Category: News

Monday, 18 July 2005 11:52 AM

By Mark van Aken

South Melbourne did everything but score a goal in yesterday’s heavy weight clash at Bob Jane Stadium. Green Gully defended tirelessly to deny the home side which attacked with frequency and ferocity, the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

South Melbourne has made an art of defending through out the 2005 VPL season; however it was in attack that the 4 time national champions looked ever so potent in this clash. John Anastasiadis’ game plan was evident from the kick off – go forward and attack at every opportunity.

South were dominant in the first 20 minutes, while Green Gully barely entered their own half. The blue and white went forward with great frequency, earning no less than 8 corners in the opening 20 minutes.

While Rob Cattanach and Fernando Moraes were causing plenty of head aches for the ladder leaders defence, Sam De Vito was enjoying the extended time in the attacking half with several shots on goal saved by Gully keeper Pasi Schwalger. Given the number of quality ball South enjoyed through out the game and resulting shots on target, Scwalger was clearly the best on ground in a largely beaten Green Gully side.

After a half hour of heat, Green Gully manager Ian Dobson made a substitution. While it seemed forced upon him with Josip Rajher sporting a limp as he came off, the introduction of Andrew Marth brought almost instant success. Marth, clearly still in the process of getting fit after his return to the game, was only on the ground for a few minutes when his side went forward. He fell awkwardly in the box but still managed a shot on goal and a save by Dean Anastasiadis.

Of all the opportunities afforded South in the first half, the nearest they came to a goal was when Schwalger came well of his line to intercept a corner in the 39th minute. The ball hit the ground and rolled towards the home side’s goal. Marth managed to clear the ball off the goal line, but some of the South faithful thought that it may have crossed the line. Either way, South was unlucky to head into the break scoreless.

The second half saw Green Gully enjoy some more frequent time with the ball and, in patches, some of the form that has seen them lead the VPL for much of the season. There were two occasions where the visitors appeared to have genuine calls for hand ball in the penalty area, calls ignored by referee Perry Mur.

Markovski and Vassalo had good goal scoring chances but they were blocked by Rama Tavsancioglu and Anastasidis respectively. Salapasidis replaced Dinse mid way through the second half and, while less potent as the match wore on, South still enjoyed some excellent opportunities.

After playing some of their best football for the season, South had to settle for a point. It will be mixed emotions for the side. The positive is that they know that after an indifferent month, they can control games against the leagues top sides. The negative is clearly the inability to find the back of the net with countless opportunities to do so.

The continued improvement of Moraes and Cattanach in the middle of the park, as well as skipper Vaughan Coveny’s adjustment to his new role sitting behind the strikers, holds South in good stead. Blatsis’ control at the back, as well as De Vito and MacNicol’s ability to hold their own defensively and cause problems in attack, see the blue and white shaping as a genuine threat come the finals.

For now South sits in third with this weeks clash against the ever improving Preston Lions looming large. Fans are reminded that the game at Preston, as decreed by the FFV, is limited to Preston Lions members only. NO GENERAL ADMISSION PATRONS WILL BE PERMITTED.

South Melbourne: Dean Anastasiadis, Arthus Tsonis, Sam De Vito, Con Blatsis, Vaughan Coveny, Arthur Tsirtsakis, Ryan Dinse (Kosta Salapasidis 60’), Rama Tavsancioglu, Fernando Moraes, Rob Cattanach, Scott MacNicol
Subs not used: Steve O’dor, Evan Karavitis, James Stafanou, Mladen Tosic

Green Gully: Pasi Schwalger, Dragi Nastevski, Dean Fak, Roddy Vargas, Zoran Markovski, Josip Rajher(Andrew Marth30’), Jeffrey Fleming, Phillip Riccobene, Nick Tsaltas, Brandon Vassallo, Andy Vargas
Subs not used: Matthew Dimech, Michael Batinovic, Ante Loncaric.

Final Score:
South Melbourne FC 0
Green Gully Cavaliers 0

Friday, 15 July 2005 12:34 PM

By Mark van Aken

On Sunday SMFC has invited its neighbouring residents from the City of Port Phillip to join the faithful at Bob Jane Stadium. In terms of football action, we are in for a treat. Green Gully, last season’s minor Premiers and current league leaders, will be no easy match for a South Melbourne outfit that has collected just one point from their last three outings.

Despite their recent patch of hard luck, South remain well in contention for the minor premiership. John Anastasiadis will be looking to his senior players like Kosta Salapasidis, Vaughan Coveny and Con Blatsis for strong performances in what shapes as a match of great consequence.

NSWPL player of the year Robbie Catanach was quiet for the blue and white last week, and he will be sure to improve for Sunday’s clash. The South faithful were treated to blasts of Samba magic last week when Fernando Moraes made a mockery of the Sunshine defence on several occasions. The Brazilian import also took a free kick from 30 yards that took a wicked curve and very nearly gifted his side the win.

Jeffrey Fleming, the Cavaliers back to back club champion is in doubt for Sunday’s game, while the home side will be at close to full strength. One player that won’t be donning Gully’s green jersey on Sunday is Nick Lazarevski. The striker was the lone scorer when the two sides met back in April, but he has since moved on to Bulleen Zebras.

South will be keen to avenge that loss on the road back in April. This time they will be on home turf where they have collected 6 wins and a draw from 9 starts. More imposing for the visitors is the sides’ goal difference at home, reading 12 for and only 3 against.

If other results fall their way, a win will put SMFC within a point of top spot. On a day when a big crowd is expected at Melbourne’s premier football arena, nothing but three points will do for the blue and white.

Tuesday, 12 July 2005 11:00 PM

One year on… and 12 July 2004 will be etched in the history of South Melbourne FC forever.

It was the day the club raised $450,000 and freed itself from the constraints of Voluntary Administration, which very nearly saw it fold.

South Melbourne avoided following the footsteps of previous NSL clubs, like Sydney City Hakoah, West Adelaide Hellas and Brunswick Juventus, to disappear from football competitions and only to be remembered as references in football history books.

The hard work of many, has seen South live to fight another day and more importantly stay in the hands of its true custodians – you the members.

As a consequence, a new Board of Directors was endorsed by members to help take the club into a new era, free from the shackles of old debt and some practices of previous administrations.

The Board’s first priority, was to begin recruiting players and coaching staff that would enable it to compete in the 2005 Victorian Premier League.

Club legend John Anastasiadis was formally appointed as head coach and South embarked on a player recruiting drive, after being left with no players on its roster, following the shutting down of the former National Soccer League.

With just a few months from its first game, John and his assistants, had to find a young group of players and re-build.

In addition, the club established the best football set up in Victoria, with an experienced medical team, assistant coach, fitness advisor and goalkeeping coach.

Experienced and familiar faces like Vaughan Coveny, Con Blatsis and Dean Anastasiadis and former Parramatta Power player Kosta Salapasidis, were signed by the club to provide the core for a new generation of SMFC players.

Many “up and coming” players were recruited, which the club believes will provide a foundation for the years to come.

Off the park, frantic work was also undertaken to prepare Bob Jane Stadium, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. Everything had to be ready for the teams first home game in the new VPL, against our long time cross town rivals Heidelberg.

On the field, the club has experienced varying fortunes. To be perfectly honest, the new team has fared extremely well. So much so, we are currently placed third on the ladder after leading the competition for much of the season.

We have encountered a series of highs and lows, but along the way, we have unearthed new talent, young men like Steven O’Dor, Ramazan, Sam DeVito, Fernando and a number of others.

In addition, the recent signing of the NSW Premier League ‘Gold Medal’ Player of the Year, Robbie Cattanach, should hold the club in good stead for the upcoming finals and beyond.

Financially though, 2005 has been a tough year.

With fewer opportunities to use the media, the realities of playing VPL football have seen a dramatic drop in numbers. Add to this the unsavory scenes at the Preston fixture, have left the club facing many new challenges in the future as it continues to deal with the harsh responsibilities that govern all VPL clubs.

Off the field, the new Board has been dealing with many issues and a series of contracts that continue to weigh heavily against the club. Contracts entered in the past which still impact and constrain the club’s day to day running, remain to be resolved.

Thankfully, we have had the support of many long time sponsors like Eddy Bithavas and Louis Vetouladitis from Rocket Batteries, and members like Tony Toumbourou and Chris Christopher, who must be commended for their loyalty and dedication to the cause of the Blue and Whites. I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all our current sponsors and corporates for their continued backing of SMFC.

Make no mistake, the future will be a very difficult time for South Melbourne, as we battle to restructure the club for its future sustainability.

The Board is committed to riding out the storm and bringing commercial viability, stability and sustained strength to this proud club.

But we can only do this, with the continued support of the blue and white faithful, whose loyalty is paramount for the ongoing survival and success of Australia’s most famous football club.

I urge you all, to think long and hard… do you want the South Melbourne brand to remain strong and a symbol for the future?

If so… you need to keep up your support, loyalty and belief in OUR club, as we strive to ensure that South Melbourne continues to exist and moves forward to prosper.

Only then can we aspire to be the best and play with the best.

We need you to stay true to the Blue and White.

George Donikian
President
South Melbourne FC

Monday, 11 July 2005 10:30 AM

By Mark van Aken

South Melbourne entered their Round 21 match against the Sunshine Georgies acutely aware that a win was necessary to maintain their place near the top of the table. They would have to do with a single point as the match ended in a scoreless draw at Sunshine.

It was a much changed the line up in the blue and white, with new recruit Rob Catanach retaining his starting spot and Brazilian Fernando Moraes and Scot Ryan Dinse coming into the starting line up. Kosta Salapasidis and Pete Kousoupias were relegated to the bench for the match played out on a pitch that appeared wet under foot but in pristine condition.

Both sides attacked with vigour early, Sunshine’s best opportunity coming when a South clearance struck the referee and rebounded towards their goal. They could not capitalise and South then went about creating some chances of their own.

Skipper Vaughan Coveny was unlucky to find the side netting with one of his close range efforts, while Dinse had a header saved by the Georgies keeper.

A miscommunication between veterans Con Blatsis and Dean Anastasiadis very nearly resulted in a goal to the home side deep into the first half. The frustration was telling when Blatsis and his opponent were each cautioned just before the break.

The matches highlight came in the 44th minute when a long free kick from Moraes bent from one post to the other and forced the absolute best of saves from Sunshine’s keeper.

Steve O’Dor received a caution for a shirt pull in the opening minutes of the second half while the Georgies enjoyed some space in attack that resulted on several fruitless shots on goal.

As the second half progressed, South began to enjoy some strong periods of attack. A South corner was cleared by a scrambling Sunshine defence straight to the feet of Arthus Tsonis who shot straight at the keeper and was denied. Another chance came moments later when the keeper erred in taking the ball over the goal line, the resulting corner saw a Sunshine defender go ever so close to an own goal as the ball ricocheted off their heal and within inches of the South goal.

While an excellent addition on debut last week, Cattanach struggled to find any real rhythm in the game and was replaced by Peter Koutsoupias in the 70th minute. As the game went on, South continued to attack the goal while Sunshine looked dangerous on the counter in patches.

While South continued to win corner after corner, many were coming in at the near post and low, making it easy for the home side to clear the ball away from danger.

Just minutes out from full time a series of unsavoury tackles saw both sides take issue with each others technique. The players met head to head in front of a crowded South Melbourne and Sunshine bench. The result was a stale mate and a subsequent drop ball.

It was to be the story of South’s day, the match ending locked at 0-0. John Anastasiadis’ side must steel itself this week for their home match against Green Gully on Sunday. South will be looking to avenge their narrow defeat way to the Cavaliers earlier this season and keep their minor premiership chances alive.

Wednesday, 6 July 2005 3:33 PM

I would like to extend an invitation to all residents of the City of Port Phillip and to all the users of Albert Park, to come down and join South Melbourne FC celebrate our annual Community Day.

Bob Jane Stadium is the venue and Sunday July 17 is the date, when SMFC takes on the Green Gully Cavaliers in a Round 22 fixture of the Vodafone Premier league.

For nearly half a century, South Melbourne FC has been a part of the Albert Park Precinct. First we were at Middle Park, then in 1995 with the return of the Grand Prix to Melbourne we moved to our current site which was the old Lakeside Oval.

Not only have we proven over nearly 50 years that we are one of the most successful football Clubs in the country, but we are also one of the proudest, having competed against the likes of World giants Manchester United and Vasco da Gama at the inaugural FIFA World Club Championships, which were held in Brazil, in 2000.

South Melbourne is creating a new era of excitement at Bob Jane Stadium, competing in the Victorian Premier League competition.

After 20 Rounds, the Club currently sits in 3rd spot on the ladder and is looking to gather itself over the final 7 weeks to make a final assault on the title.

Come and show your support for your local Club and be part of the special Community Day festivities at Bob Jane Stadium.

George Donikian.
President
South Melbourne F.C.

Monday, 4 July 2005 10:35 AM

By Mark Van Aken

With the season spiralling towards its conclusion, the Melbourne Knights came to Bob Jane Stadium needing to take at least a point to keep their finals hopes alive. A 60th minute goal by Englishman Luke Slater ensured they would collect all 3 points and inflict South Melbourne’s second consecutive defeat in the VPL.

It was a match of fluctuating fortunes for the old NSL rivals with both sides enjoying strong periods of possession and attack. It was the visitors who came out on top however, due largely to some rock solid defence.

Robbie Catanach made his SMFC debut after signing mid week from NSW Premier League side Blue Devils. The striker was solid up front and, while he didn’t find the back of the net, he showed signs that he could provide that certain something up front that SMFC has often lacked through out the season.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t play that well”, said Catanach after the game. To say he didn’t play well however is to not tell the whole story.

The Knights’ Luke Slater was in the thick of it from the start, receiving a yellow card for a reckless 2nd minute challenge. Catanach was lively in the early going setting up Peter Koutsoupias who troubled Knights keeper Cagalj. At the other end of the park Dario Matkovic was causing problems for the SMFC defence.

South coach John Anastasiadis was forced to make an early change when George Tzirtis took a knock after 15 minutes and was replaced by Evan Karavitis. The change didn’t trouble the Knights, a Kozic cross met Caldwell awkwardly in the box and minutes later Kiratzoglu danced through the South defence and put a solid shot on goal, forcing a save from Dean Anastasiadis.

South appeared hard done by on the half hour when Dario Matkovic looked to have handled the ball in the penalty area, however no call was made. Rama Tavsancioglu worked tirelessly for South, picking up two heavy knocks that saw him receive brief medical attention. Neither however could stop him from returning and leading the SMFC charge.

Catanach continued to toil in attack for the blue and whites, highlighted by a well weighted through ball that put Koutsoupias one on one with the keeper. He could not capitalise and the sides went into half time locked at 0-0.

It remained level until the hour mark when a Slater rocket inside the box careered past Dean Anastasiadis to gift the Knights the advantage. The strike prompted his brother to substitute Koutsoupias for Ryan Dinse as South went searching for an equaliser.

The Knights Tom Milardovic was cautioned mid way through the half for a reckless tackle on Karavitis, while minutes later the home side almost levelled when Cattanach drew the Knights defence and laid off to Scot MacNicol. The Queenslander had an open look on goal but sprayed the shot well over the bar.

South again threatened when a long-range effort from Kosta Salapasidis forced a save from Cagalj. The ball rebounded back into play and was subsequently cleared by the scrambling Knights defence.

Anastasiadis urged his men to go forward in search of a goal in the dying minutes. The closest they would get was a long, floating attempt by Karavitis that very nearly deceived Cagalj.
Try as they might, the home team could not find the back of the net and the Knights collected a very handy and largely deserved away win.

Knights coach Joe Biskic was naturally delighted with the result. “Any time you can come to South Melbourne and win…. you are very happy. We started to build with our excellent defence and worked from there.”

SMFC boss John Anastasiadis was clearly disappointed with the loss and his side’s inability to make ground on Green Gully, who suffered a shock loss to Bentleigh Greens.

South now remain in third place and must look ahead to this weeks clash away to Sunshine Georgies.

Saturday, 2 July 2005 9:34 PM

This Sunday’s Round 20 fixture of the 2005 Vodafone Premier League season promises to be a tight tussle as both clubs are very keen to claim the points.

We welcome to SMFC young striker Robbie Cattanach who comes to us after an outstanding season in the NSW Premier League, where he starred for the Blue Devils. His efforts have just been rewarded after being announced, on Friday night at a function in Sydney, the NSW Premier League’s Gold Medal winner.

Due to the overwhelming local community concern regarding crowd behaviour, Victoria Police have unfortunately forced the Club to take a tough stance on today’s attendances. Seating for today’s game will be restricted to the grandstand only. I trust everyone understands that the security precautions have been taken to protect the game and the good name of both clubs.

I thank the Club sponsors in 2005 and again urge everyone to support them by buying their products or using their services.

The last few weeks have been a bit up and down, but with the continued support of the real SMFC fans, we can make a real bid to feature in the prime-time end of season.

I am confident the South Melbourne FC rockets will give the many Blue & White fans something to cheer.

George Donikian

Saturday, 2 July 2005 9:16 PM

Last night, at the Football NSW Awards Night in Sydney, South Melbourne FC’s prized new signing Robbie Cattanach was awarded the prestigious 2005 NSW Premier League Gold Medal award.

Congratulations to Robbie! We wish him all the best, and we look forward to seeing his skills first hand.

Thursday, 30 June 2005 12:47 PM

By Mark van Aken

Derbies between SMFC and the Knights have been the main NSL fare for football fans over two decades. While other sides came and went, the battles between South and the Sunshine club have endured. The sides meet Sunday in the new world of the VPL and nothing less than a win will satisfy either side.

There have been some absolute classics over the years, from sell out crowds of more than 23,000 at Olympic Park for the 1991 Grand Final to the lower attended but no less hotly contested battles of late.

While the Knights glory years of the early to mid 90’s have subsided somewhat in recent times, both fans and players alike look back to those glory days with passion and pride. Despite some classic regular season matches through the years, it is in the post-season that the ‘old firm’ Melbourne derby’s true tales are told.

Olympic Park has been the setting for all but the most recent epics, the first such match being the major Semi-Final of 1984. South would win the day 3-2, but the Knights – better known simply as Melbourne Croatia at the time- would get the chance to exact finals revenge 6 years later. A long time between drinks maybe but that they did get there, edging out their cross-town rivals 7-6 on penalties after drawing the match 1-1. It would begin a period of 8 seasons where the Victorian clubs would face off in the playoffs no less than 6 times. Amazingly, they were drawn against each other in 3 consecutive years between 1989-90 through to 91-92, on each occasion the match was decided by penalties.

The 1990-91 Grand Final stands up as perhaps the most memorable of all clashes. Olympic Park was bursting at the seams with 23,318 fans who witnessed a tight affair, the scores locked at 1-1 after extra time. It would be the Blue and White prevailing in that shoot out and taking the silverware. 12 months later they were at it again, this time it was the Knights victorious 5-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Major Semi-Final.

The Knights back-to-back national titles in 93/94 and 94/95 each came after finals victories against the Lakesiders. Their first title came after a two-legged playoff that resulted in a 2-1 Knights victory first up and a 2-2 draw in the return leg, both fixtures played out at Olympic Park. Goals flowed in the Preliminary Final of the next season, the Knights again victorious 3-2 on the road to consecutive championships.

The last finals derby between the two was in the 1996/97 season. It was the first and last time that each met in the finals at their own venues. The draw bridge at the fortress that is Sommer Street was down as South struck for a 4-1 win. The return at Bob Jane wasn’t much better for Western Melbourne club, falling 3-0 and 7-1 on aggregate.

Are we in for such classical football on Sunday? Time will tell, but you can be sure Melbourne Knights will be pulling out every stop to take some points from Bob Jane Stadium. If the Knights have any hope of playing finals football they must win.

While the circumstances aren’t so dire for SMFC, coach John Anastasiadis will be expecting nothing less than 3 points to keep the blue and white near the top of the table. Robbie Cattanach, the 20 year old striker joins South from NSW Premier League club Blue Devils this week, and he is itching for a run against the old rivals.

Wednesday, 29 June 2005 1:34 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of forward, Robbie Cattanach.

The 20 year old striker joins South from NSW Premier League club Blue Devils, formally known as Belconnen from the ACT. He is a proven goal scorer having scored 13 goals in the NSW top-flight league in 2005, and was the top goal scorer in the National Youth League in season 03/04, scoring 22 goals for Canberra Deakin.

At such a young age, Robbie already has many credits to his name, which include a 5 week trial with Scottish side Partick Thistle FC and being on loan to Sydney FC during their 2005 Oceania World Club Championship Qualifiers in Tahiti.

When asked why he wanted to join South Melbourne, Robbie didn’t hesitate to show his excitement, “South Melbourne is the most famous football club in Australia. I want to be able to look back at my career in years to come and say I’ve played for South and I’ve graced Bob Jane Stadium”.

Robbie has already started training with the rest of the SMFC squad and is keen to make his debut as early as this weekend’s game against South’s long time NSL rivals, the Melbourne Knights. “This is a thrill for me! I have been told about how vocal the Clarendon Corner is and I can’t wait to get out there in front of all the South Melbourne supporters”.