Category: News

Monday, 28 January 2008 5:06 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that the Qantas Socceroos will be using Bob Jane Stadium as their training base in the lead-up to February’s World Cup 2010 qualifier against Qatar.

Bob Jane Stadium has undergone extensive ground works over the past year and can now boast to be amongst the best playing surfaces in Victoria.

South Melbourne club Secretary and Venue director George Koukoulas, was upbeat about the Socceroos presence and continued venue use:

“It will be fantastic to have the Socceroos at BJS.

The club will be doing everything it can to assist Pim Verbeek and our boys to properly prepare them for Qatar and any future Socceroo games.

SMFC members and sponsors should take great pride knowing that their contribution and support aids in ensuring that a facility like BJS is properly utilized, not only for local football requirements but also national teams and other sporting codes”

South Melbourne has played a significant role in the development of many Socceroos over the past 50 years.

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

At the present time, the FFA have indicated that the sessions will be conducted behind closed doors, however it is recommended to check www.smfc.com.au and the FFA website for any changes, should they occur.

Thursday, 24 January 2008 11:13 AM

South Melbourne would like to congratulate Fernando De Moraes for being selected for the Australian Futsal side, the “Futsalroos”.

He will compete as part of the Australian National Team in the KL World 5’s tournament next week in Malaysia and face countries such as Argentina, England, Malaysia and Indonesia in the opening stages of the tournament.

Fernando has become a fan favourite at Bob Jane Stadium since joining the club in 2005, winning the Best and Fairest for the club in a stellar 2006 season, as well as claiming a best on ground performance in the 2006 Grand Final win against Altona.

We wish Fernando all the best for the upcoming tournament and hope he does his club and country proud on the world stage knowing that the entire South Melbourne family is supporting him.

Tuesday, 22 January 2008 1:54 PM

South Melbourne has moved to strengthen its defensive stocks by signing two of the Western Australian Premier League standout defenders in Shane Nunes and Steven MacDonald (pictured right) for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Shane Nunes has been a standout player for Cockburn City in the WA Premier League, with many football pundits describing the central defender as a very accomplished, quick and calm defender, who has the highly sought after ability to win possession in the most extreme situations.

At only 23 years of age, Nunes was selected as the first choice centre back in the WA Premier League team of the season alongside former South Melbourne player Ante Kovacevic, as well as being named Best and Fairest for Cockburn City in an amazing 2007 season.

It is believed that he will provide the club with an exciting and vibrant defender that will make an immediate impact upon commencing his career by the lake.

Partnering Shane Nunes in the centre of defence will be Steven MacDonald, who will be joining South from WA Premier League club Sorrento.

MacDonald is another well accomplished and calm defender, with the former Motherwell player proving to be one of the most consistant players in the WA Premier League, representing the state on numerous occasions at both youth and senior level.

In a recent trial with the club, MacDonald has shown all invovled that he is capable of providing SMFC with a quality defender, who can shut down the opposition both on the ground and in the air.

SMFC is genuinely excited to have two players of such a stature join the club and wish the players all the best in settling into life in Melbourne, as well as playing an integral part for the South Melbourne Football Club in 2008.

Tuesday, 22 January 2008 1:24 PM

South Melbourne would like to announce the re-signing of goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis for one season.

Anastasiadis will commence his 10th season for the club after starting his career in the 1992/93 season, where he played 22 games in a standout year.

Since his debut, Anastasiadis has amassed 144 games with the club, as well as being a key component in the solid defensive unit that won the 2006 Victorian Premier League Championship.

In 2007, following back-to-back keeper of the year awards, the man commonly dubbed as “Deano” suffered a horrific knee injury early in the season, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season after undergoing a full knee reconstruction.

By re-signing Anastasiadis, the club believes it has re-gained the services of one of the most experienced and accomplished goalkeepers in the competition, as well as retaining a member of the squad that is well regarded around the club by all players and staff.

SMFC wishes Dean all the best for 2008 as he leads the club towards the highly decorated Foxtel Cup crown.

Monday, 21 January 2008 11:55 AM

South Melbourne has started their defence of the annual Hellenic Cup pre-season tournament with a hard fought 1-0 victory over local rivals Port Melbourne at the Grange Reserve on Saturday.

Boasting a new look line-up which contained a mix of old and new players, South looked comfortable from the outset, attacking the Port Melbourne goal from the opening minute of the game.

At the 20 minute mark, a shot by last years MVP award winner, Ricky Diaco, was poorly dealt with by the Port Melbourne defenders and keeper alike, with the ball falling to Nathan Caldwell, who slammed the chance into the back of the net.

South continued to dominate play for the rest of the game, although some poor finishing and a distinct lack of luck thwarted the side from lakeside time and time again.

Out of the new crop of players, coach John Anastasiadis opted to use the speedy combination of Goran Zoric and Hamlet Armenian throughout the midfield and later in the game as strikers.

Both players impressed the South fans in attendance, with the expectation amongst the faithful being that both players can play an integral part in a tilt towards capturing the Foxtel Cup.

The game also saw Dean Anastasiadis back in goals for the club, with the veteran shot stopper back to full fitness following season ending knee surgery in 2007.

South will play two further group games in this tournament again next weekend, with both matches being played at the Grange Reserve.

The first game will be played against South Springvale on Saturday January 26th at 5.30pm, whilst the second game of the weekend will see South take on Serres South Springvale on Sunday January 27th at 4pm.

All fans are encouraged to come along to support the side, as well as to see the new recruits in action.

Tournament Schedule

South Melbourne FC vs South Springvale
Saturday, January 26th at Grange Reserve (Melway 79 F8)
Kick off : 5.30pm

South Melbourne FC vs Serres South Springvale
Sunday, January 27th at Grange Reserve (Melway 79 F8)
Kick off : 4.00pm

Monday, 14 January 2008 10:36 PM

Interested coaches please forward your application to – juniors@smfc.com.au.

This is a fantastic opportunity to guide and develop this team through 16s to Under 18s in 2009 and beyond.

Players also welcome to apply to trial for this team.

Saturday, 22 December 2007 7:15 PM

Last Friday over 200 people attended the South Melbourne FC Christmas party that was held in the Champions Bar. Those present ranged from former & current players and coaches, sponsors, committee members, administration staff and supporters. The event was immensely enjoyed by all and was very effective in gathering everyone associated with the club together to celebrate the festive season and begin to look forward to season 2008.

SMFC wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas as well as a prosperous New Year. After a disappointing season, the club is looking forward to a more rewarding 2008 season.

Image: New signings (Left to Right) Hamlet Armenian, Sam Poutakidis and Goran Zoric join in on the SMFC Christmas cheer last Friday night.

Friday, 21 December 2007 7:34 PM

South Melbourne would like to proudly announce the signing of Torian Wireless as the major sponsor for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Torian Wireless was launched in 2001 and in the years proceeding have proven to be one of the most innovative, imaginative, affordable and reliable leaders in the Information Technology industry.

The Melbourne based company has made remarkable steps over this period, actively developing a technology that would make listening to radio content from anywhere in the world a realistic option with the aid of a developed electronics device.

This particular technology known as iRoamer allows for such aims to come to fruition, as well as provide consumers with products that have such a technology embedded within it.

In 2007, Torian Wireless launched a new technology called MiRoamer.

MiRoamer enables users to access a portal online that allows them to find, locate and then listen to their favourite radio station from anywhere in the world.

What makes such a technology a step above the rest is that when a MiRoamer capable device is purchased, it can be synchronised to that particular MiRoamer portal, thus enabling the user to listen to these particular channels on such devices from anywhere.

Along with the development of such innovative technologies, Torian has also made a concerted effort to become a global brand, building headquarters in both the United States and in Europe.

From a South perspective, the MiRoamer technology and appropriate branding logo will be showcased on the front of South Melbourne’s shirt for the entire 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

President Leo Athanasakis was delighted with acquiring such a well credentialed and new sponsor to the club, telling the masses at the South Melbourne Christmas party exclusively about the deal.

“South Melbourne is about to embark on a special period in its long and decorated history and it is a pleasure to have a company of such stature sponsor us in 2008 and beyond.
Torian Wireless is a company known worldwide as a leader in the IT field and is rapidly expanding globally, which we believe is a great company for our club to be involved with”, said Mr Athanasakis

Torian Wireless founder George Parthimos also addressed the strong crowd.

“South Melbourne has proven over its history to be the strongest and proudest club in Australia and it was a simple decision for us to support such an iconic organisation.

We hope that our association can continue for numerous years and that both Torian Wireless and South Melbourne can reach their intended targets in the near future”, said Mr Parthimos

Thursday, 20 December 2007 11:58 PM

South Melbourne has continued to add to its midfield strength, re-signing the promising Jose Vasquez as well as recruiting youngster Antonio La Verde from the Essendon Royals.

La Verde is a player who has a strong work ethic, coupled with extreme commitment at the ball, skill and agility. He showed at Essendon in season 2007 that he is more than capable of playing in the Foxtel Cup. SMFC wishes that La Verde’s career can continue to grow further at Lakeside, where he will be taking every opportunity to stake a claim for first team selection.

Vasquez is a name familiar with SMFC fans, having previously made 9 appearances for the club throughout his past two seasons at Bob Jane Stadium. Although young, he is a player that has immense vision, touch and skill in the middle of the park. It is believed that Vasquez will grow to be exceptional at senior level, as he has shown great talent and promise in the junior ranks and in his previous senior appearances.

South Melbourne is keen to develop these youth players, as they are the future of the famous Blue and Whites. Club staff and officials alike are excited by the talent shown by the players and are looking forward to continuing the clubs long tradition of producing star players from its youth ranks.

SMFC wishes both players all the best for the upcoming season and urges all supporters to purchase a membership to view a competitive and vibrant team in the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Monday, 17 December 2007 2:28 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of the experienced and highly rated Sam Poutakidis from the Oakleigh Cannons for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Poutakidis began his senior career back in 1999 with the Springvale White Eagles, with his exceptional performances convincing the then-powerful VPL outfit Port Melbourne to sign him.

In his three seasons and 64 games with Port Melbourne, Poutakidis proved himself to be one of the best defensive full backs in the state, whilst also having the ability to push forward at will and assist Port in any attacking move.

His form in the VPL saw South Melbourne recruit Sam to represent the club in the now defunct National Soccer League during season 2002/03. After initially finding it tough to break into the senior team, a determined Poutakidis set out to impress the coaching staff and by the start of the 2003/04 season had proven himself to be a valuable member of the starting 11. In those two seasons at South, Poutakidis played 30 games and scored 2 goals.

Following the conclusion of the National Soccer League, Poutakidis opted to join the Oakleigh Cannons in the VPL. In his recent 3 season spell with the Cannons, he continued to prove himself as a hard working defender.

With the signing of Sam, SMFC believes that it has acquired an experienced, motivated and exceptional defender, as well as an individual that will provide genuine leadership to all the young players, with his exceptional work ethic and personality being two of his highly regarded aspects.

Sam himself is excited at the prospect of re-joining the famous Blue and Whites, saying “I am delighted to be returning to South Melbourne after 4 years away from the club. I experienced my most enjoyable and memorable times on and off the field at South Melbourne in the NSL and I look to re-create those moments for the remainder of my career at South. I am confident the club is now heading in the right direction under the guidance of new President Leo Athanasakis and Football Director Jim Marinis, who has built a young and exciting squad that I believe will challenge for the title in 2008.”

SMFC would like to wish Sam all the best for the upcoming Foxtel Cup season and urge all supporters to sign up for the 2008 season, which promises to be an exciting one for all concerned.