Author: SMFC Media

Tuesday, 30 September 2008 10:09 AM

South Melbourne FC is deeply saddened with the sudden passing of former championship winning midfielder James Adam on Friday.

Before coming to Australia, James played for many higher ranked overseas clubs throughout his career, amassing a total of 206 games throughout England and Scotland. The key point of his career was between 1953 and 1962, where he represented Luton Town, Aston Villa and Stoke City in the higher English leagues of the time.

After a stint with Falkirk in Scotland, James arrived in Australia in 1964 to play for South Melbourne in the Victorian State League. In an unforgettable season for James and the South Melbourne faithful, the Blues were to be crowned Victorian Champions for the 2nd time.

On a personal level, James formed an integral part of this by playing in 18 league games and scoring on 12 occasions in an impressive opening season.

South Melbourne FC wishes James’ family and friends our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Friday, 26 September 2008 4:57 PM

South Melbourne Football Club has been informed today by Southern Cross FC Pty Ltd, which was one of the bidders for the second Melbourne A-League Licence, that Football Federation Australia has decided to give preferred bidder status to the rival bid, led by Peter Sidwell.

South Melbourne FC understands that members of the FFA executive met with representatives of Southern Cross FC earlier today informing it of its decision. Whilst a formal decision has not yet been made by FFA to award the licence to the consortium led by Peter Sidwell, the FFA will now proceed to negotiate exclusively with that consortium.

South Melbourne FC is disappointed that following this decision of FFA, it will be unable to proceed with its proposed commercial relationship with Southern Cross FC which would have been of great benefit to the Club.

South Melbourne FC will provide further information to its loyal members and supporters as it becomes available over coming days and will continue to explore all avenues to ensure the Club continues to prosper as it embarks on its 50th year.

Thursday, 25 September 2008 9:28 AM

We invite all Epworth HealthCare staff, family, friends and anyone else who loves sport to come along for a great day out.

Date: Sunday 5th October, 2008 Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm Where: Bob Jane Stadium Cost: FREE

There will be lots to see and do for everyone including:

• Jumping Castles
• Face Painting
• Children’s Farm
• Round robin competition for all ages
• Soccer Penalty Shoot Out Competition
• AFL Handball and Netball Shooting Competitions
• BBQ & Food Stalls
• Raffle with fabulous prizes

There will be also great displays including the Police Highway Patrol, Water Police and the Police Mounted Branch

And most importantly, the staging of the annual ABI Cup Soccer Match between Epworth HealthCare staff and the Victorian Police in support of Epworth Rehabilitation Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit.

Monday, 22 September 2008 1:23 PM

Soccer for dads

Run out to the roar of the crowd, participate in a fun game of football (soccer) prior to the commencement of the AFL Grand Final.

When: Saturday 27th September
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Time: 12.30pm
Cost: $30pp for hire of the ground (applicable only to players)
RSVP: Leo Athanasakis via SMFC Office – 03 9645 9797

Players must also bring a white and a coloured shirt with them to the ground, as well as a towel & change of clothes for after the game. This is on top of your boots, shin pads and ice packs. A generous interchange strategy will apply!

AFL Grand Final Live on the Big Screen

Watch the AFL Grand Final with family and friends in the lovely Bob Jane Stadium Social Club area.

When: Saturday 27th September
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Time: 2pm onwards
Cost: FREE (everyone is welcome)

The club’s food and beverage facilities in the social club will also be open for the entire game.

Wednesday, 17 September 2008 4:02 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the re-signing of key defender and 2008 MVP winner Steven O’Dor for two seasons.

O’Dor re-joined SMFC after a stint with Wellington in the Hyundai A-League in the early stages of 2007, and he immediately re-established himself as one of the finest central defenders in the league.

At only 21 years of age, the former South junior is expected to be part of the resurgence of the side in 2009, where the club will also celebrate it’s 50th year of existence.

Speaking to www.smfc.com.au, O’Dor was upbeat about the club’s chances in 2009, stating that:

“On the park, 2008 was tarnished with poor form, injuries and suspensions, but I feel in 2009 we will have the depth to go a long way.

At this stage we cannot promise instant success, because it would be completely unrealistic and naive to do so this early before the season, but what I do promise all of our fans is the improved commitment and dedication not only from myself but from my fellow players week in week out.

I look forward to working with Michael Michalakopoulos, grinding out results and enjoying success with South Melbourne in 2009 and beyond.”

We wish Steve all the best in 2009 and look forward to seeing him play a key leadership role in the team once again.

Monday, 15 September 2008 8:45 AM

REGISTER TO TRAIN WITH THE WORLD’S BEST AT THE MELBOURNE MILAN JUNIOR CAMP – OCTOBER 2008

Football Development Australia (FDA) is calling all football loving boys and girls aged 6-15 to register for a football experience of a lifetime these October school holidays.

Be part of the Melbourne Milan Junior Camp , being held at Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park, from Monday 29th September– Friday 3rd October, 8.30am – 11.30am and train with the world’s best!

Football Development Australia is the official partner of AC Milan in Australia and the AC Milan Academy Coaching team will be in Melbourne this October to help you develop your football skills, improve your technique, teamwork and tactical awareness!

Not only will you get the chance to participate in a football experience of a lifetime and meet real football legends, each attendee will get to take home an original double AC Milan Adidas kit and Milan Junior Camp certificate at the completion of the camp.

To SIGN UP TODAY go to www.footballdevelopment.com.au/mjc for the football experience of a lifetime!

For further information:
Football Development Australia
Ph: 02 9024 5122

About Football Development Australia (FDA):
FDA, the official partner of AC Milan for Australia and NZ focuses on bringing the best practice in grassroots football development to Australia. We strongly believe – and the statistics from major European clubs confirm – that it is important for young players to develop fully as people and as footballers in their natural environment before considering a career overseas. Our relationship with AC Milan helps us to source football development and coaching expertise of the highest quality in relation to technical, tactical, physical, psychological and medical aspects of the game from an environment that is constantly improving its performance through research and analysis.
www.footballdevelopment.com.au

Monday, 8 September 2008 8:45 AM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Michael Michalakopoulos and his assistant Phil Peladarinos to the senior coaching roles for the 2009 and 2010 VPL seasons.

Asked about his re appointment Michael had this to say: “I am thrilled to have been signed on to coach SMFC for the coming seasons. I value the confidence shown to me and my assistant by the South board and we regard our eappointment as recognition of our contribution to the Club in 2008. We are very enthusiastic and are looking forward to the challenge of rebuilding the squad and having a successful season in 2009.”

During his short tenure at the club, Michael has impressed all with his passion to succeed, tactical nous and player management attributes.

SMFC club Secretary and Interim Football Director George Koukoulas stated: “In a results sense, the last couple of seasons have been a little disappointing for a variety of reasons, but we believe that Michael and Phil are the right people to steer the club’s footballing fortunes into the future by developing and providing a solid base of players capable of challenging for VPL titles year in year out.

Michael is one of the best up and coming home grown coaches in Australia. As an ex player of the club, he is fully aware of the footballing tradition and success associated with South Melbourne which he instils into the current players. This is an important aspect which helps reinforce the wonderful fabric we have at the club.

I look forward to assisting him in achieving positive outcomes and success for the club in its 50th year.”

The club has already started scouting and recruiting possible additions to the squad given the imminent retirement of club stalwart Dean Anastasiadis and departure due to family reasons of Scott MacNicol and Adam Van Domelle.

Friday, 5 September 2008 10:03 AM

The South Melbourne JFC has once again capped off a stellar season on the park with all sides having a strong presence on the field with 5 out of the 7 junior sides claiming the championship at the top level.

With the junior clubs being separated into two divisions based on location, South will have two representatives this weekend who will be playing off to be State Super League champions against their counterparts from the North Western Super League division.

In what promises to be a high quality couple of matches, as well as a keenly fought contest, the South Melbourne Football Club encourages all fans to get along and support the future of the club on such a big stage.

Details for the games are as follows:

SMJFC U/13 Vs Essendon Royals
Darebin International Sports Centre – Pitch One
Kick off: 9am

SMJFC U/16 Vs Keilor Park
Darebin International Sports Centre – Pitch One
Kick off: 12.30pm

Monday, 1 September 2008 10:22 AM

Womens
State League 3 – South Melbourne FC 0 – Doncaster Rovers 4
Under 14B Metro – South Melbourne FC 0 – Boroondara Eagles JFC 4

Juniors
Under 18 Superleague – South Melbourne FC 3 – Keilor Park JSC 2
Under 16 Superleague – South Melbourne FC 2 – Box Hill Inter 1
Under 15A East – South Melbourne FC 4 – Doncaster Rovers 1
Under 14 Superleague – South Melbourne FC 0 – Richmond 3
Under 13 Superleague – South Melbourne FC 6 – Brighton 0
Under 13A East – South Melbourne FC 4 – Boronia 1
Under 12A East – South Melbourne FC 1 – Box Hill Inter 0
Under 11 East – South Melbourne FC 5 – North Caulfield 0

Monday, 25 August 2008 7:35 AM

South Melbourne finished a disappointing season on a high, with the Blues defeating bottom-placed Frankston 3-1 in a scrappy contest on Sunday.

South came into the game on the back of the disappointment of missing the finals for the second consecutive year.

Frankston on the other hand had already been condemned to the foot of the table, with the Pines certain of being relegated from the Foxtel Cup.

The first 30 minutes started off in a timid manner, with both clubs playing some scrappy and uninspiring football with no genuine goal-scoring chance being created by anyone.

This all changed in the 31st minute when some exceptional work by Nathan Caldwell culminated in the South Melbourne striker playing a sublime through ball into the path of Scott MacNicol. The former Oakleigh midfielder took a touch and hit the golden chance just over the bar and out for a goal kick.

South had one final chance for the half in the 43rd minute, when yet another long range effort by MacNicol was hit on target. However, home goalkeeper Peter Zois was able to get down quickly and calmly capture MacNicol’s powerful shot.

With a poor first half behind them, Frankston came out on the front foot in the second half when a lovely cross from the left hand flank found the head of the well-positioned Craig Metcalfe. With only the keeper to beat, Metcalfe headed the golden chance over the bar.

South responded almost immediately and was once again denied by goalkeeper Zois in the 52nd minute. On this occasion a well constructed move forward concluded by an exceptional ball by Shane Nunes finding the speedy Goran Zoric.

With the defence remaining uncommitted, Zoric hit a low shot from just outside the area onto the target. Thankfully for the home side Zois produced a sublime save, acrobatically diving to his right and turning the ball around the post.

However it was Frankston who would hit the lead in the 65th minute through an amazing left footed strike by youngster Craig Smart. With the defence able to clear the ball from a Frankston corner, Smart was able to regain possession just outside the area, before hitting a perfectly timed and unstoppable volley into the top left hand corner of the net to give his side an unlikely lead.

The goal sparked South Melbourne into action and the Blues faithful only had to wait three minutes to be back on level terms.

A great run by Scott MacNicol down the right hand flank ended with the midfielder playing a square ball across the area into the path of Fernando. With no defender around the Brazilian maestro, Fernando slammed the ball into the back of the net.

South should have had the lead only a minute later when a stagnant piece of defending allowed for a long Scott MacNicol ball to find Fernando just inside the area. With the keeper to beat, Fernando opted to play the ball across to the open Goran Zoric on the penalty spot.

With the entire goal to aim at, Zoric made a meal of the opportunity, scuffing a timid shot that went out for a goal kick.

Thankfully for Zoric and the traveling fans, Fernando gave South the lead five minutes later. A fantastic solo run past three Frankston defenders saw the Futsalroos representative surge his way into the area before slamming the ball into the back of the net once again.

South continued to run rampant in the final twenty minutes and through Zoric once again missed a golden chance in the 81st minute. With the youngster able to turn the defence inside out, he was then able to superbly round goalkeeper Peter Zois, before aiming yet another timid shot towards the target. In what amazed the traveling fans, the shot did not make the distance from six yards out, with Zois able to push back and pick the ball up off the goal line in a remarkable passage of play.

The Blues however managed to grab a third goal with only a few minutes left on the clock after Zois parried a long range Hamlet Armenian shot into the path of Gianni De Nittis just inside the six yard box. With no-one in front of him, De Nittis calmly slotted the ball over the goal line to give South all three points.