South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Sonali Pande, Sports Physician, as part of our Sports Medicine team, further strengthening the Club’s commitment to excellence in athlete health, wellbeing and performance.

Dr Sonali is a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician with a substantial background in orthopaedics and sports medicine. Her high-performance sporting experience includes appointments with Cricket Australia as a touring team and tournament doctor, including the Australia A Men’s team, Australian National Men’s Hard of Hearing Cricket Team and Australian National Women’s Blind Cricket Team, together with medical roles across cricket, basketball and netball. She is currently the Under 19 Men’s National Cricket Team Doctor for the 2026 series against India and has recently been appointed as the Doctor for the National Mixed Disability Program for Cricket Australia.

Dr Sonali brings considerable expertise in athlete health, injury prevention, rehabilitation and safe return to performance. Working alongside the Club’s medical, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, coaching and football departments, she will further strengthen South Melbourne’s integrated, multidisciplinary approach to player health and performance.

The appointment has been strongly supported by the Board, Professor Marinis Pirpiris, Board Member and Director of Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and the football department.

Welcoming Dr Sonali to the Club, Mr Papastergiadis OAM said: “Dr Sonali’s experience and expertise will be an outstanding addition to our multidisciplinary team and reflects the standards of care we aspire to provide our players.”

Professor Pirpiris emphasised the importance of placing player welfare at the centre of high performance: “Elite performance must be underpinned by an equally strong commitment to athlete health, safety and wellbeing. Dr Sonali’s appointment further strengthens our ability to provide players with coordinated, evidence-based care across injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and return to performance.”

She will be working alongside and co-heading together with Chalerm Tuantab.

The appointment reflects a shared commitment across the Board, football, medical and high-performance departments to providing South Melbourne players with the highest standards of care, wellbeing and performance support.

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Club Statement: Preston Lions

Now that the dust has settled following Saturday’s match, South Melbourne FC remains profoundly disappointed by the abhorrent behaviour displayed by a section of Preston Lions supporters. The misogynistic, racist and offensive banners and chants directed towards women and members of the Greek Australian community have no place in football or in Australian society. Such conduct is completely inconsistent with the values our game should represent and has caused significant distress to families, women, children and members of our wider community who attended the match.

In the lead up to the fixture, South Melbourne FC worked collaboratively with Football Victoria, Preston Lions, Victoria Police, the State Sport Centres Trust and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the match could proceed safely with supporters from both clubs in attendance. This was despite many people urging our club not to allow away supporters into the venue. We remained committed to the principle that football should be played in an environment where passionate support can coexist with respect, safety and inclusion. We are immensely proud that our members and supporters remained disciplined throughout the afternoon, focused solely on supporting our team and refusing to engage with or respond to the unacceptable behaviour they witnessed.

South Melbourne FC is proudly one of Australia’s most inclusive football clubs. Founded by Greek migrants more than six decades ago, our club has evolved into an organisation that today represents Australia on the international stage while welcoming people from every background, culture and community. We are proud to champion equality through our women’s football program, provide opportunities for women and girls both on and off the field, and invest in programs that ensure people living with disability can participate in and enjoy our game. Since Saturday, we have received hundreds of complaints and messages from members of our community expressing their outrage and disappointment at what occurred. We have also been contacted by clubs from across Victoria who have implored us to take a stand. We believe we have a responsibility to do exactly that and to speak out against behaviour that is misogynistic, racist and discriminatory in any form.

South Melbourne FC has formally lodged a complaint with Football Victoria and expects this matter to be dealt with appropriately and decisively. We will continue to cooperate fully with Football Victoria and the relevant authorities throughout their investigation and will advocate for meaningful action that protects the integrity of our game. Football must remain a safe, respectful and family-focused environment for all participants and supporters. There is no place in our game for misogyny, racism, discrimination or vilification, and we will continue to stand with everyone who believes football should unite communities, not divide them.

– ENDS –

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𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗱𝘇𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

South Melbourne FC confirms that Sinisa Cohadzic has been reinstated as Senior Men’s Head Coach.

While the decision to part ways with Cohadzic last week came as a surprise to some, it created an opportunity for both parties to openly address and resolve a number of important matters.

Those discussions were conducted with honesty and professionalism, producing a renewed alignment on the direction of the club with a clear pathway forward for all.

South Melbourne FC and Cohadzic remain united in their shared ambition and commitment to the continued success of the club, the welfare of our players, the love of our fans and the support of our sponsors.

The Club’s focus is now squarely on the season ahead and the standards we demand of ourselves on and off the pitch and that we move forward as one club, fully focused on the season ahead.

Bill Papastergiadis & Andrew Mesourouni, Club Co-Presidents, South Melbourne FC:

“The Board made a decision that resulted in both parties openly addressing and resolving a number of issues which have now led to a renewed alignment and a clear pathway forward for all.

“Now we ask our South Melbourne family to get behind the team, fill the stadium and show the world why this club is like no other.”

Sinisa Cohadzic, Senior Head Coach:
“I love this club. I always have. These past few days have been difficult, but what matters is that we move forward together as one club. I’d like to thank the board for working through all the issues and now i’m ready to get back to work.”

— End of Statement —

The post 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗱𝘇𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 appeared first on South Melbourne FC.

South Melbourne FC can confirm that Senior Men’s Head Coach Sinisa Cohadzic has departed the club effective immediately.

Sinisa has made a significant contribution to South Melbourne both on and off the field over a number of years and has played an important role in one of the club’s most successful recent periods.

Under his leadership, the club secured the Australian Championship, Dockerty Cup success and represented South Melbourne with distinction on the national and international stage, including reaching the OFC Pro League Final.

The Board, players, staff and wider South Melbourne family thank Sinisa for his professionalism, commitment and dedication to the club and wish him and his family every success in the future.

As a club, our focus now turns to the remainder of the season and achieving the ambitious objectives we have set for South Melbourne Football Club.

Further updates regarding coaching arrangements will be communicated in due course.

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On Saturday December 6, South Melbourne Hellas took on Marconi Stallions in the final of the Australian Championship, in front of a raucous crowd at Olympic Village as two giants of Australian football met on the national stage.

South struck early, opening the scoring inside the first 15 minutes. A Franco Maya back pass fell into the path of Manny Aguek, who showed great composure to bypass Anton Milnaric before rifling the ball into the top corner, giving Hellas the perfect start and igniting the South faithful behind the goal.

Several minutes later, South doubled their advantage. From a Max Mikkola corner, captain Marco Jankovic rose strongly, glancing his header towards the back post and into the net. The skipper celebrated passionately with the travelling supporters, as South took firm control of the contest.

Holding a 2–0 lead at the break, South approached the second half with maturity and discipline. Marconi pushed forward in search of a response, but South remained organised and resolute, limiting clear chances and managing the game expertly as the minutes ticked away.

At full time, South Melbourne secured a 2–0 victory, lifting the inaugural Australian Championship trophy and etching their name into the history books as the competition’s first champions.

The victory caps a remarkable turnaround over the past four months for the club. After a challenging NPL Victoria campaign, South regrouped and delivered when it mattered most, adding the Australian Championship to an already successful year that also included Community Shield and Dockerty Cup triumphs in 2025.

The result is also historically significant, marking South Melbourne’s first national title since the 1998–1999 NSL Championship, ending a 26-year wait for national silverware.

With momentum firmly behind them, South now turn their attention to a new chapter, preparing for the club’s debut in the Oceania Professional League in January, carrying belief, confidence, and the backing of a passionate Blue and White supporter base.

The post South Melbourne crowned inaugural Australian Championship winners appeared first on South Melbourne FC.

South Melbourne FC can confirm that Nicholas Maikousis has today stepped down as a Director and President effective immediately, in order to focus on his personal business.

Bill Papastergiadis will be overseeing the operation of the Board as Chairman until the upcoming AGM. South Melbourne FC remains focused on the upcoming inaugural season of the Championship and its recent inclusion in the Oceania Professional League.

South Melbourne FC thanks Nicholas for his contribution to the club over many years.

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DOUBLE HEADER AT LAKESIDE
Join us this Sunday at Lakeside Stadium for a massive day of football.

2:00 PM – South Melbourne Women vs Boroondara
5:00 PM – South Melbourne Men vs Melbourne Victory Youth

BUY TICKETS HERE

TICKET PRICING
• Adults: $20.00
• Students / Pensioners / Concession: $15.00
• Children 12 & under: FREE (ID required)

ID checks to be conducted at entry.

GAME DAY INFO
• Arrive early and carpool where possible
• South fans enter via normal entrance (pre-purchased via Futsal entry) Limited ticket sales cash / card at futsal only.
• Hellas Gold & SMFC Season Pass holders enter via Futsal entrance as per normal
• South VIP Sponsors enter via futsal / vip entry
• Victory fans (pre-paid only) enter via Gate 1 ONLY (Gates Open 4pm). Any Victory fan who tries to enter through the Futsal Entry will not be granted entry
• Victory fans will have 20 minutes to exit after the final whistle before South fans

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
• No national flags
• No flares or projectiles
• No face coverings (excluding medical masks)
• Offensive or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated
• No Pass Outs

SECURITY NOTICE
• Face ID, perimeter surveillance and CCTV in full operation
• Security checks at entry and around ground
• Follow all venue rules and instructions from staff
• Respect volunteers, FV staff, security and police at all times

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As we stand at the crossroads of a new era for South Melbourne Football Club, we are compelled to reflect on our remarkable journey and the indelible legacy that we have carved in the annals of Australian football.

Our history is not just a chronicle of victories and achievements but a tapestry woven with passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.

Since our inception in 1959, South Melbourne FC has been a beacon of excellence and a symbol of footballing pride in Australia. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the pre-eminent football clubs in the nation is a testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, staff, and the unwavering support of our fans.

Each victory, each trophy, and each milestone has been a collective triumph, resonating with the spirit and tenacity that define our club.

On the field, our successes have been monumental. With four national championships, numerous state league titles in both male and female football, and a cherished place in the history books as Oceania Club Champions, our achievements stand as a testament to our prowess and determination.

However, our journey has not been without its challenges. Our attempts to join the A-League have been met with disappointment on three occasions, despite our rich history and undeniable contribution to Australian football. These setbacks have not been due to a lack of capability or vision but rather biases against our storied background and flawed expansion strategies that overlooked the essence of what makes a football club truly great.

We watched as newer clubs like Melbourne Heart, sustained primarily by foreign investment, and Western United, which has struggled to capture the imagination of the Victorian public, were given opportunities that we believe rightfully belonged to us. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened our resolve. Last week, we again demonstrated our enduring spirit by defeating the A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup at our picturesque Lakeside Stadium.

In front of over 4,000 passionate fans, we showcased the magic of South Melbourne FC, proving once again that we belong on the national stage. Our club has been the nurturing ground for dozens of Socceroos and contributed to great coaching stories such as Ange Postecoglou, Joe Montemurro, Mike Valkanis, Patrick Kisnorbo, Kevin Muscat and more. These individuals have not only brought glory to South Melbourne but have also significantly contributed to the broader landscape of Australian and international football. Their journeys began with us, and their successes are a testament to the strong foundation and support that South Melbourne FC provides.

Additionally, many of our administrators have gone on to achieve prominence at the highest levels of the game, both domestically and internationally. Their contributions have helped shape the strategic direction and governance of football, ensuring that the principles of integrity and excellence that define South Melbourne FC are echoed throughout the sport. Now, more than ever, it is South Melbourne’s time to shine.

We continue to advocate for the commencement of the National Second Tier in 2025, a platform where our historic club can once again showcase its prowess and contribute to the growth of Australian football. Our place is at the forefront, driving forward with the same passion and commitment that has defined us for almost seven decades.

South Melbourne FC along with the other NST Foundation Clubs went through an extensive RFP & submission process, as well as provide a $500,000 Bank Guarantee based on the understanding & assurances that we would be establishing a standalone home & away second division.

The Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) representing over 300 clubs across Australia was established with a charter to establish a National Second Division. The FA Board & the Executive can choose to ignore the will of the majority of Community based clubs across Australia & continue to protect the interests of 12 private franchises.

The National Second Tier in 2025, is our opportunity to finally unify the game and complete the Football pyramid

It’s time for the Chairman & Board of Football Australia to be pioneers and lead our great game.

As we prepare for our Round of 16 clash in the Australia Cup, we call upon our loyal fans and the broader public to rally behind us. Your unwavering support has always been our greatest strength, and together, we can continue to achieve greatness. Join us in this journey, and let us celebrate our rich history, acknowledge our challenges, and look forward to a future where South Melbourne FC continues to shine brightly on the national stage. It’s Time, Our Time.

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