Category: News

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that Plastamasta will be the new Major Sponsor of the Club for the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season. As part of the club wide partnership, the Plastamasta logo will prominently feature on the front of the playing shirts across all teams within the Club, including both Senior and Junior Teams.

Plastamasta is the national distribution network for its parent company Knauf, with over 47 outlets Australia wide. The parent company Knauf manufactures and distributes plasterboard, compounds, cornice and associated products and systems. Plastamasta seeks to establish lasting relationships with their customers by exceeding their expectations through exceptional service, quality innovative products and a commitment to over-deliver.

With two manufacturing facilities in Matraville (Sydney) and Altona (Melbourne), over 220 employees and a national franchise PlastaMasta network, Knauf is a major supplier of plasterboard and associated products to the light weight construction industry. A quality range of products and systems designed for performance provide solutions for fire, water, impact, acoustic and decorative applications for all construction projects – commercial and residential.

Knauf, a family owned company based in Germany, has a strong global presence in the construction materials industry. With more than 220 facilities, 70 quarrying operations and 23,000 employees in over 60 countries the company is one of the leading plasterboard manufacturers in the world producing more than 1 billion square metres of plasterboard per year. Furthermore, total consolidated revenue for the Knauf Group is over 8 billion euros per annum.

Andrew and Harry Mesourouni, Managing Directors of Global Gypsum trading as PlastaMasta in Victoria, told smfc.com.au “it is a quite a coup for the Club to forge a relationship with the Plastamasta brand and the Knauf Group. The parent group Knauf is one of the world’s largest producer of plasterboard and associated products. Both South Melbourne FC and Plastamasta/Knauf share similar core values, and we look forward to an enduring and successful partnership. With the establishment of the National Premier League Victoria competition and the introduction of the FFA Cup, it promises to be an exciting year at South Melbourne”.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis said “we are both delighted and excited to welcome a national brand such a Plastamasta to the Club. This represents one of the largest sponsorship deals the Club has secured since its return to state football. Plastamasta’s parent company Knauf is one of the world’s largest producers of plaster related products, and it is an example of the strong growth in corporate sponsorship the Club has achieved over the preseason.”

By John Kyrou

Click here to view the full squad

The 2014 pre-season has certainly been a busy one for South Melbourne FC. With National Premier League rules requiring each squad to have a mandatory 20 players on its roster, Coach Chris Taylor has spent the summer re-signing key players and welcoming former familiar faces to the Club, whilst also overseeing a number of departures as well.

Key losses have been Bryan Bran, Luke Hopper and Nick Soolsma (all gone overseas) whilst Alan Kearney, Carl Recchia and Trent Rixon decided to join other NPL clubs. Rhys Meredith returned home to Queensland and goalkeeper Peter Gavalas retired, as did Club champion Fernando De Moraes.

Centre-half Shaun Kelly suffered a lengthy leg injury over the summer and will miss most – if not all – of 2014. He is not included in the 20 man roster; however the Club wishes to confirm that Shaun remains with the Club and is in Chris Taylor’s plans for the future. Kelly’s absence at centre-half has been filled with the arrivals of Andrew Mullett and James Musa, with both players able to switch between playing centre-half and left-back. Former SMFC players returning to Lakeside Stadium include Jason Saldaris, Leigh Minopoulos, Andy Kecojevic (juniors) and Slaven Vranesevic (juniors). The two visa players (the maximum number allowed in each NPL squad) for South in 2014 are Musa and Englishman Jamie Reed, who joins the Club from Chester but formerly played at Dandenong Thunder on loan in 2010 and scored seven goals in five matches. Musa will join the club after his commitments with Team Wellington finish.

Taylor has managed to put together a playing squad that is a good mixture of youth and experience, with the youngest player being Andy Kecojevic (15) and the oldest being Dimi Tsiaras (29). Only three players – Tsiaras (29), Holmes (26) and Reed (26) – are 25 years of age or older. Despite the uncertainty throughout the summer regarding the introduction of the NPL in 2014, South has managed to get on the front foot and put together a playing squad that will hopefully be a contender in all competitions in 2014. With four trophies on offer (NPL Victoria Championship, National Premier League Championship, Dockerty Cup and FFA Cup), there is plenty to look forward to this upcoming season.

Captaining the squad this season will be Michael Eagar, while his deputies will be Tyson Holmes and Brad Norton who have both been named Vice Captain.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis said “Chris Taylor has put together a formidable squad that is a blend of youth and experience. With the introduction of the National Premier League and FFA Cup, there is much excitement at Lakeside as we have much to play for this season.”

Departures
Alan Kearney (Dandenong Thunder), Bryan Bran (Netherlands), Carl Recchia (Pascoe Vale), Fernando De Moraes (retired), Luke Hopper (UK), Rhys Meredith (Queensland), Nick Soolsma (Canada), Peter Gavalas (retired), Trent Rixon (Northcote City)

Arrivals
Andrew Mullett (Oakleigh Cannons), Andy Kecojevic (Springvale White Eagles), James Musa (Team Wellington, NZ), Jamie Reed (Chester, UK), Jason Saldaris (Perth SC), Kobbie Boahene (AIS), Leigh Minopoulos (Werribee City), Michael Eagar (Northcote City, Milos Lujic (Northcote City), Slaven Vranesevic (Springvale White Eagles), Graham Hockless (Port Melbourne Sharks), Joshua Meaker (SMFC Youth).

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with AIS Insurance, with its logo proudly featuring on the front of the playing shorts for the 2014 National Premier League season.

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 and Construction Team, Professional Indemnity and Directors Liability, Workers Compensation and Workcover, and Claims Management.

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, 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.

Speaking with smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said, “we are delighted to renew our existing partnership with Brendon and AIS Insurance Brokers for another season. They have been long-term supporters of the Club and we are very thankful for their continued generous support. It is one of the longest standing partnerships in the Club’s history. Please contact Brendon for all your insurance requirements”.

southRadio is back for season 2014 and once again providing a light
hearted look at all things South Melbourne FC in our weekly podcast.

In the first episode of the year we have John, David and Griffin back
in the studio to talk about our lengthy pre-season, as well as to
discuss the National Premier League and how it effects our club.

We also preview the upcoming Round 1 Thursday night blockbuster
against our old foe Heidelberg United, as well as look in depth at our
2014 squad.

Check out the episode below

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

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm that Michael Eagar has been
appointed as Club Captain for the inaugural 2014 National Premier
League season.

Michael’s leadership qualities have shown since he first stepped into
Lakeside Stadium in the summer. In the numerous friendly matches the
Club has played during pre-season, Eagar has thoroughly impressed
Coach Chris Taylor and his coaching staff with his organisation,
encouragement and constant communication with his teammates.

The 24 year old dual Australian/New Zealand citizen has captained New
Zealand at both Under 20 and Under 23 level and was always going to be
in contention to lead the Club in the NPL. His first League match as
South Captain will be in Thursday night’s opening round derby against
Heidelberg United at Olympic Village.

Joining Eagar in the leadership positions are Tyson Holmes and Brad
Norton, with both players appointed as Vice Captains. Holmes and
Norton featured heavily for South in the 2013 Victorian Premier League
season and showed immense dedication to the cause. Following Luke
Byles’ departure midway through 2013, Norton captained the side for
the rest of the season.

South Melbourne FC congratulates all three players on their
appointments and looks forward to seeing them lead the side throughout
the upcoming year.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm the signing of English striker Jamie Reed from Chester Football Club. The 26 year old returns to Australia following a very successful loan stint with Dandenong Thunder in 2010 and joins South ahead of the 2014 National Premier League season that kicks off against Heidelberg United on Thursday 13 March.

Reed began his senior football career at Wrexham in 2005. Following loan spells at Glentoran, Colwyn Bay, AberystwythTown and Tamworth, he then played with Welsh Premier League clubs Rhyl and Bangor City. During the off-season, Reed came to Melbourne and joined Stuart Munro’s Dandenong Thunder side on loan, scoring a remarkable 7 goals in five matches before returning to Bangor City. After further spells at York City and Cambridge United (loan), Reed eventually joined home town club Chester (in the Conference Premier league) where he has been since mid-2013.

South fans may remember Reed scoring twice in Dandenong’s 3-2 win against South at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Sunday 27 June 2010. Senior coach Chris Taylor will be hoping that Reed will have the same prolific goal scoring form as he did when he played for Dandenong four years ago and that he will link up nicely up front with Milos Lujic in 2014.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikoussis was delighted with the signing, adding that “it is fantastic that we have further strengthened our attacking options with such an experienced player. We are looking forward to the pairing of Milos and Jamie upfront who will hopefully score many goals”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Jamie Reed to the Club and wishes him the best for the upcoming season.

Check out his YouTube Highlights

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the return of the 2014 SMFC
NPL Tipping Competition.

Prizes for the top three lucky winners include:

First Prize:
$150 Gift Voucher for the SMFC Merchandise Store

Second Prize:

SMFC soccer ball signed by the 2014 SMFC Senior Squad

Third Prize:

2 tickets to the 2015 SMFC Jersey Presentation Night

Its easy to enter, and lots of fun. In each round you will tip for a
home win, draw, or away win. You will get 1 point for a correct win or
1 point for a correct draw. The current round will close 1 hour before
the first game of each round is to be played. If you forget to submit
your tips in for a round, you will get the lowest score of the round
minus 1 point. If you start late, you will be allocated the average
points of the competition.

To enter the tipping competition, please go to http://tipping.smfc.com.au/

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of young
midfielder and former South Melbourne Junior player Slaven Vranesevic
ahead of the 2014 National Premier League season. He is the brother of
Sasha Vranesevic, who played for the Club in 2010.

Vranesevic’s pre-season performances during friendly matches caught
the eye of Coach Chris Taylor, who opted to sign him. A tough and
skilful midfielder, Vraneseivc has had senior stints with Southern
Stars and Springvale White Eagles and has also spent time with the
Melbourne Victory Youth Team. In 2013, Vranesevic was the catalyst
behind Springvale winning the State League Two Championship and he
rounded off a brilliant year by winning the State League Two Player of
the Year.

He also spent time overseas with Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade,
where he was part of the youth set up, as well as training with the
senior squad.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis
said “the Club continues to sign some of the brightest talents in the
state, and we are delighted to have Slaven join the squad”.

We wish Slaven all the best for 2014 and look forward to seeing him in
the South shirt.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce MW Group as one of the Club’s Principal Partners for the 2014 National Premier League season. This marks the second year of the partnership between MW Group and the Club. The MW Group logo will proudly feature on the sleeve of the playing jersey.

The MW Group is a boutique financial services firm that specialises in Financial Planning, Risk Management, Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Self Managed Superannuation, Accounting and Finance, and provide a holistic approach to Planning. Their specialists have a combined industry experience of over 100 years, varying from Merchant Banking, Practice Management, Business Development and Accounting.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said “we are quite excited to have MW Group on board for another season. Nicholas Maikousis has been involved with South Melbourne as a former Senior Vice President of the Club back in the NSL, and four generations of his family have been involved at the Club. His work off the park in the football and sponsorship portfolios has been outstanding”.