Category: News

South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm the departure of Jamie Reed ahead of the 2015 PS4 National Premier League Victoria season. In the post-season, the forward has returned to the United Kingdom and recently signed with Welsh Premier League outfit The New Saints FC.

Reed came to South Melbourne FC at the start of the 2014 season after a stint with Chester FC in the UK. He immediately linked up well with Milos Lujic to form one of the most dangerous strike partnerships in the division. Together, they scored 38 goals across all competitions this season.

Reed scored thirteen goals during his 31 matches in both League and Cup competitions, including the match-winning goal against South Hobart in the PS4 NPL Elimination Final on Saturday 20 September. He joins South Melbourne FC’s Hall of Fame after playing his role in the Club’s 2014 NPL Victoria Championship winning side.

We would like to wish Jamie all the best for the upcoming season with The New Saints FC and thank him for what he achieved at South Melbourne FC this season.

To everyone at @smfc thanks for an amazing time. I made friends & memories that will stick forever. I’m now a lifelong fan! #southexpress❤️

— Jamie reed (@jamie7reed) November 10, 2014

South Melbourne FC is seeking an enthusiastic Youth Development Coach to join the club for the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

The successful applicant would need to demonstrate that they have had a minimum of three years coaching experience (at any age group).

Only applicants with AFC B License qualifications or higher shall be considered for the interview process.

To apply or for more information, email your resume with a relevant cover letter to admin@smfc.com.au by 5pm on Sunday November 16th 2014.

South Melbourne FC ended its 2014 season with a glittering and successful Gala Ball at Merrimu Receptions last Friday evening.

Over 170 guests were in attendance to celebrate the Club’s inaugural NPL Victoria championship. The event was opened by the Master of Ceremonies, and SMFC Director, George Triantos who reflected on the achievements and success stories of the season that had just ended.

Following the opening address, South president Leo Athanasakis spoke about the challenges ahead for the club as well as recognising the hard work the Board had put in throughout the year. In addition, Leo thanked all the major corporate partners of the Club, as well the SMFC Media Team who had put in a tremendous effort this season.

A number of player awards were handed out on the night, with the highlight being the 2014 Theo Marmaras Medal for the Player of the Year. The Medal Count was staged in four lots of five rounds, with the final five rounds counted down individually to build the tension and excitement.

Milos Lujic with his club record equaling 22 goals in a regular season (24 goals including finals and cup competitions) received his Golden Boot Award from a former recipient of the award – SMFC legend Jimmy Armstrong.

The 2014 SMFC Players’ Player of the Year Award was won by Tim Mala, who spoke of the honour of being voted by his team mates, but also of the great camaraderie amongst the playing squad.

It was not long before Milos Lujic returned to the stage to receive another award, as he was judged the SMFC Media Team’s Player of the Year. His second award for the night was in addition to the FFV Players’ Player Award, FFV Golden Boot Award, and FFV Gold Medal he had previously won at Victorian Football’s night of nights.

The Sam Papasavas Award, which is awarded for service, dedication, and contribution to the Club, was awarded to Jim Lambropoulos for his service to the Club for more than forty years. Mr Lambropoulos has been a loyal and long serving volunteer for South Melbourne, carrying out numerous tasks ranging from general maintenance to ground marshal.

The final five rounds of the 2014 NPL Victoria season were counted down to determine who would be Player of the Year. At the conclusion of the count, Iqi Jawadi was confirmed as the 2014 Theo Marmaras Medal winner with 29 votes, followed by Milos Lujic on 22 votes, and third Tim Mala on 21 votes. SMFC Head Coach Chris Taylor presented Jawadi with the Theo Marmaras Medal. The guests in attendance charged their glasses, and toasted the 2014 Theo Marmaras Medal winner. Jawadi spoke of his appreciation to his team mates and coaching staff for their outstanding year, as well as thanking the support from all the South Melbourne fans.

DJ Johnny Mav took over as his funky tunes saw many make their way to the dance floor and kick up their heels.

It was a night of great celebration, as the curtain fell on a successfull 2014 NPL Victoria season. South Melbourne FC would like to thank its guests for attending a memorable event.

Below is a summary of the awards handed out on the night:

SMFC Golden Boot – Milos Lujic
SMFC Players’ Player of the Year – Tim Mala
SMFC Media Team Player of the Year – Milos Lujic
Sam Papasavas Award – Jim Lambropoulos
Theo Marmaras Medal for Player of the Year – Iqi Jawadi

South Melbourne FC is saddened to announce that Dimi Tsiaras has retired from playing football.

Tsiaras – along with Brad Norton- was the longest-serving current South player, having arrived at Lakeside Stadium at the beginning of the 2012 Victorian Premier League season. In his three seasons, Dimi represented the Club on 40 occasions (34 League games and 6 Dockerty Cup games). He played as a utility player and covered a variety of positions including defensive midfield, centre-back and right back. Dimi also had leadership roles, acting as both vice-captain and as captain at various times during his three years at Lakeside Stadium. His lone goal that he scored during his time at South was in the 2-1 win against the Oakleigh Cannons on Sunday 8 July 2012 at Lakeside Stadium.

Most pleasing for South Melbourne FC was that one of their own had represented the Club as a player with distinction. Dimi grew up supporting South and would often go to games with his father Nick, who is still a passionate South fan to this day and who was obviously delighted when his son signed for the Club in 2012. At 30 years of age, Dimi was the oldest player in the 2014 South Melbourne squad but despite being limited to just nine appearances during the season (six League, three Cup), he was very much a part of the squad that won the NPL Victoria Championship. As a result, he retires as a Championship winner with his boyhood Club, just like George Tzirtis did in 2006.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Tsiaras said “I would like to thank the Club for the three seasons that I have been here. Everyone involved at the Club have been fantastic and I am glad that I have finished my playing days with South winning a premiership. I could not see my body back up for another year, especially preseason after playing thirteen seasons in Victorian football”.

South Melbourne FC thanks Dimi Tsiaras for his wonderful contribution to the Club and wishes him all the very best in retirement from football.

By Skip Fulton

After four weeks of non-stop football across thirteen age groups, the Heritage Youth Cup ended this weekend following a successful 2015.

South Melbourne FC had two teams playing in the Semi Finals and these were the Under 8s and the Under 10s. Unfortunately, both teams would be defeated despite putting in a strong performance. Our Under 8s played against Cairnlea and went down 4-0 whilst it was Northcote City winning 5-1 against the Under 10s.

Overall, all the boys and girls playing in the competition were the winners who were able to enjoy four weeks of competitive football against teams they may have never played against during the regular season. This is yet another development opportunity for the sub-youth to gain match experience and play against great clubs from different areas around Melbourne.

South Melbourne FC is delighted to advise that midfielder Stephen Hatzikostas has extended his contract until the end of the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

Hatzikostas arrived at Lakeside Stadium from the Bentleigh Greens during the 2014 mid-season transfer window. He played thirteen games for the Club and played an integral midfield role that helped South Melbourne FC win the NPL Victoria Championship. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad knee injury during South’s PS4 Elimination Final against South Hobart in Hobart and will miss a large part of 2015.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Hatzikostas said “I am pleased to have re-signed for South and am looking forward to the challenges that next season will hold. The aim is to once again win the Victorian Championship and follow that up by becoming National Champions. On a more personal level, I’m focused on working hard through the rehabilitation process to return to playing as soon as possible.”

South Melbourne FC wishes Stephen Hatzikostas a speedy recovery with his injury and looks forward to seeing him back on the park in the second half of the 2015 season.

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South Melbourne FC advises that Shaun Timmins has departed the Club to join Hume City ahead of the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

Timmins arrived at Lakeside Stadium during the 2014 NPL Victoria mid-season transfer window. The left-back represented South Melbourne FC on 12 occasions and scored one goal. That goal was the opening goal of the memorable 4-3 derby win against the Melbourne Knights at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 20 July.

South Melbourne FC thanks Shaun Timmins for his contribution to the Club and wishes him well in his future endeavours

South Melbourne FC is delighted to advise that defender Bradley Norton has committed for the 2015 NPL Victoria season.

Norton joined South Melbourne at the commencement of the 2012 Victorian Premier League, and along with fellow defender Dimitri Tsiaras, is one of the longest serving players. In total, Brad Norton has represented South Melbourne on 81 occasions across all competitions (73 League, 8 Cup) and scored eight goals (7 League, 1 Cup). He has held leadership positions at the Club having been vice captain and also captain on various occasions throughout 2013 and 2014. Norton played his 50th League match in the 0-3 win against Hume City at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Sunday 13 April 2014. Other memorable highlights of Norton’s career at South include scoring the winning goal against Northcote City in extra time of the 3-2 win in the FFV Dockerty Cup on Monday 10 June 2013, as well as coming off the bench (86’) to score a wonderful headed goal (90’) against Port Melbourne in the final round of the season on 22 September 2013.

In 2014, he made 31 appearances across all competitions and battled with Shaun Timmins for the left-back spot when Timmins joined in the mid-season transfer window. Norton has worked hard throughout the season to earn and keep his spot in the starting eleven.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Director Nicholas Maikousis said “it was important to retain our core playing squad as we are looking to go go back-to-back in 2015. Brad has the strength of character required to defend our title next season”.

By Skip Fulton

This weekend marked the third and final week in the group stages of the Heritage Youth Cup at De Chene Reserve. All five teams from South Melbourne were in action and the results would see the Under 8s and Under 10s progress through to the Semi Finals.

Under 8s
The Under 8 team has had a developing season in the Miniroos structure. They have played up a level in the Under 9 and the challenge has seen them progress technically as individuals and structurally as a team very well. The benefits of this were on display at the Heritage Youth Cup when they returned to their normal age group.

This week they came up against their strongest opponent in Point Cook. The team played positive football and scored twice to secure the 2-1 win.

Round 1: Win – defeated Eltham 4-1
Round 2: Win – defeated Northcote City 2-1
Round 3: Win – defeated Point Cook 2-1
Result: Finished first in Group 3 and now meet Cairnlea in the Semi-Final.

Photos: http://on.fb.me/1CeVgqD

Under 9s
The South Melbourne Under 9A team had a very challenging group and faced some strong opposition. This week they also faced Point Cook who proved tough opposition. Despite the best efforts the team went down losing 1-2.

Round 1: Loss – defeated by Beaumaris 3-0
Round 2: Draw – drew with Northcote City 1-1
Round 3: Loss – defeated by Point Cook 1-2
Result: Finished third in Group 4

Photos: http://on.fb.me/1sD7dXb

The South Melbourne Under 9B team also came up against strong opposition and reflects on how successful football in this age group is around Melbourne. This age group presented one of the most balanced set of results for the whole tournament. South faced group leaders Bundoora who were undefeated and despite putting one goal in the net, the boys went down losing 1-3.

Round 1: Won– defeated Moreland Zebras 8-0
Round 2: Loss – defeated by Eltham Redbacks 0-1
Round 3: Loss – defeated by Bundoora 1-3
Result: Finished third in Group 1

Photos: http://on.fb.me/1v5p20L

Under 10s
This week, the team would come up against the host team Moreland Zebras in a match that was highly anticipated by both clubs. One of the larger turnouts watched this match and crowded around the field on a stunning Sunday morning. They were treated to an excellent performance by both teams, however, it was South Melbourne who continued their dominant run scoring multiple times to run out 3-1 winners.

Round 1: Won– defeated Whittlesea United 1-0
Round 2: Won – defeated Spring Hills 5-0
Round 3: Won – defeated Moreland Zebras 3-1
Result: Finished first in Group 1 and now meet Northcote City in the Semi-Final.

Photos: http://on.fb.me/1rrCtC2

Under 11s
The South Melbourne coach Jamie Reed had recently returned to England, however, he wasn’t far away from his team’s big match against Pascoe Vale. Being kept up to date on Facebook, South needed a win to make it through to the Semi-Finals.

A great start greeted the crowd when the first goal came in just the sixth minute. The remainder of the first half was well played by both teams demonstrating great individual skill with the ball. On the stroke of half-time Pascoe Vale scored from a corner to equalise. This theme would carry on throughout the match with South taking the lead and Pascoe Vale getting it back. In a minute of stoppage time, Pascoe Vale would again score from a corner finalising the match in a draw at 3-3 and in doing so progressing to the Semi-Finals at the expense of South Melbourne on goal difference.

Round 1: Won– defeated Lalor United 1-0
Round 2: Draw – drew with Northcote City 1-1
Round 3: Draw – drew with Pascoe Vale 3-3
Result: Finished second in Group 3

Photos: http://on.fb.me/1D8inp2

Next Matches on Saturday 18th October

9.00am – South Melbourne Under 8s meet Cairnlea for a chance to meet Box Hill United or Beaumaris in the Grand Final
9.00am – South Melbourne Under 10s meet Northcote City for a chance to meet Manningham United or Moreland Zebras Purple in the Grand Final.

Last Saturday morning South Melbourne FC played host to its annual Corporate Cup competition, which was held at the sunny Albert Park.

The tournament consisted of twelve sides from all walks of life, with former Major Sponsor and Principal Partner Star21 returning to the tournament after winning the 2013 SMFC Corporate Cup.

Divided into three groups, each group winner would qualify for the final four, whilst the best placed second placed side would also qualify for the knock-out stage.

Group A saw the South Melbourne Media Team take part in the tournament for the third consecutive year. The side was a mixture of many club volunteers and staff members, as well as former South Melbourne FC Hall of Fame member Fernando De Moraes who remains a close friend of the media team. They were joined in the group by the big banks, with both Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank featuring in the tournament. The final member in the group was a youthful K & A Accountants side who featured guest player and former Carlton Football Club legend and 1995 AFL Premiership Player Ang Christou.

Group B was labelled the “Group of Death” prior to the tournament commencing with Black Cod, Victoria Police, Moray & Agnew Lawyers and a selection of SMFC Youth Parents all thinking that they had a chance of progressing through to the final four. It was fantastic to see Victoria Police also participate in the tournament following on from their participation in the Tony Clarke Memorial Shield on September 7 at Lakeside Stadium prior to the South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons clash.

Finally Group C consisted of reigning champions Star21 who were looking to make it back-to-back. They would face a tough test against Trapezi, GPZ Legal and Connexion Media to progress through the group.

After three group matches, the group winners were Commonwealth Bank, Victoria Police and Star21 reaching the final stage of the tournament. They were joined by Black Cod who were the only second placed side that remained undefeated through the Group Stage, edging out the SMFC Media Team and Trapezi as the best second placed side.

In a major shock reigning champions Star21 were eliminated from the tournament in the Semi Final stage by the Victorian Police side, whilst Black Cod overcame a tough Commonwealth Bank side to reach the final also.

The final was a tight affair with Black Cod and the Victoria Police not giving each other an inch during normal time, finishing 1-1 at full time. With the match heading into penalties, Black Cod were able to find a way to victory in an epic contest.

We would firstly like to thank everyone that made the day such a tremendous success and would like to congratulate Black Cod Cafe on being the 2014 SMFC Corporate Cup Champions!