing information, competitions, and more as the countdown begins to October 2025.

    Website: www.australianchampionship.com.au

    Social Media:

    Facebook: AusChampionship

    X (formerly Twitter): AusChampionship

    Instagram: AusChampionship

    TikTok: AusChampionship

    #AusChampionship

    Football fans are encouraged to sign up today to follow the journey, celebrate their local clubs, and be part of this exciting new chapter for Australian football. Fans can sign up by creating or updating a Football Account and ticking the Australian Championship section to be able to receive communications. To access Football Account, click HERE.

    Further announcements, including fixtures, participating NPL teams, broadcast details, and commercial partnerships, will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut in October 2025.

  • Match Preview: South Melbourne vs Port Melbourne – NPL Victoria Round 1

    Match Preview: South Melbourne vs Port Melbourne – NPL Victoria Round 1

    South Melbourne begins the 2025 NPL Victoria season with a tough away clash against Port Melbourne at JL Murphy Reserve. As our closest neighbour, there’s always plenty of intensity when these two sides meet, with a strong history of competitive battles over the years. Playing under the lights on a warm Melbourne evening, both teams will be looking to set the tone for the new campaign.

    South enters the season with momentum after a solid pre-season, including success in the Community Cup. The squad has been strengthened with the additions of George Mells, Andrew Mesourouni, Charlie Leech, Gustav Moller, Luca Durso, Andre Skapoulas, Campbell Dovison, and Jonathan Pithoulas, all of whom have settled in well and bring fresh energy to the team. With both sides eager to make a statement in Round 1, this matchup is set to be another fierce encounter.

    With many former Sharks players also returning back to JL Murphy Reserve, it promises to also add an extra bite to what will already be a big clash.

    The Under 23s kick off at 6:15 PM, followed by the Seniors at 8:15 PM. Fans unable to attend can watch the game live and free on YouTube.

  • South claim 2025 Community Shield

    South claim 2025 Community Shield

    South Melbourne kicked off the 2025 season in perfect fashion, securing a 1-0 win over Oakleigh Cannons in the Community Shield on Friday night at The Home of the Matildas.

    With a strong crowd in attendance, both teams played out a competitive first half, with South controlling much of the possession but unable to find the breakthrough.

    However, it took less than five minutes into the second half for Nahuel Bonada to make the difference. Finishing off a brilliant counter-attack, Bonada slotted a low strike past the keeper to give South the lead – a goal that would ultimately seal the club’s second Community Shield title after first lifting the trophy in 2015.

    Despite late pressure from Oakleigh, South held firm to claim the first silverware of the season and set the tone for an exciting campaign ahead.

    South now turns its focus to Round 1 of the 2025 NPL Victoria season, opening the league campaign this Friday night against Port Melbourne in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.

  • David Clarkson elevated to General Manager Position

    David Clarkson elevated to General Manager Position

    South Melbourne FC is proud to announce that club legend David Clarkson has been appointed as the club’s new General Manager for the 2025 season. As well as being a Championship Winner and Hall of Fame member of South Melbourne FC, David brings a wealth of experience in both professional and community football, having worked in this field for the past decade.

    His background includes roles within the A-League and a variety of community football projects, giving him a unique understanding of all facets of the sport. David’s successful tenure as Head of Community Football at South Melbourne FC, where he led numerous impactful initiatives, will be an invaluable asset as he steps into this role.

    Statement from Club President, Nicholas Maikousis

    “We are thrilled to welcome David into this new role. His deep understanding of South Melbourne’s values, combined with his exceptional leadership skills, make him the perfect choice to lead us forward. David has been an integral part of our club for many years, and his promotion to General Manager reflects our confidence in his vision and dedication. We look forward to achieving new heights together under his management”

    Statement from David Clarkson

    “It is with immense pride and gratitude that I take on the role of General Manager of South Melbourne FC. This club is not just a football team; it is a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of passion, resilience, and unity. Having had the privilege of pulling on the famous blue shirt as a player, I understand what it means to represent a club that means so much to so many. I stand on the shoulders of all that have come before me.

    First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the President and Board of Directors for their confidence in me and for this incredible opportunity.

    As I step into this role, I am acutely aware of the rich history and tradition that South Melbourne FC embodies. We have a proud legacy, filled with achievements, but our journey does not stop here. Together, we face exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

    My vision for South Melbourne FC is simple: to create a club that excels on the pitch, off the pitch and in the community

    I invite each of you—players, staff, sponsors, former players, past volunteers, members, and supporters—to join me & the Board in shaping the future of our club. Let’s unite in our efforts, share our ideas, and work collaboratively towards our common goals.

  • Thank You Harrison – Sawyer departs

    Thank You Harrison – Sawyer departs

    South Melbourne FC confirms the departure of our captain, Harrison Sawyer, who has signed a professional contract with Macarthur FC in the A-League effective immediately.
     
    It has been a privilege having Harrison back at South Melbourne, where he not only led the club as captain but also set the standards for a season that saw us bring home two trophies. Harrison proudly lifted the record-equalling Dockerty Cup after defeating Oakleigh and secured the Premiers Plate with a first-place finish at the top of the table.
     
    His performances in the Australia Cup were equally outstanding, scoring against Wellington and delivering an incredible match this past Wednesday against Hume – despite knowing his move was imminent. This exemplifies the true measure of a leader and someone who loved leading our football club and wanted to see the best for our club.
     
    Though Harrison is moving on to compete in the top flight of Australian football, he will always be welcome at his home, Lakeside Stadium. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and contributions to our proud football club not only during this season but those prior as well.
     
    He leaves South having also secured the 2024 NPL Victoria and SMFC Golden Boot.
     
    All the best, H 

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