Category: News

Friday, 5 March 2010 9:26 AM

Photo by Cindy Nitsos

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC welcomes the Bentleigh Greens to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday in what is the first home game of the season for the Blues. South will be looking for three points following the hard-fought draw against Altona last week.

The visiting Greens side has built up a bit of a rivalry with South. Despite the two sides not meeting in the Victorian Premier League since 2005 (with South winning both matches), Bentleigh have had the upper hand in Hellenic Cup contests. In the 2010 final only two weeks ago, the Greens prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw during regular and extra time. Bentleigh also won a pre-season friendly played between the two sides at Bob Jane Stadium in January.

Many former South Melbourne FC players will be returning to Bob Jane Stadium in Bentleigh uniforms, including newly-appointed Greens coach Goran Lozanovski. Other players include Con Anthopoulos, George Goutzioulis, Sam De Vito and Bill Natisioulas. De Vito and Natsioulas will return to the ground where they won the VPL championship with South in 2006. Greens keeper Peter Gavalas will be one player to watch out for, as the custodian produced a series of outstanding saves against South in the Hellenic Cup to win the Cup for his side.

South Melbourne FC will be pleased with the point gained in the 1-1 draw against Altona at Paisley Park last weekend, but will be looking to push for the three points against the Greens. The home side’s chances will be greatly increased if new signings Joe Keenan and Carl Recchia play, as the midfield stocks will be boosted greatly. Fernando De Moraes will no doubt press to play the full 90 minutes on Sunday following his half an hour of brilliance last week, which culminated in his equalising goal for the away side late in the match.

The match kicks off on Sunday at 5pm at Bob Jane Stadium. South Melbourne FC wishes to advise supporters that memberships will be available for purchasing, as well as to be picked up. South fans are strongly encouraged to pledge their support for the club in 2010 by signing up as members on Sunday.

smfcTV – Last time they met (2010 Hellenic Cup Final)

Thursday, 4 March 2010 2:38 PM

Picture: Jim Diamantaris embracing Ulysses Kokkinos at the 50 Year Gala Ball

The entire South Melbourne FC family would like to extend its deep condolences and wishes to the Diamantaris family on the passing of former South Melbourne FC President Jim Diamantaris.

Diamantaris served as president from 1985-1986 and was recently inducted into the SMFC Hall of Fame at the club’s 50th Year Anniversary Gala Ball at the Crown Palladium.

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, speaking to smfc.com.au, remarked that “the passing of Mr. Diamantaris represented the passing of a true Club legend, and his smile and presence will be severely missed by the SMFC family. I wish to pass on my condolences on behalf of everyone at SMFC to the Diamantaris family. We will miss him dearly”.

Monday, 1 March 2010 12:30 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to proudly announce the signing of miRoamer as the major sponsor for the 2010 VPL season.

miRoamer was launched in 2001 and in the years proceeding have proven to be one of the most innovative, imaginative, affordable and reliable leaders in the Information Technology industry. The Melbourne based company has made remarkable steps over this period, actively developing a technology that would make listening to radio content from anywhere in the world a realistic option with the aid of a developed electronics device. miRoamer enables users to access a portal online that allows them to find, locate and then listen to their favourite radio station from anywhere in the world. What makes such a technology a step above the rest is that when a miRoamer capable device is purchased, it can be synchronised to that particular miRoamer portal, thus enabling the user to listen to these particular channels on such devices from anywhere. Along with the development of such innovative technologies, miRoamer has also made a concerted effort to become a global brand, building headquarters in both the United States and in Europe.

miRoamer founder George Parthimos, speaking to smfc.com.au, said “South Melbourne has proven over its history to be the strongest and proudest club in Australia and it was a simple decision for us to support such an iconic organisation. We hope that our association can continue for numerous years and that both miRoamer and South Melbourne can reach their intended targets in the near future”, said Mr Parthimos.

Renewing their sponsorship for another season is Coffex Coffee. Coffex was founded in the late 1950s, in response to the shortage of quality espresso coffee beans in Melbourne at that time. The first Coffex beans were roasted in the first Coffex shop in Coburg, Victoria, using equipment which had to be especially imported from Europe. From these humble beginnings Coffex has grown to become one of Australia’s largest suppliers of premium ground coffee and beans. As Coffex’s reputation for quality spread, the public demanded the same great taste in their homes as at their local Coffex café; Coffex was happy to oblige and today Coffex is sold at leading retailers all around the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, Antenna Pacific TV has renewed their association with South Melbourne FC. Antenna Pacific TV has been a corporate partner since 2007, and has allowed South Melbourne FC to be one of very few clubs outside the A League the ability to advertise on national television. Currently, Antenna Pacific TV has over 70,000 subscribers on the Foxtel, Optus, Austar, and Select TV platforms, reaches over 200,000 viewers nationally. In addition to the live news bulletin, Hellenic series, entertainment and current affair shows of Antenna Pacific TV, the daily schedule is enriched with tailored features for Greeks living abroad including: Hellenic movies, children’s programming, a weekly. Special emphasis has been given to the sport programming as the subscription channels of Antenna Pacific TV have secured the exclusive rights for the Hellenic Superleague and Hellenic Soccer Cup.

Long-term supporter of South Melbourne FC, AIS Insurance Brokers, has joined as the shorts sponsor. A.I.S. Insurance Brokers commenced operations in 1990 and have steadily grown to become the leading autonomous Victorian based Insurance Broker. AIS Insurance Brokers are members of the national Corplex Network of Insurance Brokers, Steadfast Group Limited, Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and also the National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia.

Joining the South family for the first time is Souvlaki Hut. Founders, Bill and John Fotiadis, set up their first site in the Melbourne suburb of Hillside in 2004. The aim was to create a chain of casual Greek restaurants with an authentic product range as well as bringing fresh and exciting new flavour profiles to the Australian market. Its vision is to become one of Australia’s leading casual restaurant chains. The pair eventually hopes to take the chain overseas, but for now they will concentrate on growth in Australia and keeping up their relationship with their franchisees.

Head of Corporate Sales, Marketing, and Events, George Triantos, speaking to smfc.com.au, said “we are delighted to have most of our corporate partners renewing for the 2010 VPL season, and in particular, we welcome Souvlaki Hut to the SMFC family. We hope that it will be a long-standing relationship between both organisations. We thank all our existing sponsors to continuing to support SMFC. I ask all South fans and members to get behind our sponsors, and assist the organisations that are committing their support for this great club”.

Monday, 1 March 2010 11:57 AM

South Melbourne FC kicked-off its 2010 campaign in great style on Friday night, as the club officially launched its 2010 season.

This year saw the Season Launch event held in the Champions Bar in an intimate and cosy affair with approximately 200 guests in attendance. The Champions Bar was looking its best, with players, corporate partners, and fans mingling and enjoying a great evening to commence the new season.

The MC for the evening was Board Member, George Triantos, who welcomed the guests to the event, and opened his address by highlighting the upcoming positive news of the Bob Jane Stadium redevelopment, the new Youth Development Program in the junior set up, and the recent acknowledgement of South Melbourne FC as the Oceania Confederation Club of the Century.

Club President Leo Athanasakis also welcomed the 200 strong crowd and invited everyone to be a part of what will undoubtedly be a great year for the Australian football giants. Mr Athanasakis also announced the major corporate partners for the 2010 VPL season. miRoamer, a company making massive in-roads in Europe with their internet radio technology, was announced as major sponsor. This marks the third consecutive year that miRoamer has secured the major sponsorship of South Melbourne FC. In addition, Antenna Pacific TV, Coffex Coffee, AIS Insurance Brokers, and Souvlaki Hut were also announced as shirt sponsors.

Ramazan Tavsancioglu was announced as the 2010 club captain with defender Steven O’Dor honoured with the vice captaincy role. Fan favourite ‘Rama’, as he is affectionately known, also spoke of the player’s focus and desire for success in 2010. Both leaders spoke about their drive to go one step further and challenge for the VPL title.

The long awaited home playing strip by apparel sponsor adidas was then unveiled with unanimous approval judging by the applause from the crowd. Steven O’Dor was modelling the away kit, as fans looked upon deciding which strip will be purchased for the coming season.

The night concluded with player auctions, a silent auction and a raffle – all of which raised a considerable amount for the Club.

All football lovers are encouraged to join the club as members in 2010.

Sunday, 28 February 2010 9:56 PM

 
By John Kyrou  (Photos by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC broke its Paisley Park hoodoo when the Blues recorded a hard-fought 1-1 away draw against Altona Magic on Sunday afternoon. Substitute Fernando De Moraes’ late equalising goal was enough to earn the side a share of the spoils in the club’s opening match of the 2010 Victorian Premier League season.

South entered the match knowing all too well the horrible record the side had suffered at Paisley Park in recent years. Since re-joining the VPL in 2005, South had played Altona in five matches at the venue and lost every single time. In the previous meeting (round 21, 2009) it had been a resounding 3-0 demolition job by the Magic, with South goalkeeper Tommi Tomich enduring a nightmare game in goals.

This time around, Tomich was in between the sticks for the Magic following his off-season switch to Paisley Park. Ex-South boy Danni Radojicic joined Tomich in the starting eleven for Altona, whilst former South goalkeeper Andrew Sfetkopoulos and former midfielder Jose Vasquez were on the bench for the Magic. South’s starting eleven comprised of four new signings, with two former Altona players in Peter Zois and Daniel Vasilevski as well as James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis.

The first half was an even affair, with few chances created by both sides. South nearly had a dream start less than two minutes in, when a shot from Vasilevski on the left side flew across goal. With Tomich beaten, Gasparis was just unable to connect with the ball, which would have resulted in a simple tap-in. Despite South’s pressure, Tomich seemed comfortable in goals for the home side, something that South had needed so desperately for most of the previous season.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Altona almost had a freak goal, when a rushed defensive clearance from halfway nearly caught Zois off-guard. The custodian had the goal covered, but at the last minute lost his bearings and had to push the ball away for a corner. Shortly after, a set piece was fired into the South area. Zois came out to punch in front of a sea of bodies but could only clear the ball as far as the waiting Tony Saric at the edge of the area. He fired the ball into the net for the opening goal.

South stepped up the pressure in the second half and was unlucky not to be level on two occasions. Firstly, Gianni De Nittis was clearly onside following a beautiful through-ball by Joseph Youssef, but was denied by an offside flag. Secondly, a turn and shot by De Nittis was palmed clear for a corner by Tomich, who was desperate for a clean sheet against his old side. Altona by this stage were happy to defend in numbers before trying to catch the away side on the counter-attack.

South coach Vaughan Coveny introduced De Moraes into the contest with half an hour remaining and the Futsalroo repaid the faith by equalising with four minutes remaining. De Moraes was put through one-on-one with Tomich, and with two Altona defenders on his toes, managed to get around Tomich before chipping the ball into the open goal, sending the hundreds of travelling South fans wild on the nearby hill.

South play host to newly-promoted Bentleigh at Bob Jane Stadium next Sunday afternoon and will be keen on revenge following the penalty-shootout loss to the Greens in the Hellenic Cup final last week.

Click here to view match photos

FINAL SCORE: ALTONA MAGIC 1-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-0)

Altona Magic:
Tommi Tomich, Aleksander Koltovski (Steve Masalkovski 84’), Doug Mladenovic, Dejan Radojicic, Koce Delev (Ali Sanad 46’), Pece Siveski, Kliment Taseski, Tony Saric, Slave Bozinovski, Sime Kovacevic, Pece Cergovski
(Scorer: Tony Saric 30′)

South Melbourne:
Peter Zois, Rama Tavsancioglu, James Stefanou, Steve O’Dor, Rhodri Payne, Joseph Youssef (Fernando De Moraes 61’), Sebastian Petrovic, Marinos Gasparis (Sasha Vranesevic 78’), Daniel Vasilevski, Sam Torrens, Gianni De Nittis
(Scorer: Fernando De Moraes 86’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Daniel Vasilevski
Venue: Paisley Park
Date: Sunday 28th February 2010
Crowd: 1,200 

Friday, 26 February 2010 11:04 AM

On this week’s episode of southRadio, we review the Hellenic Cup Final final between South Melbourne and Bentleigh and preview the Round 1 clash against Altona on Sunday. We also chat to new recruit Marinos Gasparis about his time so far at the club and to also get his views on Round 1.

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

Click here to download Episode 2 of southRadio (MP3 – 11mb) – Right Click & Save As

Friday, 26 February 2010 10:54 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC opens its 2010 Victorian Premier League season with an extremely difficult trip to Paisley Park to face reigning back-to-back Champions Altona Magic.

South go into the match on the back of a reasonably successful pre-season. The Blues won through to the final of the Hellenic Cup competition following an undefeated run in the group stages and wins over Northcote City and Heidelberg in the knock-out rounds. The final against newly-promoted Bentleigh was a tight affair, with the Greens prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out following a 0-0 draw in normal and extra time.

South travels to Paisley Park knowing too well that statistically it will be up for an extremely tough match. This is in reference to Altona winning all of the five contests between the two sides at the venue since South rejoined the VPL in 2005. The last of those encounters was in the second last round of last season, when Altona put three goals past Tommi Tomich, who had a hand in one of those goals when his poor clearance fell for Carl Recchia to easily score.

In a strange twist, it will be Tomich who will more than likely line up between the posts for the home side, while Recchia will more than likely play for South, following both players switching clubs during the off-season. Ex-South boys Jose Vasquez, Andrew Sfetkopoulos and Danni Radojicic have all joined Tomich at Paisley Park. South will play with some ex-Altona boys, with Recchia, Peter Zois, Daniel Vasilevski and Stiven Mrkela all looking for a place in the starting eleven for the away side.

South coach Vaughan Coveny has a near full squad to choose from. New signings Recchia, Zois, Vasilevski, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis have all impressed during the pre-season and Hellenic Cup. Keenan has been one of the standouts, looking extremely dangerous with some silky touches and sharp shooting as well as scoring two impressive goals in the later stages of the Hellenic Cup.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday afternoon at Paisley Park.

Thursday, 25 February 2010 11:21 AM

South Melbourne FC was delighted to host the soccer clinics of the Trevor Barker Sports Camps at Bob Jane Stadium recently.

The camp is designed to give kids with cancer and their brothers and sisters an opportunity to have some time-out from cancer treatment and the rigours of hospital visits through participation in a range of sports activities and workshops.

South Melbourne FC was more than happy to support this charitable cause and play a major role in trying to put a smile on the faces of these brave children.

Players that represented South on the day included Sebastian Petrovic, Stefaan Sardelic, and Mackie Simmons. Throughout the day, South’s players conducted multiple clinics, teaching the kids a number of training and warm up drills, ball skills training, as well as playing a series of mini games, which lifted the spirits of the kids and players alike.

Nicholas Szkilnik, SMFC representative who coordinated the organisation of the soccer clinic, spoke with smfc.com.au, and commented on the event that “it was great chatting with the kids and they enjoyed telling us stories of other sports and camps Challenge were doing. We took a photo at the end of the clinic, and the Challenge staff thanked us for hosting the event, hoping to continue our relationship in the future. The kids had a fantastic time on the pitch showing that football has no boundaries and anyone can play, while the SMFC players had a great time entertaining them. Seeing the smiles on their faces despite the difficulties and hurdles they face in dealing with cancer, made it all worthwhile”.

South Melbourne FC is proud to support this wonderful cause and urges all fans to check out the Challenge website (www.challenge.org.au) to learn more about what can be done to support these inspirational kids.

Thursday, 25 February 2010 9:42 AM

Please click here to view the squad with profiles

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce their squad for the 2010 Victorian Premier League season.

The team is brimming with a combination of youthful exuberance, talent and experience.

A number of core players have been retained in addition to being reinforced with a number of talented and experienced players. South has entered the transfer market strongly, recruiting Peter Zois to replace Tommich, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis from Heidelberg United, Carl Recchia from Altona Magic, Daniel Vasilevski  from A-League club Newcastle Jets and Joe Keenan from Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.

Departing from South at the end of the 2009 season included Andrew Sfetkopoulos (Altona Magic), Tommi Tommich (Altona Magic), Shane Nunes, Nic Curtis (Northcote City), Con Blatsis (retired), Vaughan Coveny (retired), Francesco Stella (Siena, Italy), Danni Radojicic (Altona Magic) & Goran Zoric (Royal Thai Police United FC, Thailand).

Rookie coach and club legend, Vaughan Coveny will lead a strong side into the 2010 VPL season.

SMFC Director of Football Ange Dallas, speaking to smfc.com.au, stated “there has been a lot of hard work gone into recruiting and preparing a team that the South faithful can be proud of in 2010. We have completed an extensive process where players from all over Australia have trialed at the club in the hope of securing a spot in our squad. There are some young exciting prospects which are set to make their mark throughout the year. We hope that our passionate supporters get behind the team from the outset and support those who have been entrusted to wear the South Melbourne shirt .”

The 2010 senior squad is as follows:

1. Peter Zois
2. Stiven Mrkela
3. Rhodri Payne
4. Steven O’Dor
5. Daniel Vasilevski
6. Eddie Cetkin
7. Joe Keenan
8. Carl Recchia
9. Gianni De Nittis
10. Joseph Youssef
11. Yusuf Yusuf
12. Sam Torrens
13. Sasha Vranesevic
14. Ramazan Tavsancioglu
15. Fernando De Moraes
18. Marinos Gasparis
20. Nathan Caldwell
21. Stefaan Sardelic
22. James Stefanou
23. Sebastian Petrovic

Please click here to view the squad with profiles

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 11:19 AM

Last Sunday saw hundreds turn out to the South’s Community Family Day at BJS.

The picturesque setting provided an ideal backdrop for what was a fantastic day had by all with the local fire brigade, face painting and small sided games all part of the many attractions. This year, many of our junior teams held their training on the day, providing a fantastic start to the day’s festivities.

Many fans and new members made their way to purchase their 2010 memberships and merchandise.

To view a selection of photos of the SMFC Community Family Day, please click here.

SMFC would like to thank all staff and volunteers who assisted in making the day a fun and successful event.