Author: SMFC Media

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise of the following staff movements.

Matthew Borowicz has resigned to fulfil a lifetime ambition in coaching overseas. Over the last four years, Matthew combined being an SMFC Youth Coach with being the club’s Youth Coordinator and running the administration. He has been given a massive opportunity to coach professionally in Paraguay and he leaves SMFC with everyone’s best wishes.

Despina Bastas has rejoined SMFC in a combined role of Corporate Events and Administration Manager. Despina was previously involved at the club between 2011 and 2012 in the medical department for the Seniors and the Under 21s. She has already made a flying start, organising the successful Gala Ball and Corporate Cup events that were recently held. Despina will also cover the departure of Matthew Borowicz by looking after the Youth Administration.

David Schwerdtfeger joined SMFC as a volunteer in 2014 and assisted with various duties on match days at Lakeside Stadium. In 2015, he continued his match day duties while also assisting the Operations and Marketing teams. He has been appointed as the club’s Marketing Coordinator and has already hit the ground running by securing several Corporate Partners for the 2016 season.

John Kyrou has moved from the Administration Manager role to a combined role focussing on the club’s media and history. John has co-hosted SMFC TV and South Radio for the last six years and will continue to do so in 2016. He will play a bigger role in our expanding media team and has recently begun a long-term project with SMFC TV Producer Paul Zarogiannis (of Gold Leaf Creative) in documenting SMFC’s history from 1959.

George Kouroumalis has been appointed as SMFC’s Operations Manager. George oversees the daily operations of the entire club and actively manages the Media and Marketing divisions. He works with all of the above-mentioned staff and the Board of Management to meet all of SMFC’s ambitions and objectives.

As SMFC continues to grow in leaps and bounds off the field, we are excited to start 2016 with such a committed, experienced and dedicated off-field team in our office.

Click here to view updated club structure

South Melbourne Football Club (SMFC) is Australia’s most successful football (soccer) club and the FIFA Oceania Club of the Century.

Throughout our 56 years as a club, we have relied on the hard work and determination of our volunteers. With reconstruction of our offices and social room about to get underway, we need you!

We have several opportunities available for volunteers to become involved at the club in the following fields:

• Events
• Media
• Match Day

Ideal candidates will have the following skills:

• Passion for their voluntary field.
• Knowledge of football (preferable though not essential).
• Skills to work as part of a team as well as autonomously.
• Excellent English speaking skills.
• A Working With Children Check (successful applicants can have this obtained through the club if they do not currently have one).

Please do not hesitate to contact Despina Bastas for further details at admin@smfc.com.au or on (03) 9645 9797.

On Tuesday evening the FFV announced the eight teams which will form the Womens National Premier League in Victoria from 2016. South Melbourne Womens Football Club applied for a licence but was not selected.

South Melbourne FC is shocked by this outcome. SMWFC has been at the forefront of Women’s football in Victoria for almost four decades and in the eyes of most is one of the leading women’s clubs in the State. SMFC did not apply for a licence in its own right, having agreed that SMWFC would do so on behalf of the South Melbourne football family with the intention the clubs would operate their NPL teams as one club.

Prior to the announcement by FFV of the successful applicants, SMWFC and SMFC alerted the FFV of serious concerns they had about the process adopted by FFV in receiving and assessing SMWFC’s application and related matters.

FFV has offered to mediate the complaint, proposing the appointment of a senior QC as mediator. SMWFC is considering whether to accept this proposal or pursue its other legal rights. We expect SMFWFC will make an announcement shortly. SMFC fully supports SMWFC and will continue to do so through this process.

South Melbourne FC is proud to host the Tony Clarke Memorial Shield prior to our final home and away match of the season against Northcote City this Sunday.

The Tony Clarke Memorial Shield is organised by the Victoria Police Soccer Club (VPSC) and the Blue Ribbon Foundation. It honours Senior Constable Tony Clarke, who was a playing member of VPSC but was sadly murdered whilst in the line of duty in April 2005. This year marks the tenth anniversary of his passing.

The annual match, where the ‘Copperoos’ take on a team of former Socceroos, will play as a curtain raiser to our final home game of the home and away season. The Socceroos team will contain a number of familiar faces, including Jimmy Rooney and former SMFC National League Championship players in Kimon Taliadoros, Ken Murphy, Fausto De Amicis and Goran Lozanovski.

Following the conclusion of the Tony Clarke Memorial Shield, SMFC will take on Northcote City for the inaugural Tony Clarke Memorial Cup. This is a new trophy that will be contested between SMFC and its final home and away opponent at Lakeside Stadium every season. The match has added significance due to the potential for SMFC to win the 2015 NPL Victoria Minor Premiership should it defeat Northcote City on Sunday.

The President of VPSC, Senior Sergeant Ron Sinclair, was delighted about SMFC hosting the event on Sunday. “We’re thrilled to play on Lakeside Stadium to honour our friend and team mate, Senior Constable Tony Clarke. The game means a lot to us and we’re hoping to put a few spectacular goals past a formidable Socceroo team.”

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis was also delighted to host the match. “We have seen the Copperoos play against the Socceroos in the past and it is always good-natured and fun. There is a seriousness to the game though and that is to raise awareness and honour for Senior Constable Tony Clarke, who sadly lost his life while doing his job. We look forward to welcoming VPSC and the former Socceroos to Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.”

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation honours police offers who have made the ultimate sacrifice by providing funding for emergency facilities in public hospitals and remember lives by helping to save others.

Donations to the Blue Ribbon Foundation can be made at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday, where merchandise will be available, or on their website www.remember.org.au.

We urge all SMFC supporters to come to Lakeside early to show their support for what is truly a fantastic cause.

Match Details – Sunday 23 August at Lakeside Stadium:

Tony Clarke Memorial Shield
Victoria Police Soccer Club ‘Copperoos’ v Socceroos
Kick-off: 12:30pm

Tony Clarke Memorial Cup
South Melbourne FC v Northcote City FC
Kick-off: 3pm

Article Courtesy of Fox Sports – http://bit.ly/1ShN8ms

Despite being the dominant team for large parts of the match, the former National Soccer League powerhouse was left to rue some wasteful finishing in front of goal in both regulation and extra time.

The match ended 1-1 after 120 draining minutes, before captain Michael Eagar became the heartbreak story, missing what was his side’s ninth spot kick to hand Palm Beach an 8-7 shootout victory.

South striker Milos Lujic kicked off what would become an eye-catching performance with a 34th minute header that put his side in front, before Florian Matk restored parity from the penalty spot just four minutes later.

Despite enjoying the better of possession, territory and the chances in the second half, South could not find a way home in regulation time and it was much the same story for the half an hour of extra time.

South had a 98th minute appeal for a handball by Sharks defender Martin Vazquez waved away before Palm Beach went close two times in a minute just before the end of the first period of extra time – first from a long distance strike off the boot of substitute Jack Boxall and then off a header by captain Kristian Rees from the resultant corner.

Palm Beach’s Eoghan Murphy was sent off in the 113th minute for a second bookable offence, but with both teams clearly out on their feet, South was unable to capitalise on the man advantage – although Lujic did spurn two golden opportunities to score in additional time.

The 500 or so South Melbourne fans who had flown to the Gold Coast for the game created a buzz around the ground – and they were expectant early on as their team peppered the goals repeatedly in the opening stages.

Palm Beach wasn’t without its own chances, however, and came close to taking an early lead via Rees Duncan, who was denied by South goalkeeper Nikola Roganovic, in the 10th minute.

But ultimately it would be the Oceania Club of the Century that opened the scoring in the 34th minute via Lujic, who has 10 goals in 14 National Premier League matches this season.

Nick Epifano had had a shot cleared off the line just minutes earlier, but the winger got involved in the goal soon after as his side capitalised on a turnover in midfield by the Sharks.

Jake Barker-Daish, familiar with the ground from his days at Gold Coast United, started the counter attack, before Iqbal Jawadi advanced the ball forward in conjunction with Epifano.

Brad Norton then provided a fantastic overlapping run to get inside the box before cutting a brilliant cross back for Lujic, who had escaped his defender at the far post and only had to nod the ball in to an empty net from point-blank range.

But after working so hard to gain the acsendancy, South threw it away three minutes later as the match was turned on its head.

A slick through ball from midfield by Nikola Mirkovic appeared to be going out for a goal kick, only for Duncan to refuse to give up the chase.

Roganovic could have picked the ball up but instead allowed it to go past him, resulting in a collision between he and the Palm Beach striker which forced the referee in to giving a spot kick.

To make matters worse for him, the former Melbourne Heart shot-stopper was sent the wrong way by Matk’s penalty and it was 1-1 at the break.

Undettered, South came out after the break and regained the upper hand in the contest.

As the second half got older, and the chances piled up for the visitors, the Sharks retreated further and further back in defence.

David Stirton, who was a part of Bentleigh Greens’ run to the semi-finals last year, forced Palm Beach goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas into a sharp save in the 54th minute after being picked out by Lujic.

Epifano’s left-footed shot from inside the box deflected out for a corner in the 79th minute before another searching run forward by the impressive Norton almost produced an exact replica of South’s first half goal, but this time Lujic was confronted by just enough pressure at the far post.

And Lujic, the 2014 Football Federation Victoria Gold Medal winner, also had a late chance to win it for South in regulation time, but narrowly failed to keep his header from Jawadi’s cross down.

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise its members that as a gift from the Club, we will be providing 300 complimentary tickets for distribution ahead of the AS Roma v Manchester City match at the MCG next Tuesday 21 July.

The 2015 International Champions Cup will be played between AS Roma, Manchester City and Real Madrid. South Melbourne FC’s home ground at Lakeside Stadium was chosen by the Victorian Government as one of the training venues, with AS Roma scheduled to hold their training sessions at Lakeside.

South Melbourne FC has also established a relationship with Real Madrid, of which full details will be released at a later date.

Due to the Club’s support of this wonderful football tournament, the Victorian Government has given the Club a number of complimentary tickets for distribution to its membership base.

Any 2015 SMFC member wishing to get a single complimentary ticket can do so by visiting the offices of SMFC President Leo Athanasakis at K&A Accountants at Level 1, 75 Blyth Street Brunswick. Please visit between the hours of 11am and 4pm on Friday 17 July, Monday 20 July and Tuesday 21 July. For more information email Marketing Manager George Kouroumalis at multimedia@smfc.com.au.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS OFFER ONLY APPLIES FOR 2015 FINANCIAL SMFC MEMBERS. These members include 2015 Concession, Adult, Family and Life Members only. You must show your membership card in order to receive your ticket and only one ticket will be given per membership. Tickets are limited, so first in, best dressed.

The Club:

South Melbourne FC is a leading football club that plays in the National Premier League and FFA Cup Competitions in Australia.

With nine State League Championships, South Melbourne FC is equal with Green Gully as the most successful football club in Victoria. With the addition of its four National Soccer League Championships, South Melbourne FC is historically Australia’s most successful football club.

South Melbourne FC strives to be the best football club that it can possibly be and always aims to be playing at the top level of football competition in Australia.

The Role:

The Videographer is responsible for shooting and collecting a range of club related material, including all of the Senior NPL and FFA Cup matches in all relevant competitions.

This presents an exciting opportunity for a young and driven individual to be part of one of Australian football’s leading media teams, as well as being a part of the production of our weekly TV show SMFC TV which is screened weekly on FOXTEL.

You will ensure video and other content produced meet the brief, conforming to branding guidelines.

The Person:

It is preferred, but not essential that the successful candidate will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in a related field.

You will have previously worked in a video and multimedia environment for a minimum of two years and must have a current driver’s license and working with children’s check available.

How to Apply:

To apply please send your resume, cover letter and previous work to admin@smfc.com.au.

By Ari Charilaou

South Melbourne will be aiming to regain top spot in the NPL when they take on 13th placed Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve tomorrow night.

South head into tomorrow’s clash in red hot form, after pulling off a magical come from behind victory against arch rivals Melbourne Knights in the FFA Cup last week.

The two sides last met exactly a month ago, where South Melbourne dismantled Dandenong 5-0 in front of their home fans at Lakeside.

Despite South’s recent dominance over the Thunder, manager Chris Taylor will be well aware of the unpredictable conditions playing away from home.

Last time South traveled to Dandenong, they were pushed all the way to the final whistle, just managing to hang on to win 1-0.

Scoring the first goal is crucial for South, as conditions will suit Dandenong, electing to play the long ball on a slow pitch where the ball tends to bobble.

South goalkeeper Nikola Roganovic will be absent for tomorrows clash, after receiving a late red card in a scuffle against Melbourne Knights. Tomorrow’s match is also South’s first game without Andy Brennan, and perhaps an opportunity for Taylor to experiment the squad before their FFA Cup clash against Frankston.

Nick Epifano has been a standout in South’s attack, scoring a match winning brace against the Knight’s last week whilst also receiving man of the match.

South have scored 10 goals in their previous 2 matches and are looking to continue their ruthlessness in the league.

Tomorrow’s night’s game is a must win for South, as they sit in second position behind Heidelberg United, deadlocked on 36 points.

The clash between South Melbourne and Dandenong Thunder kicks off at 7.00pm at George Andrews Reserve. Those unable to make the match can follow proceedings on the club’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, using the handle #SMFC.

Why does a 40 year-old Geordie bloke living in Newcastle upon Tyne, England love South Melbourne?

Growing up in Newcastle in the 1980s following my beloved Newcastle United FC was a rite of passage. I went to my first game in 1982 as an 8 year-old and from 1992 to 2005 I had a season ticket in the Gallowgate End of St James’ Park.

When my girlfriend (now wife) and I moved to Melbourne in 2005, one of my biggest fears was missing the thrill of watching live football.

Confession time now. In 2006 I actually went to two Melbourne Victory games at the old Olympic Park. At the time I knew that franchise was only a year old, however there was something not right about it, it didn’t seem real and I didn’t really enjoy it that much so I lost interest in going.

In 2007 I went to my first South Melbourne game. I remember that it was a Friday night match at Bob Jane Stadium and that we unfortunately lost (0-1 against Richmond Eagles on 29 June 2007). The only things memorable about that first experience was that I really enjoyed the social club (perhaps a bit too much!) and that I liked Bob Jane Stadium (now Lakeside Stadium).

By the time I left Melbourne to return home to Newcastle in November 2013, I’d been a South Melbourne member for 3 seasons, had a child, got married and had even moved to live in South Melbourne. I was officially hooked as a South fan. I’d met some great people at the games who had a genuine passion for football and an obvious love for South that I could relate to with how I felt about Newcastle United.

With it being relatively easy to go to home and away games in the Victorian Premier League, it meant that I started to go and see South regularly play away from home. I went to Northcote (when it was our ‘home’ as well obviously!), Heidelberg, Bentleigh, Richmond, Melbourne Knights, Port Melbourne and Oakleigh.

I loved the Friday night games at Bentleigh for example, where a few hundred South fans could stand together under the roof on the terrace opposite the main stand and generate a very loud noise. A spectacular Fernando De Moraes goal I remember being a particular highlight (1-0 win at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Friday 11 June 2010), even more than the fantastic souvlaki I ate there that night!

By far my favourite South memory was being at the 1-0 away finals victory against Melbourne Knights (at Knights Stadium on Friday 4 October 2013). What an atmosphere and what a performance by the lads. This gave me a small glimpse into what the NSL must have been like with a crowd of 5,000 there that night.

The fact that I missed the 2006 VPL Championship and that I had moved away from Melbourne for the 2014 NPL title win isn’t lost on me. Perhaps I’m a jinx and maybe you lot need to start to pay me to stay away! But the one thing I do know is that the eight and a half years I spent living in Melbourne was without doubt enhanced by being an active South Melbourne supporter.

I am proud to say I’m a South Melbourne fan and I really miss going to the games. Following the games live on Twitter and on football score apps here in England these days just isn’t the same. It’s funny because I was so fearful of missing watching Newcastle United live back in 2005, however given the current shambles that Newcastle is in, I’d rather be watching South Melbourne!

South Melbourne Ole, or as I say in Geordieland, Howay The South!!!

Kind Regards.
Andrew McTernan – Twitter @AndrewMcTernan

South Melbourne FC welcomes Football Federation Australia opening up the dialogue about Australia’s football future with the ‘Whole of Football Plan’ released on 5 May 2015.

However, the current FFA Plan spells the possible end for aspirational football in this country.

The proposed Plan currently provides no obvious club pathway that allows any club that aspires to develop and improve their process, systems and connection with their communities – or more importantly succeeds on the field – to be promoted as occurs throughout the football world.

We are also disappointed that the FFA does not detail plans for further development of a second tier of Australian football, to facilitate the intended expansion of the Hyundai A-League and ultimately the implementation of a viable promotion and relegation system.

Promotion and relegation would assist the improvement of the quality of our top division and provide a breeding ground for players, coaches, officials and aspiring clubs.

More generally, a key component of all successful ‘plans’ is ‘implementation detail.’ We are keen to review that detail when it gets released.

The FFA has certainly made great in-roads for our code’s development (for example football broadcasting and the launching of the Westfield FFA Cup), however we are mindful that strategic errors have also been made in the past.

As a key stakeholder of football in Australia, we will be contacting the FFA to understand and obtain greater detail about their planning processes and to ensure the long term viability and growth of our club.

Leo Athanasakis, SMFC President
Tom Kalas, SMFC Director