Category: News

Monday, 29 March 2010 12:10 AM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

Two second-half goals saw South Melbourne FC overcome the Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Saturday night. The 0-2 result gave South its first clean sheet of the season and ensures that the side is undefeated in the Victorian Premier League in 2010.

Leading goal scorer Fernando De Moraes sustained an injury at training during the week and began the match on the bench as Sam Torrens took his place in the side. Despite suffering minor knocks in the previous match, Carl Recchia, Marinos Gasparis and James Stefanou were all able to take their places in the starting eleven.

In the first half, South dominated possession but could not convert on the scoreboard despite creating excellent chances, as Dandenong goalkeeper Stuart Webster made some excellent saves to deny the away side. South’s injury list grew midway through the half when centre back Steve O’Dor hobbled off with a hamstring injury. Shortly after, the Thunder almost took the lead when a shot from Joey Di Iorio hit the side netting at the near post instead of the back of the net.

In the second half, South continued to dominate possession. Carl Recchia and Daniel Vasilevski took complete control of the midfield battle, whilst captain Rama Tavsancioglu did an excellent job of keeping Hamlet Armenian quiet on the right side. The persistence finally paid off in the 53rd minute when a stinging Recchia shot could only be parried by Webster into the path of Gasparis, who scored at the near post to open the scoring as well as register his first goal for South Melbourne FC.

The goal suddenly stung the home side into action, with Dandenong having their best period of possession for the match in the fifteen minutes following the goal. In that time, the Thunder was extremely unfortunate not to equalise, first with an unmarked Di Iorio putting his header wide of Peter Zois’ goal before Scott Bulloch put his half-volley over the bar a minute later. The home supporters began to sing as the home side began to get themselves back into the match.

Despite these scares, South managed to comfortably defend its lead. Fernando De Moraes and Sasha Vranesevic both came on to support Gianni De Nittis up front, as Vasilevski and Torrens went off. De Moraes supplied De Nittis with a through-ball but Webster was there to deny South yet again and keep the score unchanged at 0-1.

De Nittis had done an excellent job up forward all night and he was finally rewarded with his first goal of 2010 deep into injury time. A swift counter-attack ended with Vranesevic cutting the ball back across goals for De Nittis to tap in at the far post to secure South’s second win in succession as well as the club’s first clean sheet of the season.

After the Easter break, South Melbourne FC hosts Heidelberg United in the final match at Bob Jane Stadium before the multi-million dollar renovations on the ground commence. With the two sides being arch rivals for over 50 years, the match promises to be an exciting contest in front of a large crowd.

South Melbourne FC wishes all football supporters a happy Easter for next weekend and looks forward to seeing everyone at Bob Jane Stadium in two weeks time for the traditional derby against Heidelberg. Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday April 11.

FINAL SCORE: DANDENONG THUNDER 0-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-0)

Dandenong Thunder:
Stuart Webster, Hamlet Armenian, Jeffrey Bright, Ryan Davidson, Joey Di Iorio, Shane Rexhepi, Noel Bahnsen, Afrim Avdulai (Veton Korcarevski 60’), Levent Osman, Marcus Stergiopoulos, Scott Bulloch

South Melbourne:
Peter Zois, Stiven Mrkela, Sam Torrens (Sasha Vranesevic 79’), Sebastian Petrovic, Rama Tavsancioglu, Steve O’Dor (Eddie Cetkin 32’), Daniel Vasilevski (Fernando De Moraes 76’), Carl Recchia, Gianni De Nittis, James Stefanou, Marinos Gasparis
(Scorers: Marinos Gasparis 53’, Gianni De Nittis 93’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Carl Recchia
Venue: George Andrews Reserve
Date: Saturday 27th March 2010
Crowd: 1,000

Friday, 26 March 2010 11:01 AM

AIS Insurance Brokers, long-term corporate partner of South Melbourne FC, turns 20 this year.

The company was founded in October 1990 by Brendon Davis as a one person business specialising in insuring all forms of business and commercial risks. AIS initially operated from leased premises in Burwood, and in June 1991, AIS moved to South Melbourne where it has been based ever since. The organisation has steadily grown to become the leading autonomous Victorian based Insurance Broker. Clients work closely with AIS Insurance Brokers, knowing they receive superior advice and that they will recommend the insurance program and insurer that provide the best protection for their business rather than an insurer or option which offers an incentive to AIS.

AIS negotiate specific corporate and commercial insurance placement for clients in a variety of industry classifications and also niche products developed for special client groups. AIS have several specialist teams including: Property & Construction Team, Professional Indemnity & Directors Liability, Workers Compensation and Workcover, Claims Management, Wholesale Insurance (to other insurance brokers only).

Over the years AIS have been involved in some interesting and amazing insurance placements. In 1999 AIS insured the importation of several White Rhinoceros out of South Africa for our Australian Zoos. AIS have insured the work on many oil and gas pipelines, the construction of many landmark city buildings but most importantly they have been able to work with many small and medium sized businesses helping them grow and prosper.

AIS have over 30 staff with in house specialists in most general insurance disciplines. The organisation is one of the few Victorian Brokers admitted as coverholders at Lloyds of London since 1994.

Brendon Davis, founder of AIS Insurance Brokers, has been a generous financial contributor to South Melbourne FC through event and signage sponsorship, purchasing players at player auctions, and general assistance over the years. Brendon commenced sponsoring South Melbourne FC in 1997/98, and was also awarded the Sam Papasavas Award for his contribution to the Club in 2006.

As part of the 20th birthday celebrations, AIS Insurance Brokers has generously announced a 20th goal promotion where the score of the 20th goal for the season (and each multiple of 20 being 40, 60, 80, 100) receives $20. Therefore, 20 x $20 =$400.

South Melbourne FC wishes both Brendon and AIS Insurance continued success, and a very happy 20th birthday to AIS.

Contact Details

AIS Insurance Brokers
137 Moray Street, South Melbourne 3205
Telephone Number: 8699 8888
Website: www.aisinsurance.com.au

Friday, 26 March 2010 10:05 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC faces arguably its toughest challenge thus far in 2010 when the side travels to George Andrews Reserve to face the Dandenong Thunder on Saturday evening in a match that will hopefully rival the corresponding fixture played in 2009.

South will enter the game on the back of its first win of the season following the 2-1 home win over Green Gully last Sunday. Undefeated in 2010 and with six points from its opening four matches, the Blues are sitting in the top five of the VPL ladder. In contrast and somewhat surprisingly, Dandenong have only one solitary win from their opening four matches. Last week, the Thunder opened the scoring away against Oakleigh but lost 3-1, leaving the team in ninth spot on the VPL table.

Despite the slow start by Dandenong this season, they have shown in the past that they are no pushovers and no easy beats. The Thunder had an outstanding 2009 season, where they won the Minor Premiership but tragically lost the Grand Final on a penalty shootout. In the corresponding match last year, Dandenong cruised to a 2-0 home lead before 2 goals in two minutes by Fernando De Moraes and Goran Zoric saw the match end in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Dandenong’s two other home matches in 2010 have seen them beat the Melbourne Knights 2-1 and lose 0-3 to Richmond in what was seen as a shock defeat. Despite this loss, George Andrews Reserve has been a fortress for the Thunder in recent years and the South players will need to play extremely well to win the three points on Saturday. The Blues will not be helped with Joseph Youssef’s injury last weekend, coupled with the fact that several other players are nursing knocks from the Green Gully match. These include Carl Recchia, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis.

The key players for the away side this weekend will be Peter Zois, Daniel Vasilevski and Fernando De Moraes, who have all been outstanding throughout the pre-season and opening four rounds of the VPL season. Zois made a double-save at the weekend to ensure South won all three points, whilst the midfield combination of Vasilevski and Fernando has seen both players net all of South’s seven goals in the League this season. If Zois can hold his defence firm on Saturday and the De Moraes-Vasilevski show rolls on, South will give itself every possible chance to overcome the Thunder.

The match kicks off at 7pm on Saturday evening at George Andrews Reserve.

Last time they met

Thursday, 25 March 2010 11:03 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the launch of the first School Holiday Clinic for 2010 to be held on one of Victoria’s premier football venue, Bob Jane Stadium on Tuesday March 31st to Thursday April 1.

As part of the holiday football clinics, kids will receive specialist coaching by South Melbourne FC coaches and senior players, a certificate of participation, along with a light lunch and refreshments.

These football clinics will encourage greater participation and involvement for all football followers and lovers of the game on Victoria’s premier footballing venue.

The cost of the SMFC clinic for all three days collectively is $270, or $100 per day.

Numbers are limited, so to register please contact Nicki on 9645 9797 or Ange Dallas, SMFC Director of Football on 0418 178 335.

For more details, please download the SMFC Clinics Flyer by clicking here

Thursday, 25 March 2010 9:36 AM

On this week’s episode of southRadio, we review South’s first win for the VPL season against Green Gully, a round up of all the action across Round 4 of the Victorian Premier League, and preview the clash between South Melbourne FC and Dandenong Thunder. In addition, we are joined in the studio by Head of Marketing, Corporate Sales, and Events, George Triantos for a chat about the season so far, the upcoming celebrations for the next home match against Heidelberg United, and a brief update on the Bob Jane Stadium redevelopment.

Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au

Click here to download episode 6 of southRadio (MP3 – 20Mb) – Right Click and Save As

Click here to download the show directly from iTunes

Wednesday, 24 March 2010 1:38 PM

The Lonsdale Street ‘Glendi’ has, since its inception in 1987, become an annual marker for Melbourne and Lonsdale Street – the original Greek cultural precinct. It is a celebration of Greek Australian life and culture in Melbourne, one the world’s most Greek cities outside Greece.

What is effectively a giant street party timed to coincide with Greek National Day (25 March), the Glendi is about music, dance, food, traditions and contemporary takes on all things Greek.

In what promises to be an exciting weekend, South Melbourne FC will have a stall at the Antipodes Festival.

Memberships will also be on sale, as well as fans being able to purchase the 2010 merchandise range.

We hope to see all South fans in attendance.

Antipodes Festival
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 March
12pm – 10pm
Lonsdale Street Greek Precint, between Russell & Swanston Street

Tuesday, 23 March 2010 4:07 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that Biggin Scott St Kilda has joined as a Corporate Partner of the Club. Biggin Scott St Kilda has agreed to be the Major Sponsor of the Sub Junior Junior Teams.

Head of the Youth Development Program, Tom Kalas, said to smfc.com.au “We are both proud and excited to announce Biggin Scott St Kilda as the Major Sponsor of the Club’s Sub Junior Teams. It is great to be associated with a leading brand in the real estate industry”.

Biggin & Scott St Kilda is Bayside’s leading real estate agency, servicing the local community for over 40 years. Located in the heart of St Kilda on bustling Fitzroy Street, they have continuously been at the forefront of real estate in Melbourne.

Led by Claudio Perruzza who has some 25 years experience in the industry, and backed by consistent outstanding results and the latest technology, they are the best equipped to handle any sale, purchase or rental enquiry you may have. Claudio can be contacted on 0412 304 152.

Monday, 22 March 2010 12:24 AM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC has secured its first win of the season, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Green Gully at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday evening. The home side won the match following a brace from Fernando De Moraes.

South entered the match on the back of a 3-3 away draw against Northcote City, whilst the visitors arrived at Lakeside following a 2-1 home defeat against Oakleigh last week. A win was essential for both sides in order to jump into the top five.

South began the match strongly and opened the scoring in the fifth minute from the penalty spot. Joseph Youssef held the ball up well and was subsequently brought down in the box following an attempted turn and shot. De Moraes stepped up to the spot and dispatched his penalty clinically by slotting it to the right of Gully keeper Kenny Gerochristodoulou, who went the wrong way.

Gully equalised just over five minutes later following an error in midfield from South. The loose ball was pounced upon by Andy Vargas and his excellent through ball put Gary Wales one-on-one with Peter Zois and Wales levelled the scores. Zois prevented South from going 1-2 down after tipping a Steve Burton shot from distance onto the crossbar just before the halftime break.

In the second half, both sides had a few half-chances to take the lead but the score remained locked at 1-1. That was until an outstanding goal from De Moraes broke the game open and ultimately ended the scoring for the afternoon. Captain Rama Tavsancioglu played a beautiful through ball for the Futsalroo to latch onto. De Moraes controlled the ball nicely before smashing it past the advancing Gerochristodoulou, who had no chance of saving the shot. The goal was De Moraes’ fifth in four matches this season.

The remainder of the match was a real battle, as Gully pressed for an equalising goal whilst South tried to catch Gully on the break. De Moraes almost had a hat trick but was denied by a fantastic save from Gerochristodoulou following a vicious shot from the left side of the box. Substitute Yusuf Yusuf got past his marker on the right hand side and played an excellent low cross to the near post that unfortunately saw no South player able to reach in time. Gully then nearly levelled when substitute Michael Anderson put the ball wide of Zois’ goals, with good defensive pressure from James Stefanou contributing to the end miss.

Zois proved to be the hero for the afternoon when he made an outstanding double save in the final seconds of the match. The initial shot from Gully drew out an excellent reflex save from the South custodian, before he quickly bounced to his feet and pushed away a second incoming shot from captain Jeffrey Fleming. The ball was eventually cleared with the sound of the referee’s final whistle, giving South a grinding victory and moving the home side into the top five.

South travels to George Andrews Reserve next Saturday to face the Dandenong Thunder.

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

South Melbourne:
Peter Zois, Stiven Mrkela, Steve O’Dor, Daniel Vasilevski, Carl Recchia (Sebastian Petrovic 75’), Gianni De Nittis, Joseph Youssef (Yusuf Yusuf 21’), Rama Tavsancioglu, Fernando De Moraes, Marinos Gasparis (Sam Torrens 70’), James Stefanou
(Goals: Fernando De Moraes 5’ pk, 56’)

Green Gully:
Kenny Gerochristodoulou, Steve Burton, Cameron Drake, Jeffrey Fleming, Josh Groenewald (Michael Anderson 77’), Gary Wales (Jonathon Munoz 64’), Graham Hockless, Nick Robinson, Ryan Ollerton, Mile Medjedevic, Andy Vargas
(Goal: Gary Wales 10’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Fernando De Moraes
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Date: Sunday 21st March 2010
Crowd: 1,000

Friday, 19 March 2010 9:24 AM

 By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC welcomes Green Gully to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday in a match where the home side requires maximum points to kick-start the 2010 Victorian Premier League campaign.

Both sides enter the match on three points, with South having drawn all three of their matches thus far, whilst Gully has one win from three games. Last Saturday, South fought back from a 3-1 halftime deficit to draw 3-3 with Northcote City, whilst on the same day Gully lost for the second time at home in 2010 when it went down 2-1 against Oakleigh. Gully currently lie sixth in the League standings with South in seventh, so a positive result on Sunday is imperative for both sides to jump even higher up the ladder.

Whilst Gully have lost twice already in 2010, their only win has come from an away game. In 2009, the two matches between South and Gully saw a 2-2 draw at Green Gully Reserve and a 1-1 draw at Bob Jane Stadium, so the two sides cannot be separated in recent League meetings. Despite going into the match in more consistent form than their opponents, South cannot afford to take Gully lightly, as the Cavaliers have constantly frustrated South since the Blues returned to the Victorian Premier League in 2005.

South and Gully have competed in League and Cup battles over the last 30 years. The first match played between the sides was in the old Victorian League Cup, when a Branko Buljevic goal was enough to give South a 1-0 victory over Gully in the First Round of that competition. The first meeting in the National Soccer League saw a Doug Brown double secure a 0-2 win for South at Green Gully Reserve. South enjoyed a perfect record against Gully in the NSL (6 wins from 6), whereas in the VPL Gully has had the upper hand. Since 2005, Gully has 5 wins and 4 draws against South, who has only beaten Gully twice in that time.

South will be hoping that James Stefanou can rejoin the back four on Saturday, after the young defender missed the Northcote match through injury. The return of Carl Recchia last week was a bonus, along with the excellent form of Fernando De Moraes, Daniel Vasilevski and goalkeeper Peter Zois. Substitutes Joseph Youssef, Sasha Vranesivic and Sebastian Petrovic all excelled against Northcote last week, with all no doubt giving coach Vaughan Coveny plenty of headaches at the selection panel this week.

The match kicks off at 5pm on Sunday. All South supporters are encouraged to attend and buy a membership if they have not done so already.

smfcTV  – Last time they met

Thursday, 18 March 2010 11:24 AM

On this week’s episode of southRadio, we review South’s exciting clash with Northcote City, a round up of all the action across Round 3 of the Victorian Premier League, and preview the clash between South Melbourne FC and Green Gully. In addition, we are joined in the studio by SMFC defender James Stefanou for a chat about the season so far.

Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au

Click here to download episode 5 of southRadio (MP3 -25Mb) – Right Click and Save As.