Category: News

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

Monday, 2 July 2012 10:23 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC twice fought back from a one goal deficit to draw 2-2 against the Moreland Zebras at Epping Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Goals from captain Steven O’Dor and Jason Trifiro cancelled out Moreland’s goals from former South man Kliment Taseski and Ersin Kaya, in what was a highly entertaining game.

South went into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory against Heidelberg United last weekend and was determined to continue the positive form against a Zebras side who had won its past two Victorian Premier League matches. Both sides enjoyed an even start to the game, with South perhaps the slightly more adventurous, but it was the home side that struck on the scoreboard first. Former South player Danny Radojicic broke the offside trap before cutting the ball back for Taseski to smash past Peter Gavalas for the opening goal of the match. The rest of the half was all South as the away side dominated possession before finally getting the goal it was after just before the halftime break. Jason Trifiro’s inswinging corner found O’Dor who headed past Griffin McMaster and into the back of the net to send the sides into the break on level terms.

South completely controlled the second half but once more could not convert their on-field dominance onto the scoreboard. The away side paid the price when Moreland re-took the lead in the 64th minute when Chris Grossman cut the ball back for Kaya to slide in and put the ball past Gavalas. South continued to miss chances to level, firstly when Marinos Gasparis, playing his 50th League game for the Club, curled a shot against the right post and then when Trent Rixon got on the end of a wonderful forward move but had his final shot blocked magnificently by the Zebras defence. With time running out, South coach Peter Tsolakis introduced Fernando De Moraes and Kyle Joryeff to the game and both substitutes had immediate impact with a sense of urgency in moving the ball forward. South finally got the equaliser it had deserved only minutes from the end when Joryeff’s quick shot could only be parried by McMaster into the path of Jason Trifiro, who had the easy job of slotting the ball into the back of the empty net.

The six minutes of injury-time was absolute madness as an inspired South side surged forward in big numbers in search of the winning goal. Rixon sprung the offside trap and rounded McMaster but was denied what would have been a wild winner by Will Abbot, who did very well to get in the way and clear the danger. Rixon then got on the end of a great cross by Gasparis and headed the ball against the crossbar with McMaster beaten. McMaster then made amends for his earlier error by making a fantastic save from a long-range Rixon rocket, flicking the goal-bound ball out for a corner kick, then following that up by making another terrific save from a Joryeff shot. The away side could have easily scored four goals in injury-time and Rixon alone could have had a hat-trick but for the wonderful defending by the Zebras. In the end both sides had to settle for a point each, though South would consider this result as two points dropped as opposed to one point earned.

It was a different story in the Under-21s match, with Moreland triumphing 2-1 against South.

With the transfer window opening today (Monday 2 July), Tsolakis said post-game that there would be more attacking options arriving at Lakeside to support Rixon, especially with Dimi Hatzimouratis out injured. Those new signings will be announced in due course.

South’s next three games are all at home, with the first being next Sunday against the Oakleigh Cannons at 5:00PM.

FINAL SCORE: MORELAND ZEBRAS 2-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-1)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Kliment Taseski (18′)
1-1: Steven O’Dor (45+1′)
2-1: Ersin Kaya (64′)
2-2: Jason Trifiro (88′)

Moreland Zebras:
Griffin MCMASTER (GK), Chris GROSSMAN, Ray LALLY, William ABBOTT, Danny RADOJICIC (Nace KOSMAC 63’), Kole DELEV, Carl RECCHIA, Vincent FAHERTY, Daniel VASILVEVSKI, Ersin KAYA (Jacob IHNATISIN 90’), Kliment TASESKI (Nick SYMEOY 75’)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEW, 4. Steve O’DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS (25. Kyle JORYEFF 78’), 5. Philip PETRESKI, 9. Trent RIXON, 10. Glen TRIFIRO (15. Fernando DE MORAES 75’), 11. Brad NORTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 15. Marinos GASPARIS, 23. Jason TRIFIRO

SMFC Man of the Match: Bradley Norton
Venue: Epping Stadium
Date: Sunday 1 July 2012

Friday, 29 June 2012 8:38 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC travels to Epping Stadium for the second time this season to face the Moreland Zebras on Sunday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a six-point match. A South win could see it pushing to be back in the top five, whereas a loss could see South slip dangerously towards the relegation zone in what has been a very up-and-down season to date.

South will go into the game in winning form, having defeated Heidelberg United 2-1 in the traditional derby at Lakeside Stadium last Sunday evening. It was the Club’s first win in any competition for six weeks and lifted South to eighth spot on the Victorian Premier League ladder. Moreland are still second-last, however the Zebras have defeated Heidelberg United and Hume City in the last two rounds and Joe Palatsides’ side are certainly looking to continue their winning form against South and keep progressing up the ladder.

The away side certainly has winning form against Moreland in recent times, having defeated the Zebras 4-0 at Lakeside Stadium in the opening Victorian Premier League round back in March. On that day, a double from Kyle Joryeff in the first half and late strikes from Jason Trifiro and Dimi Hatzimouratis rounded out a comfortable win. Moreland (formerly known as Whittlesea Zebras) are new to the Victorian Premier League this season (having won State League One in 2011) but have been in the division as recently as 2009, when they were relegated along with Preston Lions. In 2009 South played both fixtures against the Zebras at Lakeside Stadium, so it has not been since 2008 that South has travelled to Epping Stadium to face the Zebras. In the last meeting between the two sides at Epping, a Tony La Verde strike from just outside the area on 70 minutes was enough for South to earn a 0-1 victory on Sunday 11 May 2008.

Pending selection, Marinos Gasparis is poised to play his 50th League match for South on Sunday. ‘Gaspa’ joined South in 2010 from Heidelberg and has proved to be an important player in the side over the past three seasons. Along with his 49 League matches thus far, he has also scored five goals, with the most notable being the injury-time header that earnt South a point against Heidelberg at the Olympic Village on Sunday 13th March 2011 and the half volley against Oakleigh at Jack Edwards Reserve the following Friday night (18th March). South Melbourne FC congratulates Marinos Gasparis on reaching 50 games for the Club and wishes him the best for the rest of the season. Sunday’s match kicks off at 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon at Epping Stadium.

Last time we met