Category: News

Thursday, 4 April 2013 10:33 AM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that Star21 is our Major Partner again for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

This will mark the third year running that Star21 has been the Club’s major sponsor. Star21 is well known for supporting many elite and community based sporting clubs in Victoria. Star21 is one of Telstra’s largest national business and corporate partners having won ‘Telstra Business Dealer of the Year’ award for the last three years in a row. Not only did Star21 win this award for the third year in a row in 2012, but it was also acknowledged by Telstra for being in the top 3 of both the ‘Telstra Enterprise Partner of the Year’ and ‘National Business Dealer of the Year’ awards.

Star21 specialise in all facets of telecommunications and help businesses integrate their voice, data, internet and mobile requirements. We encourage all of our Corporate partners to get on board with Star21 with their telecommunications services and receive a customised offering and superior customer service. Earlier this month, Star21 launched its new Business Solutions Centre in Abbotsford. To mark the launch, SEN Radio broadcasted live from the new centre with a number of sporting identities in attendance.

Furthermore, Star21’s sponsorship extends to the Youth Development Program. The Star21 logo will proudly feature on the back of the playing shirt for all junior sides. This additional investment will directly support the development of our talented junior players.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said, “we are both delighted and excited to renew our existing major partnership with Star21 for the third year running, and ask all South fans and members to contact Star21 for all their business telecommunications requirements. We hope that this long-standing relationship between both organisations will continue for many years to come”. For more information on Star21 please visit www.star21.com.au or 1300 782 721

Message from Bill Asimakidis of Star 21

Wednesday, 3 April 2013 10:57 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce their squad for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

The team is brimming with a combination of youthful exuberance, talent and experience.

A number of core players have been retained in addition to being reinforced with a number of talented and experienced players. South Melbourne entered the transfer market signing a number of talented individuals to strengthen the side across the park. New signings for South included exciting Queenslanders Tyson Holmes and Rhys Meredith, Alan Kearney from Southern Stars, the return of Carl Recchia from Moreland Zebras, Dutchamn Renco Van Eeken, and Melbourne Heart Youth goalkeeper Sebastian Mattei.

Furthermore, a number of players were promoted from the Under21 side to the Senior Team. These players included Andrew Cartanos, Phil Petreski, James Karvelis, Baggio Yousif, Matko Budimir, and Anthony Giannopoulos.

Departing from the squad from last year included Jason Triffiro (Western Sydney Wanderers), Glen Trifiro (Sydney United 58), Jason Saldaris (returned to Perth), Steve Burton (returned to Perth), Kyle Joryeff (released), and Steven O’Dor (retired).

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis speaking to smfc.com.au said ‘there has been a great of hard work gone into recruiting and preparing a team that the South faithful can be proud of this season. There are some young exciting prospects which are set to make their mark throughout the year. I would like to thank the Football Department for their hard work over the summer in recruiting and managing the requirements of the Senior squad. I urge the fan to get behind the playing squad and support the players throughout the season”.

2013 SMFC Playing Squad

1. Peter Gavalas
Goalkeeper

2. Tom Matthews
Defender

3. Rhodri Payne
Defender

5. Phil Petreski
Midfielder

6. Dimitri Tsiaras
Midfielder

7. Joe Keenan
Midfielder

8. Fernando De Moraes
Midfielder

9. Trent Rixon
Forward

10. Tyson Holmes
Midfielder

11. Brad Norton
Defender

12. Rhys Meredith
Forward

13. Luke Byles
Defender

14. Andy Vlahos
Forward

15. Dimitri Hatzimouratis
Forward

16. Alan Kearney
Midfielder

17. Carl Recchia
Midfielder

18. Marinos Gasparis
Midfielder

19. Shaun Kelly
Defender

20. Andrew Cartanos
Midfielder

21. Sebastian Mattei
Goalkeeper

22. James Karvelis
Defender

23. Renco Van Eeeken
Forward

24. Nick Jacobs
Midfielder

25. Matko Budimir
Defender

26. Baggio Yousif
Forward

32. Anthony Giannopoulos
Midfielder

Coaching Staff

Peter Tsolakis
Senior Coach

Robert Graskoski
Assistant Coach

Frank Piccione
Team Manager

Wednesday, 3 April 2013 10:41 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that Holmesglen TAFE will be a new Principal Partner for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season, with its logo proudly adorning the left sleeve of the playing shirt.

Holmesglen remains a leader in vocational and higher education, and one of the largest providers of TAFE in Victoria. Since 1982, Holmesglen has grown from a delivery of 90 programs to 7,000 students, to a unique multi sectoral provider offering over 600 programs to more than 50,000 students. Holmesglen delivers internationally and nationally across four major campuses: Chadstone, City, Moorabbin and Waverley.

Holmesglen’s programs are highly regarded within industry and include:

– degree and graduate certificate courses
– apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in engineering, hospitality, horticulture, furnishing and building and construction trades
– over 200 nationally endorsed certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas
– pathways to Holmesglen degrees or other higher education streams
– adult short courses
– bridging and preparatory courses and adult VCE
– language programs
– trade accreditation and testing
– corporate and industry programs.

Holmesglen works closely with many organisations, whose involvement assists with the provision of industry relevant training and education programs. A few of these organisations include: Fuji Xerox (Aust) Pty Ltd, Cisco Systems, Austral Bricks, and the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said “we are quite excited to welcome Holmesglen TAFE as the club’s latest Principal Partner. We look forward to working closely with Holmesglen TAFE where both organisations can unlock maximum value from the partnership”.

Tuesday, 2 April 2013 10:51 AM

Click here to view more photos from the day

South Melbourne FC swept all before it in dominating fashion at the 2013 Hellenic Junior Cup over the weekend as each junior team won its respective finals. After 4 weekends of competition, 7 SMFC teams made the finals.

The morning started with a convincing win by the U9 Joey’s side over Northcote City and the success continued throughout the day with each of the 7 teams winning every final they were in..

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis speaking to smfc.com.au said “I was there from 8.30am in the morning supporting our young stars and am extremely proud of every players’ effort. It is no coincidence that each team was successful on the day, and it is testament to the hard work that the Coaching Staff and players have put in. We are very pleased with the progress of our Youth Development Program. The season starts in 2 weeks and we have decided to push most of our Junior teams up one age group. All in readiness for the National Premier League in 2014”.

Below are all the results of the weekend’s finals:
Under 9 SMFC Joeys vs. Northcote City 3-1
Under 9 SMFC Kangas vs. Port Melbourne 9-1
Under 10s SMFC Kangas vs.Under 10s SMFC Wallabies 3-1
under 11s SMFC vs. Northcote City 12-1
under 13s SMFC vs. Box Hill 3-0
under 17s SMFC vs. Maningham 2-0
under 18s SMFC vs. Northcote City 3-1

Tuesday, 2 April 2013 10:43 AM

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the return of the 2013 SMFC Victorian Premier League Tipping Competition. There are some great prizes up for grabs, with first prize being a signed SMFC replica shirt signed by the 2013 SMFC squad.

Prizes for the top three lucky winners include:

First Prize:
Replica playing shirt signed by the 2013 SMFC Senior Squad

Second Prize:
SMFC soccer ball signed by the 2013 SMFC Senior Squad

Third Prize:
$50 Gift Voucher for the SMFC Merchandise Store

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 excited to announce the signing of Matko Budimir for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

The 19 year old defender is someone who should be quite familiar to South fans, with Budimir playing four matches for the club after being promoted on occasions to the senior squad from the Under 21 side.

The youngster arrived at South as a 15 year old from Hoppers Crossing and through his time with the club he has played a leading role through the Under 16, 18 and most recently Under 21 sides, where he captured the Best and Fairest Award for his efforts on the park on multiple occasions throughout that period. He also formed a key part in the back to back Under 21 Championship teams of 2010 and 2011.

Matko will provide the club with a hard working and very committed defender and is seen to be a replacement for retiring captain Steven O’Dor in the senior squad.

We wish Matko all the best for the 2013 season and beyond.

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:38 AM

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 2013 Victorian 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 & Construction Team, Professional Indemnity & 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 excited 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. Please contact Brendon for all your insurance requirements”.

AIS Insurance Brokers
137 Moray Street, South Melbourne 3205
Phone: (03) 8699 8888
Fax: (03): 8689 8899
Website: www.aisinsurance.com.au

Thursday, 21 March 2013 3:31 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce existing Principal Partner Oasis Coffee has renewed its commitment to South Melbourne FC, with its logo proudly featuring on the back of the playing shirt for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season.

Griffiths Coffee is the proud owner and producer of Oasis Pure Greek Coffee. Roasting since 1879, they are a family-owned coffee roasting packaging and distribution business, with a unique combination of expertise and quality being the basis of their success. Oasis Pure Greek Coffee is the No.1 selling Pure Greek style coffee in Victoria.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said “we are delighted to be renewing our partnership with one of Melbourne’s leading coffee brands. Griffiths Coffee will be the exclusive provider of coffee related products to the Club’s new Social Club, and we hope that it will be a long-standing relationship between both organisations. I ask all South fans and members to continue supporting our sponsors, and assist the organisations that are committing to our club”.

Tuesday, 19 March 2013 2:59 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to inform that new recruit Carl Recchia will miss a large part of the 2013 season with a knee injury.

Recchia returned to the club in 2013 after a season with Moreland and was looking forward to having a big season back with the club.

Carl will have an operation on his knee and will head into recovery mode as soon as physically possible.

We wish Carl all the very best in his recovery and hope to see him on the park sooner rather than later.

Friday, 15 March 2013 8:04 AM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the addition of MW Group as the Club’s new Principal Partner for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season. The MW Group logo will proudly feature on the sleeve of the playing jersey for both the Senior and Under 21 sides.

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 the new season ahead. Nick 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. We look forward to long-term partnership Group with the MW Group”.