Category: News

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm that former junior Josh Meaker will return back to Lakeside Stadium for the 2020 season.

Meaker is a name that should be familiar to those at the club, playing numerous seasons as a club junior before being elevated through the Under 20s to the Senior Squad in 2014 as part of the inaugural year of the NPL.

In the past few seasons, the versatile midfielder has spent time in Spain before returning home to play for the Bentleigh Greens. Over the past two seasons, he has played in over 25 matches for the Greens including the Semi Final of both the league and FFA Cup in 2018.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was excited to see another junior player return home. “Josh had a fantastic spell in our junior system which saw him progress all the way through to the senior squad and then overseas. He’s a versatile player who can play in many roles throughout midfield and we are excited to add him to our squad for the upcoming season.”

Meaker was also thrilled to be returning home “I’ve spent quite a few seasons at the club as both a junior and then senior, so it feels like a homecoming. Having been part of Bentleigh over the past few seasons and in our 2014 squad at South prior, I understand what it takes to be successful and I will be working my hardest to try and assist in bringing trophies back to Lakeside.”

South Melbourne welcomes Josh back to the club and looks forward to him joining in pre-season in December.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm that former SMFC Championship Winner Chris Irwin will return to the club for the 2020 season.

Irwin returns to the club where he played a large portion of his junior football, spending three seasons with the club in his youth career before re-joining the club from Avondale as a 20-year-old in 2015.

In his 18 month as part of the senior team in 2015 and 2016, South fans would remember Irwin for his natural flair and pace with an ability to pass defenders with ease. He had an important 2016 finals series, coming off the bench in both the Semi Final win over Heidelberg and Grand Final with Oakleigh to have an impact in our two biggest wins of the season.

While at Kingston, he has further enhanced his game to be comfortable in any position across the attacking third, including just behind the strikers and in his natural spot as a winger. It was with such form that he was awarded the 2019 Best and Fairest at Kingston.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was excited to welcome back Irwin. “We know exactly what we are getting with Chris, a fast attacking player but also a fantastic person and leader that we will have around the club. Since leaving the club in 2017, he has further enhanced his game at Kingston and with the squad taking shape we are pleased to add someone with the quality, experience and drive to our group.”

Irwin was overjoyed to be returning back to a place that was so familiar to him. “It’s great to be returning to a place that I have spent so much of my football career at to date. Not only do I have fond memories of being part of the 2016 championship win, but I remember playing for many years as a junior and being a fan of the club. It’s a very exciting period and the squad is looking strong, so I cannot wait to be a part of it as we aim for a trophy winning season.”

We wish Chris all the best and hope his second stint with the club is as successful as his first.

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of former player and talented right-back Amadu Koroma for the 2020 NPL Victoria season.

Amadu returns to the club following a fantastic two year stint with Port Melbourne, where he established himself as a consistent performer across the back four. His form saw him finish in the top three of the Port Melbourne Best and Fairest at the conclusion of the season and a key member of the club’s leadership group.

South fans would remember Amadu as being a composed and tough defender, as well as having strength and speed whilst attacking down the right-hand flank. He was a key contributor in the 2016 season with the club, a year where the club won the NPL Victoria Championship.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was pleased to have Amadu back at the club. “Amadu is a hard-working, disciplined and composed defender who will add experience and strength to our back four. His ability to create while going forward will also be an asset to the right side of the park, while his versatility to play in numerous positions and roles is something that excites us.”

Amadu was also thrilled being back. “I have some fantastic memories of this club and I am so happy to be a South Melbourne player again. “I was part of a fantastic squad previously that went on to win the championship and I want to give everything for the club and the fans to ensure we taste success once again. Thank you to Esteban and Andrew for making my return a dream come true.”

We would like to wish Amadu Koroma the best for the 2020 season.

South Melbourne FC can announce the signing of attacking midfielder Lucy Johnson for the 2020 NPLW Victoria season.

Johnson joins following a standout year with fellow NPLW side Alamein, scoring 12 goals in 28 games from midfield.

Originally from Tasmania, the 21-year-old won three consecutive golden boot award in the league, including netting 38 goals during the 2017 Super league season.

With senior experience across NTC, Hobart Olympia and the Hobart Zebras, we are looking forward to her taking her game to a new level in 2020.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Head Coach Samuel Young was thrilled with the acquisition. “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy to South Melbourne FC. It’s another significant signing for us as a club and it’s going to really help where we want to be. She has great energy, intensity and technical ability and it’s those attributes that will bring so much to the team.

We are thrilled to have Lucy join our club and we look forward to seeing her play in midfield or anywhere in the front third.”

Johnson was equally excited to be joining the club. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about Sam as a coach and I look forward to developing as a player under his guidance. I’m excited for the new challenge ahead of me and to see what next season brings.”

South Melbourne FC can confirm that 23-year-old defensive midfielder Luke Pavlou has returned to the club ahead of the 2020 season.

In his first stint with the club, the hard-working Queenslander played in 39 matches for the club in an 18-month period. He was also part of the squad that made it to the Semi Final of the FFA Cup, Dockerty Cup and NPL Victoria competition in 2017.

He moved to Oakleigh at the halfway point of the 2018 season, where he played in a further 42 matches. This included playing a crucial role in midfield as the Cannons made the finals in 2019.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was pleased with Luke returning to the club. “We are excited about welcoming someone we regard highly as a footballer and person back to the club. Luke has established himself over the past few seasons as a hard-working and relentless defensive midfielder and we are looking forward to him playing that role back at Lakeside in season 2020.”

Luke Pavlou was thrilled to be returning to a place he considered his home. “It’s a great feeling to be back at the club and in these change rooms. I have very fond memories of my time at South Melbourne and look forward to being part of the club once again, as we strive to have a trophy winning season in 2020.”

We welcome Luke back to the club and wish him all the best back in the blue shirt of our club.

South Melbourne FC has secured the signature of the 27 year old Irish central defender Stephen Folan, whilst agreeing for his release from Dundalk Football Club for season 2020. Despite Folan attracting interest from other Irish Premier League clubs, the club is pleased to confirm that he instead chose to join the boys at Lakeside.

Whilst playing for Ireland at youth level, Folan was apart of the Newcastle United Youth Academy. Through his exceptional performances for the Magpies at Youth Level, he joined the senior squad on a two-year contract. Through out his time in North England, Folan played numerous reserves matches, whilst being apart of the first team structure. This included featuring on the bench on numerous occasions for the black and whites.

Following his time at Newcastle, Folan moved back to his native Ireland and signed with Limerick FC in the Irish Premier League. In the two seasons that he spent with the club, he earned the Young Player award and featured in over 70 first team matches for the club. He followed this with consistent first team football at both Cork City and Galway in the following seasons.

In January 2017, he signed with Dundalk FC and has since been playing at the club. During his time at Dundalk, the club has won two league titles, as well as winning one League Cup, President’s Cup, Ea Sports Cup and FAI Cup. Following the recent success, Dundalk competed in the qualifying phase of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. They are currently sitting on top of the Irish Premier League table.

The strong and composed defender will bring a wealth of experience to our back four, having played in over 200 matches at senior level throughout the top tier of Irish Football. As well as his defensive ability, Stephen has also shown his ability to score and has a commanding presence inside the area from a dead ball situation.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was thrilled to welcome such a professional into the squad. “We would like to welcome Stephen to Australia and South Melbourne FC. Stephen had received numerous offers throughout Ireland and the UK but chose to accept our offer and join us at Lakeside. We are fortunate to have him with us and ask all supporters to welcome him. He’s an extremely powerful defender, with the ability to win the high ball and chase down his opponents. His years of experience at the highest level of Irish Football will only complement our 2020 season campaign.”

Stephen Folan was equally as excited join the club. “It’s a dream come true to move to Melbourne and I am extremely pleased that I will be able to continue my football at an iconic and historic club of Australian Football in 2020. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time back home, but the reality is I am really looking forward to the challenge of moving abroad with my partner and enjoying what Melbourne has to offer. After speaking to South Melbourne’s senior head coach Esteban, my aim will be to work hard and assist the club to add more silver ware to its cabinets. I can’t wait”.

Stephen will arrive in December for pre-season training following his commitments with Dundalk FC.

South Melbourne FC can confirm the signing of winger Janna Lawson for the 2020 NPLW Victoria season.

Lawson joins the club following a successful spell with Alamein, playing an important role as her former club made the finals last season.

Her blistering pace and ability to pass defenders is a key attribute to her game, as she is expected to link up with new signing Caitlin Pickett to form a dynamic and formidable part of South’s front third.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Incoming Senior Coach Samuel Young was excited by the signing. “Janna is one of the finest players in NPLW Victoria today and it’s a real pleasure to have secured her signature. She has been an instrumental part of the Alamein attack in recent years and I am looking forward to working with her in the 2020 and beyond. Janna ticks every box for us in terms of how we want to play next season. She is very hard working off the ball, dominates when one on one and has a great mentality. Our attacking players will benefit greatly from having her with us.”

Lawson was also pleased to be joining the club. “South is a big club and I am thrilled to be here. With the great facilities, Sam’s vision of how we are going to play and having the ability to play on Lakeside Stadium I can’t wait to get started.”

South welcomes Janna to the club and looks forward to seeing her in 2020.

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South Melbourne FC is thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder Daniel Clark for the 2020 NPL Victoria season.

Clark joins us from local rivals Port Melbourne, as the club looks to strengthen its midfield.

The 29-year-old is regarded as one of the hardest working midfielders in the competition, whilst also having the ability to create and score goals. Many would also know Daniel for his individual performances in the FFA Cup, ensuring both Hume City and Port Melbourne made it through to the elusive Round of 32.

The Queenslander will be keen to make his mark at Lakeside and will be looking forward to playing alongside former Hume City teammate Marcus Schroen.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was looking forward to seeing Daniel in the club’s midfield. “Daniel is an experienced and extremely hard-working player and we are excited to have him at the club. With his high work rate, experience and football intelligence, he will provide the explosive power we require in the midfield whilst linking up with Harrison Sawyer and Peter Skapetis. We will possess one of the most exciting forward lines in the league. ”

Clark was also thrilled to join South. “Having spent a few years in the NPL Victorian competition, I have always enjoyed playing at Lakeside Stadium. To be able to call it home, whilst playing for an iconic club is a dream I’ve always wanted to realise. I thank both Esteban and Andrew for giving me the opportunity to be apart of its rich history. It’s a new era for the club and i am proud to be a part of it.”

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce its first signing of the 2020 NPL Victoria season, with young Central Defender Lirim Elmazi joining from Altona Magic.

Elmazi joins the club following an outstanding three year stint with the Magic, playing an integral part in the promotion of the club to the NPL, as well as winning back-to-back best and fairest awards while leading the back four.

The 21-year-old will provide coach Esteban Quintas with a versatile defensive option that is comfortable both in the air and on the ground. As well as this, it is his composure with the ball at his feet that also makes him an exciting prospect for our club.

Elmazi played in 24 league games for Altona in 2019, where he was also able to advance up the park to score on two occasions.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni welcomed Lirim to the club. “We are thrilled to have Lirim join us for 2020, as we believe he will add a significant amount of size, defensive strength and quality to our back four. He has come off some fantastic individual seasons with Altona Magic and we are looking forward to seeing him bring this form to our club in 2020.”

Elmazi was also thrilled to be joining the club. “South is a big club and I am excited to be joining them for the upcoming season. After speaking with Esteban, I am excited with direction that the club is taking. So the prospect of being able to help the club climb up the table and playing at Lakeside Stadium was appealing to me, so I can’t wait to get started.”

We wish Lirim all the best in his time at Lakeside and look forward to seeing him join pre-season in December.