Saturday, 27 January 2007 1:22 AM
Football Federation Victoria has delayed the 2007 Victorian Premier League season by one month. The season will begin on March 3.
Once confirmed, the club will post the fixture here, as well as informing all of the members and supporters.
2007 membership booklets are also due to be released early next week.
Saturday, 27 January 2007 1:18 AM
South Melbourne has played a series of pre-season friendlies in order to trial promising prospects and to begin the senior squad’s quest to win back-to-back titles in the Victorian Premier League. South’s first friendly was against Richmond Eagles at the Kevin Bartlett Reserve, where a team practically consisting of trialists and under 21 players were overpowered 6-1 by the stronger Richmond side.
The following week, with more senior players in the team, South Melbourne traveled to Chaplin Reserve and convincingly disposed of Sunshine Georgies with a 0-4 scoreline. New signing Yusef Yusef scored two goals, while Gianni De Nittis and Fernando De Moraes also got on the scoresheet.
More recently, South traveled to the Serbian Sports Centre to play the newly promoted Springvale White Eagles. In front of a healthy crowd and in windy conditions, Springvale lifted in the later stages of the second half to score a commanding 3-0 victory.
Monday, 11 December 2006 12:41 AM
South Melbourne FC and Director of Football Jim Marinis are pleased to announce the signings of two talented and exciting players over the pre-season period.
Former Melbourne Knights Striker Nathan Caldwell has joined the blue and whites with Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson also agreeing terms and linking up for pre-season training.
Caldwell had a solid campaign last season, bagging 8 goals in 16 appearances for the Knights with the 22 year old striker easily settling into life in Victoria’s premier footballing competition.
With the departure back to Perth of Andreas Oliveira, Caldwell will be looked upon to provide some creative flair and predatory finishing in South’s attacking third.
Twenty-one year old former Sunshine Georgies midfielder Trent Waterson, who only a few weeks ago was poised to secure a temporary A-League contract with the QLD Roar, comes to South with an ever increasing reputation. Waterson managed to score against South last season and has the ability to go past players not to mention the ability to get on the score sheet.
South’s defensive stocks have also been strengthened with the return of outstanding youngster and young Socceroo Steven O’Dor after a year at the AIS. O’Dor developed quickly during the 2005 campaign and immediately established himself as a fixture in the South starting 11. After recently featuring in the Asian Football Confederation under-20 world cup qualifiers, O’Dor returns to Bob Jane Stadium looking to consolidate his senior footballing career.
South have also tied up the successful coaching duet of senior head coach John Anastasiadis and his assistant John Gabrielson for the upcoming season. Both have done a tremendous job building a side from virtually nothing and are keen to challenge for championship honors yet again in season 2007.
The Albert Park-based club also wishes to welcome new under 21’s coach Greg Mangonis. Mangonis coached Clifton Hill seniors last season to a credible 5th placing in the State League 2 competition and will be take on the squad permanently after senior player Arthur Tsonis did an admirable job filling in last season with the sudden departure of Joe Montemurro.
The South Melbourne football family wishes Greg the best of luck in his new role.
In other news, silky ex-Heidelberg United winger Yusuf Yusuf is currently trialing at Bob Jane Stadium with the winger apparently close to winning a deal.
The club is also on an on-going basis working on luring higher caliber to Bob Jane Stadium and may announce in the new year a possible new capture or two.
Wednesday, 22 November 2006 9:14 AM
The South Melbourne Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of a world footballing legend that had a special connection with the club it coached to one of it’s finest moments.
Ferenc Puskas will forever be fondly remembered at South Melbourne for leading the club to its second national championship in 1991.
The legendary Hungarian striker, who is considered one of the greatest ever players to grace the world game, he scored 83 goals in 84 internationals for Hungary, not to mention one of Real Madrid’s favorites sons, had an amazing impact down at Middle Park.
So awe-inspired were the South Melbourne players at the time that from day one they called the legendary man “Boss”.
His clout in the footballing landscape was so deep that upon being approached by the South President at the time, in regards to trouble with signing two “Juventus” players, Puskas assured the President that his relations with the staff of Serie A giants Juventus were excellent and as a result he could help achieve the transfer, of course, the President was referring to players from “Brunswick Juventus”, not the grand old lady and footballing giant of Italian football.
Puskas was notorious for being superb at man management and allowing his players to enjoy themselves on the park.
His influence and legacy at South Melbourne, will forever be remembered and appreciated by the South Melbourne family who were extremely privileged to be graced by the presence of a football immortal.
Friday, 3 November 2006 12:15 PM
The 2006 season has now come to an end and what an incredibly successful year it has been for all, from Under 8’s to Under 16’s. We are proud to announce that in season 2007 the Club will have four Super League Teams competing in the Under 13, Under 15, Under 16 and Under 18 competitions.
The South Melbourne Juniors Football Club fielded 11 Junior/Sub Junior teams and of the 8 Junior teams we achieved 1 x Premiership, 2 x Runners-up and 2 x Third placings.
Our three Sub Junior teams achieved excellent results and their development during the season was enormous and we expect a lot in the future from this fine crop of young players.
This year the Under 15’s and 16’s had twelve individual players represent the Club on different occasions in the Under 21 Premier League Reserve side. This current Committee has now achieved a clear career path with a direct link from our Under 8 Sub Juniors to Youth / Senior representation.
South Melbourne has a proud tradition in Australian Soccer and also has a reputation of producing some fine players from within its junior ranks. A recent example is Apostolos Giannou, who recently signed with Dutch giant PSV Eindhoven Youth Team at the age of 16. Apostolos was picked up from us last season by the Victorian Institute of Sport and has already represented and scored for Australia at youth level and believe me, there are a lot more coming from our junior structure.
We thank and acknowledge all the parents for the support they have given the club and for bringing their children to training nights and match days in rain hail and shine. Their prompt attendance ensured the smooth running of training sessions which is the most important component in their development.
A special thanks to all the coaches and team managers for their tireless efforts during the season assisting in the delicate preparation of our future senior players.
Wednesday, 4 October 2006 10:42 AM
Last Saturday England and world footballing great Alan Shearer conducted a coaching clinic on the Bob Jan Stadium turf.
The day was organized by former SBS panelist and football commentator Andy Paschalidis with Shearer sneaking into the country with very little fanfare.
The Newcastle talisman conducted a 2 hour clinic with some very privileged youngsters who got some invaluable tips and life lasting memories from the “Toon” legend.
Shearer also was generous enough to take a picture holding the South Melbourne scarf; inspiring images of South’s well publicized goal-scoring problems of the past two seasons being solved by the Geordie great. Of course one can dream.
Wednesday, 4 October 2006 10:42 AM
On Sunday 1st October, the Victoria Police Soccer Club held a Family Day at Bob Jane Stadium, to assist the Epworth Hospital Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit. The day featured two matches – South Melbourne FC under 11’s versus Richmond SC under 11’s, with South winning the inaugural ABI Junior Cup 4-0. In the game for the ABI Cup, VPSC defeated Team Epworth HealthCare 3-0, with PSO Tony Sortino, A/Sgt Mark Amos and S/C Dean Kelly scoring for the VPSC. ABI patient Scot Richardson presented the Junior Cup to South’s captain, Chris, while A/Snr Sgt Tim Hansen of South Melbourne Police presented both junior teams with players medals. Judy Reddish (John & Lyla Harris Charitable Foundation) presented VPSC with the ABI Cup.
Police displays included a ‘Smart’ Car, Bike and Motorbike Patrol, Water Police, Mounted Branch and the Dog Squad. The highlight for kids of all ages was the arrival of the Police Airwing on the pitch where spectators were allowed to get up close and personal with the helicopter for photos. VPSC’s version of ‘Footballers’ Wives’ staffed a very popular sausage sizzle.
The day raised over $3,500.00 for the ABI Unit. During the presentations, VPSC captain, Senior Detective Ange Miljesic, confirmed this would definitely be an annual event. VPSC President, Senior Sergeant Ron Sinclair, thanked George Koukoulas and South Melbourne FC for once again generously supporting a community charitable event.
VPSC/Team Epworth HealthCare
Presentation of the Junior Cup to Chris
Chris in the Police Helicopter with the Junior ABI Cup.
Monday, 25 September 2006 12:34 AM
By Michael Tsoukalis
South Melbourne have reclaimed their rightful position at the pinnacle of Victorian Football, winning their 8th Victorian championship with a hard fought, yet dominant 1-0 triumph against the Altona Magic.
South hung onto a solitary goal created by a superb Fernando Moraes cross which was met by youngster Gianni De Nittis who made no mistake in emphatically smashing home his 63rd minute header from point blank range to ultimately hand South the Championship.
South sprung an early surprise with the inclusion on the bench of young winger Vasilios Natsioulas. Natsioulas had suffered what was thought to be a season-ending injury against Oakleigh toward the latter stages of the season. However, the youngster managed to recover just in time to take his place on the South bench.
As assumed, Coach John Anastasiadis fielded the exact same lineup that managed to defeat Altona in the semi final stage. 2006 Goalkeeper of the year Dean Anastasiadis began in goals with a central defensive pairing of Dino Djulbic and Tansel Baser in front of him. The right and left back roles were patrolled by Rama Tavsancioglu and Sammy DeVito respectively. In the centre of the park Antonio Naglieri lined up in his usual defensive midfield role with Scot MacNicol playing in the more attacking advanced role. Out wide, George Tzirtis started on the right flank whilst Brazilian maestro Fernando Moraes started on the left. Up front, the diminutive Andreas Oliveira continued his partnership with rising youngster Gianni De Nittis.
South started the game more brightly, dominating possession and generally seeming to be bossing the play. Only six minutes had passed when MacNicol won a tussle down the right side of the Altona box and sent in a deep back-post cross that was met by Naglieri who sent his header into the side netting. It was an early warning for the Magic who from the onset seemed content to soak up the pressure.
Chances were hard to carve out but Moraes did his best after 18 minutes, sending a 20 yard “daisy-cutter” towards goal that forced Altona keeper Bojo Jevdjevic into a sharp save down low.
Twenty-four minutes in and South should’ve gone ahead. Moraes had managed to get to the bi-line down the right hand side of the Altona box and whipped in a perfect back-post cross that Djulbic met with a quality header. The ball looked destined for the back of the net but somehow Jevdjevic miraculously flung his body at the ball and managed to deflect it onto the upright and out of danger. It was the sort of inspired save that can deflate confidence and make players second-guess their destiny for the day, but to the South player’s credit, they continued to dominate proceedings.
South continued to dominate possession in the 2nd half and kept waiting for the right opportunity to pounce. The chance came in the 55th minute after a South corner from the right fell to Baser, who shimmied before firing a shot that was blocked by the Altona defence. The ball fell to De Nittis who immediately played it wide to Moraes, the Brazilian produced a perfect cross into the 6 yard box that saw an unmarked Oliveira, although slightly stretching; send his reaching header onto the roof of the net with Jevdjevic beaten.
South were showing a great deal of maturity in controlling the contest and carved out another decent opening after 60 minutes. Again a quality ball from the right was met by De Nittis who had much to do with his eventual volleyed attempt across his body just failing to hit the target.
The South faithful were beginning to get a bit restless with John Anastasiadis’s men dominating and creating good openings but failing to show their superiority on the scoreboard.
South was calling for some inspiration and it was none other than Brazilian maestro Fernando Moraes who provided it after 63 minutes. Stuck down the left corner of the pitch and with seemingly no space to move, Moraes’s trickery saw him work some space and produce a stunning left foot cross into the heart of the 6 yard box. De Nittis had stormed past his marker and was first to the ball to power home a text-book header, sending the majority pro-South crowd into delirium but more importantly, giving South a deserved lead.
By now the game had opened up fully and South were insistent on putting it beyond doubt by scoring a second. Some brilliant interplay on the edge of the area in the 77th minute saw the ball fall to Tzirtis who from 20 yards out and with plenty of time, failed to get his dipping strike on target.
The Magic tried to lift their tempo but the resolute and disciplined South defence was not letting anything get past reducing Altona to having to rely on set pieces to produce any attacking threat.
South brought on Natsioulas in the 73rd minute for MacNicol in order to inject some freshness and enthusiasm down the right wing with the youngster immediately showing his desire for the occasion by providing an outlet down the right.
After 79 minutes an Altona free kick from well outside the box was chipped into a dangerous area that saw a Magic player meet the ball on the volley and nearly chip Anastasiadis who was thankful to the see the ball go over the crossbar.
Altona were then reduced to ten men when after having made all their 3 substitutes, they lost another player through serious injury.
The Magic did however force a decent save out of Anastasiadis in the 87th minute when, backed by a gale-force wind, ex-Perth Glory player Daniel Vasilevski produced a stunning 30 yard effort that was headed for the top right-hand corner but was always covered by Anastasiadis who even though was scurrying, managed to tip the ball over and out for a corner.
South could’ve added another during stoppages when Natsioulas released Oliveira down the right hand side of the Altona box with South in a 3-on-2 position. Oliveira chose to cut inside and try and curl his effort around Jevdjevic, but unfortunately for South the ex-Morwell Falcons custodian gloved easily with Oliveira perhaps better offer squaring the ball back to Natsioulas who had an open shot from 12 or so yards out.
Oliveira’s miss however was instantly forgotten when referee Damir Basic whistled the end of proceedings, signaling the return of Australia’s most historic club back to the pinnacle of the state football and just reward for all the players, coaching staff, board members and supporters, who managed to resurrect South back to its rightful standing after nearly facing extinction just a short 2 and a half years ago.
Thursday, 21 September 2006 4:01 PM
By Michael Tsoukalis
The climax to a long season finally arrives this Sunday when a new Champion of the Vodafone Cup will be crowned. Both participants South Melbourne and Altona not only go into the encounter carrying great belief and confidence of the required result, but are also extremely worthy of finding themselves in the most prestigious fixture of the season.
South of course swept into the final after defeating Green Gully and the Magic in consecutive weeks to earn a week off, whilst Altona overcame minor premiers Oakleigh and Heidelberg on their journey towards Vodafone Cup glory.
Interesting for South will be how John Anastasiadis’s men respond to having a week off. A match last Saturday against State 2 outfit Clifton Hill was organized to help maintain match sharpness with all players having a decent hit-out.
Altona of course will have the extra motive of defeating South after loosing 1-2 a couple of weeks ago in their semi-final showdown.
On that day, South youngster Gianni De Nittis grabbed a double with veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis producing two critical saves to ensure the Albert Park-based club were first to secure a place in Sunday’s finale.
South are no doubt aware of the need to minimize the influence of Gold Medal winner Saso Becvinovski who with his 18 goals so far this season remains major source of goals for the western suburbs based club.
Becvinovski was held relatively quiet in the semi final between both sides, but was still granted a glorious opportunity to score after a static South defence let the striker in. On that occasion Dean Anastasiadis produced a superb one-on-one save but it these sorts of defensive lapses that South cannot afford if it is to lift the Vodafone Cup.
Becvinoski aside, Altona have dangerous players all over the park. The Delev brothers Kole and Koce along with the Razov brothers Ivan and Tomi plus the exciting Daniel Vasilevski, bring quality and youthful exuberance to a side that is sprinkled with seasoned performers such as ex-South defender Levent Osman and ex-Morwell Falcons keeper Bojo Jevdjevic.
Injury wise, South has a full squad to choose from, excluding the season ending injuries suffered by Arthur Tsonis and Vasilios Natsioulas whilst colossal defender Con Blatsis has succumbed to the culmination of a few niggling injuries which have ruled him out.
South will therefore pretty much rely on the same starting 11 that got the job done against Altona last time, as well as Green Gully with the injuries and departures experienced by the club throughout the season limiting the depth at South’s disposal.
Crucial to South winning will be the ability to find the back of the net. Since the departure of club Captain Vaughn Coveny and Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson, South hasn’t had the attacking depth it did earlier in the season. However, the emergence of young striker Gianni De Nittis who has chipped in with 7 goals this season sees the young striker carry an immense responsibility in Sunday’s encounter.
With South on the verge of re-claiming a place a-top football in the state, all South Melbourne faithful are encouraged to show up in support of John Anastasiadis’s men who over the course of the season, have written yet another worthy chapter in the famous history of the blue and whites.
Thursday, 21 September 2006 11:34 AM
Two years ago South Melbourne was on the brink of extinction.
Having been told that their chances of National League re-admittance were next to none, the club went into administration.
Through the loyal support and passion of its faithful supporters, the club was able to re-emerge and now two years later, finds itself in the Grand Final of the state’s premier football competition – the Vodafone Cup.
The South Board, coaching staff, players and supporters should all be commended for sticking by the club in its hour of need.
Through all stakeholders’ collective effort, the club now has a base to continue its legacy of winning trophies and continuing to add to the aura and tradition of the South Melbourne name.
The squad that Coach John Anastasiadis has put together embodies the South Melbourne spirit. A talented mix of experienced and youthful players who have shown over the last two years a level of commitment and effort that makes South Melbourne supporters immensely proud.
This Sunday the South Melbourne family asks for your support.
A solid attendance will propel the players to that next level and help ensure that the club adds another trophy to the nation’s most coveted trophy cabinet. Furthermore, it will cap off a remarkable recovery from only 2 years ago, when the future direction and existence of the club was highly doubtful.
Together we will prosper.