Category: News

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

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 11:56 AM

In what is another exciting development for South Melbourne FC and its stakeholders, the club will host Foxtel’s Fox 8 Production of Football Superstar at Bob Jane Stadium.

The reality based series will focus on a series of young footballers in their conquest to snare themselves an A-League contract. Coming in the way of each individual are a panel of 3 experts and a committed group of young men all aiming to take home the prize.

Each week, a player will be eliminated from the show in a special eviction at Bob Jane Stadium. Each eviction will be beamed across the country on Fox 8 as part of a normal episode and will showcase South Melbourne FC’s famous home ground of Bob Jane Stadium, including all SMFC Corporate Partners and the club itself.

On top of this, Episode 5 of the series will be focussed on South Melbourne FC, including a friendly between the Football Superstar contestants and the SMFC U/21 squad to also be held at Bob Jane Stadium. Incorporated also in this episode will be a brief historical overview of the club’s 50 years for all Foxtel, Austar and Optus subscribers to view and appreciate.

The first episode of Football Superstar will screen tonight at 7.30pm on Fox 8.

Monday, 25 May 2009 12:14 PM

South Melbourne FC has appeared in a Sydney Morning Herald article today that outlines a proposed plan of a second tier competition in Australia.

The article explains that the FFA are potentially going to bring together an 8 man task force to look at the viability of implementing such a competition.

To view the full article, including the SMFC stance on the issue, please visit:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/football/a-league/nsl-giants-back-second-tier/2009/05/24/1243103433264.html

Monday, 25 May 2009 10:07 AM

By John Kyrou

Click here to view the smfcTV highlights of the game

South Melbourne FC stretched its unbeaten run to ten matches after a spirited and fighting comeback saw the side claim a hard fought 2-2 draw against the high-flying Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Saturday evening.

With Heidelberg, Altona, Green Gully and Hume all closing in on South’s hold of second position on the league table, the side travelled to Dandenong intent on securing the three points needed to allow breathing space from the chasing pack. The win would also close Dandenong’s lead over South at the top to five points.

Dandenong went into the match full of confidence after disposing of third-placed Heidelberg United 3-0 at George Andrews Reserve the previous Saturday. The result meant that the Thunder had completed the first round of the 2009 VPL season undefeated, an enormous achievement for the newly-promoted club. Under the guidance of former South coach Stuart Munro, the Thunder were determined not to let second-placed South stop its momentum towards a possible Minor Premiership.

With both sides known for attacking football and high scoring, the scene was set for a classic end-to-end attacking match. However it was all Dandenong in the opening half, with the home side dominating from the kick-off. The South defence did just enough to hold out Dandenong’s constant attacking, but even the most one-eyed of South supporters would have known that the away side would struggle to hold out all game.

It took half an hour but Dandenong finally got the goal that it deserved. A set piece from a free kick saw Veton Korcarevski sneak in unmarked at the far post to comfortably head the ball past a helpless Tommi Tomich. The Thunder were completely in control and should have been at least two goals ahead at halftime had it not been for poor shooting and some desperate South defending. However it did not take long for the home side to double their lead after the break, when a deflection off Colin Quirk from an attempted South clearance saw the ball roll into the net, sending the home supporters wild. The Thunder had a deserved 2-0 lead and it seemed inevitable that the Dandenong unbeaten streak would continue.

Until that stage South had only shown glimpses of a side leading the league in goals scored, with Fernando De Moraes coming closest to scoring after putting a free kick just wide of the goal in the first half. Dandenong’s Stuart Webster had been having a relatively quiet night in goal; however he made a monumental error in picking up a back-pass from one of his defenders to gift South an indirect free kick. Despite having a wall of Thunder players on the goal line in front of him, De Moraes managed to squeeze a shot into the far corner of the goal to hand the away side a lifeline with 13 minutes left. All of a sudden the confidence had risen and a draw seemed possible.

Only minutes later South completed its remarkable comeback. A ball played through to Goran Zoric found the speedster through on goal with only Webster to beat. Webster saved the initial shot but the ball bounced off Zoric’s chest and rolled into the back of the net despite desperate attempted clearances from two Dandenong defenders. The goal sent the away fans behind that goal into a state of delirium, as the team had out of nowhere scored two goals to draw the contest level.

Suddenly South was in complete control of the match, with the Dandenong players and spectators clearly stunned at what had just occurred. Hard-working Gianni De Nittis nearly won the match for South when his turn and shot forced Webster to make an outstanding save at his near post to keep his side level. When the fulltime whistle sounded, the away side was still pressing forward, seeking a winning goal.

Dandenong enjoys its third home match in a row when it entertains the Oakleigh Cannons at George Andrews Reserve next Saturday evening. Kick-off is at 7pm. South Melbourne FC will have its third away fixture in succession when it faces old rival Heidelberg next Sunday at the Olympic Village. A win will extend South’s hold of second spot to five points over the third-placed Bergers. Kick-off is at 4pm.

Click here to view the smfcTV highlights of the game

Monday, 25 May 2009 10:00 AM

By Paul Mavroudis

SMWFC notched up its fourth consecutive win as well as extending its unbeaten run to five games, when it defeated the Geelong Region FA side 5-0 at Bob Jane Stadium yesterday.

South were favourites for this contest, but despite spending long periods of the first half camped in the opposition’s half, some disjointed build up play saw South only break the deadlock quite late in the opening period. |

The second half saw an improved performance, with the home side putting the visitors to the sword, with neater passing maneuvers and better shooting, including one long range goal which left the Geelong keeper stranded.

The women’s Reserves side also picked up a win, their second in a row, with an 8-0 demolition of GRFA. Both the Seniors and Reserves are having their best top flight seasons in recent memory, with the Seniors sitting in second spot, and the Reserves in first place.

SMWFC takes on Sandringham this week, with both the Seniors and Reserves looking to consolidate their positions at the halfway point of the season.

Friday, 22 May 2009 11:46 AM

In what is being dubbed “the match of the season” to date, South Melbourne FC will travel to Dandenong to play the in form Thunder in a top of the table clash.

In in a stunning start to the season, Dandenong Thunder are yet to lose a game in 2009. The home side sit in first position on the table, 8 points clear of the second placed South Melbourne FC.

South, in it’s own right, have continued to play attractive football since losing the two opening games of the season, being unbeaten in it’s last nine matches. The Lakesiders will be intent on reducing the gap between themselves and Dandenong with a win on Saturday night.

The clash will also put together the best strike force in the competition against the best defence. The Blues head into the clash having scored 22 goals in 10 competition games, with Vaughan Coveny, Goran Zoric and Gianni De Nittis all firing in a three pronged attack, whilst midfielders Fernando and Joseph Youssef also contributing heavily on the scoresheet so far this season.

Dandenong Thunder, despite being the second highest goal scoring team in the competition, have heavily relied on a strong and experienced defensive unit to achieve the desired results. This has been lead by Stuart Webster in goals and former South players Levent Osman and Marcus Stergiopoulos in the heart of the defense.

In the previous meeting between the sides in Round 1, it was a Rama Tavsancioglu own goal that was the difference between the two sides.
 
With a huge crowd expected, all South fans are urged to get along to George Andrews Reserve in Dandenong on Saturday evening to get behind the boys as they strive to defeat the Thunder on their home turf. Kick-off for the big match is at 7pm.

South Melbourne FC vs Dandenong Thunder

When:  Sunday, May 11th
Where: George Andrews Reserve, Trewin Stree Dandenong South, 3175
Melway Ref: 90 D11
Kick-off: 7.00pm (Under 21s at 5pm)

Head to head:
Played : 1
South Melbourne FC : 0
Dandenong : 1
Draw : 0

Last Meeting
When: Sunday March 1st
Where: Bob Jane Stadium
Score: Dandenong 1 defeated South Melbourne FC 0

Form in 2009 (last 3 games)
South Melbourne FC: Draw, Win, Draw
Dandenong Thunder: Win, Draw, Win

Monday, 18 May 2009 3:19 PM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Paul Touliatos)

South Melbourne FC stretched its unbeaten run to nine matches following the 1-1 draw away to Sunshine George Cross on Sunday afternoon. The result also meant that the Blues hold outright second position on the league table.

The trip to Chaplin Reserve was never going to be an easy one, as South had only recorded one victory at the venue since returning to the Victorian Premier League in 2005. In addition, Sunshine went into the match having only lost once at home, with that loss being against the undefeated league leaders Dandenong.

The poor condition of the field was not beneficial to South’s usual style of play and as a result the team had to resort to playing the long ball constantly. This made the afternoon difficult for the forwards in Gianni de Nittis and Goran Zoric, who had to make aerial challenges against the huge George Cross centre-backs.

Sunshine opened the scoring midway through the first half, when a South attacking move was broken down. The ball streamed up the other end, where Johnny Sapazovski got onto the end of a cut-back and coolly netted past Tommi Tomich. The goal was a just reward for Sapazovski, who just a minute earlier hit a volley from outside the area that smashed the crossbar and stayed out.

The goal woke South up instantly. The away supporters lifted in chanting, urging the team to get back into the match and the players responded with a goal straight away. De Nittis was put through on goal and he made no mistake in levelling up the contest, despite the fierce protests from the Sunshine players and supporters that De Nittis was offside when the ball was played through to him.

Shortly after, it was the turn of the South players to complain, after Zoric looked to have been fouled in the area but the penalty claim was waved away by the referee. Zoric was then put through on goal but had his final shot cleared off the line after he had rounded Martin John in the Sunshine goal.

In the second half, South won a free kick just outside the area. De Nittis stepped up and hit a wonderful curling shot that produced an outstanding fingertip save from John. Despite enjoying large amounts of possession, South were restricted in creating genuine scoring chances thanks to resolute defending by Sunshine.

The Georgies nearly stole all three points themselves towards the end of the match. Tomich was forced into making a good save at his near post and then another shot that beat him was cleared off the line by Rhodri Payne. Sunshine did eventually find the back of the net a second time; however the goal was disallowed by the linesman for offside. The final whistle was met with disappointment for some of the away fans; however the result was overall pleasing considering the absences of Vaughan Coveny and Joseph Youssef, plus because of the condition of the pitch.

South’s next match is undoubtedly the match of round 12, as the Blues travel to George Andrews Reserve to take on the undefeated league leaders Dandenong Thunder. South will be looking for revenge after the newly-promoted Thunder shocked all with a 0-1 win at Bob Jane Stadium in the opening round of the season. The Georgies will be looking to continue their good home form as they entertain rivals Green Gully at Chaplin Reserve next Sunday in the Maltese derby.

Friday, 15 May 2009 9:19 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate George Bekos and his team at Monash Hire Group Pty Ltd on winning the highly regarded 2009 Rental Company of the Year in Australia.

Monash Hire  Group continue to be a great sponsor and supporter of SMFC and we are pleased to see them take out such a prestigious award.

Currently Monash Hire Group has over 100 employees and boasts branches in Mt Waverley, Hastings, Coburg, Footscray in Victoria, Mackay and Hemmant in Queensland and Auckland New Zealand, with Sydney and Perth to follow.

To view more information about the company, visit www.monashhire.com.au