Category: News

Friday, 20 July 2012 9:39 AM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC take on Richmond tonight, in a must win game at Lakeside Stadium.

After a disappointing result at home last week to Green Gully, South need to bounce back immediately if they are to have any chance of playing finals football in 2012.

In a big loss for the home side, South will go into the game without Tom Matthews, who has been suspended for a month after being sent off for dissent. Matthews is expected to be replaced by fellow Englishman Shaun Kelly, who will be looking to make a mark in his debut game for the club. Kelly is a fast and versatile defender, who will hopefully fill the massive void that has been created by Matthews’ suspension.

In the attacking third, South will need to break down a stubborn Richmond defence, with the Rixon-Burton combination needing to fire for South to take the three points. Rixon’s last goal for the club was in the Round 4 against Richmond, and he is in desperate need to find the back of the net as a reward for his hard work in the past month.

Richmond will not be an easy opponent, with the Eagles also sitting on 18 points and eyeing off a spot in the top five.

While being a team known for its defensive strength, Richmond will be keen to get the ball to the feet of a potent attacking trio of Tom Cahill, Daniel Visevic and Kyle Joryeff. Joryeff is well known to South fans, having recently transfered from South Melbourne to Richmond during the transfer window. Cahill also joined the club during the transfer window and scored a double last Friday against Heidelberg United, whilst Visevic is a slick attacking player who will look to break down the South defence.

In the last meeting between the two clubs, an early goal by Richmond was cancelled out by a Trent Rixon header for a one all draw.

The match at Lakeside Stadium kicks off at 8.30pm.

Last time we met

Tuesday, 17 July 2012 9:50 AM

By George Kouroumalis (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

After three games without defeat, South Melbourne FC have fallen at home to reigning champions Green Gully, after a brace by Brian Vanega brace sealed the win for the Cavaliers at Lakeside Stadium.

Following a comprehensive win over Oakleigh the previous week, South came out of blocks firing and could have scored early after some fantastic lead up work culminated with Steve Burton’s close range shot saved by Gully custodian Rhyss Keane.

South should have had the lead moments later when a wonderful run by Tom Matthews saw the Englishman fire a perfect cross into the path of Trent Rixon. The big striker, who has not scored since Round 4 against Richmond, smashed his shot into the bar. Marinos Gasparis latched onto the resulting rebound and also a stinging drive onto the bar.

Whilst South were playing some exciting and free-flowing football, that would be their only real chance of the opening 30 minutes, as Gully were content with absorbing the South attack and breaking on the counter attack at any chance they got.

This plan worked perfectly in the 33rd minute, when a cross into the area was poorly dealt with by Matthews, enabling the ball to fall directly into the feet of Vanega. He then hit a wonderful volley into the bottom corner to give his side the 0-1 lead.

Gully should have doubled their lead just before the break, when a shot by Brent Fisher striking the upright from just inside the box.

Whilst the first half was generally played on South’s terms, the second was completely opposite, with Gully strangling South at every opportunity.

The first serious chance of the half fell once again to Burton, who hit a speculative long drive from 30 yards, only to see the ball fly out.

With the crowd increasingly voicing their frustration, Peter Tsolakis tried to change things up by bringing Joe Keenan and Andy Vlahos off the bench in an attempt to spark the team.

Moments later it would be Gully that would score a second and seal the game. An innocuous cross from the right hand side was once again poorly dealt with at the back by South. Like the opening goal, Vanega was in the right position, latching onto the loose ball and smashing the ball into the back of the net.

South found energy in the last 10 minutes, and should have been rewarded in injury time, with a stunning run by Matthews finishing with yet another cross being played into the area. On this occasion however the ball looked to strike the arm of a Gully defender on the way though, with the referee waving play on. Vlahos then latched onto possession and hit a goal-bound shot onto the target, only for it to be cleared off the line.

The Blues then lost Matthews moments later, after being given a straight red card for something he may have said to the assistant referee.

It was more bad news for South in the Under-21s, with the Green Gully youngsters triumphing 3-1.

South are now four points out of the top five and must re-group against Richmond on Friday night. Kick-off at Lakeside Stadium is at 8:30PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 0-2 GREEN GULLY (HT: 0-1)

Goal Scorers: 
0-1: Brian Vanega (33′)
0-2: Brian Vanega (74′)

South Melbourne FC: 
1. Peter GAVALAS, 2. Tom MATTHEWS (sent off 90+3′), 4. Steven O’DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 9. Trent RIXON (15. Fernando DE MORAES 78’), 10. Glen TRIFIRO (14. Andy VLAHOS 68’), 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Steve BURTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 18. Marinos GASPARIS (7. Joe KEENAN 65’), 23. Jason TRIFIRO

Green Gully Cavaliers: 
Rhyss KEANE, Daniel JONES, Rodrigo VARGAS, Stephen DOWNES, Brent FISHER (Joel NIKOLIC 84’), Scott ROBSON, Mathew SANDERS (Anthony SELEMIDIS 89’), Mile MEDJEDOVIC, Andy VARGAS (Jason HAYNE 78’), Brian VANEGA, Osagie EDERARO.

SMFC Man of the Match: Dimi Tsiaras
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 15 July 2012

Friday, 13 July 2012 9:16 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC host Green Gully at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a blockbuster match. A win for South could see the Club end the round in the top five, an amazing turnaround in fortunes from three weeks ago when it was in ninth position on the Victorian Premier League ladder and only a few points away from dropping into the relegation zone.

South’s good form in recent weeks has seen victories against rivals Heidelberg (2-1) and Oakleigh (2-1) as well as being desperately unlucky not to defeat the Moreland Zebras in an exciting 2-2 draw. These results have seen the Blues slowly climb up the VPL ladder and be in a position where a victory over the reigning VPL champions this Sunday has the potential to have South creep to within a point of third place on the ladder, the position currently occupied by Gully.

New signing Steve Burton excelled on debut for South last weekend against Oakleigh and was unlucky not to score at least twice in the 2-1 victory against the Cannons. Instead South had Glen Trifiro and man of the match Dimi Tsiaras to thank for getting the goals that secured the three points against the Cannons, who gave South a late scare in the final minute when Ricky Diaco’s free kick deflected off Tom Matthews’ foot and wrong-footed Peter Gavalas. South old boy Andy Vlahos returned for his second stint at Lakeside Stadium and his late appearance off the substitutes’ bench showed that he hadn’t lost his trademark pace and skill. More positive signs from South was Joe Keenan appearing off the bench following a recent injury, as well as the excellent performances by Tsiaras and Matthews and a big general improvement by all players. This will need to be repeated on Sunday against what will be a very difficult opponent.

Green Gully will not be giving three points up easily this weekend, as the Cavaliers traditionally are a very tough opponent to break down and are masters of grinding out results. South has never defeated Gully at Green Gully Reserve since returning to the VPL in 2005 and has achieved mixed home results against them. In the eight League matches played between the two sides at South’s home ground (either Lakeside Stadium or John Cain Memorial Park), South has won 3, drawn 3 and lost twice. In the corresponding match played in the opening round of last season (Sunday 20 February 2011), Jesse Krncevic’s early goal was cancelled out by Brent Fisher’s second half goal in the 1-1 draw at John Cain Memorial Park. South’s last match against Gully at Lakeside Stadium was the season before (Sunday 21 March 2010), when a Fernando De Moraes double, including a penalty and a wonder goal from outside the area, was enough to defeat Gully 2-1 despite Gary Wales’ goal for the Cavaliers. Earlier this season in round 3 (Saturday 14 April), Gully smashed South 3-1 at Green Gully Reserve to bring the Blues back to Earth after South began the season with two big wins. The home side will be hoping that there is no repeat of this on the weekend.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 5:00PM at Lakeside Stadium. South fans are encouraged to come down in numbers and support their team as they strive to end the round back in the top five.

Last time we met

Friday, 13 July 2012 9:03 AM

South Melbourne FC will be without youngster Dimi Hatzimouratis for the rest of the 2012 Victorian Premier League season as the 22 year old attacking player has been ruled out through injury.

Hatzimouratis requires surgery on his foot, with a screw needing to be inserted in the foot in order to assist healing the fracture that has been haunting him ever since the pre-season. The surgery will mean that he will more than likely miss the rest of this season.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Hatzimouratis was naturally disappointed but was optimistic for the future. “I have felt quite a bit of pain of late when running and putting pressure on my foot, so there was no surprise to see some damage in there. It is really frustrating though with the team now starting to gel, playing well and getting good results. I would love to be amongst it but I’ll have to miss out for the time being. On the bright side, I can now have a full pre-season and really ensure that I am at peak fitness for the 2013 season.”

Hatzimouratis joined South at the start of this year and so far to date has scored three goals in 11 League and Cup appearances in 2012.

We wish Dimi all the best with his surgery and in his recovery and hope to see him back on the park as soon as possible.

Monday, 9 July 2012 9:02 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC turned its 2012 Victorian Premier League fortunes around thanks to a thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory against the Oakleigh Cannons at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday night. A wonderful free kick in the first half by Glen Trifiro and a second half goal by man of the match Dimi Tsiaras saw off the Cannons in style.

Following a very inconsistent first half of the season, South took advantage of the mid-season transfer window to add some quality to the side. Football West Gold Medal winner Steve Burton, previously of Balcatta SC in Perth, started up front with Trent Rixon and had an immediate impact by creating and almost finishing several chances against Oakleigh. His presence up front allowed some pressure off Rixon, who also played well despite also not scoring. South old boy Andy Vlahos arrived during the week for a second stint at Lakeside Stadium and he started the Oakleigh game on the bench before coming on in the 83rd minute.

South began the match inspired and deservedly took the lead in the 13th minute. A free kick was won thirty yards from goal and Glen Trifiro stepped up to curl a wonderful shot beyond Lewis Italiano in the Oakleigh goal, sending the home fans into raptures. It was the first time that South had opened the scoring in a League game since Dimi Hatzimouratis scored against Dandenong Thunder in the 1-1 draw at George Andrews Reserve on 26 May. Glen Trifiro almost turned from scorer to provider when he got behind the Cannons defence and pulled the ball across for Burton on the six yard box but Italiano made a great block to deny Burton a debut goal. Italiano then made another block at his near post to prevent Jason Trifiro from scoring. Oakleigh had claims for a penalty when Ricky Diaco went down in the penalty area after a foul by Tom Matthews, however the referee waved play on. Diaco also had a free kick saved by Gavalas as South went into the halftime break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

The home side continued the onslaught after the halftime break and should have been 2-0 ahead after only 45 seconds but Rixon blasted a shot over the bar. Jason Trifiro then hit a stinging shot from outside the area that smashed the post and stayed out. South finally had a second goal just after the hour mark when Glen Trifiro’s corner fell to an unmarked Tsiaras at the back post to prod past a helpless Italiano. The Cannons custodian was the sole reason the away side didn’t concede a third goal only a minute later when he saved Burton’s goal-bound shot after the South striker found himself one-on-one and hit his shot at the top right corner of the goal. South should have been at least four goals ahead by the time Oakleigh found their consolation goal only a minute before the end, when Ricky Diaco’s free kick took a deflection off Tom Matthews and wrong-footed Gavalas. There were some nervy moments in the three minutes of added time but South held on for a thoroughly deserved victory.

The three points lifts South into seventh place and more importantly places the Club four points from third-placed Green Gully (who South play next Sunday) and only a point from fifth-placed Bentleigh Greens. South has now gone on a three-game unbeaten run and the team is looking more steady defensively whilst also looking much more dangerous going forward.

The Under-21s result was exactly the same as the Seniors game, with South taking a 2-0 lead before Oakleigh scored a late goal to make the end result 2-1. One of South’s goals was from a terrific overhead kick from youngster Anthony Giannopoulos.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 2-1 OAKLEIGH CANNONS (HT: 1-1)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Glen Trifiro (13′)
2-0: Dimi Tsiaras (62′)
2-1: Ricky Diaco (89′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 4. Steven O’DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 9. Trent RIXON (15. Fernando DE MORAES 80’), 10. Glen TRIFIRO (14. Andy VLAHOS 83’), 11. Bradley NORTON, 12. Steve BURTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 18. Marinos GASPARIS (7. Joe KEENAN 80’), 23. Jason TRIFIRO

Oakleigh Cannons:
Lewis ITALIANO (GK), Aristidis DRAKOS, Jeremy WALKER, James CUMMINGS, Samuel MITCHINSON, Luke WALKER, Hayden DOYLE, Goran ZORIC (Evan CHRISTODOULOU 65’), Ricky DIACO, Jesse KRNCEVIC, Zac WALKER

SMFC Man of the Match: Dimi Tsiaras
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 8 July 2012

Monday, 9 July 2012 8:00 AM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that Gianni De Nittis has been released by the Club.

Gianni De Nittis was part of John Anastasiadis’ inaugural Victorian Premier League squad in 2005 and was at South until midway through 2011 when Eddie Krncevic released him to Northcote City. When current coach Peter Tsolakis joined South from Northcote this pre-season, he brought De Nittis back to Lakeside Stadium for a second stint at the Club. In his eight seasons at South, De Nittis played 123 Premier League games, scoring 31 goals in the process. He also played three State Knockout Cup games and three Singapore Cup games, scoring two goals in each competition.

What South fans will never forget about De Nittis’ contribution to the Club was his two late goals against Altona Magic in the 2006 Major Semi Final (10 September) and his bullet header from Fernando De Moraes’ cross two weeks later in the Grand Final against the same opponent (24 September) that clinched South’s eighth State League Championship. On ANZAC Day in 2010, De Nittis became only the ninth player in South Melbourne FC history to score four goals in a League game when he scored twice in each half as South demolished Hume City 6-0 at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

Unfortunately for Gianni, he could only manage six appearances off the substitutes’ bench (with no goals) in the VPL in 2012.

We wish Gianni De Nittis the very best for his future and thank him for his valuable contribution to our Club over the last eight seasons.

Friday, 6 July 2012 4:10 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to announce that Kyle Joryeff has been released by the Club and has signed with Richmond Eagles for the rest of this Victorian Premier League season.

Kyle Joryeff transferred from Sunshine George Cross to South Melbourne FC in 2010 and made his debut for Vaughan Coveny’s side in the famous 2-1 victory over Gombak United in the RHB Singapore Cup First Round on Wednesday 26 May 2010. Joryeff played in all four of South’s RHB Singapore Cup matches, as well as making four appearances in FFV State Knockout Cup competition (scoring two goals in the State Cup). 

More importantly, Joryeff made 43 Victorian Premier League appearances for the Club, scoring 9 goals in the process. His most memorable goal for many South supporters would be the goal he scored against the Bentleigh Greens at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday 6 May 2011 to put South 2-1 ahead and ultimately prove to be the winning goal in that game.

Unfortunately for Kyle, his impact at South throughout his career was usually reduced to substitute appearances (he started only 20 of his 43 League games) but his time on the field was usually productive. Despite only starting in four Victorian Premier League matches in 2012, Joryeff has to be commended for scoring a double in the opening match against Moreland Zebras at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 25 March, as well as coming off the bench against the same opponent last weekend at Epping Stadium and setting up Jason Trifiro’s equalising goal in the 88th minute in what ultimately was his final game as a South player.

We wish Kyle Joryeff all the best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the Club over the past three seasons.

Friday, 6 July 2012 12:14 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise all members and patrons that the temporary liquor licence held by the State Sports Centre Trust at Lakeside Stadium has expired. The State Sports Centre Trust that manages Lakeside Stadium is currently in the process of acquiring a permanent liquor licence.

As a result, alcohol will no longer be able to be purchased at Lakeside Stadium until the Trust has secured its permanent liquor licence.

South Melbourne will advise its members and patrons as soon as the State Sports Centre Trust has acquired the permanent liquor licence.

Friday, 6 July 2012 9:48 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC has an enormous opportunity to reduce the gap between itself and the top five of the Victorian Premier League when it hosts the Oakleigh Cannons at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening. Oakleigh sits in second spot on the Victorian Premier League ladder, with South languishing in eighth spot; however a victory for the home side will see it close the gap between itself and the Cannons to five points. If other results fall the right way, South could finish the round just a point outside the top five.

South goes into Sunday’s match in reasonable form, having defeated Heidelberg United 2-1 in the derby before coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 against the Moreland Zebras at Epping Stadium last weekend. South had at least four great chances to win the game in injury time alone and would have seen the result as two points dropped as opposed to a point gained. Nevertheless, the performance against the Zebras was positive and coach Peter Tsolakis will be expecting his team to produce the same performance this weekend. South took advantage of the July transfer window to pick up several new signings during the week, with Andy Vlahos re-joining the Club for a second stint. Englishmen Steve Burton (striker) and Shaun Kelly (defender) have also arrived at Lakeside and may be included in the team this weekend.

South’s opponents have been going about their business quietly in 2012 and as a result sit in second spot on the VPL ladder. Oakleigh have won their past two Premier League games (both home wins against Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg) and will prove to be difficult opponents on Sunday evening. Former South goalkeeper Peter Zois has recently taken over the reigns as coach at Jack Edwards Reserve and has former South players Daniel Dragicevic, Goran Zoric, Jesse Krncevic, Rama Tavsancioglu and Ricky Diaco on his books.

In the corresponding meeting between the two sides last season on Sunday 19 June 2011, Carl Recchia’s 55th minute goal was enough to win the game for South at John Cain Memorial Park.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 5:00PM at Lakeside Stadium.

Last time we met

Wednesday, 4 July 2012 4:20 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signings of Steve Burton, Andy Vlahos and Shaun Kelly as part of its mid season transfer acquisitions.

Steve Burton is an English footballer who has played the majority of his football as a striker in the Conference tier of English football, with stints at Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers, Boston United, Crawley Town, Harrogate Town and Scarborough Football Clubs. One of Burton’s strengths, apart from his goal-scoring prowess, is his ability to hold the ball up well to bring other players into game, as well as being quite strong in the air. In February 2011, Burton signed for Western Australian side Balcatta SC, and was an instant hit by scoring a hat trick on debut in their 5-1 win at Bayswater City SC. The Englishman has made a huge impact in his first season in WA football, scoring 12 times to help Balcatta SC clinch the League title and be voted WA Player of the Year. His scoring record did not go unnoticed, as he was watched closely by Perth Glory and played in a couple of games in their 2011 pre-season.

Click here to view highlights of Steve Burton

Shaun Kelly joins South Melbourne FC from Shepparton United, where he has played in 2012. The 23 year old Liverpool born Kelly is an established defensive option, spending a large chunk of his senior career with English club Chester City. Kelly also has the ability to play in the midfield, where his toughness and ability to win the ball are the highlights to his game. In 2012 he caught the eye of the South Melbourne football department whilst playing for Shepparton United, where in his eight matches to date has been nothing short of exceptional by leading the defensive line for them as well as managing to sneak forward and score four goals of his own.

Click here to view highlights of Shaun Kelly

Andy Vlahos returns to South Melbourne FC for his second stint at the Club, after being part of 2000/01 National Soccer League squad. That year saw Vlahos make 39 appearances for 15 goals. The much-travelled footballer, who plays as either a winger or striker, commenced his football career at Heidelberg United in 1994, with stints at both the Collingwood Warriors and Carlton Soccer Club. In 1998, he made the move to European football by signing with Greek outfit Panathinaikos FC. His stay at the Greens was short lived, as he only made two appearances and subsequently moved to Agios Nikolaos FC in the lower divisions of Greek football. He returned to Australia to sign with South and played in the side coached by Mike Petersen that finished as Minor Premiers but lost 2-1 against the Wollongong Wolves in the Grand Final at Parramatta Stadium. Vlahos followed Petersen to the Football Kingz before returning to Europe for a second time, this time playing for Belgian outfit Cercle Brugge. He has remained active by furthering his football career at both Hume City and Heidelberg United as player/coach. In a career spanning 18 years, Vlahos has made 335 appearances for 76 goals in total.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis was quite excited about the new attacking options and said that “we are very excited about these three individuals joining the Club. Andy’s record at local level speaks for itself and alongside Steve Burton, we have added some depth to an attacking area that has been a problem for us so far in 2012. Shaun Kelly is a wonderful prospect and will help the club immensely throughout defence and at times within the midfield.”

For all media enquiries, please contact George Triantos on 9645 9797 or media@smfc.com.au