Category: News

Thursday, 25 June 2009 12:46 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC hosts the Whittlesea Zebras on Sunday afternoon in a match that the club is promoting as the Foundation Round. The match is important for the home side as South simply must win to continue to hold onto second place on the league table. However this will not be made easy against a Zebras side that will be pushing for the three points to help drag itself out of relegation danger.

South sits in second position in the league but has a huge chasing pack behind it, with only four points separating second from eighth. Although South has lost only once in 13 matches, too many draws have allowed Altona, Sunshine George Cross, Green Gully, Hume City and Heidelberg to catch up to them.

With some of these sides likely to take points off each other on the weekend (Hume plays league leaders Dandenong and Altona plays Heidelberg), a win on Sunday could potentially give South some breathing space in second spot, which will be handy considering some of the tricky fixtures coming up.

South enters the match following a disappointing 1-1 away draw against the Melbourne Knights last Sunday and after missing many excellent opportunities to win the match. However what was promising was the almost flawless first half performance, in which Joseph Youssef, Sebastian Petrovic, Steven O’Dor and Sam Torrens performed exceptionally well. Youssef’s 19th minute goal was his fourth goal for South in what has so far been an excellent debut season at Lakeside for the former Fawkner Blues captain. The workman-like performances in midfield by Youssef and Petrovic this season has been what the side has been missing for the past few years and the side will be looking for more of these efforts on Sunday afternoon.

Whittlesea have not had much to cheer about in 2009, with the side sitting in deep relegation trouble. The 2-1 loss away to Oakleigh last Friday night means that the Zebras sit a massive 13 points clear of safety with only seven games left. Relegation could be confirmed as early as the next round if Whittlesea does not beat South and other results don’t go their way. Therefore the away side, coached by legendary former South player and coach Ange Postecoglou, will no doubt be fired up to take the three points from Michael Michalakopoulos’ men on Sunday.

South has a long history of playing against Whittlesea, who have gone by the names of Brunswick Juventus and Bulleen Zebras in the past and in fact still trade by the name Juventus. The sides have been battling since the 1961 Victorian State League (now the Victorian Premier League) season. In the first meeting between the clubs, two goals from Barbazza and singles from Acunzo and Pagotto were enough for Juventus to comprehensively defeat South Melbourne Hellas 4-1 at Olympic Park in front of 8,500 spectators. Savvas Salapasidis was the lone scorer for South.

South edged on top in the rivalry stakes the following season when it pipped Juventus for the 1962 VSL championship by winning the league by two points. When the two sides clashed in round 14, Boulis Kambouropoulos’ winning goal for South was witnessed by over 20,000 spectators at Olympic Park. Crowds were regularly between the 10,000 to 15,000 mark when the two sides clashed throughout the 1960s.

In 1966, South began the league season with two losses. Former Greek international Con Nestorides made his debut for the club against Juventus in round three and the legendary forward’s winning goal was celebrated by over 20,000 spectators at Middle Park. The result kick-started South’s march towards being crowned VSL champions that season. The two sides did not meet in the later stages of a Cup competition until Jim Armstrong’s 119th minute goal was enough for South to see off Juventus 2-1 in the semi final of the Dockerty Cup in 1975 after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

In their first meeting in the National Soccer League, goals by Gary Ward and Kevin Swinscoe were enough for Juve to overcome South 2-1 at Olympic Park in front of 12,000. Paul Lewis scored a consolation goal for South four minutes from time. The following season, South won the Minor Premiership by four points over Juve but was stunned when Paul Wade scored in extra time to defeat the Middle Park outfit in the Major Semi Final. South crashed out against Preston the week after while Brunswick went on to win the championship by defeating Sydney City Hakoah 2-0 over two legs.

Juve dropped out of the NSL in 1988 but returned in the 1993/94 season before dropping out again in 1994/95. South won all four league contests in those two seasons, including a devastating 0-6 victory in round 12 of 1994/95. In the second last round of the season, South needed to beat Brunswick at Olympic Park to keep its finals hopes alive. Steve Panopoulos’ goal in the 14th minute helped land South a spot in the top six.

Overall, the two sides have played each other in 55 league matches. South has won on 23 occasions, with 17 draws and 15 wins for Juventus. Since returning to the VPL, South has played Bulleen/Whittlesea eight times for 5 wins, 2 draws and a loss.

For the Foundation Round on Sunday afternoon, South Melbourne FC will be wearing the red V playing shirt. These were the colours worn by the side that played Juventus in front of huge crowds in the early 1960s. South fans are strongly encouraged to attend to lend their support to the team. Kick-off is at 4pm at Bob Jane Stadium.

South Melbourne vs Whittlesea Zebras – An Overview

First VPL match:

Round 4, 1961
Brunswick Juventus 4-1 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goal: Savvas Salapasidis)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 8,500.

First NSL match:

Round 6, 1984
Brunswick Juventus 2-1 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goal: Paul Lewis)
Venue: Olympic Park no. 2. Attendance: 12,000.

Last NSL match:

Round 25, 1994/95
South Melbourne 1-0 Brunswick Juventus
(SMFC Goal: Steve Panopoulos)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 5,000.

Last VPL match:

Round 5, 2009
Whittlesea Zebras 1-3 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Goran Zoric, Gianni De Nittis, Fernando De Moraes)
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium. Attendance: 500.

Total Games (League): 55
South Melbourne Wins: 23
Whittlesea Zebras Wins: 15
Draws: 17

Highest Aggregate Score:

Round 12, 1994/95 NSL
Brunswick Juventus 0-6 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Con Boutsianis x2, Jason Polak, Ivan Kelic, Paul Trimboli, OG)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 4,000.

SMFC Biggest Win:

Round 12, 1994/95 NSL
Brunswick Juventus 0-6 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Con Boutsianis x2, Jason Polak, Ivan Kelic, Paul Trimboli, OG)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 4,000.

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 10:19 AM

In what will be an exciting day for South Melbourne FC, the club is hosting the inaugural “Foundation Round” on Sunday against Whittlesea Zebras at Bob Jane Stadium.

The day will focus on celebrating the foundation and formulation of South Melbourne FC in 1959, following the merger of three clubs: Hellenic, Yarra Park and South Melbourne United.

In 1960, South played it’s first official game as a club, where as part of the merger agreement, their home shirt was the famous Red V with a white background that was made well-known by South Melbourne United in previous years.

The shirt would be South Melbourne Hellas’ first official home shirt as a club and would be worn by some great players throughout the highly successful 1960’s. Between 1959 and 1976, South Melbourne stamped its name on Victorian football by capturing 8 state league Championships in 1960 (First Division), 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1974 and 1976 and three Ampol Cups in 1969, 1970 and 1976. The club was also Dockerty Cup Champions in 1974 and 1975.

On top of the team success, South also had numerous club legends that played throughout this 1960’s period in the famous red and white shirt. This included the likes of Ernie Ackerley, Jimmy Adam (deceased), John Bedford, Antonis Hatzieleftheriou, Jordan Ieremiadis (deceased), Boulis Kambouropoulos (deceased), Antonis Karagiannis, Michael Mandalis, Takis Mantarakis, John Margaritis, Con Nestorides, George Papadopoulos, Jim Pyrgolios and SMFC’s first Socceroo, Ted Smith.

In what will be a tribute to the birth of the club and the memories of such legends, South will wear a special limited edition Red V shirt for the home game against Whittlesea on Sunday in a crucial contest for both teams.

The game kicks off at 4pm, with festivities including post match interviews with players in the social club after the game.

To view a full detailed history about the formation of SMFC, please click here.

Monday, 22 June 2009 11:50 AM

Click here to view smfcTV highlights of the game

Photo by Craig Varty

South Melbourne has climbed back up into second position on the table following a frustrating 1-1 draw with the Melbourne Knights on Sunday.

In front of a healthy derby day crowd at Mansion Stadium, the Blues came out of the blocks early, with a long range effort by Joseph Youssef being brilliantly turned around the bar by the Knights goalkeeper.

South continued to pressure the Knights defence and were rewarded in the 23rd minute of the game when a Sebastian Petrovich long range attempt was deflected into the path of Joseph Youssef. Instinctively, Youssef hit a low drive into the back of the net to give his side the lead.

Youssef continued to dominate in the middle of the park and could have had a second only moments later when he managed to win possession in the middle before launching himself forward. However in an unselfish bit of play, Youssef opted to play a ball into the offside Goran Zoric rather than hitting a shot on the target from the edge of the area.

The second half commenced in a completely opposite manner, with the Knights coming out of the tunnel in a far more focussed manner.

In their first real chance of the game, a swirling Mate Dugandzic was headed across goal on the back post, allowing for an unmarked Greg Draper to steer a header into the top corner from point-blank range to send the vocal home crowd into raptures.

South responded by launching a series of attacks of their own, starting via a storming run down the right hand flank by youngster Francesco Stella. The midfielder then hit a beautiful cross into the path of Vaughan Coveny, who had his header deflected into the path of Sam Torrens. With only the keeper to beat from 3 yards out, Torrens was unable to steer his shot onto the target.

The Blues continued to burst forward at every opportunity, with an exceptional interception and final ball by Goran Zoric unlocking the Knights defence and allowing from Youssef to find himself clear on goal. With one Knights defender tracking back and two team-mates by his side, Youssef opted to take the chance himself, only for the ball to be sensationally blocked by the solitary Knights defender.

Youssef was released one final time moments later when yet another Zoric ball unlocked the stagnant Knights defence. With only the keeper ahead of him, Youssef shaped to have the shot from just inside the area. However to the amazement of the travelling contingent, a desperate Craig Elvin somehow launched himself at the ball and thwarted Youssef with an exceptional tackle to secure a point for his team.

With the draw South jump above Altona Magic into second spot, with an important Foundation Round game against Whittlesea to be played at Bob Jane Stadium next Sunday. Kick-off is at 4pm.

Click here to view smfcTV highlights of the game

Friday, 19 June 2009 12:02 PM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate George Parthimos and the team at miRoamer for their recent accomplishment of winning the AIIA (Australian Information Industry Association) 2009 iAward in the media and entertainment category.

In what is an amazing accomplishment for SMFC’s major sponsor, miRoamer was rewarded and selected for their introduction of the world’s first Internet car radio. This enables drivers worldwide to access internet radio through their car stereo from any location in the world.

In a model developed by leading car radio provider Blaupunkt, each driver will be able to tune into miRoamer’s extensive database of thousands of radio station, being able to listen to them with the simple click of a car stereo button. Users can also then store favourites and re-configure the stereo to enable them to have full control of the technology to make listening to their favourite channel much easier.
 
miRoamer’s corporate headquarters are in Doncaster, but the company also has offices in California and New York and plans to open a European office later this year, and another in Hong Kong in 2010.

Mr Parthimos has been in the information technology industry for two decades and has held management positions in the telecommunications, technology, banking, finance and government sectors.

In 2007 he was recognised by the now defunct Bulletin magazine as a member of its `smart 100’ list, which highlights the 100 brightest individuals in Australia.

miRoamer has been major sponsor of South Melbourne FC in the past 2 seasons, with the company logo proudly displayed on the front of the South Melbourne FC shirt and around the ground at Bob Jane Stadium.

We once again congratulate Mr Parthimos and those associated with miRoamer on this wonderful achievement.

Friday, 19 June 2009 11:56 AM

South Melbourne FC will travel across town on Sunday in a crunch match against the Melbourne Knights at Mansion Stadium (formerly Knights Stadium).

Dubbed as the “Melbourne Derby” between the two most successful football clubs in the state of Victoria, the game remains one of the major football derbies in the nation.

While the glory years of the early to mid 90’s have eluded both clubs in recent times, both fans and players alike look back to those days with passion and pride. Despite some classic regular season matches over the years, it is the finals series hit-outs between these two clubs that take the spotlight.

The first classic finals contest occurred in the 1984 season where Olympic Park played host to an unbelievable semi-final between the clubs. In what caused immense heartache for the Melbourne Knights fans, a John Yzendoorn goal in the 84th minute negated an early Croatia goal to send the game into extra time. In stepped the famous Doug Brown, who scored a double in the 95th and 96th minutes of the game to see South triumphant by 3 goals to 2. South later went on to win the 1984 NSL Championship, while Melbourne Knights were eliminated a week later in the preliminary final by Heidelberg United.

The now  infamous 1991 Grand Final is one that South fans remember fondly, with over 23,000 fans crammed into Olympic Park. In a similar manner to the 1984 Semi Final, Melbourne Knights gained the early lead following a goal by Andrew Marth, before South once again equalised in the dying stages after a sublime ball unlocked the Knights defence to allow Joe Palatsides to hit the back of the net. With no goal in extra time, the title was decided in one of the most famous penalty shoot-outs in the history of the game in this country, with South coming from nowhere to win the shootout by 5 goals to 4 and to become National Champions for the second time.

The Knights extracted revenge on South in both 1993/94 and 1994/95 disposing of the Blues en-route to back to back national championships. Their first title came after a two-legged playoff that resulted in a 2-1 Knights victory first up and a 2-2 draw in the return leg,  with both fixtures played out at Olympic Park.

The Preliminary Final held at Olympic Park in the 1994/95 season is one remembered for the emergence and dominance of one of Australian Football’s most successful exports. In what was a staggering individual display, former Socceroos Captain and current Newcastle United player Mark Viduka buried South Melbourne early in the game scoring twice just before the interval to keep his side in the driver’s seat. After the break, the big striker once again asserted his ascendancy to seal the game after a Marucic cross was turned in by the sliding Viduka to give his side an unassailable 2 goal cushion. Despite South Melbourne pressure and a double by Con Boutsianis, Melbourne Knights would not deny the Knights and Mark Viduka their famous 3-2 victory.

Since returning to the Victorian Premier League following the demise of the NSL, both clubs have shared the spoils, with the last five meetings resulting in 2 wins and a draw to each side.

South come into the game confidently, following the demolition of Preston last weekend at Bob Jane Stadium. Adding to this confidence will be the knowledge the club legend and former Melbourne Knights player Vaughan Coveny will be available, following his Automatic + 3 game suspension being overturned by the tribunal earlier this week.

He will join a potent attacking trio of Goran Zoric, Fernando De Moraes and Gianni De Nittis, with the latter finding some form last week when he managed to score twice against the battling Lions.

On the other side of the park, the Knights will be seeing the game as a crunch contest as they look to try and keep touch with the top five. After a rocky start to the season, the Knights have signed striker Ian Pulman from the Whitstable Town in the English Ryman Leagues. Pulman was the leading goal scorer for Whitsable last season and many at Mansion Stadium are looking at him to be the saviour in front of goal for the Knights. Also joining the team is Western Australia goalkeeper Neil Young, who picked up a man-of-the-match performance against Oakleigh last week.Many South fans would remember Young after he trialed at South prior to the 2008 VPL season, before opting to head back to Western Australia.

The critical match commences at Mansion Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.

Thursday, 18 June 2009 10:57 AM

South Melbourne FC forward Vaughan Coveny is free to play this weekend, after the tribunal last night overturned a Automatic + 3 game suspension that was handed out after the Round 13 derby against Heidelberg United.

In the contest against the Warriors, Coveny was sent off early in the game after allegedly making contact behind the play with Heidelberg player Eric Vassiliadis.

With this result at the tribunal Vaughan will return to the South line-up for Sunday’s crucial contest against the Melbourne Knights, in a game that will be critical for South’s Top 2 aspirations.

Kick-off at Mansion Stadium is on Sunday at 3pm

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 2:48 PM

Bob Jane Stadium has played a significant part to the preparation of both the Australian and Japanese National Teams ahead of the big World Cup Qualifier at the MCG.

The home of South Melbourne FC has undergone extensive ground works over the past year and can now boast to be amongst the best playing surfaces in Victoria.

SMFC has played a significant role in the development of many Socceroos over the past 50 years, with 49 current or former South Melbourne FC players having pulled on the famous Green and Gold Shirt.

The contest also has some significance on the park tonight, with South Melbourne FC Team of the Century goalkeeper Michael Petkovic being selected in the squad for the match, with the club legend fighting for a starting birth against Mark Schwartzer. Petkovic played 161 games in what was a brilliant 6 year spell at Lakeside.

The club is excited that it can further continue to play a role in assisting the national team, both on and off the field.

Japan will also join a long list of visiting nations that will have used Bob Jane Stadium, with France, Uruguay and Greece all having used the venue as a training base in the past prior to games against the Australian National Team.

To view the entire list of SMFC Socceroos, please click here

Sunday, 14 June 2009 5:51 PM

South Melbourne FC has jumped back into the top three on the league ladder following a clinical 6-2 drubbing of bottom-placed Preston at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday.

South entered the contest on the back of an unlucky loss against Heidelberg last round, whilst Preston entered the match searching for their first win of the season.

As expected, South came out of the blocks in storming fashion and continuously peppered Damir Salcin’s goal for the first 10 minutes of the game. Thankfully for the Lions, Salcin managed to save numerous attempts by Goran Zoric, Gianni De Nittis and Fernando De Moraes.

In the 11th minute South were rewarded for early dominance when an inviting cross by Francesco Stella was met inside the area by Gianni De Nittis, who slammed the ball into the back of the net.

South had a second goal only minutes later when Stella once again turned provider, with Zoric on hand to tap the cross into the back of the net.

Rhodri Payne then gave the home side its third for the afternoon when he capped off a one-two play with De Nittis by beating Salcin at his near post with a calm finish.

South ended the match as a contest as early as the first minute of the second half. From a corner, Joseph Youssef rose unmarked to head home a Fernando cross to send the home side into delirium.

The Blues dominance continued moments later when captain and hard working defender Rama Tavsancioglu burst past the stagnant Preston defence before sliding a brilliantly finished shot into the bottom corner to give his side a five goal lead.

In the 55th minute, Preston got a goal back after some lovely interplay culminated in the ball falling to Igorce Kolevski on the edge of the area. With the defence unable to commit themselves fully, he then hit a brilliant right foot shot into the top corner to give his side some hope.

Preston continued to push forward and via a long ball by keeper Salcin, they managed to find a 2nd goal. In a poor piece of defending by South, the long ball managed to bounce over the watching South defence, allowing for Vladamir Kostandinovski to slide the ball past Tomich.

South continued to attack the Preston goal for the remaining part of the match, with Salcin making 5-6 unbelievable saves to deny the South Melbourne side.

It wasn’t until the 82nd minute that South managed to score their sixth and final goal of the game, after some good lead up work by Fernando saw De Nittis find himself in space just inside the area. He then hit a bullet like shot into the top corner to score his second of the game.

South will now play Melbourne Knights next Sunday in what is looming as a crunch away fixture, whilst Preston must once again re-group as it takes on Green Gully away from home.

Thursday, 11 June 2009 2:55 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC hosts the Preston Lions on Sunday in what is a must-win match for the home side. South will have to do battle with the Lions without veteran forward Vaughan Coveny, who was sent off against Heidelberg United and subsequently suspended.

South has slipped from second to fourth spot in the league following the unlucky 1-0 away loss to Heidelberg in the previous round. The defeat also broke the ten week unbeaten run enjoyed by Michael Michalakopoulos’ men. The home side will be heartened by the fact that the win over Preston in round three began the unbeaten streak and will be hoping for a similar outcome on Sunday.

Preston has endured what can only be described as a horror season, with only one point from its 13 matches in 2009 and a series of heavy defeats. While relegation has not yet been confirmed, the Lions will surely have to get all three points on Sunday to give itself any chance of staying in the VPL. However Preston can go into the match with some confidence, having defeated South at Bob Jane Stadium twice since the two sides renewed acquaintances in the league in 2005.

Despite Preston’s form in 2009, South will not be taking this match lightly. Recent history between the sides has shown that the underdog has usually taken the honours. In the eight league matches that Preston and South have played since 2005, the away side has won on five occasions (with two draws and a South home win being the other results).

Since meeting for the first time in the old Victorian State League in 1967, South and Preston have played each other on 39 occasions. This includes both in the State Leagues and the old National Soccer League. South has enjoyed 21 wins, Preston 8 and there have been 10 draws.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 3pm at Bob Jane Stadium.

South Melbourne vs Preston Lions – An Overview

First VPL match:

Round 7, 1967
Preston Lions 2-4 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: John Bedford, Con Nestorides pen, Leo Damianakos, Ernie Ackerley)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 11,000

First NSL match:

Round 11, 1981
Preston Lions 1-1 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goal: Branko Buljevic)
Venue: Connor Reserve. Attendance: 6,000

Last NSL match:

Round 17, 1992/93
Preston Lions 0-1 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goal: Francis Awaritefe)Venue: Connor Reserve. Attendance: 3,982

Last VPL match:

Round 3, 2009
Preston Lions 1-7 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Goran Zoric x4, Steve O’Dor, Joseph Youssef, Danni Radojicic)
Venue: Connor Reserve. Attendance: 1,000.

Totals:

Total Games (League): 39
South Melbourne Wins: 21
Preston Lions Wins: 8
Draws: 10

Highest Aggregate Score:

Round 3, 2009 VPL
Preston Lions 1-7 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Goran Zoric x4, Steve O’Dor, Joseph Youssef, Danni Radojicic)
Venue: Connor Reserve. Attendance: 1,000.

Southern Division Preliminary Final, 1985 NSL
Preston Lions 4-4 South Melbourne
After extra time. Preston through on penalties 5-4.
(SMFC Goals: Charlie Egan x3, Doug Brown)
Venue: Olympic Park. Attendance: 9,000.

Thursday, 11 June 2009 12:18 PM

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