Category: News

Friday, 14 December 2007 8:57 AM

South Melbourne would like to confirm the signings of two very exciting players, with two Victorian State Team members Hamlet Armenian and Goran Zoric joining the club for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Hamlet Armenian joins SMFC following a successful stint with the Whittlesea Zebras in 2007, playing a leading role in the northern suburbs based club making the Grand Final for that season.

Armenian has had quite a successful start to his relatively young career, having impressed as a junior with the Melbourne Knights youth side in the now defunct National Youth League, and then being snapped up by the Bentleigh Greens as a sixteen year old, before joining the Zebras.

The game in which the 22 year old attacker plays is based on pace, versatility and a willingness to work hard over the space of the 90 minutes, which in no doubt will provide South with an extra dimension during this season.

He also has an ability to score goals on a regular basis, hitting the back of the net 9 times last year, including the winner in the semi final against Preston to send his side into the Grand Final.

Goran Zoric is another fast and skilful attacking player who impressed the entire state last year, as one of the only shining lights in a disappointing year from the Springvale White Eagles.

In the same manner as Hamlet, the small striker bases his game on speed, skill and endurance, as well as providing the coach with yet another versatile option who can play anywhere within the attacking half.

Both players were rewarded for superb seasons by being selected for the Victorian State Team in October 2007 and playing an important role in the games that the team had against two clubs sides from China.

SMFC is excited about signing two players of such high calibre and would like to wish them all the best for the upcoming 2008 season.

Please stay tuned to www.smfc.com.au for future interviews and information about the new players and future signings.

Thursday, 22 November 2007 3:30 PM

Where: Bob Jane Stadium

For further details please contact:

U11 – Ange Dallas (U11 Coach) on 0418 178 335

U13A –Ross Zontanos (U13A Coach) on 0434 330 394

Thursday, 22 November 2007 2:15 PM

When: Tuesday 27th November at 6pm
Where: Champions Bar, Bob Jane Stadium

All fans are welcome to attend and have a chat with the President to discuss general issues regarding the club.

Wednesday, 21 November 2007 11:43 AM

Thursday, 8 November 2007 10:32 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to announce two further changes to the senior list, with Arthur Tsonis and Sam DeVito not being part of the senior squad for the 2008 Victorian Premier League season.

Arthur Tsonis joined the club in 2005 and in the three seasons played in the blue and white, he became known for his determination, courage and commitment to the club at all times, whether it be on or off the field.

His leadership and guidance around the club during these times saw him wear the captains arm band on numerous occasions with pride, as well as coaching the Under 21 squad when he fell to a debilitating knee injury in 2006.

Sam DeVito made his rise from the South Melbourne youth team and quickly established himself into an important defender and defensive midfielder during the last 3 seasons in the Victorian Premier League.

The culmination of this rise came in 2006, where he played a significant on field role as part of the solid South defense that captured the elusive premiership crown.

We wish both players all the best for the future and thank them for their tremendous service that they provided to the South Melbourne Football Club.

Thursday, 1 November 2007 4:30 PM

Following the Annual General Meeting on Sunday, the new South Melbourne FC board met on Tuesday and elected club stalwart Leo Athanasakis as the club’s new President unchallenged.

Having served on the board since 2001 Leo, has held various positions including Finance Director and most recently Chairman. A former South junior, Leo’s service to the club in recent times has seen him witness the most turbulent era in the club’s history.

Asked what his thoughts were on his appointment, Leo replied:

“I would like to thank the current board for showing faith and appointing me as the President of this iconic club. South Melbourne FC has survived the hardest 4 years in its history and it is due to the hard work and passion of its officials, players, members and supporters.

The club has achieved a commendable level of organisational stability and on field success over the last few years and is looking at consolidating and building upon this in the near future.

There are numerous challenges moving forward and I ask all sponsors, members and supporters to keep faith in the club and support it at every opportunity”

The following committee structure was also approved:

President: Leo Athanasakis
Senior Vice President: Bill Kardamitsis
Vice Presidents: John Patitsas / Jim Mellas
Chairman: Nick Galatas
Secretary: George Koukoulas
Treasurer: Peter Parthimos

Portfolios

Football Director: Jim Marinis
Venue: George Koukoulas
Finance: Peter Parthimos
Legal: Nick Galatas / Jim Mellas
Marketing and Events: George Triantos
Corporate Membership/Sponsorship: George Triantos
Advertising and Signage: Tom Karatzas
Youth Development: Peter Papos
Womens: Alex Alexopoulos
Membership: George Koukoulas / John Patitsas / John Giannios
Business Development: Paul Dimarelos

Monday, 22 October 2007 3:48 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to announce that current squad members Ricky Diaco and Trent Waterson have both been selected by the Football Federation of Victoria to represent the state in a two match series in China next week.

Both players crossed over to South in the lead-up to the 2007 season, and have impressed not only South Melbourne FC, but the entire competition with their performances this year, subsequently leading them to be selected for the Victorian state squad.

The first game will take place on October 26 against the Chinese Super League side Dalia Shide, while the Victorians must then play against GuangZhou Pharmaceutical FC on the 29th of October in what promises to be another tough encounter.

South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate both players on such a fine achievement and wish them the best of luck in China, where hopefully they can do the club proud.

Victorian Squad

Tex Apostolikas (Whittlesea Zebras), Johnny Cvetanovski (Western Suburbs), Ricky Diaco (South Melbourne) , Kenny Gerohristodoulou (Whittlesea Zebras), Frank Lagana (Essendon Royals), Stiven Mrkela (Altona Magic), Jonathan Munoz (Preston Lions), Manny Muscat (Green Gully Cavaliers), Tony Ouliaris (Heidelberg United Warriors), Pece Siveski (Preston Lions), Michael Turnbull (Oakleigh Cannons), Trent Waterson (South Melbourne) , Cameron Watson (Melbourne Knights), Goran Zoric (Springvale), Lev Osman (Altona Magic), Carl Recchia (Fawkner Blues) and Mile Medjedovic (Green Gully Cavaliers)

Monday, 22 October 2007 11:41 AM

South Melbourne Football Club would like to extend it’s best wishes to veteran Tansel Baser, following his decision to sign with fellow Foxtel Cup side, Coburg United.

Baser made his debut for the club way back in 1994, after impressing then coach Frank Arok in trials held at the famous Middle Park ground.

Then, a lanky and determined Baser, stood out for the well respected coach, who in turn drafted the youngster and placed him into the South Melbourne senior squad after a short period.

Baser made his mark immediately, proving to be an outstanding defender and playing an integral part in the 1998 championship win against Carlton with the club, as well as catching the eye of national coaches, who selected the left-footer for both the Young Socceroos and Olyroos squads respectively.

Since that time period, Baser and the club have not looked back, where Tansel has continued to grow into a wonderful player and person both on and off the field. He is a fan favorite amongst the masses that have seen him pull on the famous blue and white shirt over the years, while always remaining a popular person and leader in the dressing room, with all staff members and fellow players having the utmost respect for him at all times.

Recently, Tansel returned from a stint in the Turkish Super League to lead the club in the Foxtel Cup, capping off a wonderful 2006 season with a premiership medal to join those he won with the club in the NSL in his younger days.

South Melbourne FC would like to thank Tansel for his dedicated service over this time and wish him all the best for the future.

Tuesday, 9 October 2007 12:03 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to announce that senior coach John Anastasiadis has been re-appointed for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.

Anastasiadis, a former South Melbourne championship winner, was appointed senior coach in 2005 as the club embarked on a new era following the demise of the NSL and the commencement of life in the state league.

In the 3 seasons in which Anastasiadis has coached, South made the finals on two occassions with the club capturing a state crown in season 2006.

2007 was an indifferent year on the park, with the side missing out on the finals by one game.

SMFC is confident Anastasiadis can lead our talented group of players to further success in the next 12 months and is behind him all the way as he endevours to do so.

Monday, 8 October 2007 10:44 AM

Striker Ricky Diaco completed an impressive first season with the club capturing the MVP award for the best player in season 2007 on Friday at Bob Jane Stadium.

Diaco, who had crossed over from Whittlesea, had an exceptional first season for the famous Blue and Whites, scoring 10 goals along the way and playing a part in most others scored by the club during the course of the year.

Speaking to www.smfc.com.au, Diaco was honoured to win the award.

“It is an honour to win such a prestigious award, knowing South is such a famous club and how many big names have won this award in the past.”, said a humble Diaco.

When asked about the side for 2008 and what his assessed goals were for next season, Diaco was adamant that he was after team success and to lead the Blues into the finals.

“South is a proud club and not to play finals in 2007 leaves a bad feeling in my stomach, as it does with the rest of the boys. We need to stick together now and make sure we have learnt our mistakes from this season and do this club and ourselves proud in 2008.

All that all the boys want is to play finals and to win a championship with South Melbourne and to see the joy on the faces of our fans”, said Diaco.

Runner up to Diaco was strike partner Nathan Caldwell and fan favourite Ramazan Tavscancioglu.

For Tavscancioglu it was the 2nd time in the one week that he finished in the Top 3 – he also finished in an impressive 3rd place in the prestigious FFV Gold Medal award, only 3 points behind winner Terry Antoniadis.

In other awards handed out for the evening, Ricky Diaco also took out the Golden Boot award for the top goalscorer in senior competion, while highly rated youngster Sebastian Gonzales took out the U/21 MVP for the best player at that level.

Trent Waterson was given the Clarendon Corner Supporters MVP, an award voted on by the fans to identify which player was the best in season 2007.
Mitchell Langerak was awarded the Clarendon Corner Supporters U/21 Player of the Year award.

Award Summary

Seniors MVP – Ricky Diaco
Golden Boot – Ricky Diaco
U/21 MVP – Sebastian Gonzales
CC Supporters Award – Trent Waterson
CC Supporters U/21 Award – Mitchell Langerak