Author: George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC will once again be on the World Stage with one of our youth teams competing in the highly regarded Shanghai Youth Tournament over the next 10 days.

The Club has been chosen by the organisers to represent Australia, with squad members from our Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 squads all forming part of the SMFC team that will participate in the tournament.

The tournament brings together teams from a range of countries from right around the globe, with Australia, Cameroon, China, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand all represented.

South have been placed into Group C, which places them against a local squad from Shanghai, as well as Russian and German representative sides.

Speaking to smfc.com.au at the airport prior to departing for Shanghai, coach Sasa Kolman was optimistic about the squad’s chances in China.

“It would be a great opportunity for us to see how we are going to go against some big football nations, with some fantastic youth teams from Germany, Russia and Spain all represented in this tournament.

My eyes will be on developing and identifying players from this squad and hope that I can bring them into our Under 20s squad if they aren’t already there as part of this tournament. However it is an experience of a lifetime for these kids”.

Listen to Sasa’ Full Interview Here
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The players that are part of the squad which will be representing South Melbourne FC and Australia are Nicky Edwards, Lachlan Beever, Kirk Kyriakopoulos, Gerry Kavadas, Campbell Dovaston, Matthew Zilavec, Panayotis Avramidis, Massimo Pesce, Vincent Zhong, Costa Mesourouni, Charly Layton, Christopher Kaev, Mathiang Week, Archie Sweeney, Nashir Hussainy, Timothy Tselepis and Wishy Laurie.

With our first match on Saturday night Melbourne time, we wish the boys and coach Sasa Kolman all the best for the week ahead.

Three late goals has given South Melbourne an unforgettable victory over the Melbourne Knights in Friday night’s FFA Cup match at Lakeside Stadium.

After going behind early in the second half, Milos Lujic calmly slotted a penalty with 10 minutes remaining to level the scores, before Nick Epifano scored two memorable goals as South clinched a famous victory against their greatest rivals.

The win also ended Andy Brennan’s time at the club on a high, with the Tasmanian playing a key role in his final game with South before he joins Newcastle Jets in the A-League.

Chris Taylor’s men were keen to ensure there was no repeat of last year’s corresponding fixture, where Knights caused a major upset at Lakeside to knock South of the running for the FFA Cup finals.

Knights were the first team to settle and looked likely to score throughout the first half, with a sensational double block from Thomas Lakic enough to prevent Chris Talajic from scoring.

Andy Brennan later had an opportunity to score after a great ball from Epifano, however the Knights’ Chris May made a smart save to deny the departing Tasmanian.

The game started to heat up when Tim Mala and Stipo Anrdijasevic each received a yellow after an alteraction on the far side of the ground.

Lakic then made his second contribution of the night when he cleared a shot off the line from Andrew Barisic’s goal bound shot.

Knights piled on the pressure after the restart and always looked like scoring, and their pressure paid off after 53 minutes, with Nikola Roganovic unable to keep out Tomislav Uskok’s powerful header.

South looked more likely to equalise after Chris Taylor brought on Leigh Minopoulos and Andy Kecojevic, however after Milos Lujic’s goal was disallowed, South still trailed 1-0 with 10 minutes remaining.

However, a handball in the box gave South a lifeline, with the ever dependable Milos Lujic calmly converting the resulting penalty to draw scores level after 82 minutes.

Less than 60 seconds later, Nick Epifano scored one of the most memorable goals in recent times. The unpredictable winger sprinted down the left hand side, before cutting inside and placing a looping shot into the top right hand corner, sending the South supporters into raptures.

It was chaos at the ground when Brennan broke on the counter in injury time and centred unselfishly for Epifano, who tapped in his second of the game to praise put the result beyond doubt.

In the dying minutes, both Tomislav Uskok and Nikola Roganovic received red cards for their part in an all in scuffle.

Nevertheless, the game finished 3-1, keeping South in the running for the FFA Cup finals and gicing Andy Brennan the perfect send off.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 3-1 MELBOURNE KNIGHTS (HT: 0-0)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Tomislav Uskok (53′)
1-1: Milos Lujic (83’p)
2-1: Nick Epifano (84′)
3-1: Nick Epifano (90+1′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Nikola ROGANOVIC (GK) (sent off 90+2′), 2. Tim MALA, 5. Luke ADAMS, 6. Tom LAKIC (23. Andy KECOJEVIC 81′), 7. Nick EPIFANO, 8. Matthew THEODORE, 9. Milos LUJIC, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 12. Iqi JAWADI, 17. Andy BRENNAN (22. Fraser MacLAREN [GK] 90+3’), 21. Jake BARKER-DAISH (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 57’).

Unused subs: 19. Massimo PESCE, 20 Nick MORTON.

Melbourne Knights:
1. Chris MAY (GK), 4. Ben SUREY, 5. Milan BATUR, 6. Tomislav USKOK (C) (sent off 90+2′), 7. Chris TALAJIC (10. Marian CVITKOVIC 62′), 8. James McGARRY, 11. Jacob COLOSIMO, 12. Ivan GRGIC, 18. Josh BREKALO, 21. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC, 27. Andrew BARISIC.

Unused subs: 2. Luke JURCIC, 14. Rodrigo COVARRUBIAS, 25. Michael O’FARRELL.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that Worrells have joined the South family as a Corporate Partner for the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

Worrells are a firm dedicated to solvency management, insolvency administration and forensic investigation. Worrells’ record in insolvency dates back over four decades and their unique systems and resources means that they can leverage more experience and skill to achieve the best commercial outcome to anyone facing insolvency.

Worrells’ proprietary technology is unrivalled in their particular profession. They provide twice daily website updates with relevant and comprehensive file information in real time. This coupled with communication direct with partners and team members – obtaining information and advice has never been easier. The Worrells website provides access to various resources including monthly Worrells – On the Pulse newsletter, Seminar Series, Worrells Workshops and Corporate and Personal Guides to Insolvency. You can view this at – worrells.net.au.

Worrells have Victorian offices are located in the Melbourne CBD, Frankston, Ringwood, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Con Kokkinos, Partner of Worrells said, “Our point of difference is our personal touch. Like South Melbourne FC, we have built our reputation and foundation from a grassroots level, which is evident in our commitment to suburban and regional areas of Victoria . We are happy to be on board with the club and look forward to supporting them and their members in 2015”.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis was excited about the partnership. “I am very pleased to welcome Con Kokkinos and the team at Worrells on board for the 2015 NPL Season. Con has been a long time supporter of the club and having the Worrells team now a part of the South family in a more formal manner is fantastic.”

South Melbourne officially welcomes Worrells on board and looks forward to a great partnership between both organisations.

South Melbourne FC is in mourning after learning of the recent passing of long time member and club volunteer Nick Spanos.

Mr. Spanos (pictured left) or “Mr Fix it” as he called himself, would be known by many at the club for his commitment to the football club that he loved, having volunteered at SMFC for over 50 years. Despite his health issues in the latter years, the loyalty of Mr. Spanos saw him assist around the club throughout the post NSL period, as well as proving to be a mentor for many young volunteers of the club at the time.

As a tribute to Mr Spanos, the playing squad will wear black arm bands for tonight’s match against North Geelong, as well as observing a minute’s silence before the match.

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis added that “on behalf of everyone at SMFC, we extend our condolences to the Spanos family on the recent passing of Mr Nick Spanos. For many of us involved over a number of years we have all had to work with and enjoy great times with such a special man who truly loved all things South Melbourne. We will miss seeing his face around our club and his willingness to help all involved whether it was related to the club or not. We mourn his loss.”

Our thoughts are with his family at this very tough time.

Following the long term injury sustained by Dane Milovanovic in Friday night’s loss away to Oakleigh, South Melbourne FC has signed versatile defender Thomas Lakic from Melbourne Victory for the remainder of the 2015 National Premier League season.

After a superb 2014 season as a key defensive player for Oakleigh Cannons, the mature 18 Year Old Lakic was signed by Melbourne Victory for the 2014/15 National Youth League season and most recently formed a part of the undefeated Melbourne Victory NPL squad in 2015.

Lakic is a calm and composed defender who can play in any position across the back four, as well as being able to also play as a defensive midfielder.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “As with many of our signings in 2015 we have been able to bring in a young player that we see as being an important part of the club for the next few years. With a lack of defensive options due to injuries to both Kristian Konstantinidis and Dane Milovanovic we needed some defensive cover and we believe that with Thomas we have found an adequate replacement.”

Thomas is available to play this Friday night against North Geelong Warriors at Lakeside Stadium. Kick-off for this must win clash is at 8.30pm.

On Friday 29 May, South Melbourne FC is joining forces with Principal Partner Bob Jane T-Marts to once again mark the Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign.

Road safety is a complex issue but if drivers consciously think about road safety and safe driving for just one Friday in the year, that day’s toll – about 5.3 deaths according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau – could be reduced to zero. The Fatality Free Friday campaign believes that if drivers are asked to actively concentrate on road safety and safe driving for just one day in the year, they’ll drive safer for the next few days too and, over time, change their outlook completely, consciously thinking about safety each and every day they get behind the wheel.

Since its inception in 2007 the Fatality Free Friday campaign has continued to expand its operation and is now recognised as Australia’s only national community based road safety program. It has successfully fostered community ownership of complex road safety issues and encourages those who can make a significant difference in reducing road trauma.

Last year’s Fatality Free Friday event was a great success nationally and South Melbourne FC was proud to be involved in promoting this important community safety initiative. To date, over 50,000 people nationally have taken the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and promised to consider their safety on the roads, particularly by:

• Reminding their family, friends and workmates to take extra care on the roads
• Putting their lights on for safety
• Being mindful to drive safely and follow the road rules
• Not speeding and or drinking and driving
• Taking care at level crossings
• Slowing down in the wet and driving to suit the conditions
• Not tailgating other drivers and looking as far ahead as possible
• Wearing a seatbelt
• Not using a mobile phone while driving
• Setting a good example to passengers by driving calmly and safely
• Taking care as a pedestrian when crossing the road or street

To support this initiative, each of the South Melbourne FC playing squad took the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and committed to thinking about their own safe driving practices and to setting an example for others on our roads. All South Melbourne FC fans are encouraged to also take the pledge at http://www.fatalityfreefriday.com and to show their support at our home game this Friday night by signing the inflatable car provided by Bob Jane T-Marts.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of 20 year old goalkeeper Fraser MacLaren for the remainder of the 2015 season.

MacLaren joins the club from NPL1 side Kingston City, after previous stints at Bulleen and Melbourne Victory Youth.

The son of former South Melbourne 1991 NSL Championship winner and 136 match Hall of Fame member Bruce MacLaren, Fraser is a highly rated shot stopper who is also quite comfortable in the air.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “We look forward to having Fraser join the club for the rest of the season. He has had an outstanding 18 months in the NPL1 competition and we strongly believe he has the qualities to perform at NPL level. It is also pleasing to have the son of a former South champion join our senior squad as well.”

Fraser will replace Peter Gavalas on our senior list, with the latter succumbing to a back injury sustained in the FFV Community Shield match earlier in the season.

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that it has released utility Bonel Obradovic who will be joining Northcote City.

Bonel joined the club from Oakleigh in the off-season and played a total of 9 matches for the club in the first half of the season.

He will now link up with the club that he won the 2013 VPL Championship with in Northcote City.

We wish him all the best for the future.

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that it has signed young left-sided midfielder/wing-back Luke Eyles from Hobart Olympia in Tasmania.

Eyles has impressed all football pundits throughout the Apple Isle so far in 2015, with the 17-year-old dominating many matches and proving to be a key reason behind Hobart Olympia climbing to the top of the Victory League in Tasmania.

A natural left-footer, Eyles is comfortable playing in any position on the left or right hand side, whether that is in defence or further up field as a midfielder. As part of this he has also developed an eye for goal, scoring on six occasions so far in 2015.

Eyles has signed for the club until the end of 2017 season, with South Melbourne FC and Hobart Olympia agreeing that he can continue to play for Hobart Olympia for the remainder of the 2015 NPL season before flying down to Melbourne and linking with the Club for pre-season in November. Whilst allowing him to play for Hobart Olympia, we also want him to continue focussing on his Year 12 VCE studies for the remainder of the year.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was elated with the signing. “We have heard some wonderful things about Luke and are really keen to have him work directly under Chris Taylor to further improve his game over the next two and a half years. We look forward to him joining our club, as well as continue to strengthen our ties in Tasmania through our longstanding sister club Hobart Olympia”

South Melbourne FC would also like to thank President ofHobart Olympia George Mamacas for his assistance and ongoing support.

We welcome Luke to the club and wish him all the best for his time in Blue and White.

Another Milos Lujic winner has given South Melbourne a 2-1 victory over Northcote City in a pulsating contest at John Cain Memorial Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Lujic’s goal, along with Mathew Theodore’s opener, gave South a memorable victory in one of the most exciting games of the PS4 NPL season thus far.

In basking sunshine, each side were a little slow to get going in a cautious opening. South had the first chance of the match when Brad Norton made a typically adventurous run down the left and crossed for Lujic, who could only direct his header into the side netting from a difficult angle.

Moments later Northcote had a chance when Anthony Ramzy sped away from the South defence, but his shot from a good position was directed straight at Nikola Roganovic.

The game really came alive when Theodore vindicated his return to the starting line-up with a goal in the 25^th minute. Andy Brennan’s cross was blocked by a Northcote defender straight into the path of Theodore, who finished neatly for his first league goal since July 2014.

South’s celebrations were short lived, however, as Northcote’s James Kalifatidis netted a short time later following an excellent cross from the impressive Anthony Ramzy.

A few minutes later, the hosts were nearly ahead when Evan Konavelis’ volley hit the post and bounced out.

Then sides went into the break level at 1-1, before an already entertaining game exploded into life in the second half.

South had Tim Mala to thank after the defender made an incredible diving stop to prevent Kalifatidis only moments after restart. A low cross from Ramzy found Kalifatidis at point blank range, and the striker looked a certainty to score before Mala lunged in and blocking the striker’s shot, with the ball eventually looping onto the roof of the net for a corner.

A short time later Jordan Wilkes put a free header wide from a Northcote corner.

An injury to the goal scorer Mathew Theodore saw David Stirton come on as his replacement, but despite the loss, South began to look more dangerous in the front third.

A vicious volley from Andy Brennan was deflected over the line for a corner, while Dane Milovanovic had several attempts from free-kicks just outside the area.

In the 70^th minute, Lujic was denied from point blank range by Northcote goalkeeper Chris Theodoridis, after a great cross from his partner in crime Brennan.

The big striker always seems to find a way to goal, however, and seconds later he found the back of the net from with a well-timed header from Iqi Jawadi’s cross, sending the large contingent of South fans at the ground into raptures.

A total of six minutes of stoppage time were played, in which Nikola Roganovic was forced into a fantastic diving save from a Northcote free-kick.

Match-winer Lujic was was very happy to have gotten the points in a clash he described as “extremely tough”.

“The pitch made life so difficult for us out there.

“For the boys to grind out a win, we’re really happy.”

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 2-1 Northcote City (HT: 1-1)

Goal Scorers:
1-0 Mathew Theodore (25’)
1-1 James Kalifatidis (32’)
2-1: Milos Lujic (72′)

Northcote City: 22. Chris THEODORIDIS, 4. Jacob ELIOPOULOS, 19. Ryan GO, 5. Greg LOMBARDO, 12. Jordan WILKES, 20. Nicholas KOKOLAKIS (16. Todd DEKKER 84’), 10. Marino GASPARIS, 14. Anthony RAMZY (9. Calvin MBARGA 61’), 8. James KALIFATIDIS, 23. Jonathan BOUNAS (3. Mitch BISSINGER 73’), 11. Evan KOUNAVELIS

Unused substitutes: 1. Mason INTERLANDI, 2. Hayden D’AGOSTINO

Yellow card(s): Lombardo 15’

Red card(s): None

South Melbourne: 1. Nikola ROGANOVIC, 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR, 5. Luke ADAMS, 7. Nick EPIFANO, 8. Matthew THEODORE(10. David STIRTON 52’), 9. Milos LUJIC (23. Andy KEJOCEVIC 90+2’), 11. Bradley NORTON, 12. Iqbal JAWADI, 13. Dane MILOVANOVIC, 17. Andy BRENNAN (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 88’)

Unused substitutes: 6. Bonel OBRADOVIC, 21. Jake BARKER DAISH

SMFC Fix Hellas Beer Man of the Match: Milos Lujic
Venue: John Cain Memorial Reserve
Date: Saturday 18^th May 2015