Category: News

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

Click here to bid for your chance to be this lucky person.

South Melbourne FC would like to announce a unique online auction that will give one lucky fan a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the team a day.

Click here to bid for your chance to be this lucky person.

Wednesday, 3 June 2009 4:40 PM

By John Kyrou

Veteran South Melbourne FC defender Con Blatsis has announced his retirement from football after yet another cruel injury set-back. Despite having his career at lakeside being ravaged by injuries, Blatsis still managed to enjoy many honours wearing the blue and white of South Melbourne.

Blatsis was brought to the club by Frank Arok at the beginning of 1995 and made his debut in the 0-2 win over Port Melbourne in round three of the Docherty Cup. He retained his place in the side as South beat the Melbourne Knights 3-1 in the final, Blatsis’ first trophy as a South player.

The young defender made his National Soccer League debut for the club in the 3-0 loss against the Brisbane Strikers at Suncorp Stadium in round 10 of 1995/96. Unfortunately for Blatsis, a nightmare debut was made worse when referee Simon Micallef sent him off ten minutes before the end of the match. South failed to make the finals in the league but the team won the NSL Cup, with Blatsis playing in the Cup final.

From there, Blatsis cemented his spot in the senior side and figured prominently in season 1996/97 and in the championship-winning season of 1997/98. In 1998/99, he suffered a lengthy injury and missed the majority of the season. However, Blatsis recovered and convinced coach Ange Postecoglou to award him a starting berth in the side that went on to beat Sydney United 3-2 and secure back-to-back NSL championships.

Blatsis remained at the club for the 1999/00 season and was part of the squad that took its place at the inaugural FIFA World Club Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Blatsis and the rest of the South defence did an admirable job defending against the likes of Vasco da Gama’s Romario, Juninho and Edmundo and Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Andy Cole.

After the thrill of competing against the world’s best in that tournament, Blatsis decided to venture overseas after the 1999/00 NSL season concluded. Stints followed at Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Colchester United in England and Kocaelispor in Turkey. Blatsis has indicated that a highlight of his when playing overseas was playing at Derby with former Italian international Fabrizio Ravanelli.

At the beginning of 2005, 27-year-old Blatsis decided to return back to Melbourne to play for his beloved South Melbourne FC, now competing in the Victorian Premier League under Blatsis’ former team-mate John Anastasiadis. Anastasiadis signed him for his experience and leadership. Following a mass exodus of players after the demise of the NSL, Anastasiadis was forced to sign young promising players and a player of the Blatsis’ quality was invaluable for his young squad.

Blatsis featured in 15 games for South in 2005 but broke down with injury late in the season. He managed 11 matches in 2006 but broke down in the 3-0 win over Green Gully in the Elimination Final at Bob Jane Stadium. Despite the set-back, he was still there supporting his teammates as South secured its eighth state league title with a 1-0 victory over Altona in the Grand Final.

Blatsis has attempted to get his body right to play ever since. In the past few seasons he has assisted the club in sales, helping to promote South Melbourne FC to the football community. This season he managed to play in the Under 21s however recently he broke down with injury again and therefore was forced to retire from playing.

Con Blatsis may not have played as many matches for South Melbourne FC as he would have liked due to injury; however he can be proud of stamping his mark at the club by being involved in Victorian and Australian championships, as well as representing the club on the world stage. His decision to rejoin South when the club was on its knees (2005) and for working to promote the club in the sales department shows the immense devotion and loyalty he possesses for the Blues.South Melbourne FC players, coaches, staff, board members and supporters congratulate Con on his football career and wishes him all the best in his retirement.

Con Blatsis – SMFC Statistics:

• DOB 6th July 1977
• Debut v Port Melbourne (Docherty Cup r3 @ Anderson Reserve, 0-2 win)
• NSL debut v Brisbane Strikers (round 10 @ Suncorp Stadium, 3-0 loss)
• Member of the 1995 Docherty Cup championship team
• Member of the 1995/96 NSL Cup championship team
• Member of the 1997/98 NSL championship team
• Member of the 1998/99 NSL championship team
• Member of the 1999 Oceania championship team
• Squad member of the 2000 World Club Championship team
• Squad member of the 2006 VPL championship team

Season Breakdowns

League:
1995/96 – 19 games (17 starts, 2 subs), 1 goal
1996/97 – 23 games (23 starts, 0 subs), 2 goals
1997/98 – 23 games (23 starts, 0 subs), 1 goal
1998/99 – 7 games (6 starts, 1 sub)
1999/00 – 24 games (24 starts, 0 subs), 1 goal
2005 – 15 games (15 starts, 0 subs)
2006 – 11 games (11 starts, 0 subs)
2007 – 0 games (0 starts, 0 subs)
2008 – 0 games (0 starts, 0 subs)
2009 – 0 games (0 starts, 0 subs)
Total – 122 games (119 starts, 3 subs), 5 goals

Cups:
1995 Docherty Cup – 4 games (4 starts, 0 subs)
1996 Docherty Cup – 0 games (0 starts, 0 subs)
1995/96 NSL Cup – 4 games (4 starts, 0 subs)
1996/97 NSL Cup – 2 games (2 starts, 0 subs)
2000 FIFA World Club Cup – 3 games (3 starts, 0 subs)
Total – 13 games (13 starts, 0 subs)

Overall Total: 135 games (132 starts, 3 subs), 5 goals

Tuesday, 2 June 2009 9:24 AM

Click here for smfcTV highlights of the game

In what was a remarkable derby game between two iconic football club’s, Heidelberg United has somehow withstood 90 minutes of South Melbourne dominance to snatch a historic 1-0 victory at Olympic Village on Sunday.

Coming into the game both clubs knew that a win would ensure that they would climb into second place, the position that was already occupied by South Melbourne who had entered the contest on the back of 10 undefeated games.

The away side, with veteran and club legend Vaughan Coveny back in the line-upstarted the game on fire, with Gianni De Nittis missing two classic chances to open the scoring in the opening ten minutes, only to be thwarted by Peter Gavalas in the Heidelberg goal.

South continued to bombard the Warriors goal and Gavalas stood tall to deny another chance, after a bullet free kick by Fernando was steered well onto the target.

The game changed in the 15th minute however when some pushing behind play between Coveny and Eric Vasiliadis culminated with the Heidelberg veteran clutching his face. With the referee and all fans unaware of what had occurred, Heidelberg players including Vasiliadis pleaded with both the central referee Perry Mur and his assistant Hakan Anaz to send the big kiwi off. To the dismay of the strong travelling contingent, Mur reached in his pocket and remarkably pulled out the red card to send Coveny off.

South almost responded immediately after the send-off with Gavalas standing in the way on three occasions, thwarting Joseph Youssef, Gianni De Nittis and Goran Zoric with some well positioned goalkeeping.

The Blues faithful were growing increasingly frustrated by the inability to score the opening goal and were left scratching their heads once again moments later after Fernando unbelievably hit a one-on-one chance from inside the area wide of the target.

Just before the break the away side had yet another chance to open the scoring with Shane Nunes hitting a well-weighted long ball over the stagnant Heidelberg defence and into the path of the wide open Gianni De Nittis. With only Gavalas in front of him, De Nittis his a header onto the target into the prying arms of the Heidelberg custodian.

Despite remaining with 10 men, South started the second half in an attacking mode in an attempt to exploit the timid Heidelberg defence.

Heidelberg had the first meaningful chance of the half however, when a speculative drive from the left hand side of the area by Marinos Gasparis sailed inches wide of the post and Tommi Tomich.

South responded immediately when two inviting crosses into the area were met by De Nittis and the well-advanced Shane Nunes who both were able to nod the chances onto the target. As per the bulk of chances in the opening half, Gavalas cleanly caught both balls to once again thwart South.

With South slowing down after playing the majority of the game with 10 men, Heidelberg started to gather possession as the game wore on and missed two half chances with Gasparis and Mark Tsiorlas hitting shots wide of the target.

Heidelberg continued to push forward and a speculative long range volley by Osagie Ederaro dipped onto the target from 30 yards, only to be denied by Tommi Tomich who fisted the ball away from danger.

It would be Heidelberg that would go ahead after a beautiful swinging ball into the area by Jim Drossos found Mark Tsiorlas with some space ahead of Steven O’Dor. Tsiorlas then had the composure to hold his ground and steer a volley into the bottom corner to seemingly give Heidelberg the win.

South had one final chance to get something from this game when Fernando was released into space inside the area. With Gavalas committing, the South faithful thought that Fernando would score, however the Futsalroo opted to chip the keeper rather than to steer the ball into one of the corners. This allowed for Gavalas to cap a sensational performance with a match winning save.

The loss gives sends South into 4th position, with Altona and Heidelberg leaping over the club.

South now will re-group and host the bottom-placed Preston at Bob Jane Stadium in two weeks.

Click here for smfcTV highlights of the game

Friday, 29 May 2009 10:23 AM

In what is shaping up to be a mouth watering derby contest, South Melbourne will take on old foe Heidelberg United at Olympic Village on Sunday.

Both teams come into the game in 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, with the Warriors sitting 2 points behind South after 12 rounds of the season.

The Blues will come into the game with a ten game unbeaten streak after a remarkable comeback last Saturday to draw with Dandenong. The last team to beat South were in fact Heidelberg, who managed to pinch a winner in Round 2 after an innocuous cross by striker Osagie Ederaro somehow found the back of the net.

Heidelberg come into the contest in quite opposite form, having thrown away the chance to move into second position by losing their last two games to Dandenong and Oakleigh in convincing fashion. However what will instil confidence for the Warriors will be that they have won the last 3 league contests against South.

In the non-league game played against both teams this year, South ran rampant in pre-season to convincingly defeat Heidelberg by 3 goals to 0 in the final of the Hellenic Cup.In team news, South will welcome the return of inspirationalleader and club legend Vaughan Coveny who will return after a three week absence. His inclusion will add another option back into the South front third to accompany the in-form Gianni De Nittis and Goran Zoric.

Sitting behind these two will be Fernando De Moraes who will look to dominate the contest against the Begers just like he did in the Hellenic Cup Final.

For Heidelberg, the main danger man will be striker Osagie Ederaro who has been in breathtaking form so far in season 2009. Since coming from NSW, Ederaro has scored 10 goals so far, contributing half of Heidelberg’s 20 goals this season.

If South are to take home all three points, it is imperative to shut Ederaro down from the outset.

Kick-off for the big derby is at 4pm.

South Melbourne vs. Heidelberg United – An Overview

First VPL match:
Round 2, 1964
South Melbourne 2-1 Heidelberg United
(SMFC Goals: George Papadopoulos x2)
Venue: Middle Park

First NSL match:
Round 2, 1977
South Melbourne 1-1 Heidelberg United
(SMFC Goal: Duncan Cummings)
Venue: Middle Park

Last NSL match:
Round 15, 1994/95
Heidelberg United 1-3 South Melbourne
(SMFC Goals: Con Boutsianis x2, Paul Trimboli)
Venue: Olympic Village

Last VPL match:
Round 2, 2009
South Melbourne 0-1 Heidelberg United
(Goal: Osagie Ederaro)
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium

Total Games (League): 68
South Melbourne Wins: 35
Heidelberg United Wins: 17
Draws: 16

Highest Aggregate Score:
Round 2, 1967 VPL
South Melbourne 7-3 Heidelberg United
(SMFC Goals: Boulis Kambouropoulos x2, Ulysses Kokkinos x2, Leo Damianakos x2, Jim Pyrgolios)
Venue: Middle Park

SMFC Biggest Win:
Round 7, 1991/92 NSL
South Melbourne 5-0 Heidelberg United
(SMFC Goals: Con Boutsianis x2, Mike Petersen, Paul Trimboli, Kimon Taliadoros)
Venue: Middle Park