Author: SMFC Media

Tuesday, 6 February 2007 4:27 PM

The Hellenic Cup final between South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons has been officially scheduled for this Saturday 10th February at 6pm. The venue will still be Northcote City’s John Cain Memorial Park. South Melbourne qualified for the final of the tournament after defeating Western Suburbs 2-0 in the North-West region semi final, while Oakleigh progressed by defeating Waverley Wanderers 4-2 in the South-East region semi final.

The two clubs met in the 2006 final at Port Melbourne, with Oakleigh defeating South 2-1 courtesy of a goal in extra time. South is looking to gain revenge for that loss, as well as claiming some pre-season silverware before launching their title defence in the Victorian Premier League.

The schedule for the Hellenic Cup finals is on this Saturday 10th February

Youth
10:00 Brunswick City Vs Oakleigh Cannons

Veterans
12:00 Alexander the Great Vs 3XY Radio Hellas

Ladies
14:00 Heidelberg United Vs Bentleigh Greens

Seniors (Minor Final)
16:00 Western Suburbs Vs Waverley Wanderers

Seniors Final
18:00 South Melbourne Vs Oakleigh Cannons

NB: All games to be played at JOHN CAIN MEMORIAL PARK (DAREBIN RD, NORTHCOTE – Mel: 31 A1)

Saturday, 3 February 2007 7:01 PM

In his short time at South Melbourne giant defender Arthur Tsonis has won over many hearts with his vast improvement on the pitch, never say die attitude and good relations with the fans.

The man affectionately dubbed “BFG” due to his towering stature and Greek heritage missed a great deal of South’s championship winning campaign last season after suffering a serious knee injury against the Sunshine Georgies, a match in which Tsonis, proving his warrior-like outlook on the football field, continued to participate in long after suffering the injury.

After a solid pre-season and a long road to recovery, Tsonis is approaching peak fitness for the upcoming Premier League season.

We caught up with Arthur to check on his progress.

* What was your exact injury?

I tore my anterior cruciate ligament, tore my lateral meniscus and blew out the back of the patella capsule, so the surgeon said. So in other words I did it well.

* Are you fully recovered? How long has it taken you to recover?

Yeah fully recovered now I got the ok from my surgeon this week to commence playing competitively. I have been training fully for close to a month and a half now. Fully meaning tackling, sprinting, turning etc. It has taken me close to 10 months to fully recover.

* Was it tough seeing the club win the championship without playing after having been such a big part of the on-field action?

Umm…I would have to say yes. It was hard personally because you sit back and think that you didn’t really contribute to the win and it left an empty feeling.

Look don’t get me wrong what the guys did last year with the amount of injuries and suspensions was fantastic. Personally speaking I would have loved to have been on the field when that final whistle was blown and we were crowned champions. However, not to worry, I am even more determined this year to actually be on that field this time and not have that same empty feeling.

* What was your coaching experiment with the youth team like and is coaching something you’d like to continue doing this season, in the near future, or perhaps after you finish playing?

The coaching experience (Tsonis starts to giggle). Look firstly I have thanked the club which gave me the opportunity to still be involved in some capacity; it kept me from going crazy at home doing nothing. An experience it was indeed. It was different. Now I know what Johnny A goes through week in week out. Ahh it was good to pass on some knowledge to some of the younger blokes coming through. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a young kid 15 16 years of age playing the game because he loves it and not for money as most do these days!

I wouldn’t rule coaching in the future out, but having said that I did it for half a year and I started to get grey hairs, so we’ll have to see about the coaching part for now. Just want to get out there and play again.

* How did your recent selection for the Victorian team traveling to China come about?

Now that was a big surprise to me even! I got a call from the FFV telling me I have been selected for the state squad. The only reason that I can think of would be that I had Phil Stubbins as coach for 4 years at Whittlesea and he knows how I play and my strengths and weaknesses, so he must think I can do the job for him, hence the selection. It can’t be on my form because I haven’t played for 10 months (laughter breaks out again).

* What is your main aim for this season and what can South Melbourne supporters expect from Arthur Tsonis this year?

Main aim for this year personally would be to just get out there on Bob Jane and do my job. Get out there amongst it all playing with my team mates, doing what we do best winning. From a team perspective we’ll basically try and replicate what we did last year and that is winning another championship.

We are a very determined bunch down there so expect a big year not only from myself but especially the TEAM! What can the supporters expect? They can expect to see Arthur Tsonis playing for that blue and white jumper I have supported all my life, giving it my all, oh and hopefully scoring a few more free kicks this year, if Johnny A and Fernando let me anywhere near the ball.

* What can supporters expect from the team this year?

They can expect exciting, attacking football. They can expect 22 guys giving it there all week in week out to get the desired results we want and to succeed in getting back-to-back championships. SIMPLE we as players and coaching staff want to go back-to-back.

* What is the attraction of playing at South Melbourne for you?

Attraction for playing for South Melbourne? Man the history involved with this club is amazing. When I first walked into the change room, seeing Trimmers, Deano and Blats, players I used to go week in week out and watch it was intimidating at first because I was sitting amongst not only legends of the game but also of South Melbourne.

However, the biggest attraction would be simply two words, THE FANS!!!! Where else is Australia can you get fans that will stick by the club through thick and thin? Just the whole setup down at South is great and will continue to be great until the club returns back to its destiny and place of belonging, the top league of Australia.

* What is your view on having so much competition in the centre of defence this season, i.e. O’Dor, Blatsis, Djulbic?

Competition is great. Not only does it make you sharper and hungrier for success but it’s also healthy between team-mates. I like it, bring it on I say, I’m pretty sure the other guys will say the same.

* Your development since joining South Melbourne has fast tracked, you have developed into a very solid and dependable defender, do you have any ambitions to play at a higher level?

Ambitions to play at a higher level? That’s a hard one as I’m getting on in age now. I guess only time will tell and never you know your luck. At the moment I’m just concentrating on SMFC and getting out there on the park and giving my all for the team. Having said that I’ll never say never.

* A final message for the fans?

GET READY FOR SOME ATTACKING, ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL THAT WILL TAKE THE LEAGUE BY STORM!!! WITHOUT YOU GUYS WE WONT BE WHERE WE ARE NOW! WE NEVER FORGET YOU!

Showing his appreciation towards the club for sticking by him during his serious injury last season, Tsonis had one final thing to say,

“If I can just thank Johnny A, Johnny Gab, Peter Papos, George Koukoulas and Leo Athanasakis, not forgetting my team mates, for their quality support while I was injured. It was greatly appreciated.

With “BFG” back at John Anastasidis’s disposal, South undoubtedly has an embarrassment of defensive riches in its ranks. With Tsonis being a popular figure around the club and crucial player on the pitch, the South Melbourne football family is excited to see him returning to on-field action and wishes Arthur the best of luck for the upcoming season.

Monday, 29 January 2007 10:32 AM

Alan Shearer

In recent times, South Melbourne FC has been fortunate enough to have had a few international sports stars acknowledge the club.

In October last year, Newcastle United great Alan Shearer conducted a coaching clinic on Bob Jane Stadium and was generous enough to pause for a photo with the South Melbourne scarf.

Also present in the photo with Alan are stadium director George Koukoulas, senior coach John Anastasiadis and assistant coach John Gabrielson.

Marcos Baghdatis

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis has risen in recent times to become one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in world tennis. Marcos’ determination and passion – along with an enormous and vocal support base – enabled him to reach the Australian Open final last year. In 2007, Marcos’ campaign was unfortunately ended in the second round, however that did not stop him from thanking all of his fans for their loyal support. Marco also kindly paused to have his photo taken with the South Melbourne scarf.

The South Melbourne family wishes Marco all the best for all tournaments that he will compete in in 2007 and looks forward to seeing him back in Melbourne for the 2008 Australian Open.

Picture by Con Fotiadis

Monday, 29 January 2007 10:18 AM

South Melbourne has booked its spot in the Hellenic Cup final after a hard fought 2-0 victory against Premier League newcomers, Western Suburbs.

Once again fielding a relatively experimental lineup, South started the game slowly with Western Suburbs missing some clear cut opportunities early within the first 10 minutes.

However, as the game continued, South began to assert their dominance, with a reward coming shortly after the half time interval.

Sam DeVito slammed home a chance after being presented with the ball from the right hand side, breaking through the stagnant defence and leaving the keeper with no chance.

South doubled the lead minutes later, when a Fernando De Moraes free kick found the unmarked Tansel Baser in the six yard box.

Baser – with the help of the crossbar – calmly headed the ball past the helpless keeper, who could only look at his defence after such loose marking.

South will now play the Oakleigh Cannons in the final of the Hellenic Cup, after the Cannons defeated the Waverley Wanderers in extra time by 4 goals to 2.

Details of the time and date of the final will be released once information becomes available.

Monday, 29 January 2007 1:00 AM

South Melbourne continues to distinguish itself on the playing field by producing and blooding talented youngsters who are going on to play at the highest level.

Two recent defensive talents unearthed by the lakeside based club, Dino Djulbic and Steven O’Dor will return to the club for season 2007 with Djulbic to spend only half a season at South after being promised a contract by A-League club Perth Glory and young Socceroo O’Dor sure to be picked up after some astute defensive displays during the late season revival of the New Zealand Knights.

O’Dor was blooded by South coach John Anastasiadis during the 2005 season and quickly went on to establish himself in the heart of the South Melbourne defence, his confidence and natural defensive talents earnt him a scholarship at the AIS during 2006 which also saw O’Dor become a regular with the young Socceroos.

Towards the end of the current A-League season and with the New Zealand Knights in turmoil, O’Dor was called upon and instantly adapted to the standard and pace of the competition, looking quite at home and at ease in the heart of the Knight’s defence. O’Dor’s most commanding display came in the last game of the season where New Zealand comfortably accounted for the Perth Glory 2-0, with O’Dor not putting a foot wrong.

Conversely, Dlujbic has followed a similar path towards the A-League, turning out for Perth SC in the Western Australian Premier League before moving down to Melbourne last season to play for the Frankston Pines. Somewhat unsettled at the Pines, Djulbic moved to South half way through the season and it was from there that the player began to shine. With South’s defensive core decimated by injuries to key players Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis, Djulbic was quickly thrown into the heart of the South defence.

Within a few games Djulbic was marshalling the defence like a seasoned pro, dominating everything in the air and starting attacks with his ability on the ground.

In the grand final against Altona, the big “Sandgropper” was outstanding, nullifying completely the presence of the league’s top scorer Saso Becivnovski and intercepting everything that came his way.

Such was Djulbic’s displays for South that Perth Glory Coach Ron Smith invited the player down for a trial. Djulbic immediately impressed and will link up with the Glory sometime in July for his crack at A-League football.

In other defensive news, South is also continuing to trial Clifton Hill defender Frank Drakopoulos. The 22 year old has impressed in pre-season trial games and may be picked up by the Albert Park-based club.

Saturday, 27 January 2007 9:56 PM

South Melbourne has progressed into the semi final of the Hellenic Cup after a hard fought victory against arch rival Heidelberg United at Northcote today.

Fielding a far more inexperienced side on paper, the boys from lakeside took the game to the experienced Heidelberg unit from the outset, with Fernando De Moraes and youngster Gianni De Nittis proving to be a thorn in the Heidelberg defence.

However, it wasn’t until the early stages of the second half that South were rewarded for their dominance, when South veteran Tansel Baser took an opportunistic strike from outside the box which caught the Heidelberg keeper by surprise.

South could have scored a second goal only moments later, when a sublime run and superb volley by Ramazan Tavscianoglu was sensationally parried by the Heidelberg keeper onto the crossbar, ensuring that his side would only remain a solitary goal behind.

With the 1-0 victory, South must re-group overnight and make the trek out to Northcote once again on Sunday in order to face Western Suburbs in the Semi Final.

Western Suburbs comfortably accounted for a determined Northcote City by 2 goals to nil prior to the South match.

The winner of the Semi Final will earn the right to play off in the final against the winner of Oakleigh Cannons and Waverley Wanderers next Sunday at Northcote.

South Melbourne FC vs Western Suburbs
John Cain Memorial Park, Northcote
Date: Sunday, 28th January
Kick-off: 5.00pm

Saturday, 27 January 2007 1:26 AM

South Melbourne is currently participating in the Hellenic Cup for the second year in a row, and are set to take on arch rivals Heidelberg United on Saturday 27th of January in a much anticipated North-West section Quarter Final.

The game, which commences at 5pm at Northcote’s John Cain Reserve, will pit two of the powerhouse clubs in Victorian Football together, giving fans a tantilising taste of what is to come once the Premier League season commences in March.

South has had a relatively simple start to the pre-season tournament, cruising through the preliminary round after dispatching West Preston in a one sided 3-0 scoreline, as well as defeating Northcote City 1-0 in a game which saw young senior team hopeful Reardo Luka break his leg in a freak collision with the Northcote City goalkeeper.

The final game of the group stage saw South win via a forfeit, after Mill Park pulled out of the competition. In place, South played a friendly with Brunswick City, and with a rather youthful side held Brunswick to a 1-1 draw.

Once qualifying for the second round, South then managed to book its place in the quarter finals with a hard fought victory against a determined Keon Park side, where a solitary Bill Natsioulas strike sent the Blues through.

All fans are encouraged to come along to Northcote to see the action for themselves and once again get behind the side as the club strives to go back-to-back in 2007.

South Melbourne FC vs Heidelberg United
John Cain Memorial Park, Northcote
Date: Saturday, 27th January
Kick-off: 5.00pm

Saturday, 27 January 2007 1:22 AM

Football Federation Victoria has delayed the 2007 Victorian Premier League season by one month. The season will begin on March 3.

Once confirmed, the club will post the fixture here, as well as informing all of the members and supporters.

2007 membership booklets are also due to be released early next week.

Saturday, 27 January 2007 1:18 AM

South Melbourne has played a series of pre-season friendlies in order to trial promising prospects and to begin the senior squad’s quest to win back-to-back titles in the Victorian Premier League. South’s first friendly was against Richmond Eagles at the Kevin Bartlett Reserve, where a team practically consisting of trialists and under 21 players were overpowered 6-1 by the stronger Richmond side.

The following week, with more senior players in the team, South Melbourne traveled to Chaplin Reserve and convincingly disposed of Sunshine Georgies with a 0-4 scoreline. New signing Yusef Yusef scored two goals, while Gianni De Nittis and Fernando De Moraes also got on the scoresheet.

More recently, South traveled to the Serbian Sports Centre to play the newly promoted Springvale White Eagles. In front of a healthy crowd and in windy conditions, Springvale lifted in the later stages of the second half to score a commanding 3-0 victory.

Monday, 11 December 2006 12:41 AM

South Melbourne FC and Director of Football Jim Marinis are pleased to announce the signings of two talented and exciting players over the pre-season period.

Former Melbourne Knights Striker Nathan Caldwell has joined the blue and whites with Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson also agreeing terms and linking up for pre-season training.

Caldwell had a solid campaign last season, bagging 8 goals in 16 appearances for the Knights with the 22 year old striker easily settling into life in Victoria’s premier footballing competition.

With the departure back to Perth of Andreas Oliveira, Caldwell will be looked upon to provide some creative flair and predatory finishing in South’s attacking third.

Twenty-one year old former Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson, who only a few weeks ago was poised to secure a temporary A-League contract with the QLD Roar, comes to South with an ever increasing reputation. Waterson managed to score against South last season and has the ability to go past players not to mention the ability to get on the score sheet.

South’s defensive stocks have also been strengthened with the return of outstanding youngster and young Socceroo Steven O’Dor after a year at the AIS. O’Dor developed quickly during the 2005 campaign and immediately established himself as a fixture in the South starting 11. After recently featuring in the Asian Football Confederation under-20 world cup qualifiers, O’Dor returns to Bob Jane Stadium looking to consolidate his senior footballing career.

South have also tied up the successful coaching duet of senior head coach John Anastasiadis and his assistant John Gabrielson for the upcoming season. Both have done a tremendous job building a side from virtually nothing and are keen to challenge for championship honors yet again in season 2007.

The Albert Park-based club also wishes to welcome new under 21’s coach Greg Mangonis. Mangonis coached Clifton Hill seniors last season to a credible 5th placing in the State League 2 competition and will be take on the squad permanently after senior player Arthur Tsonis did an admirable job filling in last season with the sudden departure of Joe Montemurro.

The South Melbourne football family wishes Greg the best of luck in his new role.

In other news, silky ex-Heidelberg United winger Yusuf Yusuf is currently trialing at Bob Jane Stadium with the winger apparently close to winning a deal.

The club is also on an on-going basis working on luring higher caliber to Bob Jane Stadium and may announce in the new year a possible new capture or two.