Author: SMFC Media

Friday, 27 September 2013 9:32 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC hosts Green Gully in the 2013 Victorian Premier League Elimination Final at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It is the first time that South has played in the finals series since 2011 and the first time it has hosted a finals match at Lakeside Stadium since 2006. The winner of the match will play the loser of the Melbourne Knights and Bentleigh Greens in the Minor Semi Final next weekend.

Both South and Green Gully won their respective matches on the final day of the regular season last Sunday to secure a finals position. Gully defeated Dandenong Thunder 3-1 at Green Gully Reserve and South put on a commanding display to defeat Port Melbourne 0-4 at SS Anderson Reserve. Tyson Holmes’ header in the first half sent South on their way before a second-half double from Trent Rixon (including a penalty) and a late header from substitute Brad Norton secured the three points for the away side and the right to host the Elimination Final this weekend.

The two sides have met three times already this season across League and Cup competitions and the results have been mixed. South took first honours on the opening day of the VPL season on Saturday 6 April with a 0-3 victory at Green Gully Reserve thanks to goals from Brad Norton, Marinos Gasparis and Renco Van Eeken. Gully returned the favour with a 1-3 victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 7 July thanks to goals from Osagie Ederaro, Jason Hayne and Daniel Jones, with Andy Vlahos’ thunderbolt free kick being South’s only goal of the afternoon. The two sides then met in the Semi Finals of the State Knockout Cup on Wednesday 21 August, with Hayne’s second half goal proving to be the difference as Gully won 0-1 before defeating Dandenong Thunder in the Cup Final a few weeks later.

Lakeside Stadium plays host to a South Melbourne FC finals match for the first time since Sunday 24 September 2006, when Gianni De Nittis’ header from Fernando De Moraes’ cross in the 63rd minute proved to be the difference as South beat Altona Magic 1-0 in the VPL Grand Final to secure its eighth Victorian State League championship in front of 5,125 fans. Since that wonderful day, South missed the finals in 2007 and 2008 before losing the 2009 Elimination Final against Hume City at Epping Stadium. South missed the 2010 finals series before it hosted (and defeated) Heidelberg United in the 2011 Elimination Final, however the match was played at SS Anderson Reserve due to Lakeside Stadium being redeveloped at the time.

Ironically, South’s Championship year saw it host Green Gully in the First Elimination Final at Lakeside Stadium on Friday 1 September 2006. Late goals from Fernando De Moraes’ free kick (83’), George Tzirtis (89’) and an Andreas Oliveira penalty (90’) sent South on its way to the Championship. South coach Chris Taylor will be more than delighted with a similar score on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday’s match kicks off at Lakeside Stadium at 5pm. South fans are reminded that 2013 membership cards cannot be used for entry to the match, with free entry only for those with 2013 FFV Media Passes.

Last time we met

Friday, 27 September 2013 9:14 AM

By Brandon Galgano

On a fine Sunday afternoon for football, South Melbourne’s U18 side was been crowned Victorian state champions following an emphatic 2-1 victory over the Caulfield Cobras.

Under the guidance of former back to back Under 21’s championship winning coach Gus Caminos, South Melbourne went into the match full of confidence following an enthralling penalty shootout victory over Diamond Valley in the Semi Final last weekend.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing early though as Caulfield took the lead after twenty minutes with a superb cut back and finish proving too much for South keeper Jordan Gifkins. South Melbourne rallied late though and equalised right on half time with a superb header from Michael Sdregas making it 1-1. And following a tense second half in which neither side could get a winner the match went into extra time.

In true South fashion though, the boys stepped up a gear and came close to taking the lead ten minutes into extra time with a long range strike hitting both posts before bouncing out. They were not to be denied for long though as Josh Pulvirenti, scorer of the winning penalty a week before against Diamond Valley, slotted home into the bottom corner late in the first half of extra time to make it 2-1 South Melbourne.

And just as it looked like South had the title in the bag a late opportunity opened up for Caulfield but a superb one on one save from Gifkins ensured that South wouldn’t be denied with the final whistle sounding just a few minutes later crowning South Melbourne 2013 Victorian U18 champions.

Coach Gus Caminos was understandably delighted come the final whistle with the former Dandenong Thunder senior assistant having guided the side to victories in the Hellenic Cup, the League and now the State Finals in 2013 alone. Caminos lauded his side following the victory, stating that that this is a team of ‘’talented individuals who have represented South Melbourne FC with pride and honour throughout the whole season’’.

Congratulations to the SMFC U18 squad and their coach Gus Caminos for a sensational 2013 season.

Go South!!

Friday, 27 September 2013 9:10 AM

The 2013 South Melbourne FC Most Valuable Player of the Year Award was held at Principal Partner Beachcomber Cafe shortly after the match against Port Melbourne. Fans, players, and officials mingled and celebrated the Club’s qualification for the finals series.

The MVP Award was voted on by the coaching staff, with awards on a 3-2-1 basis.

Goalkeeper Peter Gavalas was awarded the 2013 Theo Marmaras Medal for Most Value Player of the season. In total, Gavalas made 20 VPL and 2 State Knockout Cup appearances in 2013, with the South custodian making a number of timely saves to keep his team in many matches. Gavalas was gracious in accepting the award, thanking his team mates and former coach Peter Tsolakis.

The Golden Boot Award was won by Trent Rixon with 9 VPL goals who hit a rich vein of form in the second half of the season. Two goals against Port Melbourne in the final match of the home and away season secured Rixon the top goal scorer award at the Club.

The SMFC Media Team Award was presented to Bryan Bran for his formidable presence in the back line, and playing a pivotal role in assisting his team mates in their resurgence in the second half of the season. Accepting the award, Bran mentioned he was shocked and very honoured to have been nominated for the award. He thanked the coaching staff, team mates, and the Media Team for their hard work throughout the season.

South Melbourne FC wishes to congratulate all winners in what was a fantastic evening.

Theo Marmaras Medal (top vote-getters)
17 – Peter Gavalas
14 – Tyson Holmes
14 – Nick Soolsma

Golden Boot Winner
Trent Rixon – 9 goals

SMFC Media Team Award
Bryan Bran

Monday, 23 September 2013 4:29 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC secured its spot in the 2013 Victorian Premier League finals series with a commanding 0-4 victory against Port Melbourne in the final round of the regular season. Tyson Holmes opened the scoring in the first half before a Trent Rixon double and a header from substitute Brad Norton ensured a fourth-placed finish on the VPL ladder and the right to host Green Gully in the elimination final next Sunday evening.

Both sides went into the final day of the season in the top five standings, however with sixth-placed Green Gully expected to beat Dandenong Thunder and climb into the five themselves, it was very likely that this game would be the ‘elimination final before the elimination final’. Port Melbourne had the advantage of just needing to avoid defeat to make the finals whereas South needed the three points to guarantee themselves a top five spot. With Port having defeated South 0-1 at Lakeside Stadium in the reverse fixture earlier in the season on 30 June, South knew that it needed to work hard in order to win the match.

The away side enjoyed large periods of dominance in the first half as they put Port Melbourne on the back foot. South took the lead just after the quarter-hour when Holmes headed Nick Epifano’s cross past Adam Hrehoresin and into the back of the net. With word filtering through that Green Gully had taken the lead against Dandenong, it was becoming more obvious that South needed a second goal in order to give it some breathing space. Peter Gavalas made a vital block from substitute Tim Paton as South held its slender lead at the halftime break, putting it on course for a place in the finals.

As word spread that Gully had doubled their lead early in the second half, Gavalas again made an important save to keep South ahead. Having not kept a clean sheet since the 0-0 draw against Pascoe Vale all the way back on 1 June, South coach Chris Taylor knew it was vital that his side score again. With twenty minutes to go, the all-important second goal arrived when referee Shaun Evans awarded a spot-kick following a Port Melbourne handball in the penalty area. Rixon stepped up and buried his penalty under Hrehoresin to double the away side’s lead and start the celebrations early. Only minutes later Lambros Honos was sent off for Port Melbourne as he kicked out at Rixon as he ran past him, as Port coach Eric Vassiliadis was also sent off from the bench after questioning the decision.

With a two goal lead and an extra man, South turned on the style and blew Port away with two more goals late in the game. Rixon got his second for the afternoon when he tapped home after Hrehoresin could only parry Epifano’s shot into the big centre-forward’s path. Brad Norton replaced Epifano after 86 minutes and it was the substitute who scored the final goal of the day when he flew in at the back post to head Rixon’s perfect cross past Hrehoresin and wrap up the 0-4 score line. The final result not only guaranteed South a finals spot but also secured a fourth-placed finish and the right to host Green Gully in the elimination final at Lakeside Stadium next Sunday 29 September at 5PM.

When asked post-match about whether he believed South could win the Championship from fourth place, Taylor replied “I believe that this team can…I’m very proud of how the boys played today and I think a few teams will fear us in the finals series.” The winner of the elimination final will play the loser of the Melbourne Knights-Bentleigh Greens minor semi-final for a spot in the preliminary final.

It was further good news in the Under-21s as South defeated Port Melbourne 4-1 to end the season on a good note. Baggio Yousif scored twice as the other two goals came from Francis Solano and Jeffrey Salazar.

In the Most Valuable Player night held at Beachcomber Café post-game, the following players were recognised for their fantastic efforts in 2013:

Theo Marmaras Medal: Peter Gavalas (17 votes)
SMFC Media Award: Bryan Bran
Golden Boot Winner: Trent Rixon (9 League goals)

FINAL SCORE: PORT MELBOURNE 0-4 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-1)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Tyson Holmes (16′)
0-2: Trent Rixon (70’pk)
0-3: Trent Rixon (84′)
0-4: Brad Norton (90′)

Port Melbourne:
1. Adam HREHORESIN (GK), 2. Peter ROBERTS (9. Luke BOWEN 65’), 3. Martin MASON, 5. Felix ROSMAN, 6. Chris GROSSMAN, 10. Graham HOCKLESS, 12. Phillip RICCOBENE (4. Tim PATON 22’), 15. Luke PRELEVIC (14. Kamal IBRAHIM 60’), 19. Daniel VISEVIC, 23. Jake NAKIC, 26. Lambros HONOS (sent off 74′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Bryan BRAN, 5. Nick EPIFANO (11. Brad NORTON 86′), 7. Luke HOPPER (12. Rhys MEREDITH 81′), 9. Trent RIXON (C), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 13. Iqi JAWADI, 16. Alan KEARNEY, 17. Nick SOOLSMA (18. Jonathan MUNOZ 90+2′), 19. Shaun KELLY

SMFC Man of the Match: Tyson Holmes
Venue: SS Anderson Reserve
Date: Sunday 22 September 2013

Friday, 20 September 2013 12:57 PM

By John Kyrou

In an amazing week leading into the last round of the 2013 Victorian Premier League season, South Melbourne FC has regained control of its finals destiny and will qualify for the finals series should it defeat Port Melbourne Sharks at SS Anderson Reserve on Sunday afternoon. After believing that it had surrended control of its finals aspirations, a turn of events during the week has now given South a wonderful opportunity to play finals football for the first time since 2011.

South’s heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Northcote City at Lakeside Stadium last Saturday initially meant that its finals destiny was out of its control. Two wins for Green Gully in its final two matches against Oakleigh (which Gully won 2-0 on Wednesday night) and then against Dandenong Thunder on Sunday would have normally ensured Green Gully finals football irrespective of South’s result at Port Melbourne. However, due to the Southern Stars alleged match fixing controversy, Football Federation Victoria declared all Southern Stars matches played in 2013 as a ‘no result’ in the interests of fairness for all other VPL clubs. Whilst both Port Melbourne and Green Gully gained six points against Southern Stars, South only gained four points, meaning that with the revised League ladder South is now only two points behind fourth-placed Port Melbourne and is now level on points with Green Gully and one goal better in goal difference. In short, this means that a victory against Port Melbourne on Sunday WILL qualify South for finals football and may even be enough for it to finish fourth and host the Elimination Final.

South coach Chris Taylor was extremely disappointed with the result last Saturday but the revised ladder will no doubt give him and his side added confidence heading into what essentially will be an ‘elimination final before the elimination final’ should Green Gully gain maximum points against Dandenong. A Gully win will qualify them for the finals series and will mean that South must beat Port Melbourne in order to also make the finals. With all VPL games being played at the same time, there will be some nervous moments throughout the course of the 90 minutes and when the final whistle sounds one of Port Melbourne, South and Green Gully will have just missed out on finals football in 2013. Three points for South will ensure that it will continue playing on for at least another week.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 3PM at SS Anderson Reserve. All South supporters are strongly encouraged to attend and help get their side into the finals in 2013.

POTENTIAL LADDER SCENARIOS:

Current VPL ladder:

4

Port Melbourne Sharks

21

9

5

7

24

24

0

30

5

South Melbourne

21

8

6

7

36

33

3

28

6

Green Gully Cavaliers

21

8

6

7

29

27

2

28

South will finish fourth if:
* It defeats Port Melbourne
* Green Gully does not defeat Dandenong Thunder by at least two goals more than South does over Port Melbourne

South will finish fifth if:
* Both South and Gully win but Gully wins by at least two goals more than South does over Port Melbourne, or
* It draws with Port Melbourne and Green Gully fails to beat Dandenong, or
* It loses to Port Melbourne and Green Gully loses to Dandenong

South will miss the finals if:
* It does not defeat Port Melbourne and Green Gully defeats Dandenong, or
* It loses against Port Melbourne and Green Gully draws against Dandenong

Last time we met

Monday, 16 September 2013 11:17 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC’s finals aspirations suffered a huge blow when it could only draw 1-1 with Victorian Premier League leaders Northcote City at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday night. Captain Brad Norton gifted Evan Kounavelis the opening goal for the away side before Trent Rixon leveled the scores against his former Club.

South came into the game knowing that wins against Northcote and Port Melbourne in its final two VPL fixtures would guarantee it finals football, with any slip-ups allowing Green Gully the chance to jump into the five. Goran Lozanovski’s Northcote arrived at Lakeside Stadium knowing that a win would secure the Minor Premiership with a game to spare.

The away side dominated the first half with excellent free-flowing football and a high pressing game, with Milos Lujic looking extremely dangerous up front. He thought he had opened the scoring when he latched onto a through-ball and scored past the advancing Peter Gavalas, however the linesman flagged late for offside and the goal did not count. The next controversial moment arrived when referee Perry Mur denied South a penalty after Hayden D’Agostino looked to have dragged Luke Hopper down in the penalty area. In an end-to-end encounter, Lujic again came close to scoring but Shaun Kelly saved South’s blushes after clearing Lujic’s goal-bound shot off the line.

South coach Chris Taylor was furious in the second half when Hopper again looked to have been dragged back but once more no free kick was given by referee Mur. Hopper then missed South’s best chance of the match when he toe-poked the ball wide of Chris Petropoulos’ goal following a wonderful cross from the left. Lujic again went close for Northcote with a header that Gavalas tipped onto the crossbar before Michael Eager blasted a shot over his near post. The warning signs were there for South that they needed to be careful with their defending and they ultimately paid the price when Norton’s weak back-pass to Gavalas was intercepted by Kounavelis, who rounded Gavalas before scoring into the empty net to give Northcote the lead and put them on course for the Minor Premiership.

With time running out and their finals aspirations rapidly diminishing, South threw everything at Northcote and almost equalised when Hopper’s effort was cleared off the line and out for a corner. Nick Soolsma’s resultant corner was met at the back post by Rixon, whose header flew past Petropoulos and into the back of the net. Rixon has been in outstanding form, with seven goals in his last seven League matches. Northcote had the chance to win the game in the first minute of injury time but Alex Rojas’ weak free kick was easily saved by Gavalas. South pressed forward in one final attempt to score a dramatic winner but it was not to be, with Soolsma’s header flying over Petropoulos’ crossbar.

South is currently in fifth spot on the VPL ladder and is one point and +2 in goal difference ahead of Green Gully, however Gully has two games to play, the first being away against Oakleigh Cannons on Wednesday night before they host Dandenong Thunder in the final round. For South to qualify for the finals series, it must defeat Port Melbourne at Anderson Reserve next Sunday and hope that Green Gully drops points either against Oakleigh or Dandenong. If Green Gully wins their two remaining games, they will qualify for the finals irrespective of South’s result against Port Melbourne next Sunday.

It was bad news for the Under-21s as South Melbourne FC was defeated by Northcote City 2-0.

In the South Melbourne Legends vs. Victoria Police friendly match played before the Northcote game, both sides drew 2-2 with Mehmet Durakovic and Sam Poutakidis scoring South’s goals.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 1-1 NORTHCOTE CITY (HT: 0-0)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Evan Kounavelis (75′)
1-1: Trent Rixon (83′)

Key Stats (Provided by Steven Orchard):
Shots: South Melbourne (16) – Northcote (11)
Saves: South Melbourne (6) – Northcote (5)
Turnovers: South Melbourne (87) – Northcote (65)
Balls into Area: South Melbourne (45) – Northcote (27)
Clearances: South Melbourne (10) – Northcote (22)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Bryan BRAN, 5. Nick EPIFANO (12. Rhys MEREDITH 74’), 7. Luke HOPPER, 9. Trent RIXON, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C) (16. Alan KEARNEY 87’), 13. Iqi JAWADI, 17. Nick SOOLSMA, 19. Shaun KELLY

Northcote City:
22. Chris PETROPOULOS (GK), 2. Adrian CHIAPPETTA, 4. Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS, 6. Bonel OBRADOVIC, 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Alex ROJAS, 12. Hayden D’AGOSTINO, 14. Michael CATALANO (8. James KALIFATIDIS 76′), 17. Marinos GASPARIS (16. Nick TEREZAKIS 87’), 18. Michael EAGER, 20. Evan KOUNAVELIS

SMFC Man of the Match: Bryan Bran
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Saturday 14 September 2013

Thursday, 12 September 2013 11:10 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that it will be holding its annual MVP Night on Sunday 22nd September at its Principal Partner Beachcomber Cafe at St Kilda Baths at 6.30pm.

Entry is free with food and beverages at bar prices.

The MVP Night event is to be held after the last home and away season fixture at Port Melbourne. Once the match has ended, head to Beachcomber Cafe and see who will be awarded the 2013 Most Valuable Player accolade.

Please click here to download the flyer

Thursday, 12 September 2013 10:58 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC hosts Victorian Premier League leaders Northcote City at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday night in a match that the home side needs to win in order to keep control of its destiny in the race for finals football in 2013. Winning its final two games against Northcote and then Port Melbourne (next Sunday 22 September) will confirm Chris Taylor’s side a spot in the top five, however it will not be easy to achieve against the teams currently ranked first and fourth on the League table.

South goes into Saturday night having lost its previous game 2-1 against the Melbourne Knights in the derby at Somers Street on 1 September. Although Tyson Holmes scored a great goal to level the scores before halftime, South could not put away its chances in the second half and were punished when Andrew Barisic curled a wonderful effort past Peter Gavalas to give the Knights all three points. Northcote goes into the match on the back of a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Dandenong Thunder at John Cain Reserve. Northcote will win the Minor Premiership should it defeat South on Saturday due to its three point lead and +23 goal difference ahead of the Melbourne Knights.

In the corresponding fixture played between the two sides on Sunday 3 June 2012, James Kalifatidis got on the end of a flicked header from a long ball and slotted the ball past Peter Gavalas for what proved to be the winning goal. Earlier this season on 23 June at John Cain Reserve, a Milos Lujic first half goal was followed by a Kristian Konstantinidis header and a Michael Catalano thunderbolt that resulted in Northcote hammering South 3-0 in what was a deserved result.

Fans are reminded that the Under-21s match kicks off at 4PM on Saturday and will be followed by a South Legends match at 6PM that is a curtain-raiser to the main game at 8PM.

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 11:49 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the annual SMFC Golf Day will be held on Friday 11th October at the Albert Park Golf Course.

The registration fee is $100 per player, and tee off will be in groups of four. As part of the registration fee, a BBQ and drinks will be provided at the end of the 18th hole. There will be competitions and prizes to be won throughout the day.

Please contact SMFC General Manager at the SMFC Office on 9645 9797 or gm@smfc.com.au.

Click here to download the brochure and registration form for further information.

Monday, 2 September 2013 4:25 PM

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the return of the SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup for 2013, which is scheduled for Saturday 21st September in Albert Park.

Played in 2009 and 2010, the SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup was taken out by Coffex Coffee and IBM respectively.

The SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup is a five a side tournament, however, it is recommended that at least two substitutes be utilised as well. Teams will be divided into groups, which will be determined by the number of competing teams.

The registration fee is $1,000 per team.

If all available spots are filled, a waiting list will be created in case of any last minute cancellations.

Please contact SMFC General Manager at the SMFC Office on 9645 9797 or gm@smfc.com.au.

Click here to download the brochure and registration form for further information.