South Melbourne FC

Author: SMFC Administration

Harrison Sawyer departs SMFC for India

South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm that striker Harrison Sawyer has signed for an Indian Super League club.

Due to the timing of their transfer window, SMFC has agreed to release Harrison immediately to enable him to complete his move into professional football prior to the window shutting.

Whilst Harrison’s new club will be named shortly, SMFC confirms that an agreement has been reached whereby all parties are satisfied with the arrangement moving forward.

Harrison joined the club prior to the 2020 season and has established himself as the premier striker of the NPL Victoria competition. His outstanding form in 2022 has seen him lead the NPL Victoria Golden Boot and form a key part of our side reaching the top of the league ladder this season. In 42 overall matches for the club he has scored on 25 occasions.

An emotional Sawyer spoke to smfc.com.au about his move to India. “I’d like to take this time to express how grateful I am for the opportunity South Melbourne has provided for me.

I have truly enjoyed my time in what has been a terrific season for the club and it is a testament to the great people involved. I am thankful to the fans who have supported me throughout my tenure at the club.

I cannot speak highly enough of the President Nicholas, Football Director Andrew, Esteban and the technical staff and most of all my fellow teammates. I thank you all.”

Football Director Andrew Mesourouni also thanked Harrison for his time at Lakeside. “I’d like to congratulate Harrison for the past three years in blue and white. He will be remembered fondly as not only a hard-working striker but a game changer who scored crucial goals for us. As a club, we want the best for all of our players, and we are excited to see Harrison achieve his dream of playing professionally abroad once again. The door will always remain open whenever he is in Australia as SMFC is his home and he is part of our family.”

August 2, 2022
Club Statement – Senior Women’s Team

Club Statement – Senior Women’s Team

South Melbourne FC can advise its members and supporters that Sam Young has, by mutual agreement, stood down from the coaching duties for the Women’s Senior Team.

Sam has seen the senior squad through a very challenging time during the pandemic and we thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck for the future.

Our Under 19s coach George Georgiadis will take on the responsibility for the Senior team for the Nike FC Cup fixture against Heidelberg United FC. George will serve as the interim coach until the end of the 2022 season.

July 5, 2022
South announce changes to Women’s Football Department

South Melbourne FC can confirm that long standing Director of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano will be standing down from her position due to increased work and family commitments. She will continue to remain as the club’s Vice President and assist the club with its strategic objectives.

Gabrielle has been a pioneer of the club’s female football program and female game in this state. Her time at the club commenced while as the President of the South Melbourne Women’s Football Club and a long standing key sponsor of the club (PDG), before playing the leading role in both SMWFC and SMFC becoming one club again through the club’s One Club Policy. The One Club Policy enabled SMFC to be at the forefront for equality in football and sport, with all male and female footballers eventually playing in the newly formed National Premier League as the top teams in the state, as well as promotion of the club’s football programs to receive equal billing regardless of gender.

In the past 11 years, Gabrielle has focused on providing a strong caring and professional environment for the female footballers to thrive in. Delivering fully equipped facilities, high level programs both for physical and mental growth and high level coaching which has resulted in numerous championships over the years as well as many players reaching higher levels in their careers.

Gabrielle will be replaced by Theo Chronis, who has been a long term supporter and sponsor of the club (Fortigo Transport). Theo is an individual who is equally as passionate about growing the female game. He has been involved in football for the best part of three decades, including as a player, coach and most recently as President of East Bentleigh. As part of this role as President, he was able to work with the council to increase the club’s facilities, but also increased female participation in the sport.

Speaking to SMFC Media, Gabrielle Giuliano thanked the club for the opportunity to lead the women’s program. “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the women’s department over so many years. My passion has been to help the girls grow and reach their potential in a safe, caring and professional environment. I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. I am thrilled that Theo has come on board and I am very confident he will look after the women’s department well and grow it in preparation for the next level.”

We thank Gabrielle for her amazing commitment over such a long time and look forward to her continuing her role as the club’s Vice President. We would also like to wish Theo all the best for the new role, as we are all right behind him during this exciting time.

April 11, 2022
SMFC Academy together with Mineiro

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the commencement of its Football Academy Program for 2022. The program is available to all Victorian football players who want to further develop their skills, awareness, and game understanding outside of their own club core program.

The program has been specifically designed to offer unique training in small groups of 5 or less delivered by the following highly qualified coaches: Mineiro (Former Brazilian and Chelsea FC Professional), Sinisa Cohadzic (Technical Director SMFC & Pro Licence), Samuel Young (SMFC Women Head Coach & AFC A Licence), Vladimir Kostadinovski (SMFC Coach & UEFA A Licence Coach), Bill Batuhan Bikini (SMFC Coach & AFC A Licence).

If you are a young aspiring footballer searching for a way to take your football career to the next level, then this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The training is specialised for Boys and girls aged 13 to 16 years and has been formulated to cater for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

South Melbourne FC is also pleased to offer a specialised Goalkeeper Academy. This Academy program will be run concurrently by our specialised Goalkeeper coach Davide Tocci.

Included in the Goal Keeper Program: 4 players maximum in group per Coach, South Melbourne FC Academy Kit (Top, shorts and socks), One video analysis of recorded club game played. Technical Report Card and 1 on 1 consultation with SMFC GK Coach

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are required prior to close of Business Monday, 1st March. Commencement date is Wednesday 3rd March 2022 and will run every Wednesday afternoon for eight consecutive weeks.

To receive your registration form and payment link for the Academy program please send your EOI to sikic10@hotmail.com

February 15, 2022
SMFC & SMH AGM Confirmed
Annual General Meeting : South Melbourne Hellas Ltd

Dear Member,

RE: Annual General Meeting

It is advised that the Annual General Meeting of South Melbourne Hellas Club Ltd will be held as follows:

Date: Sunday 6th March 2022
Time: 11.00am
Location: 1959 Bar And Grill, Lakeside Stadium
25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206

The agenda shall include the following:
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;
2. Finance Report and presentation of Audited Accounts of the Club;
3. Presidents Report;
4. Appointment of Auditors and determination of their remuneration;
5. Any other business of which due notice shall have been given;
A printed and electronic copy of the Annual Report including the 2020/21 Audited Financial Accounts will be made available 14 Days prior to the commencement of the AGM where you will be able to download a copy from our website www.smfc.com.au/documents-resources/ . The password to access the Annual Report was issued via email or post to all financial members. Alternatively, you can contact the club office to have a copy emailed or posted to you.

Admission to the AGM will be strictly limited to those financial members of the Club whom are eligible to vote. To confirm your eligibility to vote you can contact by emailing admin@smfc.com.au or calling (03) 9645 9797.

Kind Regards

Erik Zimmerman
Secretary

SMH AGM Documentation
- SMH Articles of Association (Constitution)
Annual General Meeting : South Melbourne FC Pty Ltd

Dear Member,

RE: Annual General Meeting

It is advised that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of South Melbourne Football Club Ltd will be held as follows:

Date: Sunday 6th March 2022
Time: 12pm
Location: 1959 Bar And Grill, Lakeside Stadium
25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206

The agenda shall include the following:
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;
2. Finance Report and presentation of Audited Accounts of the Club;
3. Presidents Report;
4. Appointment of Auditors and determination of their remuneration;
5. Any other business of which due notice shall have been given;
A printed and electronic copy of the Annual Report including the 2020/21 Audited Financial Accounts will be made available 14 Days prior to the commencement of the AGM where you will be able to download a copy from our website www.smfc.com.au/documents-resources. The password to access the Annual Report was issued via email or post to all financial members. Alternatively, you can contact the club office to have a copy emailed or posted to you.

Admission to the AGM will be strictly limited to those financial members of the Club whom are eligible to vote. To confirm your eligibility to vote you can contact by emailing admin@smfc.com.au or calling (03) 9645 9797.

Kind Regards

Erik Zimmerman
Secretary

SMFC AGM Documentation
- SMFC Constitution
February 14, 2022
2021 Boys Trial Information

We can announce the dates for the 2021 Youth trials. Please note that only players that fill out and send in EOI can turn up on the day for trials, otherwise they will not be able to trial.
Players that have sent EOI should have received details below together with instructions of requirements on the day.

For more information or to clarify, please contact Technical Director Sinisa Cohadzic on email sikic10@hotmail.com. Also check your junk mail for any correspondence before contacting.

U21 players will be only invitation and be contacted once restrictions ease.

PART 1

Saturday 14th November
9:00am – 10:30am – U13 and (13/14/15) GK’s
11:00am – 12:30pm – U14
1:00pm – 2:30pm – U15

Sunday 15th November
9:00am – 10:30am – U16 and (16/17/19/21) GK’s
11:00am – 12:30pm – U17
1:00pm – 2:30pm – U19

PART 2

Saturday 21st November
9:00am – 10:00am – U13 and all age groups GK’s
10:15am – 11:30am – U14
11:45pm – 1:00pm – U15
1:15pm – 2:30pm – U16
2:45pm – 4:00pm – U17
4:15pm 5:30pm -U19

PART 3

Sunday 22nd November
9:00am – 10:15am – U13 + GK’s
10:30am – 11:45am – U14 + GK’s
12:00pm – 1:15pm – U15 + GK’s
1:30pm – 2:45pm – U16 + GK’s
3:00pm – 4:15pm – U17 + GK’s
4:30pm – 5:45pm -U19 + 19/21 GK’s

November 6, 2020
Expression of Interest: NPL Coaches

South Melbourne FC is seeking Expressions of Interest for NPL coaches of all age groups to work in a new dynamic football program headed by Pro License Technical Director Sinisa Cohadzic.

We are seeking coaches with a minimum B License qualification and Australian residency.

Candidates must be ambitious and passionate in developing Junior players for pathways into high level football as the South Melbourne Football Club is seeking entry into the proposed new National Championship league.

The Club will offer industry leading development tools and resources to maximise potential as well as above market remuneration for successful candidates.

Please send all EOI to SMFC Technical Director, Sinisa Cohadzic on following email: sikic10@hotmail.com

September 30, 2020
Vale Adam Thyssen

South Melbourne FC would like to extend its deepest condolences on the sudden passing of Adam Thyssen.

The Thyssen family were long-time supporters, life members and sponsors of the club. This included brands such as Patra Juice, the Original Juice Co and most recently Procal.

Adam also had a connection with the club through his daughter Dakota previously playing in our NPLW Youth Teams.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this tough time

March 27, 2020
South partner with Woodford Sport Science

South Melbourne FC is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with strength and conditioning sports company, Woodford Sport Science Consulting (WSSC).

Their methods are derived from thousands of hours of experience applied across 1000 athletes and they pride themselves on thoroughly understanding the basic principles of human performance and applying them accordingly to those they coach.

Elite athlete preparation requires an in-depth knowledge of physiological systems, the science behind programming and how they interact with the specific individual. WSSC brings a holistic and innovative edge in performance training that has been derived from years of study integrated with international and Australian elite sport practical exposure.

WSSC coaches create structured programs that have focus on building a variety of physical qualities depending on the athlete’s goals and needs – which could range from strength, power and speed – to facilitate optimal running mechanics and efficient movement in their sport.

Strength underpins power therefore the goal is to develop strong athletes so they can run quicker and be more powerful. This means learning to master body weight before progressing to loaded movements.

Agility and reaction time is honed-in on once the athlete has mastered the above fundamentals.

Aerobic/anaerobic endurance is predominantly addressed in the final stages of their sessions with various short, high intensity, conditioning protocols.

Mobility is a constant focus in their sessions as they integrate various mobility movements throughout rest periods to help the athlete feel better, improve joint health and reduce chance of injury

To learn more about Woodfords Sport Science, visit https://woodfordssc.com/

February 24, 2020
Statement regarding Sydney tabloid article

South Melbourne FC acknowledges the article published this morning (Tuesday 18 February 2020) in the Sydney tabloid media relating to the clubs relationship with former players and containing accusations of players not being paid.

The club was requested to provide a comment on the allegations however was not provided any information or specifics as to who or what they were about. Club representatives asked the author on a number of occasions to provide such details enabling a meaningful response to be outlined however the author refused to do so. This ensured the club was unable to provide a factual and accurate response to the allegations, or even verify if those players involved have ever played for South Melbourne.

The article refers to the club withholding the wages of multiple players. The author of the article reports this as an accusation but continues without providing any substance or evidence to support the claim. More so when South Melbourne advised the author it has not had any contact from the PFA or Football Victoria on any such player dispute, the author simply noted that the PFA has contacted Football Victoria. The fact no contact has been made with the Club adds to the intrigue of the veracity of the accusation and the real motivation behind fabricated stories such as this.

The Club is appalled with this type of journalism and the lack of integrity and transparency demonstrated by the author and publisher. On face value the article appears to be aimed at discrediting NPL clubs and the biggest, South Melbourne FC, in particular rather than an accurate representation of the facts.

South Melbourne has an extensive history of having its Senior Men’s players on professional contracts. This approach ensures consistency, transparency and accountability for both players and the club.

South Melbourne FC welcomes the opportunity to fully professionalise the league and establish the National Second Division. The club has and continues to work proactively with the FFA, the PFA and the AAFC to achieve this. The National Second Division is critical component of Football’s survival and development in this country. It will serve as the peak in a Whole of Football framework whereby any club in any state or territory can embrace aspirational football and, under the promotion and relegation system, make their way to play at the national level. It appears there may be forces opposed to that objective and the growth of the game in Australia.

The club is very comfortable with its position regarding all past and current players. We believe in and welcome the establishment of an independent grievance process for players and clubs to deal with legitimate disputes as they may arise from time to time.

The club notes the statement provided in the article by the PFA does not relate to South Melbourne FC but to NPL clubs generally. South Melbourne has had no correspondence from the PFA dating well back over at least a year relating to any form of player dispute.

Similarly the statement in the article by Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos does not mention South Melbourne FC in any way. The club has received no requests from Football Victoria on any form of player dispute.

The club maintains a positive and constructive working relationship with the PFA and Football Victoria.

The club will continue to support its current and former players with their professional football careers. The club will vigorously defend the integrity of its brand and its players from defamatory publications, in particular where the facts have been knowingly omitted and/or the club is not provided the opportunity to contribute a meaningful response.

February 18, 2020