Author: SMFC Media

Thursday, 14 April 2005 3:44 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Traditionally tense NSL rivals South Melbourne and the Preston Lions renew their rivalry this coming Sunday in the tenth round of the Vodafone Premier League.

Both sides suffered narrow losses in the previous round, with South losing its unbeaten start to the season at the hands of the Green Gully Cavaliers, going down 1-0, whilst Preston was sunk by a late Heidelberg penalty, eventually losing 1-2 to the Phil Stubbin’s coached outfit.

Rivalry aside both clubs have much to play for. With contrasting fortunes, a Preston defeat could see the Vlado Vanis-coached side enter the relegation zone, whilst a second consecutive loss for South could see its early season momentum come to a grinding halt.

The off-season for the Lions saw the departure of club captain Chris Emsovski, potent striker Naum Sekulovski, giant goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger as well as ex-Melbourne Knight’s defender Sasa Ogenovski, four major losses which have no doubt contributed to the Lion’s stuttering start to the season.

Coming into the club the Lions have looked to ex-NSL experience bringing in former South and Green Gully striker Anthony Magnacca, ex-Melbourne Knight’s youngster Serkan Oksuz as well as ex-South midfielder Stephen Pace.

Long-time Preston striker Johnny Sapazovski has started the season in good form topping the Vodafone Premier League with 4 goals thus far. Sapazovski’s lanky frame is joined up front by ex-South Melbourne youngster Steve Manceski who has proved a good foil for Sapazovski with his compact game and pace contributing 2 goals to the Preston cause. However, Manceski failed to start last week against Heidelberg with the recently signed Alex Josifovski getting the nod, meaning his contribution could be limited to an appearance off the bench.

Furthermore, Sunday signals the return to Bob Jane Stadium of ex-South right-winger Ray Sekulovski. Sekulovski was a fixture in the South starting 11 during the 2002-2003 season after then coach Eddie Krncevic had plucked him from the AIS. Finally, the Lions will be without the services of central defender Pece Dimovski after his red card against the Warriors sees him miss via suspension.

In the South camp, Coach John Anastasiadis has had his hand forced with a hamstring injury ruling out giant centre-back Arthur Tsonis for 2-3 weeks. Promising youngster Steven O’Dor who has looked at ease in his prior appearances will no doubt come straight back into the starting 11 to partner defensive colossus Con Blatsis.

Captain Vaughn Coveny – at the time of print – is still waiting on a tribunal hearing that will determine the length of his suspension after receiving a direct red against the Sunshine Georgies. If a 1 match ban is deemed to be sufficient punishment, the Kiwi international will be thrown straight back into the starting 11 at the expense of youngster Jesse Krncevic. Should Coveny have to sit the game out, Anastasiadis must decide whether to persist with the in-experience of Krncevic or perhaps assess his options and include the likes of Peter Koutsoupias to lead the line.

Exciting Brazilian signing Fernando Moraes made a solid debut in the game against Green Gully and is likely to maintain his position in the starting 11. The Brazilian brings a fluent passing game as well as sound positioning to the line-up which in the game against Gully helped balance South.

Finally, one cannot stress enough the importance of a unified supporter approach before, during and after the encounter. With a big crowd expected and many administrators as well as fans in general casting their gaze, it is crucial that the only winner is the game of football itself.

Tuesday, 12 April 2005 7:48 PM

This Sunday promises to be another blockbuster game in the Vodafone Premier League, between 2 cross town rivals with a proud history.

I invite you all to enjoy the contest and give the players your best and loudest support.

For Sunday’s game, all past differences should be put aside and I invite all football lovers, to help create an atmosphere of carnival and celebration, afterall it has been 12 years since the 2 sides met in an official league match.

We will welcome the President of Preston Lions Nick Atanasovski and his committee, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for helping with Sunday’s match day preparations. We have invited 10 marshalls from the Lions to attend the fixture and help us maintain a positive attitude throughout the contest with their fans.

Let’s show all the sundry, that Victoria truly is Australia’s “premier” league for football talent and enjoyment.

May the best team win.

George Donikian

Sunday, 10 April 2005 11:22 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In rain affected conditions South Melbourne has suffered its first defeat of the 2005 Vodafone Premier League season going down 1-0 to new ladder leader the Green Gully Cavaliers.

South gave a full debut to exciting Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes who was used largely in a midfield holding role. The Brazilian slotted in very comfortably showing a great range of passing ability and solid positioning and will no doubt reach greater levels of performance as his fitness comes along with more game time.

Moraes was brought in for George Tzirtis, whilst Jesse Krncevic was trusted to lead the frontline in the place of the suspended Vaughn Coveny. Those two changes aside, coach John Anastasiadis kept to his trusted core group, starting with his brother Dean in between the sticks, Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis in the heart of the defence with George Tsirtsakis and Rama Tavsancioglu playing right and left back respectively. Partering Moraes in the centre of the park was the more attack-minded Scot MacNicol, with Ryan Dinse on the left wing and Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front, Kosta Salapasidis was again given his free roaming supporting role, playing off the shoulder of Krncevic.

With both sides aware of the importance the match held – a win for either side would see them go top – both sets of players were intent on holding their positions and playing simple football to bed themselves in. This approach resulted in a series of half-chances with genuine golden chances few and far between.

The first half-chance of the encounter fell to Gully after a 6th minute corner was headed over from a rising Cavaliers player who couldn’t keep his header down. Then 11 minutes into the contest Natsioulas found some space down the right flank, the ex-Melbourne Knight’s player intelligently summed up the situation sending in a low cross to the feet of Krncevic, who on-the-turn blazed over.’

Thirteen minutes in another Gully corner caused heart flutters for the South defence with both sets of players scrambling to make contact in the Gully box, finally the ball fell to a Cavalier’s player who directed a bobbling shot into the side netting. A minute later and South had claims for a penalty after a Salapasidis corner was headed across the Gully area only for Tsonis to go down with what appeared to be push in the back.

Gully then tore the South defence to shreds after a glorious 18th minute through ball from midfield found Gully winger Andy Vargas on the edge of the South box, with the South defence scrambling Vargas held the ball up and eventually laid it off only to see his team-mate’s shot go miles over the South goal-mouth.

Krncevic was making the most of his extra game time looking lively on a couple of occasions. The son of Australian football icon Eddie Krncevic had two decent attempts on goal in the 20th and 23rd minutes respectively with both shots comfortably gloved by Gully custodian Pasi Schwalger.

Gully’s best chance in the first half came in the 29th minute after an extremely patient build-up was rewarded when a ball played into the South box was met with a lunging, toe-poke attempt by gully striker Nick Tsaltas that had beaten a fully stretched Anastasiadis only to rebound off the left upright.

Moraes was having an obvious influence in the centre of the park, his direct passing was helping South keep their structure and it was his 31st minute chipped ball from the left that caused the Gully defence problems. Both sets of players scrambled for contact, however, fortunately for the home side the ball eventually fell clear.

South then finished the half with two quality chances. The first was created by the ever-busy Ryan Dinse who after being released down the left in the 36th minute, saw his deadly cross tentatively cleared by the Gully defence, with the ball falling beautiful for the incoming Natsioulas who unleashed a stinging volley on goal that again was foiled by the positioning of a Gully defender who managed to get his head to the ball and send it out for a corner.

With 38 minutes played Scot MacNicol burst through the Gully midfield with South in a 3-on-1 position. MacNicol played the correct ball and released Natsioulas on the right who burst into the Gully area and when a shot was begging, Natsioulas took the unselfish, but ultimately wrong option of trying to centre for Krncevic who was well covered, with the Gully defence intercepting and clearing.

Gully started the 2nd half buzzing when Andy Vargas made some space down the right flank, Vargas cut inside and sent a low strike across Anastasiadis with the South keeper comfortably beaten. Fortunately for South, Vargas’s strike cannoned off the right upright with the visitors clearing.

Then in the 54th minute South had a definite penalty waved on. Tsirtsakis was released down the right flank and produced a stinging ball right into the heart of the Gully area. The ball took a bounce and clearly hit the arm of a Gully player with referee Perry Mur 5 yards away and staring straight at the incident. Such was the clarity of the handball that it was as if Mur had chosen to blink at the wrong moment and hence missed the contact.

Ryan Dinse then produced a piece of individual skill, making a solid run down the right flank, cutting inside, but sending his a relatively tame 56th minute effort straight at Schwalger.

It was obvious that Gully’s second half tactics where to catch South on the counter, the home side were playing long balls at every opportunity and their persistence reaped rich reward in the 57th minute after another long ball released striker Nick Lazarevski. With much still to do, Lazarevski skipped past South defender Arthur Tsonis as if he wasn’t there, angled in towards goal and from 10 yards out sent his shot under South custodian Dean Anastasiadis who got some of his body onto the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

With South somewhat shell-shocked, the Albert Park-based club raised its tempo. Seventy minutes in a Salapasidis corner was met well by the rising Tavsancioglu with giant Gully custodian Schwalger quickly reacting to glove. Three minutes later South had a free kick on the right just outside the Gully area. A stinging ball was delivered with the Gully defence under intense pressure, fortunately for the home side they managed to clear for a corner.

South were dominating possession and were pushing everyone forward leaving the backline open to another Gully “sucker-punch”. Gully almost capitalised on South’s attacking play when they pushed the ball to Brandan Vassallo on the right flank, with the South defence hurriedly rushing back to recover, Vassallo managed to produce a mazy run, skipping past two South players on his way to entering to the South box, however, his subsequent 82nd minute strike found the side-netting. Shortly after, South defender Arthur Tsonis was substituted after tearing his hamstring and appears to have ruled himself out of action for 2-3 weeks.

Coach John Anastasiadis had sent on debutant Gianni De Nittis and Peter Koutsoupias in the hope of salvaging a vital equaliser, with De Nittis having a good chance in the 92nd minute after a South corner had fell nicely to him at the top of the box, only for his subsequent strike to be blazed well over. One minute later South had one final attack when a cross from the right-wing was looping dangerously near Schwalger’s goalmouth with the Gully keeper gloving it right on the line and then managing to hold onto it as a swarm of South player’s narrowed in.

Disappointingly, the well-behaved travelling South faithful were let down by a couple of hoons who threw flares onto the playing arena just as the final whistle had sounded. This is the sort of unsolicited behaviour that only seeks to tarnish the image of the club for there were no excuses for the actions taken by the few individuals who decided to go the next step.

Final Score:
Green Gully Cavaliers 1, Lazarevski (58)
South Melbourne 0

Venue: Green Gully Reserve
Attendance: about 4,000
Referee: Perry Mur

Green Gully Cavaliers: (4-5-1) Schwalger, Vassallo, Markovski, Nastevski, Fak, Andy Vargas, Fleming, Velkovski, Lapsansky (Rajher 79), Roddy Vargas, Tsaltas (Lazarevski 53).
Subs not used: Batinovic, Nikolic, Loncaric (GK).

South Melbourne: (4-4-2) Dean Anastasiadis (c), Tsirtsakis (Koutsoupias 75), Blatsis, Tsonis (O’Dor 89), Tavsancioglu, MacNicol, Salapasidis, Moraes, Dinse (De Nettis 88), Natsioulas, Krncevic.
Subs not used: Karavitis, Dimitropulos (GK).

Cautions: Nastevski (GG) 27, Blatsis (SM) 55, Lapsansky (GG) 71

Red Cards: None

Friday, 8 April 2005 4:24 PM

All members and supporters are invited to a supporters’ forum on:

Thursday 14th April
Time: 6:00pm
Champions Bar, Bob Jane Stadium

The club wishes to inform members and supporters about security measures for the upcoming game against Preston Lions and to receive feedback in relation to match day issues.

All are welcome

Friday, 8 April 2005 12:34 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Fans of the Vodafone Premier League are in for a treat this Sunday night when championship leader South Melbourne make the trek to Green Gully Reserve to take on the notoriously consistent Green Gully Cavaliers.

Both sides have been in superb form throughout the first 8 rounds of the season, so much so that Gully find themselves a clear 2 games ahead of the third placed Sunshine Georgies, whilst South are a further point in-front (of Gully).

Similarly to South, the Cavaliers play a compact game, keeping strong defensively whilst managing to poach a goal or two when needed. The arrivals of giant ex-Preston keeper Pasi Schwalger and former NSL and Melbourne Knights midfield maestro Lubo Lapsanky have no doubt strengthened the Cavaliers who already boast one of the most talented squads in the league.

Ex-NSL regulars Roddy and Andy Vargas, Dragi Nastevski, Dean Fak, Nick Tsaltas and Josip Rajher provide the core of the Gully side which is also led by ex-Melbourne Knights coach Ian Dobson.

Year after year, Dobson is renowned for moulding Gully into a highly consistent outfit and this season appears to be no different. The key to Dobson’s success has been sustaining relatively the same personnel over the last few seasons whilst topping up the squad annually – where needed – with 1 or two experienced players

In the South Melbourne camp, the Lakeside-based club will be without inspirational captain Vaughn Coveny who is serving a suspension after being red-carded against the Georgies. Coveny’s absence could signal the way for the squad inclusion of Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes. Moraes has been training as normal with the club but as yet has been unable to force his way into a squad which is still currently undefeated. That said, with Coveny ruled out, Peter Koustoupias – very familiar with striking duties from his time at Whittlesea – could see his name on the starting sheet.

Encouraging for South last week was the form of right-winger Ryan Dinse. The Scottish-born speedster proved the difference against the Georgies nodding home a goal and supplying a superb cross for Vasilios Natsioulas to grab the vital second. Dinse’s transition from State League Two club Yarraville has been extremely comfortable with the diminutive winger slowly carving out a name for himself at Lakeside.

Special mention continues to go out to the South defence who in their 8 games to-date have only conceded 2 goals. Veteran goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been the undoubted star, rediscovering career best form with some breathtaking saves and faultless positioning whilst Con Blatsis and Arthur Tsonis continue to form an intimidating duo in the heart of the South defence.

With top spot in the most prestigious VPL to-date up for grabs, not to mention the psychological advantage that could result from victory, both sides will be eager for a strong showing and a positive result.

Monday, 4 April 2005 11:16 PM

While it isn’t where many in the South Melbourne family think it rightfully belongs, and that is in the A-League, there are few that could complain about where South Melbourne FC sits today.

Leading the rejuvenated Vodafone Premier League, with solid support from supporters and sponsors alike, debt free and on the move, the blue and white is sitting pretty in most facets of its operations.

It’s easy to forget that not too long ago, a year ago to the day in fact, none of the aforementioned seemed possible. It was this date on a sunny Autumn day last year that the Save Our South rally was run at BJS. With the help of the club’s employees, players and fans, the wheels of the clubs salvation were put in place.

Those involved with the club at the time will appreciate that it wasn’t an overnight operation. In his last throws as the club’s CEO, Mark Patterson put a brave spin on things. But the relatively small turn out at the Rally and relatively small monies raised that day left most in the SMFC community fearing the worst.

Unsatisfied with the apparent apathy amongst the SMFC faithful, ‘Friends of South’ put together a campaign to win the club’s future from the jaws of death. ‘South
Saviours’ chimed in too, and eventually – through many dark days of potential doom and uncertainty the seeds of the new South were sewn.

The events of 2004 are as much a part of our proud club as the 4 national championships we have won. It is now, a year on, that we look back and thank everyone in the South family for their support when the club needed them most. We also look back and ask no fans, be they a major sponsor or a rank and file member to take anything for granted. It is only with the continued and consistent support of our members and supporters that we can continue on our path of stability and success.

After a stunning opening round crowd against old foes Heidelberg, home crowds at BJS have waned. Again we ask you not to take South Melbourne for granted. When we meet Preston Lions next weekend (our next match is away to Green Gully THIS weekend) make sure you are there flying the colours with pride. Only together can we ensure that our darkest hour of 2004 remains precisely that.

Monday, 4 April 2005 5:19 PM

SMFC has scored another win on the weekend, but this time it was off the pitch.

The Social committee under the guidance of Olyvia Nikou and Jim Dolkas raised the bar with a Just For Fun Ball, which left many who attended breathless.

The Club’s social committe is striving to be more inclusive and looking for new converts to South.

If we can win people to our social events they are likely to support the Club in other ways.

Along with the services of Connie Skaliotis and Koula Zouros from the Club office, Olyvia Nikou and Jim Dolkas are working to move our special events, onto a more professional footing.

3 bands instead of one, a comedian to create controversy and the President’s special “timed” address, all adding to an evening that left those attending in raptures and asking for more.

But the absolute highlight of the evening was the “surprise” lucky dip, or should that be, a lucky duck competition, which simply wowed the skeptics and left one lucky woman $3,000 richer for her $50 investment.

A big thank you to all that attended the Gala, and if you missed out, just wait…. because Olyvia and Jim are on the prowl looking for new ways to entertain and raise more funds for the Club.

George Donikian

Sunday, 3 April 2005 11:07 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne may still be a good few wins away from being Championship contenders; however, tonight against the Sunshine Georgies the Lakeside-based club displayed a key characteristic of all championship winning sides. Playing with 10 men from the 20th minute, South battled hard and managed to come away with a scrappy but extremely important 2-0 win against the Chris Taylor-coached side, at the same time maintaining their stay atop the Vodafone Premier League.

South coach John Anastasiadis made three changes to the line-up that started against the Melbourne Knights. Arthur Tsirtsakis was once again available after serving his one match ban. Tsirtsakis was slotted into his customary right-back role with Arthur Tsonis moving back into the centre of defence to partner Con Blatsis with Rama Tavsancioglu playing on the left and Steven O’Dor dropping back to the substitute’s bench. In the centre of the park George Tzirtis replaced Evan Karavitis in the starting 11 with Ryan Dinse getting the nod ahead of Peter Koutsoupias for the left wing role. Vasilios Natsioulas took up his customary position on the right wing whilst Scot MacNicol played the attacking midfield role. Up front South put its trust in usual suspects Vaughn Coveny and Kosta Salapasidis. Dean Anastasiadis was once again between the uprights for the home side.

South started brightly when the energetic MacNicol – in the 1st minute – made a nice run with the ball down the left side of the park. MacNicol worked his way into the Sunshine box but his final effort lacked a clear mind, with his shot or cross going well over the bar.

The Georgies quickly made their intent clear when they went close in the 9th minute. The Sunshine-based outfit had worked the ball to the edge of the South box and then unleashed a low curling strike that sailed just wide of Anastasiadis’s left upright.

With both sides trying to gain the initiative, South Melbourne was dealt a cruel blow in the 20th minute. After being tackled from behind, South captain Vaughn Coveny retaliated, throwing an elbow and then following it up with an attempted kick on his direct marker. After consulting the linesman Coveny was given an automatic red card, reducing the home side to 10 men with 70 minutes still to play.

Coveny’s expulsion seemed to inspire the home side with a deep Salapasidis 21st minute corner to the back-post nearly side-footed home by an unmarked Con Blatsis who had made an intelligent late run. Sunshine cleared on that occasion but a minute later MacNicol made some space for himself down the right wing, his subsequent cross found an unmarked Ryan Dinse who from 8-10 yards out sent a low diagonal header past the outstretched arm of the Georgies’ keeper, seeing his header hit the right upright and then trickle home for the home side’s opener.

The goal was exactly what Anastasiadis’s men needed, as by losing their most experienced player South were in danger of conceding ground not only in the player count, but more importantly from a mental viewpoint.

South focussed the rest of the half on trying to hit the Georgies on the counter. The defence was standing up as usual repelling any attack from the visitors. South should of made it two when in the 43rd minute Tzirtis played a superb through ball down the right wing to MacNicol, the ex-Brechin player checked inside and sent in a quality left-footed cross to the back-post, picking out an unmarked Ryan Dinse, the diminutive Scotsman’s subsequent header was rushed and not executed properly with the ball failing to test the keeper.

South were dealt a further blow right on the stroke of half time when Salapasidis was forced to retire his efforts for the evening after suffering what appeared to be either a dislocation or a break to his finger.

With Sunshine determined to get something out of the game, their 2nd half effort was largely improved. In particular the Sunshine-based club had a glowing 10 minute spell early on the 2nd period that should’ve placed them in the box seat. The Georgies put severe pressure on the South backline in the 52nd minute when box-mayhem ensued in the home side’s defensive area. Both Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis were forced into desperate lunging tackles with the ball eventually going wide to safety.

Fifty-seven minutes in the Georgies waisted two successive golden opportunities. First a break down the right-wing saw the Georgies’ winger deliver a stinging low ball into the box, the cross managed to evade two South defenders and made its way to the back-post with a Sunshine player meeting it but sending his strike straight into the upright. Then as South struggled to clear, the ball – just outside the box – fell to a Sunshine player who unleashed a rifled drive that was headed for the right-hand top corner but seemed to skim the crossbar as it sailed just over.

The woodwork was South’s saviour once again when a 61st minute Sunshine free-kick from the right was played deep and low into the box, the ball fell nicely to an unmarked Georgies player who narrowed in on goal only to see the rushing Dean Anastasiadis get to his feet before he was able to unleash a decent strike. However, Anastasiadis’s save fell straight to a Sunshine player inside the 6 yard box who with minimal pressure being applied by a desperately wrong-footed South defence, somehow managed to send his strike onto the underside of the crossbar, seeing his strike cannon straight back into the ground without crossing the goal-line.

Under clear pressure and with an equaliser appearing imminent, Ryan Dinse worked his magic down the left wing in the 67th minute, a quick step-over created space for the Scottish winger who sent in a delightful back-post cross that was met by an unmarked Vasilios Natsioulas who crashed his header downward and into the back of the Sunshine net. It was Natsioulas’s first goal for the Lakeside-based club and he celebrated it wildly, running to the Clarendon corner to celebrate. Unfortunately for the young South starlet, the referee failed to understand his joy, booking him for “over celebrating”.

South then had a goal disallowed. The ball was played into the feet of Ryan Dinse just outside the Sunshine box. Dinse turned and tried to play through a team-mate, however, saw his attempted pass end up looping the keeper after a Sunshine defender had mistimed his interception. With Jesse Krncevic the quickest to react, the son of Socceroo great Eddie Krncevic appeared to have opened his account, tucking home -in the 70th minute – from 2 yards into an unguarded net. Unfortunately for the home side the goal was disallowed as the linesman had judged Krncevic to have strayed offside.

With South seemingly headed to hang on, a rush of blood by the excellent Ryan Dinse nearly cost the home side dearly. Again the cross had been supplied – in the 72nd minute – from the right hand side, however, instead of attempting to header out, Dinse inexplicably used his hand in trying to get the ball away. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. However, fortunately for the home side, the execution of the penalty kick was extremely poor with the Sunshine player not even managing to get his attempt on target, blazing well over the crossbar.

Arthur Tsonis then had a 75th minute 30 yard free-kick headed for the top corner with the Sunshine keeper far from confident when dealing with the ball, failing to glove it and letting it go out for a corner.

Sunshine almost had a deserved consolation goal in the 84th minute, when again a free-kick from the right was met by a Georgies player who used his chest to direct the ball towards goal. South custodian Dean Anastasiadis did superbly well to – at full stretch – get a fingertip onto the ball and deflect it onto his left upright.

With the game won, Sunshine’s luckless night was crowned with the sending off of one of their players after Tavsancioglu had burst through the middle of the park and appeared destined for a one-on-one only to be purposefully brought down by a Georgies’s defender. The final whistle followed seconds later.

Final Score:
South Melbourne 2, Dinse 22, Natsioulas 68
Sunshine Georgies 0

Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park
Attendance: about 3,000
Referee: Senko Rastocic

South Melbourne: (4-5-1) Dean Anastasiadis, Tsirtsakis, Blatsis, Tsonis, Tavsancioglu, Natsioulas, MacNicol, Tzirtis (Karavitis 58), Salapasidis (Krncevic 45), Dinse (Koutsoupias 93), Coveny (c).
Subs not used: O’Dor, Dimitropulos (GK).

Sunshine Georgies: (3-5-2) Brian, Muscat, Gauci-Seddon (Galea 46), Pajic (Greechan 79), Waterson, Gilmour, Antoniadis, Delic, Soares, Gasparis, Neceski (c).
Subs not used: Lymn, Salcin (GK).

Cautions: Soares (SG) 28, Gilmour (SG) 44, Tzirtis (SM) 50, Natsioulas (SM) 68, Krncevic (SM) 77, Pajic (SG) 77, Tavsancioglu (SM) 84.

Red Cards: Coveny (SM) 20, Muscat (SG) 92.

Thursday, 31 March 2005 9:45 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a weeks recess due to Easter, Vodafone Premier League action resumes this weekend with South Melbourne hosting the high-flying Sunshine Georgies.

A former NSL club, the Georgies fell on hard times and found themselves outside the Premier League for a number of years. However, last season under the helm of Coach Chris Taylor, the Georgies managed to win the State One league and hence finally return to familiar territory.

This season, much like South, the Sunshine based outfit has managed to defy the critics. The core playing group of the Georgies State One triumph has been kept on with Chris Taylor’s men rewarding his faith by currently sitting in third position. The Georgies appear to be the “entertainers”, having leaked 9 goals – the highest of any team in the top 6 – but at the same time having scored 12, the most of any team to date.

Unlike many VPL clubs this season, the Georgies’ squad lacks any familiar ex-NSL talent. Perhaps their most recognisable player of recent times is young ex-Bulleen striker Marinos Gasparis, a player noted last season for managing to achieve a National call-up from Ange Postecoglou whilst playing in a state-based competition (the VPL).

Conversely, South Melbourne is now the Vodafone Premier League’s sole remaining undefeated side. Having conceded only 2 goals in 7 outings, the strength of the Lakeside-based club clearly revolves around its experienced defence.

Right-back Arthur Tsirtsakis will be available once more after serving a 1 game suspension against the Melbourne Knights. Tsirtsakis is likely to be re-instated to the starting 11 meaning that promising young defender Steven O’Dor is likely to be included in the squad as a substitute. Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis should resume their central defensive pairing after Tsonis filled in at left-back against the Knights.

Coach John Anastasiadis is also likely to include exciting new Brazilian signing Fernando Moraes in the squad. Moraes had a mid-week hit-out in a friendly against Yarraville – scoring one goal in the process – and should be pushing for inclusion.

During the pre-season South’s only win happened to come against the Georgies. That day an attacking onslaught by John Anastasiadis’s men saw the Albert Park-based club stroll to a 3-0 triumph. At the time it was thought that Sunshine would offer little resistance come the actual league, however, Taylor’s men have shown, much like South, that pre-season form counts for nothing.

Wednesday, 30 March 2005 12:13 PM

It is with deep regret and sorrow that South Melbourne FC announce the passing of Lois Trimboli, the mother of South legend, Paul Trimboli.

Lois passed away on Thursday, March 24, taken by cancer at a young age, she was 65.

We would like to send our deepest sympathies and condolences, and we ask the entire SMFC family to channel its thoughts and prayers, at this difficult time, towards Paul and his family.