Author: SMFC Media

Thursday, 8 April 2010 12:37 AM

On this week’s episode of southRadio, we review South’s second win for the Victorian Premier League season against Dandenong Thunder, a round up of all the action across Round 5 of the VPL, and preview the last traditional derby at Bob Jane Stadium clash between South Melbourne FC and Heidelberg United SC. In addition, we are joined in the studio by Joseph Keenan for a chat about the season so far, and we are joined by a couple of mystery Trans Tasman guests.

Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au

Click here to download the podcast (MP3 – 15.1mb) 

Wednesday, 7 April 2010 10:22 AM

South Melbourne FC are proud to announce that a weekly half hour television program called SMFC TV will be screened on Channel 31 at 10 am every Saturday morning.

The program will commence on Saturday April 17th with the first episode focusing on the final traditional derby at Bob Jane Stadium, including full match coverage and special behind the scenes footage for all fans to enjoy.

As the season progresses, SMFC TV will focus directly on bringing the latest news from the club, as well providing all South Melbourne FC and general football fans with a modern and fresh view of the club.

Head of Marketing, Corporate Sales, and Events George Triantos speaking to smfc.com.au said “This is an another exciting move by the Club as we now have a full compliment of TV, print, radio, online and digital mediums to promote the Club. Three months of planning and discussions have seen the program become a reality, with the necessary capital investment in equipment to ensure the program is of a high quality. I would like to thank all members of the Multimedia Subcommittee working together to achieve this fantastic outcome.”

South Melbourne FC encourages all football fans to tune into the show, and enjoy the best of Victorian football.

Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for SMFC TV please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au.

SMFC TV
Commencing April 17th
Channel 31
Every Saturday 10.00am -10.30am

Tuesday, 6 April 2010 10:29 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to provide all fans and football lovers with an Easter gift ahead of the Round 6 clash against Heidelberg United.

With the derby between South Melbourne FC and Heidelberg United being the last before the $50.3 million redevelopment of Bob Jane Stadium, we would like to offer you a FREE double pass for the weekend’s game.

To redeem your FREE double pass, click on the below link and enter your name and email address into the form. Once completed, your FREE double pass will be forwarded to the email address that you have provided.

Please forward this email to your friends and family as well. We want to see as many football fans as possible at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday to give our home as we know it a fitting farewell against our oldest rival.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE DOUBLE PASS

Monday, 5 April 2010 3:56 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce Monash Hire has renewed their sponsorship for the 2010 Victorian Premier League season by becoming one of the online corporate partners, sponsoring both smfcTV and southRadio.

Monash Hire Group Pty Ltd is one of the biggest privately owned hire company’s in Australia. Currently Monash Hire Group has over 100 employees and boasts branches in Mt Waverley, Hastings, Coburg, Footscray in Victoria, Mackay and Hemmant in Queensland and Auckland in New Zealand, with Sydney and Perth soon to follow. In 2009, Monash Hire won the highly regarded 2009 Rental Company of the Year Award.

Head of Marketing, Corporate Sales, and Events, George Triantos speaking to smfc.com.au said “it is tremendous that Monash Hire has renewed their sponsorship for 2010.  I would like to personally thank George Bekos for his commitment to South Melbourne FC, as he is a passionate and long time supporter of the Club”.

To view more information about the company, visit www.monashhire.com.au

Friday, 2 April 2010 3:47 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to wish all of its corporate partners, members, volunteers and fans a very happy and safe Easter.

We look forward to seeing you next Sunday against Heidelberg United in the last traditional derby at the ground.

Thursday, 1 April 2010 1:24 PM

One of South Melbourne FC’s major corporate partners, Souvlakihut, was recently named by BRW Magazine as the fastest growing food franchise in Australia, coming in third on the 2010 Fast Franchise list.

Souvlakihut is the highest ranking food business and has grown by over 217% over the last three years – a tremendous achievement for the casual Greek restaurant franchise that has only been franchising since 2005. Last fiscal year was Souvlakihut’s most successful in terms of growth more than doubling its amount of stores and achieving revenue growth of 120%.

The BRW Fast Franchises list ranks companies according to their average annual turnover growth over three years.

John Fotiadis, co-founder of Souvlakihut, speaking to smfc.com.au, attributed the businesses success to the strong team of franchisees that are advocating the brand and the emphasis the business places on its quality product offering, excellent customer service and support it provides franchisees. “Our franchisee recruitment process is extremely vigilant as we know the importance of having strong brand advocates, who can see our vision for the business and work hard with us to achieve success. We pride ourselves in our franchisee support operations, we have development agents who work closely with franchisees in each area to ensure they have everything they need to run a successful business. We’re delighted to be recognised as the 3rd fastest growing franchise system in Australia” said Fotiadis to smfc.com.au.

In total, Souvlakihut now has 36 franchises across the Eastern Seaboard with a target of more than double by the end of 2010.

Head of Corporate Sales, Marketing, and Events, George Triantos, speaking to smfc.com.au, said “we are both delighted and proud of of our major corporate partner Souvlakihut, who have achieved such great success and in particular, offer a healthy alternative to the fast food industry. To be acknowledged by BRW Magazine is a tremendous feat.”

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate Souvlakihut on this achievement, and wishes both Bill and John Fotiadis continued success.

Monday, 29 March 2010 12:10 AM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

Two second-half goals saw South Melbourne FC overcome the Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Saturday night. The 0-2 result gave South its first clean sheet of the season and ensures that the side is undefeated in the Victorian Premier League in 2010.

Leading goal scorer Fernando De Moraes sustained an injury at training during the week and began the match on the bench as Sam Torrens took his place in the side. Despite suffering minor knocks in the previous match, Carl Recchia, Marinos Gasparis and James Stefanou were all able to take their places in the starting eleven.

In the first half, South dominated possession but could not convert on the scoreboard despite creating excellent chances, as Dandenong goalkeeper Stuart Webster made some excellent saves to deny the away side. South’s injury list grew midway through the half when centre back Steve O’Dor hobbled off with a hamstring injury. Shortly after, the Thunder almost took the lead when a shot from Joey Di Iorio hit the side netting at the near post instead of the back of the net.

In the second half, South continued to dominate possession. Carl Recchia and Daniel Vasilevski took complete control of the midfield battle, whilst captain Rama Tavsancioglu did an excellent job of keeping Hamlet Armenian quiet on the right side. The persistence finally paid off in the 53rd minute when a stinging Recchia shot could only be parried by Webster into the path of Gasparis, who scored at the near post to open the scoring as well as register his first goal for South Melbourne FC.

The goal suddenly stung the home side into action, with Dandenong having their best period of possession for the match in the fifteen minutes following the goal. In that time, the Thunder was extremely unfortunate not to equalise, first with an unmarked Di Iorio putting his header wide of Peter Zois’ goal before Scott Bulloch put his half-volley over the bar a minute later. The home supporters began to sing as the home side began to get themselves back into the match.

Despite these scares, South managed to comfortably defend its lead. Fernando De Moraes and Sasha Vranesevic both came on to support Gianni De Nittis up front, as Vasilevski and Torrens went off. De Moraes supplied De Nittis with a through-ball but Webster was there to deny South yet again and keep the score unchanged at 0-1.

De Nittis had done an excellent job up forward all night and he was finally rewarded with his first goal of 2010 deep into injury time. A swift counter-attack ended with Vranesevic cutting the ball back across goals for De Nittis to tap in at the far post to secure South’s second win in succession as well as the club’s first clean sheet of the season.

After the Easter break, South Melbourne FC hosts Heidelberg United in the final match at Bob Jane Stadium before the multi-million dollar renovations on the ground commence. With the two sides being arch rivals for over 50 years, the match promises to be an exciting contest in front of a large crowd.

South Melbourne FC wishes all football supporters a happy Easter for next weekend and looks forward to seeing everyone at Bob Jane Stadium in two weeks time for the traditional derby against Heidelberg. Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday April 11.

FINAL SCORE: DANDENONG THUNDER 0-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-0)

Dandenong Thunder:
Stuart Webster, Hamlet Armenian, Jeffrey Bright, Ryan Davidson, Joey Di Iorio, Shane Rexhepi, Noel Bahnsen, Afrim Avdulai (Veton Korcarevski 60’), Levent Osman, Marcus Stergiopoulos, Scott Bulloch

South Melbourne:
Peter Zois, Stiven Mrkela, Sam Torrens (Sasha Vranesevic 79’), Sebastian Petrovic, Rama Tavsancioglu, Steve O’Dor (Eddie Cetkin 32’), Daniel Vasilevski (Fernando De Moraes 76’), Carl Recchia, Gianni De Nittis, James Stefanou, Marinos Gasparis
(Scorers: Marinos Gasparis 53’, Gianni De Nittis 93’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Carl Recchia
Venue: George Andrews Reserve
Date: Saturday 27th March 2010
Crowd: 1,000

Friday, 26 March 2010 11:01 AM

AIS Insurance Brokers, long-term corporate partner of South Melbourne FC, turns 20 this year.

The company was founded in October 1990 by Brendon Davis as a one person business specialising in insuring all forms of business and commercial risks. AIS initially operated from leased premises in Burwood, and in June 1991, AIS moved to South Melbourne where it has been based ever since. The organisation has steadily grown to become the leading autonomous Victorian based Insurance Broker. Clients work closely with AIS Insurance Brokers, knowing they receive superior advice and that they will recommend the insurance program and insurer that provide the best protection for their business rather than an insurer or option which offers an incentive to AIS.

AIS negotiate specific corporate and commercial insurance placement for clients in a variety of industry classifications and also niche products developed for special client groups. AIS have several specialist teams including: Property & Construction Team, Professional Indemnity & Directors Liability, Workers Compensation and Workcover, Claims Management, Wholesale Insurance (to other insurance brokers only).

Over the years AIS have been involved in some interesting and amazing insurance placements. In 1999 AIS insured the importation of several White Rhinoceros out of South Africa for our Australian Zoos. AIS have insured the work on many oil and gas pipelines, the construction of many landmark city buildings but most importantly they have been able to work with many small and medium sized businesses helping them grow and prosper.

AIS have over 30 staff with in house specialists in most general insurance disciplines. The organisation is one of the few Victorian Brokers admitted as coverholders at Lloyds of London since 1994.

Brendon Davis, founder of AIS Insurance Brokers, has been a generous financial contributor to South Melbourne FC through event and signage sponsorship, purchasing players at player auctions, and general assistance over the years. Brendon commenced sponsoring South Melbourne FC in 1997/98, and was also awarded the Sam Papasavas Award for his contribution to the Club in 2006.

As part of the 20th birthday celebrations, AIS Insurance Brokers has generously announced a 20th goal promotion where the score of the 20th goal for the season (and each multiple of 20 being 40, 60, 80, 100) receives $20. Therefore, 20 x $20 =$400.

South Melbourne FC wishes both Brendon and AIS Insurance continued success, and a very happy 20th birthday to AIS.

Contact Details

AIS Insurance Brokers
137 Moray Street, South Melbourne 3205
Telephone Number: 8699 8888
Website: www.aisinsurance.com.au

Friday, 26 March 2010 10:05 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC faces arguably its toughest challenge thus far in 2010 when the side travels to George Andrews Reserve to face the Dandenong Thunder on Saturday evening in a match that will hopefully rival the corresponding fixture played in 2009.

South will enter the game on the back of its first win of the season following the 2-1 home win over Green Gully last Sunday. Undefeated in 2010 and with six points from its opening four matches, the Blues are sitting in the top five of the VPL ladder. In contrast and somewhat surprisingly, Dandenong have only one solitary win from their opening four matches. Last week, the Thunder opened the scoring away against Oakleigh but lost 3-1, leaving the team in ninth spot on the VPL table.

Despite the slow start by Dandenong this season, they have shown in the past that they are no pushovers and no easy beats. The Thunder had an outstanding 2009 season, where they won the Minor Premiership but tragically lost the Grand Final on a penalty shootout. In the corresponding match last year, Dandenong cruised to a 2-0 home lead before 2 goals in two minutes by Fernando De Moraes and Goran Zoric saw the match end in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Dandenong’s two other home matches in 2010 have seen them beat the Melbourne Knights 2-1 and lose 0-3 to Richmond in what was seen as a shock defeat. Despite this loss, George Andrews Reserve has been a fortress for the Thunder in recent years and the South players will need to play extremely well to win the three points on Saturday. The Blues will not be helped with Joseph Youssef’s injury last weekend, coupled with the fact that several other players are nursing knocks from the Green Gully match. These include Carl Recchia, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis.

The key players for the away side this weekend will be Peter Zois, Daniel Vasilevski and Fernando De Moraes, who have all been outstanding throughout the pre-season and opening four rounds of the VPL season. Zois made a double-save at the weekend to ensure South won all three points, whilst the midfield combination of Vasilevski and Fernando has seen both players net all of South’s seven goals in the League this season. If Zois can hold his defence firm on Saturday and the De Moraes-Vasilevski show rolls on, South will give itself every possible chance to overcome the Thunder.

The match kicks off at 7pm on Saturday evening at George Andrews Reserve.

Last time they met

Thursday, 25 March 2010 11:03 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the launch of the first School Holiday Clinic for 2010 to be held on one of Victoria’s premier football venue, Bob Jane Stadium on Tuesday March 31st to Thursday April 1.

As part of the holiday football clinics, kids will receive specialist coaching by South Melbourne FC coaches and senior players, a certificate of participation, along with a light lunch and refreshments.

These football clinics will encourage greater participation and involvement for all football followers and lovers of the game on Victoria’s premier footballing venue.

The cost of the SMFC clinic for all three days collectively is $270, or $100 per day.

Numbers are limited, so to register please contact Nicki on 9645 9797 or Ange Dallas, SMFC Director of Football on 0418 178 335.

For more details, please download the SMFC Clinics Flyer by clicking here