Category: News

Tuesday, 1 May 2012 10:46 AM

Picture: New South Melbourne FC signing Jason Saldaris, with the owner of Beachcomber Steve Paraskevas.

Click here to view photos of the night

Last Friday night saw South Melbourne FC hold its annual fundraising event, 2012 Player Auction Night at Beachcomber at the St Kilda Baths, which provided guests with picturesque views over Port Philip Bay in an intimate and cosy affair with over 150 guests in attendance.

There were a number of dignitaries and past players in attendance including Hall of Fame members Jimmy Armstrong, Ulysses Kokkinos, Michael Mandalis, and Con Boutsianis, while past Presidents George Donikian and Peter Mitrakas present as well.

The MC for the evening was Board Member, George Triantos, who welcomed the guests to the event, and opened his address by highlighting a number of achievements the Club had recorded through the newly refurbished Lakeside Stadium, significant increase in its membership and corporate base, and the successful inroads the multimedia team had made through SMFC TV and online social media.

Club President Leo Athanasakis also welcomed the guests and thanked the Principal Partners for their continued support, and invited everyone to get behind and support the Club in the new era.

South Melbourne honoured two long serving servants of the Club, Dr James Nicola and Dr Harry Sklavounos, who have been members of the medical staff at South Melbourne since its return to the Victorian Premier League in 2005. They were recognised for their have tireless work over the years in assisting and treating the playing squad to overcome injuries and ensuring they receive the best care to expedite their return to the field.

One of the highlights of the event was the Football Panel Discussion, with SMFC Captain Steven O’Dor, Head Coach Peter Tsolakis, and Hall of Fame member Con Boutsianis. Both O’Dor and Tsolakis discussed and reviewed the team’s performance through the early part of the season, and shared insights into how the playing squad had prepared for the 2012 season. The second part of the panel discussion turned to both Tsolakis’ and Boutsianis’ experiences at the Club during the Middle Park days, and both shared light-hearted and amusing stories from their playing days which had the guests in fits of laughter.

The main purpose of the event was a fundraising theme, with two football experiences and player auctions were held. The auctioneer, George Metax from Barry Plant Preston took over and sought to secure the highest bid for each player. The event raised a considerable sum of money for the Club.

South Melbourne would particularly like to thank Steve and Jim Paraskevas, and Neil Stacey from Beachcomber for their tremendous and warm hospitality in assisting the Club to hold a successful event. Furthermore, the Club would like to thank its corporate partners who contributed to the fundraising activities on the night, and all guests who were in attendance.

The following corporate partners were successful in the auction are as follows:

Peter Gavalas – The Money Coaches
Tom Matthews – Primary School Wear
Rhodri Payne – Tom Kalas
Steven O’Dor – Star 21
Dimitri Tsiaris – GPZ Legal
Joe Keenan – Star 21
Dimitri Hatzimouratis – Blue Thunder Security
Trent Rixon – K & A Accountants
Glen Trifiro – Global Gypsum
Brad Norton – AIS Insurance Brokers
Luke Byles – Zante Transport
Fernando De Moraes – Bill Papastergiadis
Marinos Gasparis – The Money Coaches
Gianni De Nittis – Blue Thunder Security
Jason Saldaris – Beachcomber Cafe
Jason Trifiro – Snowy Creek Produce & Scope Protective Security
Kyle Joryeff – Dandanis & Assoicates
Christian Skok, Matko Budimir & Nick Jacobs – MW Planning
Peter Tsolakis and Joe Montemurro – Star 21 and Mirabella
Jimmy Armstrong, Michael Mandalis and Ulysses Kokkinos – Beachcomber Cafe

Tuesday, 1 May 2012 9:52 AM

South Melbourne FC honoured two long serving servants of the Club at the recent Player Auction Night at Beachcomber.

Dr James Nicola and Dr Harry Sklavounos have been members of the medical staff at South Melbourne since its return to the Victorian Premier League in 2005. They have worked tirelessly over the years in assisting and treating the playing squad overcome injuries and ensuring they receive the best care to expedite their return to the field.

South Melbourne President Leo Athanasakis said at the event that “both James and Harry have been a tremendous asset to South over these years, and are an integral part of getting the playing squad ready for each match. We are truly lucky to have them as part of the medical staff and, more importantly, part of the South family.

South Melbourne FC congratulates both James and Harry on their award, and hope they remain part of the medical staff for many years to come.

Monday, 30 April 2012 9:01 AM

South Melbourne is delighted to be release the 2012 Adidas SMFC Merchandise range.

Fans will have the opportunity to purchase an extensive collection of Adidas merchandise, ranging from player and training attire to casual clothing that can be worn away from the pitch. The merchandise range for this season has been expanded to include items such as goalkeeper playing shirts, umbrellas and backpacks.

One of the key additions to the merchandise range is the Adidas Original Hoodie that is sold in both blue and white designs.

To view this season’s merchandise range, please visit smfc.com.au/merchandise, or alternatively from the merchandise store at Lakeside Stadium on match day.

Stock is limited, so get in quick to secure your favourite item !

Sunday, 29 April 2012 11:35 PM

By John Kyrou

Click here to view match photos by George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC progressed to the Fifth Round of the State Knockout Cup after working overtime to defeat State League Two side Malvern City 2-1 at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Dimi Hatzimouratis and Kyle Joryeff were enough to see off Malvern, who gave South an almighty scare when it levelled through Juan Nilo and played some very good football against their Premier League opponents.

South coach Peter Tsolakis started the likes of Rhodri Payne, Dimi Hatzimouratis, Marinos Gasparis and Gianni De Nittis in the starting eleven for the first time this season (all had come off the bench in earlier VPL rounds) and gave debut matches to Filip Jonsson, Matko Budimir and Jason Saldaris. The likes of Peter Gavalas, Dimi Tsiaras, Glen Trifiro and Luke Byles joined Nick Jacobs on the bench, giving them a rest from last week’s bruising League encounter with Richmond.

The first half was a scrappy affair and it was Malvern who had the better of the half-chances, with Saldaris doing well to keep a clean sheet until the half time break. South had a couple of chances to open the lead, most notably when Joe Keenan beat the offside trap but not Malvern goalkeeper Christopher Maynard, who made a good save to keep his side level.

South opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Hatzimouratis let fly with a rocket from outside the area that hit the crossbar before going in, giving Maynard no chance in the Malvern goal. South had a handful of chances to double their advantage but desperate defending by Malvern kept the State League Two side in the Cup tie. City had come close on several occasions and caused South’s defence some nervous flutters. It almost came as no surprise when they levelled the scoring in the 75th minute when Juan Nilo found himself unmarked at the back post to tap home past Saldaris. All of a sudden they were a real chance of causing a major upset.

Malvern’s goal gave South the wake-up call it needed and they worked the winning goal in style only four minutes later, when Keenan was released down the right and cut the ball back for Joryeff to tap home into the unguarded goal. Despite some more unorthodox defending, South managed to see the game out and progress to the next round of the Cup, which looks likely to be a date against State League One side Port Melbourne on the Queens Birthday weekend.

South returns to Premier League action on Friday night (4 May) with a home match against newly promoted Southern Stars. The match kicks off at Lakeside Stadium at 8:30PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 2-1 MALVERN CITY (HT: 0-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Dimi Hatzimouratis (53′)
1-1: Juan Nilo (75′)
2-1: Kyle Joryeff (79′)

South Melbourne FC:
3. Rhodri PAYNE, 4. Steven O’DOR (13. Luke BYLES 65′), 7. Joe KEENAN (24. Nick JACOBS 80′), 8. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS, 14. Filip JONSSON, 15. Fernando DE MORAES (10. Glen TRIFIRO 65′), 17. Matko BUDIMIR (6. Dimi TSIARAS 72′), 18. Marinos GASPARIS, 20. Gianni DE NITTIS, 21. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 25. Kyle JORYEFF

SMFC Man of the Match: Marinos Gasparis
Venue: John Cain Memorial Park
Date: Sunday 29 April 2012

Friday, 27 April 2012 9:41 AM

By John Kyrou

There is a break in the Victorian Premier League this weekend as South Melbourne FC plays Malvern City in the fourth round of the FFV State Knockout Cup on Sunday afternoon.

With many of South’s players sustaining knocks in the match against Richmond last Friday night, South coach Peter Tsolakis will be tempted to rest them and instead give fringe players the opportunity to play. This means that the likes of Trent Rixon, Tom Matthews, Luke Byles, Fernando De Moraes, Dimi Hatzimouratis and Dimi Tsiaras may be rested and players like Marinos Gasparis, Gianni De Nittis, Matko Budimir, Nick Jacobs and Christian Skok could be given an extended opportunity to play.

On the other hand, Tsolakis must be careful to pay the utmost of respect to his State League Two opponents Malvern City, who will no doubt be keen on causing a major upset by knocking South out of the Cup. It happened last year when State League One side Port Melbourne came from a goal down to triumph 2-1 against South Melbourne in extra time, causing major embarrassment to Eddie Krncevic’s side. Tsolakis and South will both be keen on ensuring that this mistake doesn’t occur again and that the team safely progresses through to the next round.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 12:30PM at John Cain Memorial Park. The match is the first of a double-header at the ground, with Northcote City hosting Morwell Pegasus afterwards at 3:00PM

Tuesday, 24 April 2012 11:43 AM

South Melbourne FC has decided it could not accept the invitation of the Football Association of Singapore to participate in the 2012 RHB Singapore Cup.

Regrettably, the timetable of this year’s RHB Singapore Cup and the Club’s commitments to the Victorian Premier League and State Knock Out Cup have made it untenable for South Melbourne to commit to the competition. The Football Association of Singapore understands South Melbourne’s position, and will continue to keep in close contact with the Club with a view to South Melbourne’s participation next year.

South Melbourne FC wishes all participants in the 2012 RHB Singapore Cup and the Football Association of Singapore all the very best for a successful tournament.

Saturday, 21 April 2012 9:58 PM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC played out a frustrating 1-1 draw against the Richmond Eagles at Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Friday night. The result was one that the away side would not have been pleased about after Richmond played with ten men for an hour and finished the game with only nine men following two send-offs during the match.

South went into the match on the back of a thoroughly disappointing 3-1 loss away to Green Gully the previous Saturday, with striker Trent Rixon sustaining a groin injury in the process. Rixon had been doubtful during the week for the Richmond game but ended up playing. In contrast, Richmond went into the game on the back of two successive victories having defeated Bentleigh Greens 2-0 at home before winning 1-0 away against Heidelberg United.

From kick-off there were signs that the referee would have a busy night as Richmond set about firmly shutting South’s ball-playing style down by constantly fouling the away side. The home side successfully managed to pressure South in the early stages of the match in the hope of forcing them to make a mistake. This pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Fernando De Moraes uncharacteristically passed the ball straight to Richmond’s Josh Kweifio-Okai, who hit a thundering shot from outside the area that Peter Gavalas got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. The Eagles almost doubled their lead moments later when a fantastic cross from the left resulted in a header that flew wide of Gavalas’ goal. South had been sloppy with their build-up play but managed to create a decent opening shortly after, when De Moraes found space outside the area and fired a quick shot that Richmond keeper Stjepan Gal managed to parry out for a corner. Joe Keenan also went close with a thunderous strike from outside the area that just went over Gal’s crossbar.

The turning point of the match came after half an hour. Former Richmond man Dimi Tsiaras was fouled in the middle of the park and after some words were exchanged, Michael Ferrante grabbed Jason Trifiro by the throat and threw him to the ground, sparking a mini melee between many of the players on both teams. Once order had been restored, the referee cautioned Trifiro before sending Ferrante off for violent conduct. This infuriated Richmond coach Michael Chatzirifonos, who also found himself sent from the field by the referee. To add further insult to the home side, Rixon equalised shortly before halftime when he got on the end of a clever cross by Bradley Norton and comfortably headed the ball across Gal and into the corner of the goal.

The second half was all South, as the away side took complete control of the game but could not find a way past a stubborn Richmond defence that was determined to hold on for a point. In fact the Eagles could have taken the lead but had a goal disallowed for offside in the 50th minute. Rixon and Trifiro had great chances to head South into the lead but both times Gal intervened with some excellent saves in what was probably a man of the match performance by the Richmond custodian. South enjoyed a wealth of possession and had some good build-up play from the back but unfortunately lacked the final killer touch to bury the Eagles. Richmond went down to nine men in the 88th minute when Liam Cannell was sent off for a second bookable offence. Despite the five minutes of added time, South were not able to break the resolute Eagles defence and the final whistle was met with loud cheers by the home supporters as their team gallantly held on for a well-earnt point.

In the Under 21s match, South came from a goal down to draw 2-2 thanks to a late penalty.

South has a week’s break from VPL action as it, along with the other VPL sides, enters the Fourth Round of the State Knockout Cup. South has been drawn to play against Malvern City of State League Two, with the match kicking off at Northcote City’s John Cain Memorial Park at 12:30PM next Sunday 29 April. This game is the first in a double-header at the ground that afternoon, with Northcote City hosting Morwell Pegasus at 3:00PM.

FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND EAGLES 1-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-1)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Josh Kweifio-Okai (12′)
1-1: Trent Rixon (42′)

Richmond Eagles:
1. Stjepan GAL (GK), 2. Andrew VIOLA, 3. Erhan KARAHAN, 5. Liam CANNELL, 6. Tom MILARDOVIC, 7. Timmy PURCELL, 8. Steven TOPALOVIC, 14. Daniel VISEVIC, 17. Josh KWEIFIO-OKAI, 18. Michael FERRANTE, 23. Scott MUIRHEAD
Subs: 9. Michael CATALANO, 10. Nick MARINOS, 12. Devon BONNE, 11. Mate ETEROVIC, 24. Michael FARNHAM

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS (3. Rhodri PAYNE 50′), 4. Steven O’DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 7. Joe KEENAN, 9. Trent RIXON, 10. Glen TRIFIRO, 11. Brad NORTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 15. Fernando DE MORAES (8. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS 80′), 23. Jason TRIFIRO (18. Marinos GASPARIS 69′)

SMFC Man of the Match: Joe Keenan
Venue: Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Date: Friday 20 April 2012

Friday, 20 April 2012 9:58 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC travels to Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Friday night to face the Richmond Eagles in what will no doubt be an entertaining game of football. The two sides have enjoyed some great Friday night matches at that ground.

South goes into the game on a back of a very disappointing 3-1 loss away to Green Gully last Saturday afternoon that coach Peter Tsolakis described as “a lethargic performance.” The afternoon was made even more miserable when Trent Rixon hobbled off with a groin injury that looks to rule him out of Friday’s match. However there were some positives despite the loss, with both Joe Keenan and Marinos Gasparis coming off the bench, showing that there is decent depth in the squad. Should Rixon be ruled out of the Richmond match, Dimi Hatzimouratis may make his first start for South after being unavailable for the Gully game due to a hamstring strain.

Like South, Richmond goes into the match with two wins and a loss from its opening three Victorian Premier League fixtures in 2012. An opening round 2-1 loss against Northcote City has since been followed with 2-0 and 1-0 victories against Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg United respectively. Defender Steven Topalovic has returned to Richmond for a second stint after playing for South Melboure in 2011 and finishing as South’s Most Valuable Player last year alongside Jesse Krncevic. Whilst Topalovic defected to Richmond, Dimi Tsiaras came to Lakeside from Kevin Bartlett Reserve and there is no doubt that the former Richmond captain will be keen on securing the three points against his former side.

South and Richmond have enjoyed some great battles at Kevin Bartlett Reserve in the past. A double from Nathan Caldwell and a goal from Fernando De Moraes were enough to secure a 3-2 victory for John Anastasiadis’ side on Friday 9 March 2007. Two years later under Michael Michalakopoulos, goals from Sebastian Petrovic, Shane Nunes and De Moraes gave South a solid 3-1 victory. In the corresponding match last season, Ross Antoniadis’ goal after five minutes was enough for Richmond to triumph 1-0. There has never been a drawn game between the two sides in the six occasions they have played each other at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, with three wins apiece.

Last Time We Met – Round 19, 2011

Sunday, 15 April 2012 10:50 PM

By John Kyrou (Photos by Cindy Nitsos)

Click here to view our Photo Gallery of the Match

Green Gully has continued its 26 year home ground hoodoo against South Melbourne FC, coming from a goal down to defeat South 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Daniel Jones and a brace from Matthew Sanders were enough to render Ante Cicak’s first half own goal irrelevant as the home side ran out winners.

South had not won at Green Gully Reserve since 1986 but that record looked threatened to be broken thanks to a bright start that led to the away side getting the opening goal. South won a corner on the right that Bradley Norton played short to Fernando De Moraes, who skipped past a defender and fired a low cross to the near post that hit Cicak and flew into the back of the net. South had two great opportunities to double their lead, firstly when De Moraes blasted a free kick over the crossbar and secondly when Trent Rixon shot over the bar following a great build-up. With South’s awful record at Green Gully Reserve, those chances missed were always going to come back and haunt the away side.

Gully had started the match slowly but had gradually worked their way back into the game, overpowering the South midfield. The home side eventually worked the equaliser shortly before halftime, when a cross from the right wasn’t dealt with properly from goalkeeper Peter Gavalas and his defence, allowing Jones to eventually fire home. Gully could have even gone ahead before the break but Osagie Ederaro headed a great chance wide of the goal.

The second half was a one-sided affair, with South barely able to generate any chances as Gully completely dominated in midfield. The away side suffered another blow when Rixon hobbled off the field with a groin injury after landing very awkwardly after an aerial challenge. South’s miserable afternoon continued in the 77th minute when Gavalas horribly mis-kicked a Steven O’Dor backpass, allowing Sanders an easy tap-in. Sanders then went on to complete his double only minutes later when he headed home a corner from the left, ensuring South’s horrible record at the ground continued into a 27th year.

South coach Peter Tsolakis was disappointed with his side, labelling it a “lethargic performance” and was keen on forgetting the result and quickly focussing his attention towards the next game against Richmond on Friday night. On Rixon’s groin injury, he mentioned that “it’s early days yet, he will have it checked out on Monday and we’ll go from there…we aren’t sure yet whether it’s too serious or not.”

In the Under 21s match, South were too strong and registered a solid 3-0 victory.

South’s next game is away at Kevin Bartlett Reserve against the Richmond Eagles on Friday 20 April. Kick-off is at 8:30pm.

FINAL SCORE: GREEN GULLY 3-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-1)

Goal Scorers: 

0-1: Ante Cicak OG (12′)
1-1: Daniel Jones (38′)
2-1: Matthew Sanders (77′)
3-1: Matthew Sanders (83′)

Green Gully:
1. Rhys KEANE (GK), 2. Daniel JONES, 3. Ante CICAK, 5. Rodrigo VARGAS, 8. Jason HAYNE, 11. Scott ROBSON, 12. Matthew SANDERS (18. Joel NIKOLIC 83′), 15. Hamid BASMA (9. Brent FISHER 68′), 16. Mile MEDJEDOVIC, 19. Johnathon MUNOZ (7. Jeffrey FLEMING 75′), 20. Osagie EDERARO.

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 4. Steven O’DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 9. Trent RIXON (20. Gianni DE NITTIS 65′), 10. Glen TRIFIRO, 11. Bradley NORTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 15. Fernando DE MORAES (7. Joe KEENAN 68′), 23. Jason TRIFIRO (18. Marinos GASPARIS 80′), 25. Kyle JORYEFF

SMFC Man of the Match: Dimi Tsiaras
Venue: Green Gully Reserve
Date: Saturday 14 April 2012

Friday, 13 April 2012 11:33 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC travels to Green Gully Reserve on Saturday afternoon attempting to break a 26 year hoodoo at the ground when it takes on Green Gully.

South heads into the game on the back of two victories in its opening two Victorian Premier League matches, its best start to a VPL season since the Championship winning year of 2006. Prior to the Easter break, South defeated promoted Moreland Zebras 4-0 at Lakeside Stadium before three second half goals choked the Oakleigh Cannons 1-3 at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Coach Peter Tsolakis has a near full strength squad to choose from, with all players in excellent form. Left-back Rhodri Payne trained well during the week and will be in contention for a recall to the senior squad following a pre-season injury that prevented him from playing in the opening two rounds. Joe ‘Crackers’ Keenan, who spent all of 2011 injured, came off the bench against the Cannons and scored within seven minutes before playing the long ball forward that resulted in Trent Rixon’s 94th minute goal. Keenan will also be in contention for a starting place, as will Dimi Hatzimouratis, who has been solid as a substitute. The likes of Marinos Gasparis and Gianni De Nittis also need to be considered. The only concern is right back Tom Matthews, who sustained an injury at training during the week and may be unavailable to play. If so, Tsolakis may opt to put Payne into left-back and switch Bradley Norton to the right.

Back-to-back Champions Green Gully have started 2012 inconsistently, losing against Bentleigh Greens 4-1 in the opening round before defeating Heidelberg United 4-0 in the second round. Gully have traditionally started the VPL season slowly before powering home in the later rounds and more often than not winning the Championship after a strong finals series. One of Gully’s biggest strengths is their ability to grind out results no matter who the opposition or what personnel are in their team on any given match day.

It is well known that one of South’s bogey grounds is Green Gully Reserve, a venue that South have not tasted victory in since 8th September 1986, when goals from Bobby Russell and Manny Anezakis gave the away side a 0-2 victory. South has not defeated Green Gully at their venue since returning to the Victorian Premier League in 2005. In fact South has only managed two points from a possible 21, which does not even include the penalty shoot-out loss against Gully in the Major Semi Final in 2005. In further bad news, South has only scored four times at Green Gully Reserve since that win in 1986. In the corresponding fixture last season on 14th May 2011, two Fernando De Moraes penalties were not enough in a 3-2 loss.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 3:00pm at Green Gully Reserve.

Last time we met