Author: SMFC Media

South Melbourne FC has limited vacancies in its NPL Squads for Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 15, Under 16 and Under 18.

Please contact Matthew for trial details on matthew@smfc.com.au.

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that Leigh Minopoulos has returned to the club for the 2014 NPL Season.

Minopoulos is formerly a South Junior & Youth player who has returned to the club after a very successful spell with Werribee City in State 1 in 2013. In a stellar season the fast and very dangerous striker managed to score 14 goals, (31 goals in the last 2 years) as well as winning the club’s best and fairest award. It is because of this that he became one of the main reasons as to why Werribee were promoted.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Andrew Mesourouni said “we are delighted to welcome Leigh back to the Club. He is a South Melbourne boy and has followed the Club from a young age. He will further strengthen what is an excellent squad for the coming season”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Leigh Minopoulos to the club and wishes him the very best for the upcoming season.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the return of former goalkeeper Jason Saldaris to Lakeside Stadium for the 2014 season.

The Western Australian was signed before the 2012 season to act as an understudy to Peter Gavalas and he made his debut in the 2-1 victory over Malvern City in the Fifth Round of the Dockerty Cup on Sunday 29 April 2012 at John Cain Reserve. His next (and last) appearance for the Club was in the 5-2 win over Heidelberg United in what was a dead-rubber final round Victorian Premier League match at Olympic Village on Sunday 16 September 2012. In his many matches for the Under-21s in 2012, Saldaris developed a reputation for being a very good shot-stopper and his defenders had him to thank for denying several goals to opposition forwards.

Following the conclusion of the 2012 season, Saldaris spent some time training with AEK Athens , while also being third choice keeper Perth Glory . He then returned to captain his former W.A. State League side Perth Soccer Club, playing alongside a 2006 South VPL Championship player in Antonio Naglieri.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis said “we are delighted to welcome Jason back to the Club. He was quite a popular player during his first stint with the Club, and are looking for him to continue his excellent form this season”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Jason Saldaris back to the Club and wishes him the very best for the 2014 season.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that centre-back Bryan Bran will not play for the Club in 2014, after he signed for FC Chabab in Amsterdam following the close of the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

Bran arrived at Lakeside Stadium from Dandenong Thunder during the 2013 mid-season transfer window and made his debut for South Melbourne in the 1-4 home loss against Bentleigh Greens on Sunday 21 July 2013. For the rest of the season, Bran’s imposing figure at centre-half and his excellent distribution of the ball from defence, played a huge role in South rising from a mid-table side to eventually making the Preliminary Final. He scored once for South with what was a powerful header against his former team Dandenong on Sunday 28 July 2013. Even though he only played half the season for South, his impact was so great that he was awarded the SMFC Media’s Player of the Season award. In all he played 12 matches for the Club and scored one goal.

Speaking from Amsterdam, Bran passed on this personal message to the players, staff and supporters:

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to have played with, what is in my opinion, the most professional and respected club in the VPL. When I made the move from Dandenong, I felt like I had been welcomed into a family…which made it so easy to give 110% for Chris Taylor, the team, the fans and the amazing media team we had backing us. I feel very fortunate to have not only played for South Melbourne but to have also made some amazing friendships both on and off the pitch. The atmosphere, the passion and the support from everyone helped me play at an incredible level – a level that was pivotal in helping me move to Europe to play – so for that I am extremely grateful. Finally, I can say without a doubt that the media team is one of the best that I have seen or worked with. I have the utmost respect for you all and cannot thank you enough for your belief and encouragement throughout the season. Thanks again to Chris Taylor, the boys and the media team for making it an exceptional second half of the season. I look forward to staying in touch.”

South Melbourne FC would like to wish Bryan Bran all the best at FC Chabab and thanks him greatly for his contribution to the Club last season.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that midfielder Iqi Jawadi has re-committed to the Club for the 2014 season.

Iqi arrived at Lakeside Stadium from Dandenong Thunder in the 2013 July transfer window and was one of Chris Taylor’s first signings for the Club. He played 12 Victorian Premier League matches for South in the remainder of the 2013 season, helping the Club reach an eventual Preliminary Final finish. His key strengths are his hard running in the middle of the park, as well as his ability to win the ball and drive the team forward.

South Melbourne FC wishes Iqi Jawadi the very best for the upcoming season and is delighted that he has committed himself to the Club in 2014.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC regrets to advise that its Championship winning player Fernando De Moraes will not play for the Club in 2014. Fernando, who has otherwise been known around the Club as ‘Fern’ or ‘Nando’, leaves behind an outstanding playing career with his beloved Blue and Whites.

Officially Fernando became a South Melbourne FC player on Friday 18 March 2005 when he signed for John Anastasiadis’ side, though he had trialled with the Club a few years earlier when it was in the old National Soccer League. At the 2013 South Melbourne FC Gala Ball, Fernando humorously noted that Anastasiadis was initially reluctant to sign him so he also went for trials at the Bentleigh Greens. Anastasiadis then gave him a chance to shine in a friendly match and was impressed with what he saw.

At the time of his signing, Fernando noted that “I saw South play in the World Club Championship in Brazil back in 2000 against some of the biggest sides in the world…from there I always wanted to play for the Club.” Anastasiadis was pleased to sign his new star, adding that “Fernando comes from a place known for its flash and brilliance, and we hope that some of that can be put on show throughout the 2005 season”, something that definitely occurred many times throughout his playing career at the Club.

Fernando De Moraes made his South Melbourne FC debut against Green Gully at Green Gully Reserve on Sunday 10 April 2005, a game that Green Gully won 1-0 in front of a crowd of 2500. He made his home debut at Lakeside Stadium the following Sunday as Preston defeated South 1-0 in front of a crowd of over 7000. His first goal for the Club didn’t arrive until Sunday 5 June when his free kick from outside the box in the 87th minute sealed a 3-1 victory against the Frankston Pines at Lakeside Stadium.

Fernando only scored three goals in 2005 but had a break-out 2006 season that elevated his status to a champion player not only for South but for the entire Victorian Premier League. He scored 12 goals over the course of the season – including scoring a double on three occasions – with his goals helping South cement a third placed finish on the Premier League ladder. Despite all those goals, his most important contribution that season (and perhaps in his entire South career) was his assist from a left-footed cross from the left side that found Gianni De Nittis to head home the winning goal in the Grand Final against Altona Magic on Sunday 24 September 2006. Not surprisingly, Fernando was awarded the Jimmy Rooney Medal that day as the best player on the field in the Grand Final, the first of many awards for him at South.

Despite South’s disappointing 2007 and 2008 seasons, Fernando played his part by scoring 13 goals during those seasons (four in 2007 and nine in 2008), winning the SMFC Golden Boot in 2008. In 2009, he scored seven goals – including a cheeky goal in the final round of the home and away season against Sunshine George Cross (Sunday 15 August 2009 at Lakeside Stadium) – that gave South a 1-0 victory and ensured that it qualified for the finals series in the Club’s 50th year. He had another outstanding year in 2010, with fourteen goals across all competitions (13 in the League, 1 in the Singapore Cup) and scored his 50th League goal for the Club the following season against St Albans in the 2-0 victory at Churchill Reserve on Sunday 3 April 2011. Fernando’s biggest haul of goals in a single match was when he scored six goals in the 14-0 demolition of Yarraville Glory in the fifth round of the Dockerty Cup at John Cain Reserve on Tuesday 26 April 2011.

His 2012 and 2013 seasons were the quietest for him in terms of League matches played and goals scored, however he still made important contributions to the team. His equalising goal against the Oakleigh Cannons on Friday 30 March 2012 got the ball rolling for South as it steamrolled the Cannons to win 3-1 at Jack Edwards Reserve. In last year’s Dockerty Cup Quarter Final on Tuesday 23 July 2013, South fought back from 0-2 down to level 2-2 with Preston before Fernando stepped up and scored two goals to seal a 4-2 victory and passage through to the Semi Finals of that competition.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis said “we are saddened by the news that Fernando has decided to hang up his boots and bring an end to what has been an exceptional and illustrious career. Fernando has achieved a tremendous amount of success with the Club and he was the best player in the Victorian Premier League for many years. However, it was his humanity and warmth with the South Melbourne family and football fraternity that endeared him to so many. He wore the South shirt with great pride and distinction. He knocked back ludicrous offers to remain loyal to the Club which exemplifies what a true club man he is. Thank you Fernando”.

Fernando departs the Club as a player having played 174 League matches, scoring 53 goals in the process. Across all competitions, he played 182 games and scored 62 goals. Furthermore, he leaves as a Championship winning player, and as a player that all supporters have long admired for his skill and flair and most importantly, his loyalty and love for the Club.

Fernando De Moraes

DOB: 21 January 1980

SMFC Statistics

Signed: Friday 18 March 2005
Debut: Sunday 10 April 2005 (v Green Gully at Green Gully Reserve, 0-1)
First Goal: Sunday 5 June 2005 (v Frankston Pines at Lakeside Stadium, 3-1)
50th Goal (All Comps): Friday 25 February 2011 (v Springvale White Eagles at White Eagles Stadium, 6-4)
50th Goal (VPL): Sunday 3 April 2011 (v St Albans Saints at Churchill Reserve, 2-0)
Matches/Goals (VPL only): 174 games, 53 goals
Matches/Goals (All Comps): 182 games, 62 goals

SMFC Honours:

 – Played in the 2006 VPL Championship winning side
– Jimmy Rooney Medal Winner in the 2006 VPL Grand Final
– SMFC Golden Boot Winner 2006, 2008, 2010
– Played in the 2007, 2009, 2011 Hellenic Cup Championship winning sides
– VPL Gold Medal Winner (Player of the Year) 2010
– Theo Marmaras Medalist (SMFC Player of the Year) 2010

All Goals from Fernando De Moraes’ career at SMFC:

Year

Round

Date

Opponent

Venue

Score

Goal(s)

2005

16

Sunday 05 June

Frankston Pines

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

87′

26

Sunday 21 August

Bentleigh Greens

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

7′

EF

Saturday 27 August

Altona Magic

Lakeside Stadium

3-0

7′

2006

4

Sunday 26 February

Preston Lions

Lakeside Stadium

2-1

63’p

9

Sunday 09 April

Richmond Eagles

Lakeside Stadium

2-1

20’p

11

Sunday 30 April

Bulleen Zebras

Lakeside Stadium

4-1

69′

13

Sunday 14 May

Green Gully

Lakeside Stadium

3-0

38′, 55′

14

Sunday 21 May

Heidelberg United

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

53′

6

Sunday 11 June

Melbourne Knights

Lakeside Stadium

7-0

65′, 71′

24

Monday 14 August

Bulleen Zebras

Veneto Club

1-1

25’p

25

Sunday 20 August

Frankston Pines

Lakeside Stadium

5-1

70′, 82′

EF

Friday 01 September

Green Gully

Lakeside Stadium

3-0

83′

2007

2

Friday 09 March

Richmond Eagles

Kevin Bartlett Reserve

3-2

73′

3

Friday 16 March

Essendon Royals

Veneto Club

2-0

85′

10

Sunday 13 May

Springvale White Eagles

Lakeside Stadium

6-0

24′

14

Friday 08 June

Western Suburbs

Lakeside Stadium

2-1

31’p

2008

2

Sunday 24 February

Hume City (Coburg Utd)

Lakeside Stadium

1-2

82′

3

Sunday 02 March

Western Suburbs

Lakeside Stadium

5-0

28′, 59′

9

Sunday 20 April

Fawkner Blues

Lakeside Stadium

6-2

66′

13

Sunday 18 May

Frankston Pines

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

73′

17

Sunday 15 June

Oakleigh Cannons

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

13′

21

Sunday 20 July

Melbourne Knights

Lakeside Stadium

2-2

31’p

26

Sunday 24 August

Frankston Pines

Monterey Reserve

3-1

69′, 81′

2009

4

Sunday 22 March

Melbourne Knights

Lakeside Stadium

2-1

50′

5

Tuesday 31 March

Whittlesea Zebras

Lakeside Stadium

3-1

79′

7

Saturday 18 April

Green Gully

Green Gully Reserve

2-2

12’p

12

Saturday 23 May

Dandenong Thunder

George Andrews Reserve

2-2

76′

16

Sunday 28 June

Whittlesea Zebras

Lakeside Stadium

4-0

35′

17

Friday 10 July

Richmond Eagles

Kevin Bartlett Reserve

3-1

90+4′

22

Saturday 15 August

Sunshine George Cross

Lakeside Stadium

1-0

65′

2010

1

Sunday 28 February

Altona Magic

Paisley Park

1-1

85′

2

Sunday 07 March

Bentleigh Greens

Lakeside Stadium

1-1

80’p

3

Saturday 13 March

Northcote City

Lakeside Stadium

3-3

11′

4

Sunday 21 March

Green Gully

Lakeside Stadium

2-1

7’p, 57′

8

Sunday 25 April

Hume City

Broadmeadows Park

6-0

37′

10

Saturday 08 May

Oakleigh Cannons

Kingston Heath Complex

1-2

14′

14

Sunday 06 June

Northcote City

John Cain Reserve

2-3

24′

13

Friday 11 June

Bentleigh Greens

Kingston Heath Complex

1-0

85′

20

Sunday 01 August

Richmond Eagles

John Cain Reserve

2-2

14′

21

Friday 06 August

Oakleigh Cannons

Jack Edwards Reserve

1-0

30′

22

Sunday 15 August

Sunshine George Cross

Knights Stadium

4-0

13′, 61′

SCQF

Friday 08 October

Bangkok Glass

Jalan Besar Stadium

3-3

37’p

2011

2

Friday 25 February

Springvale White Eagles

White Eagles Stadium

6-4

50′

7

Sunday 03 April

St Albans Saints

Churchill Reserve

2-0

18′

DCR5

Tuesday 26 April

Yarraville Glory

John Cain Reserve

14-0

19′, 53′, 70′, 71′, 80′, 83′

12

Saturday 14 May

Green Gully

Green Gully Reserve

2-3

11’p, 58’p

2012

2

Friday 30 March

Oakleigh Cannons

Jack Edwards Reserve

3-1

56′

2013

DCQF

Tuesday 23 July

Preston Lions

Lakeside Stadium

4-2

86′, 88′

Premier League Goals:

53

Dockerty Cup Goals:

8

Singapore Cup Goals:

1

TOTAL:

62

Thursday, 9 January 2014 12:19 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to wish all its members, corporate partners, media, supporters and volunteers a happy festive season, and a safe and prosperous new year.

A reminder that the Club office will be closed from Tuesday 24 December and will re-open on Monday 13 January 2014.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Lakeside Stadium for another exciting season in 2014.

Regards

Peter Kokotis

General Manager