Category: News

Tuesday, 20 December 2011 11:21 AM

The entire South Melbourne FC family wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the Bedford family on the passing of club legend and Hall of Fame and Team of the Century member John Bedford.

Mr. Bedford was an outstanding defender throughout his 14 seasons with South Melbourne FC. He was a member of South’s first ever championship team in 1960 that went undefeated in the Metropolitan League 1 North division which secured promotion into the State League Division One. During his playing career with the Club, Mr. Bedford played in the 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972 and 1974 State League championship sides. Bedford also represented Victoria on 28 occasions.

He was regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to play for South, with his blistering pace and powerful left foot also seeing him push into the midfield on many occasions. He will also be regarded as one of the most clever players ever to pull a South shirt on, as well as a natural leader on the park who would never be defeated until the final whistle.

John Bedford is survived by his wife, Margaret, his two sons, Darren and Andrew and four sisters, Anita, Sue, Catherine and Julie. His funeral is in Wodonga on Thursday, 22 December.

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, speaking to smfc.com.au, remarked that “the passing of Mr. Bedford represented the passing of a true Club legend. I wish to pass on my condolences on behalf of everyone at South Melbourne FC to the Bedford family. John played during the Club’s formative years that helped cement the Club as Victoria’s most successful football club.”

Photo

John Bedford of South Melbourne Hellas jumps above Eddie Sacco of George Cross: Photo: Uwe Kuessner, Victorian Soccer Federation Yearbook, 1968, front cover. The photograph was taken at Olympic Park on 12 May 1962 and appeared in Soccer Weekly on 17 May 1962 on page one. The crowd for that game was given as 12,000. Provided by Roy Hay.

smfcTV Interview

John Bedford returned to the club in 2010 to celebrate his beloved South Melbourne FC being named Oceania Club of the Century. As part of the night with the Team of the Century members, Mr Bedford spoke to smfcTV about his time with the club. Check out the video below

Monday, 12 December 2011 6:27 PM

Football finally returned to Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon when South Melbourne FC were defeated 3-2 by New South Wales Premier League champions Sydney Olympic in an exhibition match in front of over 4,000 spectators. Whilst the final result was disappointing, the more important aspect of the day was showcasing the new facilities and all aspects of the Club to supporters and the wider Victorian football community.

Coach Peter Tsolakis could not have wished for a better start when the home side went 1-0 up in the first 32 seconds of the game through a wonderfully taken shot by Jason Trifiro on his debut for the Club. Fellow debutant Trent Rixon almost put South 2-0 up after being sent through on goal but he put his shot narrowly wide of the target. Olympic equalised on 22 minutes following some good lead-up play on the left side which culminated in the ball being cut-back for a tap-in. Olympic then took the lead on 32 minutes with a header from a corner. In the second half, Rixon scored past Olympic goalkeeper Paul Henderson scoring his first goal for South before Olympic won the match on 78 minutes following a well-taken free kick from just outside the area.

The result was not ideal but it was highly ironic for two reasons. The first reason was that Sydney Olympic had failed to defeat South in many contests between the two sides over the years at Lakeside Stadium. The second reason was that in the first ever match played at Lakeside (on 26 November 1995) Frank Arok’s South Melbourne side also lost 3-2, on that occasion to West Adelaide Hellas. Coach Tsolakis would not have been worried about the result as the side performed well despite not having had many training sessions together as a squad prior to the game. In addition, senior players such as Fernando De Moraes, Rhodri Payne and Marinos Gasparis did not play, with many younger players including goalkeeper George Malliaras being given the opportunity to showcase their talent. The players will now rest over Christmas and the New Year and will begin pre-season training early in 2012.

Saturday, 10 December 2011 4:34 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signings of both Glen and Jason Trifiro for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

The Trifiro brothers arrive at Lakeside Stadium from Northcote City, where they both enjoyed a superb Victorian Premier League debut season after deciding to move from Sydney at the end of 2010. Both of the brothers played a big part in Northcote’s solid season that saw it win the inaugural Mirabella Cup (following a 2-0 win over the Melbourne Knights in the final) and only just miss the finals series by a solitary point. Jason was recognised for his outstanding year when he won the FFV Gold Medal for player of the season, whilst Glen was awarded the Billy Vojtek Medal as the best player afield in the Mirabella Cup final.

South Melbourne FC welcomes both Glen and Jason Trifiro to Lakeside Stadium and wishes every success for the season.

Check our the smfcTV interview below

Thursday, 8 December 2011 9:51 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that the Commonwealth Bank is the major sponsor of the Lakeside Stadium launch event on Sunday 11 December.

The Commonwealth Bank is an active supporter of community events, contributing and assisting a number of different community groups across Australia.

South Melbourne FC will host NSW Premier League Champions Sydney Olympic in an exhibition match as part of the festivities to launch the refurbished Lakeside Stadium. This will be the first football match played at Lakeside since the renovations commenced in 2010. Furthermore, fans will have the opportunity to purchase their 2012 SMFC membership from the membership tent located near the main grandstand. Memberships can also be purchased online as well (smfc.com.au/membership). As part of the occasion, South Melbourne FC will also be selling commemorative limited edition t shirts of the launch event. There are only 50 commemorative tshirts available, so get in quick to secure your tshirt, which can be picked up on the day as well (smfc.com.au/merchandise).

In addition, there will be a jumping castle and face painting activities for young children as well.

The itinerary for the day’s activities are as follows:

1.00pm – 1.50pm
SMFC U12A vs. U12B

2.00pm – 2.50pm
SMFC U13A vs. U13B

3.00pm – 3.50pm
SMFC U14/15A vs. U15B

4.00pm – 4.50pm
SMFC U14A vs. U14B

5.00pm – 5.20pm
SMFC U11 vs. U10A
SMFC U10B vs. U10C
SMFC U9A vs. U9B

5.20pm  
Official launch by the Honourable Member for Albert Park, Mr. Martin Foley

5.30pm
South Melbourne FC vs. Sydney Olympic FC
(Half Time – SMFC Girls U10A vs. U10B)

7.30pm – 9.30pm
SMFC U21 vs. U18

It promises to be an exciting day, as South returns to its football home.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011 6:07 PM

 South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of Luke Byles from Heidelberg United for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

Byles arrives at Lakeside Stadium having spent a few seasons at Heidelberg United. Originally from the United Kingdom, Byles has played in midfield, in defence as a centre-half as well as left-back. Byles had played as high as Southampton’s reserve side at the beginning of the 2003/04 English Premier Reserve League season before being released. He came to Melbourne and spent a few seasons at the Bergers and has a reputation for being good in the air and strong in the tackle. His versatility in being able to play multiple defensive positions was no doubt a big factor in the coaching staff’s decision to sign him.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis said “we are excited to see Luke at the Club, and are confident he will be a great acquisition”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Luke Byles to Lakeside Stadium and wishes him all the best for season 2012.

Check out Luke’s exclusive interview with smfcTV

Friday, 2 December 2011 12:05 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Irene Stamatopoulos as the Head of Women’s Football. An ex-footballer who represented South Melbourne from 1994 until 1997, Irene has been involved in coaching since 2003 at all levels – from junior through to senior.

Irene joins SMFC from Oakleigh Cannons Soccer Club. Her accreditation includes a Youth Licence with a completed advance pass and she has also completed Certificate 1 in her Senior Licence.

Irene was awarded the FFV Female Coach of the Year Award in 2009 for her outstanding work in developing not only her own team but for her efforts in advancing women’s football.

We’d like to welcome Irene to the South family, and we wish her all the best.

SMFC Women’s Football:

Skills to Play Soccer – Friendships For Life

SMFC needs you. We are looking for girls of all ages to come and join our club. From junior (age 5 and up) through to senior level, beginners to those with experience. Come and unite with us as we work towards becoming the number 1 women’s football club in Melbourne in a nurturing, team orientated environment.

Pre-season training commences February 2012. More information to come.

Contact Irene Stamatopoulos on 0403 857 090 or at womens@smfc.com.au to register your interest.

Thursday, 1 December 2011 12:21 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to advise that commemorative tshirts to mark the launch of Lakeside Stadium are available for sale.

These commemorative t shirts are available to be purchased online or on the launch event day.

December 11 marks the official return of South Melbourne FC back to its newly refurbished home. A number of activities are planned for the day, with the festivities culminating in the exhibition match between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic. Please note that memberships will be available to be purchased on the day, as well online (smfc.com.au/membership).

There are only 50 commemorative tshirts available, so get in quick to secure your tshirt, which can be picked up on the day as well.

Monday, 28 November 2011 11:01 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate both the Brisbane Roar and SMFC Hall of Fame members, Ange Postecoglou and Paul Trimboli, in the team’s outstanding achievement.

The Roar’s 4-0 defeat over the Perth Glory saw it reach 36 matches without a loss, surpassing the 74-year record held by Eastern Suburbs of the New South Wales Rugby League.

Head Coach Ange Postecoglou played 10 seasons at South, and played in the first two of the Club’s NSL Championships. In a successful coaching stint at the Club, he lead South to back to back NSL Championships in 1998 and 1999, 1999 Oceania Confederation Club Championship, and coached South at the inaugural FIFA World Club Championship in 2000.

General Manager of Football, Paul Trimboli, lead a distinguished career at South, with many football pundits saying he was one of South’s best ever players. Paul played 17 seasons, with a career spanning 430 NSL matches and 115 NSL goals. He was a member of the 1991, 1998, 1999 NSL Championship sides, and captained the side in the 1999 Oceania Confederation Club Championship and FIFA World Club Championship in 2000.

See the Paul Trimboli tribute video produced by smfcTV

Friday, 25 November 2011 9:57 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of Bradley Norton for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

Bradley Norton arrives after being released from A-League franchise Adelaide United. The 20 year old has Victorian Premier League experience, having played for the Melbourne Knights in 2009 and Northcote City in 2010. South fans may remember him as the player who scored the winning goal with a beautiful left-footed shot from outside the box in Northcote’s 3-2 victory against South at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday 6th June 2010.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Bradley Norton to Lakeside Stadium, and wishes him all the best this season.

Check out Brad’s smfcTV interview

Monday, 21 November 2011 1:31 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to launch its membership package for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

The new season marks the start of a historic new era for our great club.

After an absence of 18 months, we are returning home to the newly refurbished Lakeside Stadium. The State Government has committed over $60 million in providing new and improved facilities. The refurbishment works have resulted in improved spectator amenities, fully furnished corporate suites, improved lighting, an impressive large electronic scoreboard, and a second grandstand. There truly is no better way of catching all the action at Lakeside Stadium.

The club continues its focus on generating new members and providing added value to its current loyal membership base. This season, we have reintroduced a membership cap, key ring, and offered our members a FREE annual subscription to OPA Magazine, which is valued at over $60. Moreover, our South Gold members will have the opportunity to watch all the action from dedicated premium cushioned seating located in the main Grandstand. In order to provide further value, we have slashed the membership price in 2012.

Memberships can be purchased online, or simply returning the completed membership application form with your payment details.

The return to Lakeside Stadium will officially commence at the football launch on Sunday 11th December. A number of activities are planned for the launch day. The festivities will culminate with an exhibition match to celebrate the occasion involving the senior men’s side competing against 2011 NSW Premier League Champion Sydney Olympic FC. Don’t miss out on this much anticipated launch event, with the South faithful to be out in numbers in welcoming the Club back to its home..

Click here to view the 2012 membership options