Category: News

Monday, 22 February 2010 11:17 AM

By James Belias – Photo by Cindy Nitsos

Bentleigh Greens were crowned Hellenic Cup Champions for 2010 after the South Eastern side defeated South Melbourne in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after regulation and extra time could not separate the two.

Gianni De Nittis and Sasha Vranesavic missed two spot-kicks to win the Cup for South after goal keeper Peter Zois had put South in a commanding position during the shootout.

South had been the better of the two sides, despite having played most of the game with just ten men after new signing James Stefanou was given a dubious straight red card for alledgedly pushing an opponent midway through the first half.

Kingston City’s Grange Reserve was the scene as large crowd flocked to see the last season’s Cup winners (South) and the newly promoted Bentleigh Greens (who are back in the Victorian Premier League).

The souvlaki was fresh, the beer was chilled and the enticing carnival atmosphere of the ground was warm as fans flocked from all over Melbourne for the match. Only the key ingredient was lacking; Goals.

Both South and Bentleigh failed to find the back of the net until the penalty shootout.

Blustery conditions, a poor pitch and stifling heat made conditions for the players tough. South Melbourne was without Brazilian ex-patriot Fernando De Moraes (away on Australia Futsalroo duties) and new signing Carl Recchia who was rested.

South found their rhythm more quickly with Englishman Joseph Keenan seeing most of the ball for South. He linked well with Joseph Youssef and Danny Vasilevski throughout the match but despite the South midfield enjoying a lion’s share of the possession, the side’s final pass forward was lacking.

The turning point of the half was the Stefanou send-off, which briefly allowed Bentleigh to regain their footing in the match. But whenever Bentleigh threatened, South defenders Rama Tavsancioglu, Steven O’Dor and Eddie Cetkin were there to clean up.

When the second half picked up, it was more of the same, with both sides failing to fashion any meaningful chances. Bentleigh’s George Stavridis in the right back position was particularly impressive while his team mate Tony Ouliaris was lively but spurned a good chance for the Greens with a long shot.

The game was turned on its head when Tex Apostolakis was sent off for Bentleigh by the referee after head butting South keeper Zois in the face. Zois took exception to a very late body check after he had comfortably caught a floating ball.

The match levelled in terms of personnel on the park, South wasted little time in re-exerting its authority on the match.

The best chance of the game fell to South Melbourne after the Albert Park side caught Bentleigh on the counter attack in the second half.

De Nittis had a shot saved well by the Greens’ custodian, with the rebound falling to another of South’s new signings, Danny Vasilevski.

His shot was blocked by a Greens defender, with the second rebound saved by the goalkeeper. The triple chance would be the closest South got to breaking the deadlock.

Yusef Yusef was brought on by South and with a searing run down the right flank, the nimble-footed speedster cut in between two defenders but failed to put his shot on target.

Despite the loss, South Melbourne look forward to tomorrow evening’s game at Bob Jane Stadium against NTC. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Monday, 15 February 2010 6:44 PM

As of today, South Melbourne FC will be directly managing all of our club’s Girls’ Sub Junior (Under 7s, 9s, 11s teams) and the Junior Girls’ Under 14 team as well.

The SMFC Girls’ teams will be playing out of the Albert Park Precinct.

All coaches will be appointed by Ange Dallas (SMFC Director of Football) and Maryanne Rizopoulos (SMFC Girls’ Coordinator), and will sign SMFC contracts which include:

1. Performance Review mechanisms
2. Responsibilities schedule
3. Football Federation Victorian (FFV) Code of Conduct provisions
4. Annual player written report processes
5. Adherence to the new SMFC Curriculum

In our 51st year, the club is entering a new phase of development both in the construction of new facilities at the Albert Park precinct and more importantly in the design and implementation of the new Youth program. 2010 will be an exciting new year and earmarking the foundation process of many new initiatives in both boys’ and girls’ junior development. As part of the implementation of the ‘One Club Policy’, all junior boys’ teams have come under the SMFC umbrella, as are the junior girls’ teams as well.

Our Women’s Senior, Reserves, State League 3, and Under 16 teams will continue to be operated by SMWFC for the 2010 season.

For any further enquiries regarding the Junior Girls’ junior teams, please contact our SMFC Girls’ Coordinator, Maryanne Rizopoulos on 0411 968 826 or womens@smfc.com.au

Monday, 15 February 2010 4:50 PM

For the third time in four years, South Melbourne has qualified for the final of the pre-season Hellenic Cup tournament after defeating rivals Heidelberg United 2-0 on Saturday.

In blustery conditions at Yarraville’s McIvor Reserve, South overcame a physical opening period to control the game midway into the first half.

It wasn’t until late in the half when a Joseph Keenan free-kick was nodded into the path of Gianni De Nittis by Steven O’Dor. With the striker open in the area, he calmly swiveled on one foot and slammed the ball past Steven Tilovski in the Heidelberg goal.

South sealed the victory and a place in the final early in the second half after a sublime turn by Fernando De Moraes culminated in the Brazilian playing an amazing twenty-five metre ball through the stagnant Heideberg back line and into the path of Keenan.

With the keeper to beat, the Englishman maintained his composure and neatly guided the ball into the back of the net.

South now looks forward to playing Bentleigh Greens in next Saturday’s final, after the VPL newcomers defeated Oakleigh in a highly controversial penalty shootout.

Kick-off at The Grange Reserve is at 6pm.

Friday, 12 February 2010 10:06 AM

South Melbourne FC has stormed into the Hellenic Cup Semi Final after a resounding 3-0 win over Northcote.

With South missing Carl Recchia, Daniel Vasilevski, Nathan Caldwell and Sebastian Petrovich, the Blues relied on new boys Joseph Keenan and Marinos Gasparis to command the middle along side familiar faces Fernando De Moraes and Joseph Youssef.

In a dominant display, South controlled the game from the onset with Gianni De Nittis and Joseph Keenan scoring in the opening half to give South a 2 goal advantage at the break. Keenan’s stunning goal from outside the area capped off a superb opening half for the Englishman who had spent much of his time controlling the midfield.

South continued to dominate in the second half with the reward coming when a sublime move by Keenan on the right hand flank culminated in Gianni De Nittis scoring his second goal of the match.

The win means South progresses and has been drawn to play old foe Heidelberg United on Saturday at Yarraville. Kick-off for the Semi Final is at 4.30pm.

Match Details: 
South Melbourne FC vs. Heidelberg United
Saturday February 13th – 4.30pm
McIvor Reserve Fogarty Avenue, Spotswood (Melway REF 41F10)

Tuesday, 9 February 2010 11:44 PM

South Melbourne FC has progressed to the quarter finals of the 2010 Hellenic Cup, and is scheduled to take on sister club Northcote City Iraklis.

South in the group stage was drawn against Lalor Florina, Altona East PAOK, Keon Park Panathinaikos, and Essendon United Kos. In its first group match against Altona East, South fought off a gritty and determined Altona to open its campaign with a 2-0 victory. The second match was against minnows Essendon United Kos. In what proved to be the upset of the tournament, an excellent performance by Essendon saw it earn a well earned 2-2 draw against an under-strength South side. Given the shock result, South needed to win its remaining matches to ensure it clinched first place in the group. The shock draw against Essendon proved to be a turning point, with South winning the remaining preliminary matches in devastating fashion. A polished performance saw South defeat Lalor Florina 5-0, and crush the resistance of Keon Park Panathinaikos 10-0.

Northcote City remains undefeated in the tournament, and the match up against Northcote promises to be an interesting encounter, as both teams continue their preparation for the upcoming 2010 Victorian Premier League season. 

Match Details: 
South Melbourne FC vs. Northcote City Iraklis
Wednesday 7pm
McIvor Reserve Fogarty Avenue, Spotswood (Melway REF 41F10)

Monday, 8 February 2010 11:55 PM

In clinical fashion, IBM took all before it as it clinched the second SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup at Bob Jane Stadium over the weekend.

On a glorious sun drenched day, the combatants took to the field to see who would be crowned Champions at Lakeside. Twelve teams entered the Corporate Challenge, with the teams allocated into three groups of four. Group 1 was comprised of reigning champions Coffex Coffee, Dallas 7, IBM, and AVC. Group 2 was headed up by Pitcher Partners, GPZ Legal, Melbourne Mail Management, and Lucky 7. The third group contained K & A Accountants, Commonwealth Bank, miRoamer, and Karponi Web Design / Web Panache.

The Corporate Challenge was a five a side tournament, with the first placed team in each group, plus the best second placed team across the three groups would progress to the semi-final round. After the preliminary matches were completed, and many sore legs and a number of players just glad to get through the three match preliminary stage, the first-placed teams from each respective group were IBM, Melbourne Mail Management, and the Commonwealth Bank. The second best placed team across the groups was K & A Accountants from Group 3. The semi-final pairings were Melbourne Mail Management vs. Commonwealth Bank, and IBM vs. K & A Accountants. After playing some great football in the preliminary stages, Commonwealth Bank was bundled out by Melbourne Mail Management 6-1, while IBM and K & A Accountants battled it out in a classic. In an entertaining and high scoring affair, IBM proved to be too strong just pipping K & A 11-10 in the end.

The day began with twelve teams, and it was down to the last two teams. IBM started strongly in the preliminary stages playing some terrific text book football. In an entertaining affair, the match was even early on, but the class and skill of IBM shown through. Like a well-oiled machine, IBM meticulously took Melbourne Mail Management apart, winning the final and clinching its maiden SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup.

A jubilant IBM captain Tom Kalas speaking to smfc.com.au said “it was a team effort and all the boys played well. Bad luck to the Melbourne Mail Management, but our training and planning paid dividends. Well done to all the teams for a great day of football. We are looking to go back-to-back champions”.

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate all the participants of the 2010 SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup for making it a fun, enjoyable and successful day.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010 11:20 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the return of the 2010 SMFC Victorian Premier League Tipping Competition. There are some great prizes up for grabs, with first prize being a signed SMFC replica shirt signed by the 2010 SMFC squad and coaching staff.

Its easy to enter, and lots of fun. In each round you will tip for a home win, draw, or away win. You will get 1 point for a correct win or 1 point for a correct draw. The current round will close 1 hour before the first game of each round is to be played. If you forget to submit your tips in for a round, you will get the lowest score of the round minus 1 point. If you start late, you will be allocated the average points of the competition.

To enter the tipping competition, please go to http://tipping.smfc.com.au/

Monday, 1 February 2010 12:06 PM

South Melbourne FC launched its 2010 membership campaign on Sunday at our valued corporate partner, Vanilla Cakes & Lounge in the heart of the Oakleigh community.

The response was overwhelming as many South admirers and supporters pledged their support to the club by signing up for memberships and purchasing the new range of merchandise for the 2010 season.

What was especially pleasing was the large number of South Junior supporters that signed up and mingled with the playing squad.

Importantly, the club has shown that it still is very much in the hearts and minds of those that continue to identify and associate with the famous blue and white of South Melbourne no matter where they reside.

To purchase your membership, please go to www.smfc.com.au/membership

In addition, to purchase any of the 2010 Merchandise range, please go to www.smfc.com.au/merchandise

Wednesday, 27 January 2010 1:08 PM

South Melbourne FC is excited to launch its 2010 Merchandise Catalogue. (Click here to download PDF)

In 2010, South fans will be given the chance to buy an extensive collection of Adidas merchandise, ranging from player and training attire to casual clothing that can be worn away from the pitch. The SMFC Football Department has worked closely with our apparel sponsor, Adidas, to launch this exciting merchandise range. 

The merchandise range can be viewed and purchased at its online store, South Boutique, at smfc.com.au/merchandise. It is important to note that the 2009 Adidas merchandise range sold out ! 

Stock is limited, so order your favourite merchandise item before it sells out. 

Please refer to smfc.com.au for the Children’s SMFC Merchandise Catalogue, which will be available by Round 1.

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 7:42 PM

The entire South Melbourne FC family wishes to extend its deep condolences to the Poulakakis family on the passing of club legend and Team of the Century coach Mr. Manny Poulakakis, who passed away late on Monday night.

Mr. Poulakakis was an icon of South Melbourne FC, coaching the club in four separate stints, from 1961-64, 1969, 1972-73 and 1976. In a remarkable coaching career at Middle Park, Mr. Poulakakis managed South Melbourne FC in 126 league games with a 55% winning rate. He will forever be remembered for being at the helm of South’s Victorian State League championships of 1962, 1964, 1972 and 1976, whilst also capturing the AMPOL Cup in 1976.

Regarded as one of Australia’s greatest coaches, Mr. Poulakakis was conferred the prestigious award of coach of the South Melbourne FC Team of the Century in 2002, and will always be celebrated as one of the major individuals in shaping South Melbourne into such a dominant playing force in Victorian and Australian football. He was also recently inducted into the South Melbourne FC Hall of Fame at the 50th Anniversary Gala Ball.

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, speaking to smfc.com.au, remarked that “the passing of Mr. Poulakakis 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 Poulakakis family. We will miss him dearly.”