Category: News

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm the signing of David Stirton, with the forward committing to the club for the 2015 National Premier League season.

Stirton joins the club following a successful stints at Southern Stars and Bentleigh, with the 23 year old striker finding the back of the net on 11 occasions during the recent 2014 NPL season. He also scored the match winning goal in Bentleigh’s FFA Cup triumph in Sydney against Blacktown City.

Stirton provides the club with a tall, highly skilled and extremely quick left sided forward and will be expected to link up with our current potent strike force.

South fans will also remember Stirton scoring the opening goal in Bentleigh’s dramatic 2-1 win against South at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Wednesday August 6th 2014.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Stirton said. “I am extremely excited about working with Chris Taylor and being a part
of a successful team at such a big club. I cannot wait to get started at South Melbourne”.

Also speaking to smfc.com.au, South Melbourne FC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “David is a very accomplished player at this level and we hope that he will be able to support Milos Lujic, as well as being able to find the back of the net on a regular basis”

South Melbourne FC welcomes David Stirton to the Club and wishes him the best for the upcoming season.

Video : David Stirton scores hat-trick against Werribee City

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that Assistant Coach Graham Hockless will not be returning for the 2015 NPL Victoria season.

Initially from Hull in England, Hockless played against South Melbourne many times over the last decade in the Victorian Premier League with Richmond, Heidelberg, Green Gully and Port Melbourne. As a player he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the competition and as a result deservedly won the Gold Medal award for the best player in the VPL in 2008. In addition, he played a leading role in Green Gully’s back-to-back VPL Championships in 2010-2011 and he won the Jimmy Rooney Medal as the Man of the Match for the 2010 Grand Final.

After retiring from playing at the end of 2013, Chris Taylor appointed Hockless as his Assistant Coach ahead of the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season. Hockless’ experience and leadership skills were on show at training sessions and on the sidelines during match days, as he helped Taylor guide the players to the NPL Victoria Championship.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Graham explained his decision to leave the Club. “My young family and I have made the decision to relocate to Queensland for a variety of reasons. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at South Melbourne FC and would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in what has been a great year. I’d also like to thank Chris and everyone behind the scenes for giving me the opportunity to work at South Melbourne and wish everyone involved the very best for the future.”

South Melbourne Senior Coach Chris Taylor paid tribute to Hockless.”Graham has been an integral part of our coaching structure, culminating in the Championship in 2014. His presence in the dressing room and on the training ground will be sorely missed, however we wish Graham all the best with his new venture, and thank him for contribution in 2014″

We wish Graham and his family all the very best on their exciting new journey in Queensland

South Melbourne FC is very pleased to announce that Chris Taylor has signed a long-term contract extension with the Club.

Chris arrived at Lakeside Stadium halfway through the 2013 Victorian Premier League season and made an immediate impact on the entire Club, helping to steer the senior side to an eventual Preliminary Final finish.

With the benefit of a full pre-season behind him, Taylor lead South to a record-breaking 2014 season. He oversaw an eleven-match winning streak in the League at the beginning of the season as South Melbourne FC eventually won the inaugural National Premier League Victoria Championship, the Club’s first piece of silverware since 2006. He was recognised for his efforts when he received the 2014 NPL Victoria Coach of the Year award.

As well as football success, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and a professional manner to the Club off the park. His tough, disciplined and professional approach has significantly improved the culture of the football club overall.

As the Head of Football in 2015, Taylor will coach the senior side and also have the responsibility of overlooking the entire NPL football structure and curriculum at the club.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was elated at the contract extension. “Chris’ efforts over the past sixteen months both on and off the park have been nothing short of extraordinary. We cannot wait to continue building the football side of the Club over the next few years, with Victoria’s most successful coach.”

South Melbourne FC wishes Chris Taylor all the best for 2015 and congratulates him once more on his contract extension.

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