Category: News

SMFC Corporate Sales Director Nicholas Maikousis told smfc.com.au “we are thrilled to be welcoming another new Principal Partner. Online Permit Solutions is a leading organisation in its field, and look forward to our partnership being a long one”.

• One invoice one point of contact
• Prompt response to all matters regarding POD’s, tracking goods, driver run sheets, pallet control, and invoice enquiries.
• Meeting delivery deadlines
• KPI reporting on request
• Well balanced solutions incorporating service and price.
• Regular meetings with carrier ensuring high level of service all the time.
• Various fixed pricing methods e.g. pallet rates, space rates, cents per kilo, half and full loads to all interstate capitals and regional areas.
• On-going invoice management to maintain and reduce weekly expenditure.

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC defeated Sunshine George Cross 1-0 in their Fourth Round Dockerty Cup tie at Chaplin Reserve on Saturday to progress in the competition. The away side won through to the Fifth Round thanks to a Jamie Reed penalty, following a moment of madness by the Sunshine goalkeeper Robert Santilli that resulted in the spot kick being awarded.

South travelled to Chaplin Reserve to play a competitive match against George Cross for the first time since the two sides drew there 1-1 in the Victorian Premier League on Sunday 17 May 2009. George Cross were relegated in 2010 (they played South at Knights Stadium that year), were in State League 1 from 2011-2013 and are now in NPL 1. Despite currently being a division below South in League status, they had the home advantage in this Dockerty Cup tie and looked to frustrate South by scoring a quick goal on the break to progress at South’s expense.

Due to the poor condition of the Chaplin Reserve pitch, the match was largely uneventful. Defenders Andrew Mullett and James Musa both made their debuts for South by starting the match, whilst youngster Kobbie Boahene made his debut by coming off the bench late in the match. South put the ball in the back of the net in the first half however the goal was disallowed due to a foul committed in the build-up. Nick Epifano had the next best chance after making a dangerous run down the left side before cutting in and shooting but the shot was comfortably saved by Santilli in the George Cross goal.

In the second half, Taylor replaced Leigh Minopoulos with Milos Lujic, as South looked to add more of a physical presence up front. South should have scored following another wonderful run and cross down the left by Epifano but Mathew Theodore blasted the ball over Santilli’s crossbar. Substitute Brad Norton then gave the ball away cheaply to Sunshine and the home side had a great chance themselves to open the scoring but the eventual shot was dragged wide of Jason Saldaris’ goal without troubling the South goalkeeper. Santilli then made a smart save from a Lujic header following an excellent cross by Reed that found the centre-forward at the back post.

The match was decided in controversial and bizarre circumstances. Following an injury to one of their players, Sunshine kicked the ball out of play so the player could get treatment. Lujic handed possession back to George Cross by throwing the ball back to Santilli and then chased down his own throw-in, bringing back memories of Fernando De Moraes doing the same thing against the same opponent back in South’s 1-0 win at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday 15 August 2009. Santilli grabbed the ball before Lujic could get there and with the big centre-forward bearing down on him, Santilli lifted his elbow and appeared to strike Lujic in the face. The result was a yellow card to the custodian and a penalty to South that Reed tucked away by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The home side had one more chance to take the game to extra time but Saldaris ensured that South held on for an extremely awkward win in a match that was far from a classic.

Post match, South defender Tim Mala summed it up by describing it as “one of those games where you just take the win and move on from it.” The FFV will hold the draw for the Fifth Round of the Dockerty Cup later this afternoon, with the matches to be played on Wednesday 7 May. South returns to League action this coming week with a trip to SS Anderson Reserve on Friday night to play Port Melbourne.

FINAL SCORE: SUNSHINE GEORGE CROSS 0-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-0)

Goal Scorer:
0-1: Jamie Reed (85’p)

Key Stats (courtesy of Steven Orchard):
Shots: George Cross (5) – SMFC (13)
Turnovers: George Cross (51) – SMFC (66)
Balls into Final Third: George Cross (23) – SMFC (43)
Clearances: George Cross (17) – SMFC (10)

South Melbourne FC Line-up:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 3. Andrew MULLETT (11. Brad NORTON 63’), 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 7. Nick EPIFANO, 8. Mathew THEODORE (15. Kobbie BOAHENE 90’), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 14. James MUSA, 17. Jamie REED, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS (9. Milos LUJIC 63’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Tyson Holmes
Venue: Chaplin Reserve
Date: Saturday 22 March 2014

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm the signing of Under 23 New Zealand International defender James Musa.

The 21 year old arrives at Lakeside Stadium having played for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League (2010-2011), Waitakere City (2011) and Team Wellington (2011-2012). Following a successful trial, Musa signed with English Premier League side Fulham in August 2012 but did not make a senior appearance with them, instead going to Conference side Hereford United on loan in 2013 before being released by Fulham midway through 2013.

Musa’s arrival at the Club is timely considering regular centre-half Shaun Kelly will most likely miss the entire season due to injury. Musa can play at left-back, centre-half or defensive midfield and will most likely be paired next to former Team Wellington team mate Michael Eagar at centre-half.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was delighted with the signing, adding that “it is quite a coup to secure the playing services of James given his experience playing in the A League and the United Kingdom. He will join what is looking like a formidable defence at South and look forward to him having a big season”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes James Musa to the Club and wishes him the best for the season.

Undoubtedly one of the highlights on South Melbourne’s event calendar is the fundraising Jersey Presentation Night. This year’s event is set for Friday 11th April at Beachcomber at the St Kilda Baths at 7pm. A two-course meal, with beer, wine, and soft drink will be provided.

The night is a spectacular way to kick start the year with all players, coaches and officials in attendance.

Principal Partner Beachcomber, located on Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Beach, offers spectacular beach side views in a relaxed and informal setting.
The bidding will be frenzied, as all eyes will be on which South player records the largest bid in the annual player auction.

Sold out in 2013, this event is definitely not to be missed.

For further information about the 2014 SMFC Jersey Presentation Night, please check out the flyer below.

To reserve your spot, please contact SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis on 9645 9797.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC travels to Chapin Reserve on Saturday afternoon to play Sunshine George Cross in the Fourth Round of the Dockerty Cup. It will be the first time that the two sides have met each other in a competitive match in nearly three and a half years and the first time that the two sides have featured in the Cup this season (NPL and NPL 1 sides enter in this round).

South created a tiny bit of history last Thursday night (13 March) when it won the first ever NPL Victoria match, defeating Heidelberg United 3-0 at the Olympic Village. Debutant Matthew Theodore scored the first goal in the new competition as fellow debutants Milos Lujic and Jamie Reed also scored for the away side. Sunshine George Cross also began their League season strongly, defeating Brunswick City 2-0 at Chaplin Reserve last Sunday afternoon (16 March) in the opening round of NPL 1.

There is a big carrot dangling for all Victorian clubs in the Dockerty Cup this year – the four teams remaining at the Semi Final stage will qualify for the FFA Cup to be played later this season. George Cross may be a division below South in League status but they will have the home advantage on Saturday afternoon and will be looking to take full advantage. South Coach Chris Taylor has warned his side not to become complacent following the professional victory over Heidelberg and instead aim to go one better in the Cup than last year (South lost its Semi Final 0-1 against the eventual winners Green Gully on Wednesday 21 August 2013).

Sunshine George Cross and South Melbourne have not met in a competitive match since the final round of the 2010 Victorian Premier League season. On that day, Vaughan Coveny’s South side defeated George Cross 4-0 at Knights Stadium (Sunday 15 August 2010), with the goal scorers being Fernando De Moraes (13’, 61’), Carl Recchia (69’) and captain Rama Tavsancioglu (83’). Whilst everyone would love a similar result this Saturday, a 1-0 victory would also suffice. One player representing South on that day was Eddie Cetkin, who will be lining up in the George Cross defence this weekend.

Saturday’s Fourth Round match kicks off at 2PM at Chaplin Reserve.

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the return of SMFC TV for the inaugural 2014 National Premier League Victoria season. SMFC TV will move to a new time slot of Tuesday 7pm on Channel 31 each week.

The first episode of SMFC TV is scheduled for Tuesday 18th March at 7pm. This first episode will cover the Round One fixture against traditional rival Heidelberg United.

The show will continue to provide match highlights, player and coaching staff interviews, showcase our junior development program and stars of tomorrow. Furthermore, SMFC TV will focus directly on bringing the latest news from the club, as well as providing all South Melbourne FC and general football fans with a modern and fresh view of the club.

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis speaking to smfc.com.au said “we are extremely delighted with the news that SMFC TV will be switching to a new time slot of each Tuesday at 7pm. This will benefit viewers as highlights can be seen within 48 hours of South’s matches from the weekend. SMFC TV provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the club to a wider audience, as it covers all facets of the Club.”

South Melbourne FC encourages all football fans to tune into the show, and enjoy the best of the National Premier League Victoria season.

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

SMFC TV

Each Tuesday night
Channel 31
7pm

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC became the first team to win in Victoria’s new National Premier League by defeating Heidelberg United 0-3 at the Olympic Village on Thursday night. First half goals from Mathew Theodore and Milos Lujic and a late second half header from Jamie Reed sealed the three points for the away side.

Chris Taylor’s side seemed to be in control from the kick-off, which was delayed by 15 minutes to allow for the official crowd of 3175 to come in through the gates. After some early promising forward bursts, South took the lead in the 13th minute when Heidelberg failed to clear the ball properly and Theodore’s thunderous shot flew into the back of the net, despite Heidelberg goalkeeper Griffin McMaster getting his fingertips to the ball as it went past him. It was just reward for a South side that had started the game very well.

South had disposed of the ‘tiki-taka’ football that it had tried to play in recent seasons and instead Taylor’s side resorted to direct, counter-attacking football to Lujic and Reed. Michael Eagar was excellent at centre-half, as were Tim Mala at right-back and Nick Epifano on the left side of midfield. South’s pressure on the Bergers defence paid off in the 21st minute when the home side again failed to deal with danger and Lujic coolly chipped the ball over the advancing McMaster and into the unguarded goal for a comfortable 0-2 lead. The away side should have had a third goal right on the halftime break, when Epifano made a fantastic run down the left side and fired in a perfect cross to the back post for the unmarked Lujic but the big centre-forward headed the ball over McMaster’s crossbar.

The second half was a low-key affair, with South happy to sit back and hold onto its two goal lead. Heidelberg improved in the second half but was unable to really trouble South goalkeeper Jason Saldaris, with the South custodian’s only real test being to save a few shots from Paul Miller and Daniel Vasilevski that came at him. With three minutes of normal time remaining, South wrapped up the match when Heidelberg allowed Epifano through on the left side and his cross found an unmarked Reed to head past McMaster and round out the scoring. All three goals came from South debutants and most pleasing for South was the fact that their two forwards Lujic and Reed both scored and linked up well together.

Captain Michael Eagar mentioned how “we talked during the week about how this game was a big derby and how we needed to get off to a good start. I thought we played well.” Taylor was pleased with the result but warned the side not to become too complacent. “They made us work hard being a derby…it was a good result but there were areas that we can improve on and we will look to do so ahead of the next match.”

There are no League matches next weekend (22-23 March) due to the Fourth Round of the Dockerty Cup being played (the round that the NPL and NPL1 sides enter the Cup). The draw was conducted during the week by Football Federation Victoria, with South drawn to play against NPL1 side Sunshine George Cross. The FFV has not confirmed the date, time and venue of the game yet so South fans are encouraged to keep checking social media and the official website for confirmation either this weekend or early next week.

FINAL SCORE: HEIDELBERG UNITED 0-3 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-2)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Mathew Theodore (13’)
0-2: Milos Lujic (21’)
0-3: Jamie Reed (87’)

Heidelberg United:
1. Griffin McMASTER (GK), 2. Peter KRATKY, 3. Les DOUMBALIS, 4. Jordan WILKES, 5. Daniel VASILEVSKI, 6. Paul MILLER, 10. Jack PETRIE (9. Kosta KANAKARIS 83’), 13. Luke BYLES, 14. Dan HEFFERNAN, 17. Steven PACE (7. Stefan BARICEVIC 70’), 23. Andrew CARTANOS (11. Mark McGOUGH 58’)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 7. Nick EPIFANO, 8. Mathew THEODORE (5. Leigh MINOPOULOUS 75’), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 17. Jamie REED (20. Slaven VRANESEVIC 90’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Michael Eagar
Venue: Olympic Village
Date: Thursday 13 March 2014

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC’s 2014 National Premier League season begins tonight with a trip to Olympic Village to face old rivals Heidelberg United. It will be the first time that the two clubs have met each other in a proper competitive match since the final round of the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

South Melbourne had a strong finish in 2013, ending the regular VPL season in fourth place before defeating Green Gully and Melbourne Knights (both 1-0) to reach the Preliminary Final. Unfortunately that was as close as Chris Taylor’s side came to the Championship, as Northcote defeated South before defeating the Bentleigh Greens in the Grand Final the following weekend. South finished the season in a respectable third place but Taylor wants (and expects) much better in 2014. Many players have departed from Lakeside Stadium in the off-season but have been adequately replaced, with new key signings including Jamie Reed (forward), Matthew Theodore (midfield), Andrew Mullet (defence) and Michael Eagar (defence). Eagar has impressed so much that Taylor has appointed him as Club Captain for the season, with Tyson Holmes and Brad Norton as his Vice Captains. With no finals series in 2014 and the League Champion determined by first past the post, South must get off to a winning start.

Heidelberg spent 2013 in State League One after being relegated from the VPL in 2012. They had an excellent season and won the Championship by finishing on 46 points after 22 rounds, four points ahead of Werribee City (42) and seven ahead of third-placed Sunshine George Cross (39). Key players for the Bergers in 2014 include former South Captain Luke Byles, former South midfielder Danny Vasilevski and goalkeeper Griffin McMaster. Coach George Katsakis will have his players ready for Thursday’s match as his Heidelberg sides have usually matched up well against South over the years.

Ironically, Heidelberg’s last match in Victoria’s top division was against South, at Olympic Village on Sunday 16 September 2012. There was little for both sides to play for on that day because South could not qualify for the VPL finals series and Heidelberg was already relegated. Goals from Matko Budimir (20’), Shaun Kelly (38’, 40’), Baggio Yousif (68’) and Tom Matthews (72’) sealed a very comfortable 5-2 away victory for South to end its season on a high.

Tonight’s match kicks off at 7:15PM at Olympic Village.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to launch its new-look official website ahead of the kick-off of the National Premier League season tonight.

The new website has been given a modern and fresh feel and was designed and implemented by George Kouroumalis, the Club’s digital media and marketing specialist. We would also like to thank John Kyrou and Con Dimitrakakis for assisting with the content throughout the changeover and redevelopment.

The SMFC Media Team of Paul Zarogiannis, David Henning, Kyrou, Cindy Nitsos, Michael Dimoudis and Steven Orchard have also contributed by producing much of the content (SMFC TV, southRadio, statistics and photographs) that features heavily on the new website.

South Melbourne FC wishes to thank everyone involved in the upgrade (especially George Kouroumalis) and hopes that everyone enjoys the new official website.