Category: News

Friday, 4 May 2007 2:53 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday at Bob Jane Stadium South take on the A.I.S in what looms as a must win game for John Anastasiadis’s men.

South haven’t won a match for over a month and have slipped dangerously near the relegation zone.

The A.I.S under the direction of Stephen O’Connor have made an admirable start to life in the Foxtel Cup sitting on 10 points and in 11th position.

O’Connor’s team boasts some of the most talented and up-and-coming youngsters in Australian football who have greatly benefited from playing competitive matches on a week-to-week basis.

Last week however, O’Connor’s men received a wake-up call, losing 3-0 to Heidelberg and no doubt fully realizing the standard of Victoria’s premier football competition. The A.I.S’s thumping couldn’t have come at a worse time for the A.I.S with Champions South Melbourne absolutely desperate for the three points.

South lost 1-3 to Altona in last week’s grand final replay and has been suffering from a lack of finishing prowess as well as a creaky defence which has failed to live up to its star billing. As a result the Champions see themselves languishing in 13th position, only one point clear of relegation.

South will receive a major boost this week with the return of inspirational defensive midfielder Tansel Baser who has finished serving his 8-match suspension. Baser’s experience and motivating personality has been sorely missed this season with South often struggling to control the centre of the park.

Even though not match fit, Baser will most probably be rushed straight back into the starting lineup with Sammy DeVito returning to his defensive duties after doing an admirable job filling in for ex-Trabzonspor player.

South forward Gianni De Nittis didn’t play last week after injuring himself during last Saturday’s training session. The young striker remains doubtful this weekend.

Thursday, 3 May 2007 3:00 PM

The South Melbourne FC family continues its “Meet and Greet” nights this Friday evening inviting all supporters, sponsors, general football lovers and anyone looking for a pleasant end to the week to Bob Jane Stadium for a drink, meal and general socializing.

Food and beverages will be on hand for anyone interested in attending.

The South Melbourne FC family is interested in further developing and strengthening its relationship with current and past supporters of the club as well as always looking to find new supporters. Also of note some players will be making an attendance.

The three previous nights have been successful with the club looking to make this night a weekly event.

Monday, 30 April 2007 1:05 AM

By George Kouroumalis

Altona Magic has defeated a gallant but ultimately unlucky South Melbourne 3-1 in front of a healthy crowd at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday.

South started brightly surging forward almost immediately, when Brazilian maestro Fernando was released into space just outside the area. The midfielder launched a cracking drive on target, with veteran goalkeeper Bojo Jevdevic coming to Altona’s rescue with a great save to his left.

In the tenth minute, Altona pushed forward against the run of play, where experienced midfielder Daniel Vasilevski played a well weighted through ball into the path of Koce Delev. Delev, with only the keeper to beat, placed a brilliant shot onto the target and past the outstretched Mladen Tosic in the South goal, giving his side a 1-0 advantage.

South, who looked somewhat shell-shocked, responded in the twentieth minute when they were given a free kick just outside the area. The quick thinking Fernando played an early ball into the unmarked Ricky Diaco. The former A-League star hit a first time drive past the keeper, putting his side back on level terms.

South should have taken the lead in the 28th minute, when a lovely sweeping move culminated in Nathan Caldwell finding himself in acres of space inside the area, with nobody marking him. To the disbelief of all fans at the ground, the former Melbourne Knights striker hit the shot directly at the feet of the stationary keeper.

Just before the break, Jevdevic once again pulled off a series of sublime saves within the five minutes, where both Caldwell and Diaco had their shots foiled by the experienced campaigner, who was at that point having an absolute blinder in the Altona goal.

The second half started where the first half finished, with Jevdevic continuing to be a rock, saving a point blank strike from Fernando in the moments just after half time.

In the 60th minute, Altona had a rare foray forward, when captain Vasilevski was played into acres of space along the right hand side of the park. Looking up, Vasilevski played a sensational ball into the box, causing mass confusion amongst the South Melbourne defence, culminating in Ramazan Tavsancioglu forcing the ball into the open net.

With South 2-1 down, Diaco looked to take matters into his own hands and had two inventive strikes hit wide of the target in both the 71st and 76th minutes after turning the defence inside out on both occasions.

The reigning champions had arguably its best chance of the game in the 77th minute, when a storming run by substitute Yusuf Yusuf was finished by a superb ball being played into the path of Bill Natisoulas. To the complete dismay of the home supporters, Natsioulas hit his shot into the arms of the man of the match Jevdevic, who pulled off another sterling save.

Altona then quickly countered and, after some confusion between the defence and inexperienced keeper Tosic, the ball fell to the open Vasilevski who hit his strike into the open net, sending the three points to Paisley Park.

Altona’s relieved coach Vlado Tortevski was pleased with the result. “ The side was sensational in their efforts today” said Tortevski post-match. “I hope that this will turn the side’s fortunes around for the rest of the season.”

Perth Glory bound South defender Dino Djulbic was left to rue the results. “We were unlucky but next week we will lift with the addition of Tansel Baser, who returns from suspension. We have missed his experience so far in the middle of the park.”

Wednesday, 25 April 2007 12:07 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne return to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday in search of a much-needed three points to propel them back into the top six and get their season back on track.

The Vlado Tortevski-coached Altona Magic have a point more than South but currently sit in fifth position with a win cementing their status in the top-six.

Both sides haven’t registered wins for close to a month and will be determined to stop their run of ill-form come Sunday.

Altona of course have one of the most dangerous striking partnerships in the country with last season’s Gold Medal winner Saso Becvinovski partnering new recruit and ex-South Melbourne striker Michael Curcija.

Curcija has been the Premier League’s most prolific marksman over the past three seasons with his predatory in-the-box instincts well complimented by fellow new recruit and attacking option Fidell Richards. The tall and speedy Englishman has played for Heidelberg and the Sunshine Georgies over the past two seasons with his pace and direct play a feature of his game.

The Magic possess one of the most experienced and talented squads in the league with the Delev brothers, Koce and Kole always a significant threat and with experienced players at higher levels such as ex-South Melbourne player Levent Osman and ex-Melbourne Knights winger Goran Talevski, Altona have enough quality all around the park to cause South problems.

In the South camp, John Anastasiadis’s men have been guilty of playing good football but not managing to kill-off of games in their two recent encounters against Fawkner and Oakleigh.

South’s recent run of dry form in front of goals may force Coach Anastasiadis to re-introduce last season’s goal-scoring hero Gianni De Nittis back into the starting eleven and in his favored striking role.

De Nittis has seen his playing time somewhat reduced this season with the signing of Nathan Caldwell and after bursting onto the scene last season with a spate of crucial goals, including three against Altona during the finals campaign, De Nittis is nearing a full recall.

The return to Bob Jane could serve as a double blessing for South with its silky ball players returning to one of the best surfaces in the country. South suffered last week with players like Brazilian maestro Fernando Moraes unable to play their natural game on the uneven Fawkner pitch.

Sunday’s game also serves as the last one of Tansel Baser’s suspension with the inspirational defensive midfielder due to return in next week’s encounter against the AIS whilst Con Blatsis’s return remains indefinite as he continues his recovery from various niggling injuries.

Monday, 23 April 2007 4:39 PM

This year has seen South embark on an ambitious membership drive aimed at introducing the club to a new supporter base whilst renewing past members.

Recent events concerning non football issues, has made the club resolute about stamping out negative sentiments relating to spectator behaviour within its control.

In order to succeed, the club will be working with all its stakeholders including Football Federation Victoria and Victoria Police in its aim to introduce more families to experience the famous “South Melbourne atmosphere” which its passionate fans are famous for.

In recent times, the club has been very proactive in addressing issues relating to spectator behaviour and crowd management.

A recent press release from Victoria Police by Superintendent Rod Jouning relating to event and crowd management undertaken by the club, reaffirmed the tangible steps South Melbourne FC has taken forward in achieving its aims:

“South Melbourne Football Club was one of the first teams to jump onboard the campaign and has been working with Victoria Police since 2006 in relation to event management planning and risk mitigation. The aim: to make Bob Jane Stadium a safer place for club members, officials, supporters and police.
The club has taken far more responsibility in the management of games and imposing standards of behaviour on their membership. They should be applauded for that approach as things have improved greatly.”

An iconic club on the Australian football scene, South Melbourne FC is embarking on a “Supporters Code of Conduct” to ensure that those attending games and whom are supporting the famous blue and white are doing so with the best interests of South in mind.

For more information please contact Jim Marinis, media spokesperson on 9645 9797 or media@smfc.com.au

Sunday, 22 April 2007 11:35 PM

South Melbourne Junior Soccer Club has several vacancies for the under 12 B squad. The season commences on the 6th of June.

To join this exciting young team please contact Ross Zontanos on 0438 781 501.

Sunday, 22 April 2007 9:16 PM

By George Kouroumalis

After a three-week layoff without a competitive fixture, South Melbourne returned to Foxtel Cup action earlier today, earning a hard fought but well deserved point against the Fawkner Blues at CB Smith Reserve.

Coach John Anastasiadis kept faith in a similar lineup to what had been seen in recent weeks. Youngster Miladen Tosic once again was given his chance to shine in goal, in the absence of South veteran Dean Anastasiadis.

In front of him, Arthur Tsonis, Dino Djulbic, Steve O’dor and Ramazan were once again at the heart of the South defence, ready to repel any Fawkner attack.

Sam DeVito and Nick Curtis were once again selected in the middle of the park, with Trent Waterson and Fernando given more attacking midfield roles and open licence to push forward and assist both Ricky Diaco and Nathan Caldwell who were up front for South.

No side really asserted themselves on the game in the first half, with both sides unable to string together any real decent foray forward on the bumpy and uneven surface.

The first real chance came in the 33rd minute, when a weak clearance by the South Melbourne defence gifted in-form striker David Pilic with a chance to give his side the advantage. Forcing his way into the area, Pilic took a touch and slammed the ball into the fence behind the goal without troubling Tosic, who at that stage had barely touched the ball.

South returned to the other end almost immediately, when a sublime run by Ricky Diaco saw the former Gold Medal winner play what seemed to be an inch perfect ball into the path of Fernando. To the surprise of many, he was deemed to be in an offside position.

With the first half providing the punters on hand with a rather poor display of football from both sides, everyone was keen to see whether the standard and endeavor of both sides would lift at all in the second half.

The 51st minute saw the first shot of the half, when the energetic Trent Waterson was released down the right hand side of the park. His cross that was met with the head of Caldwell, with the former Melbourne Knights marksman off target.

Waterson continued his hard running down the right hand flank and shortly after the Caldwell miss provided two sublime crosses which both caught the Fawkner defence and South forwards by surprise, ending in a wasted opportunity on both occassions.

South continued to press forward with no way through the rock solid Fawkner defence, with ex-South player Carl Recchia superb in his role as sweeper, ensuring every South foray forward was killed off at the first opportunity.

With Fernando having very little influence on the game, South coach John Anastasiadis made a tactical switch, bringing on the dangerous Yusef Yusef in the hope that the midfielder would be able to open up a hole in a very tight Fawkner defence.

The move nearly paid immediate dividends when Yusef was released down the middle and got past the outstretched legs of two defenders with a lovely step-over, only for Recchia to once again save the day for the home side with a superb tackle.

Buoyed by the support of the traveling faithful behind the end that South were attacking towards, the boys from lakeside continued to search for a winner. There were two opportunities to take the full points in the final 10 minutes, firstly when an opportunistic strike by Diaco produced one of the saves of the season by Steven Tilovski in the Fawkner goal, denying the South striker.

Then, with only moments left on the clock, a horrendous mix up between the Fawkner defence and keeper Tilovski gifted striker Caldwell with the ball and an open goal, however to the disbelief of everyone at the ground, he pushed his shot wide of the target and out for a goalkick.

From the resulting goalkick the referee blew his whistle, bringing to the end a frustrating game in which South dominated the second half but could not just find the back of the net. However, with a lack of matches in recent weeks, an away draw was an acceptable result and well deserved.

South Melbourne face the Altona Magic in the Grand Final re-match next Sunday at Bob Jane Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm.

Thursday, 19 April 2007 1:23 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne returns to on-field action this Sunday when John Anastasiadis’s men make the trip to C.B Smith Reserve to take on the Luciano Trani-coached Fawkner Blues.

Both sides are in desperate need of a win to put them back into top-six contention after Fawkner’s consecutive three-game run without a win and with South Melbourne not playing last week, the Albert Park-based club will be looking for its third away win of the season to propel it back into top-six.

Under Trani the Blues have improved this season and contain in their lineup some high quality players at both Premier League and National League level.

David Pilic and Mark Tsiorlas are major attacking threats that South must contain if it is to leave Jukes Road with a positive result. Pilic has netted four times this season with Tsiorlas yet to find his rhythm of past seasons managing only one to date.

Carl Recchia and Ricky Chillico are quality players in the centre of the park who have performed consistently at Premier League level for the past 3-4 seasons. Recchia in particular has the ability to open up a game with his shooting ability and will have to be closely watched by South.

In goals the Blues possess one of the leagues’ most experienced and proven goalkeepers in Steven Tilovski, Tilovski has been consistently good for Fawkner over the last few years and instills a lot of confidence in his defence.

In the South camp, Coach Anastasiadis will no doubt be expecting a big performance from his squad, especially after not playing last week. Anastasiadis has the majority of his squad to call from minus Tansel Baser who is nearing the end of his suspension, Con Blatsis who continues recovering from his injury and of course Dean Anastasiadis who has been ruled out for the season.

With new Recruits Ricky Diaco and Trent Waterson in superb form and the return from injury of young winger Vasilios Natsioulas South go into Sunday’s encounter bristling with confidence after their last match, against the table-leading Oakleigh Cannons, saw the Albert Park-based club unlucky not to escape Jack Edwards Reserve with all three points.

It will be interesting to see what formation Coach Anastasiadis elects with players like Arthur Tsonis, Giannis De Nittis, Nicholas Curtis and Yusuf Yusuf all on the fringe of first eleven selection and all pushing very hard to be included from the start.

Wednesday, 18 April 2007 3:32 PM

The South Melbourne FC family once again, after a successful last Friday night, invites all members, supporters, sponsors, general football lovers and anyone looking for a pleasant end to the week to Bob Jane Stadium this Friday evening.

A DJ as well as food and beverages will be on hand for anyone interested in attending.

The South Melbourne FC family is interested in further developing and strengthening its relationship with current and past supporters of the club as well as always looking to find new supporters.

Date: Friday 20th April, 2007
Time: 6pm onwards
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Champions Sports Bar

Monday, 16 April 2007 3:22 PM

South Melbourne FC is disappointed with the decision of the FFV to forfeit the round 6 fixture against the Melbourne Knights due to a dispute over security arrangements.

Acting on the advice from Victoria Police, South Melbourne FC elected to a limit entry to the round 6 Foxtel Cup match against the Melbourne Knights to South Melbourne FC members only. The advice from Victoria Police was based on the incidents which took place at the Australian Tennis Open and the FINA World Swimming Championships together with previous incidents involving the Melbourne Knights SC.

The arrangements for a South Melbourne FC member only game were deemed unacceptable by the FFV who dictated and wanted to impose alternative security arrangements for the fixture. The FFV insisted that the game be open to all fans which would have required 30 police, 25 security guards and 6 ground marshals at the game. South Melbourne FC would have been required to bear the cost of such security arrangements.

South Melbourne FC found the requirements of the FFV to be unreasonable. Apart from the costs of such arrangements, the FFV was not prepared to indemnify the club against any incident or fall out from the match. As result of the FFV not being able to provide indemnity for the fixture to South Melbourne FC, the club was left with no option but to reject the proposed security arrangements in order to safeguard the interests of the club.

The security arrangements proposed by South Melbourne FC, for a members only game, were consistent with previous FFV directives “for high risk matches”. Such a policy has been successful over the previous 2 years and was favourably looked upon and the preferred option of Victoria Police due to the efficient resource allocation and reduced risk.

South Melbourne FC is the manager of Bob Jane Stadium and any security arrangements for the ground are the responsibility of the club. The club has the legal responsibility for the Stadium and for the safety of the patrons, as do other Victorian Premier League Clubs with their grounds. South Melbourne FC wishes to act responsibly and is committed to promoting the safety and enjoyment of participants and spectators at the venue.

South Melbourne FC is not agreeable to any external parties either directly or indirectly controlling the venue or arrangements at the venue without having legal recourse against that party. South Melbourne FC has decided to take proactive measures ensuring that they are not the focal point of other parties’ indiscretions.

South Melbourne FC will be vigorously challenging the FFV decision to forfeit the above mentioned game and is currently seeking legal advice in relation to appropriate legal action to be taken.

For more information please contact Jim Marinis, media spokesperson on 9645 9797 or media@smfc.com.au