Category: News

As the football landscape in Australia evolves before our eyes, the myriad of challenges and
opportunities for our historical club have never been greater. It was therefore critical that we
assessed all elements of our Football Department whilst challenging all involved to
continue to strive for excellence. During times of change, we also need to be mindful that we
maintain the culture and DNA which are so uniquely South Melbourne FC (SMFC).

We are therefore excited to announce that Mr. Andrew Mesourouni – who has been leading the
charge of our SMFC Junior Program – will now focus his time as Senior Men’s Football
Director. We wish to acknowledge Andrew’s support over the last eight years and thank him
for all his hard work and passion in supporting the Juniors over the journey. Under Andrew’s
tenure, SMFC has been widely recognised as a leader in Australian football. The Club has
amassed more NPL Junior titles than any other club in Australia.

We are also excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Kokotis, who has secured the
role of Junior Football Director. Peter is a strong ambassador for SMFC having successfully
served the club from 2011-2014 as General Manager. Peter will be working closely with the
head of SMFC football, Mr. Michael Valkanis, and building the club’s football programs to
create new pathways for all talented SMFC juniors. Peter is passionate about football and youth
development in Australia. We welcome Peter back to the club.

Mr. Tass Roufos will be heading up the MiniRoos program with the strong support of an
experienced Executive Leadership Team. The MiniRoos program will be integrated into the
club’s Michael Valkanis-led football program.

We have great support from our loyal and hard-working team and shortly we will be making
further exciting announcements as we further-develop the operations of this department.
It is important that the club evolves & grows in preparation for the next frontier of youth
football, working collectively with the wider team to create the next generation of South
Melbourne Football Club players.

——

For all enquiries, contact:
Mr. Arthur Kiousis,
Club Administration
arthur.kiousis@smfc.com.au

South Melbourne FC would like to announce the signing of promising defender Tom Aulton from Queensland.

The 19-Year-Old joins us from Brisbane City, where he has established himself as one of the more promising defensive players in the Queensland NPL competition. He had also spent time with Brisbane Roar in their Youth Team.

A natural leader, Aulton was part of the leadership group of the Azzuri in his time at senior level, captaining the side throughout the latter part of last season and vice-captain during this campaign. As a composed defender who is strong in the air, Aulton can play in any position across the back four, as well as having the ability to play in midfield.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Directors Andrew Mesourouni and Peter Kokotis spoke highly of our new recruit. “Tom joins us following a solid 18 months at Brisbane City and we are looking forward to seeing his growth as a footballer at our club. Despite only being 19 years of age, Tom has a wealth of experience at senior level, including holding leadership roles throughout his career to date.”

The club would like to welcome Tom Aulton to the club and wish him the best for the remainder of the season.

South Melbourne FC would like to announce the signing of Keenan Gibson from Avondale.

Gibson arrived in Melbourne at the start of the season from Sydney, with the versatile midfielder having previously played as part of the Sydney FC Youth Setup.

As well as playing as a central midfield, Gibson’s size and ability to read the game allows him to also play as a defensive midfielder or across the back four.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Directors Andrew Mesourouni and Peter Kokotis were pleased with the signing. “Keenan is a talented individual who we are looking forward to bringing into the club. He has a great understanding of the play and the ability to create when going forward. We look for him to link up with the squad and strengthen the middle third of the park.

SMFC welcomes Keenan Gibson to Lakeside Stadium and looks forward to seeing him in action.

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of Peter Skapetis until the end of the 2020 NPL Victoria season.

Skapetis is a former South junior, playing for the club across several age groups through his early playing days. Following his time in Australia, he made the move to the United Kingdom, where he was part of the Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City youth squads. It was at this point where Skapetis was selected for the Young Socceroos.

Following stints with Central Coast and Brisbane Roar, Peter played the first half of this season with Dandenong Thunder in the NPL. He can play in any position across the front three, with an ability to both create and score as a winger or a striker.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Directors Andrew Mesourouni and Peter Kokotis were pleased with the signing. “The club is very excited to bring in a player with a wealth of experience as part of the senior squad. Peter is a boyhood South fan with his family also life members of the club, so as well as his natural ability and eye for goal, we believe that he understands what it means to play for South Melbourne.”

We welcome Peter to the club and look forward to seeing him make his senior debut over the next few rounds.