Category: News

Thursday, 28 July 2005 7:03 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a club inspiring win against the Preston Lions, South Melbourne return to Bob Jane Stadium looking to consolidate their position in the top 3.

A win for the home side will see John Anastasiadis’s men apply pressure on table-toppers Green Gully whilst Essendon face a must-win situation if they are to continue to sustain their push for a top-6 birth.

When the sides met in round 11 what appeared to be an easy victory for South turned into a nightmare. South had managed to obtain a comfortable 0-2 lead with 10 minutes to go only for the Royals to snatch three late goals and steal the spoils, leaving the travelling South contingent stunned.

South are boosted by the return of giant centre-back Arthur Tsonis who missed last week’s clash against Preston through suspension. Tsonis’s return is likely to be offset by the missing Rama Tavsancioglu who is off to Turkey for trials.

A cornerstone of South’s continuous stay near the top of the VPL has been its defence. Inspirational goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been superb all season long, his consistency and shot stopping ability a feature of his performances. Anastasiadis however has been backed by a versatile defence which has featured no less than 7 players this season. The versatility of the likes of Steven O’Dor and Sammy DeVito, not mention Evan Karavitis filling in at right-back last week, has allowed Coach Anastasiadis to alter his defence with confidence in times of need.

However, the Albert Park-based club continue to struggle up front with their last 4 games yielding only a solitary goal. New acquisition Robbie Cattanach has shown himself to have a quality touch and is slowly starting to find his feet. Coach Anastasiadis does however have many options in regards to rotating his frontline. The out-of-form Kosta Salapasidis has a large pedigree – particularly in his younger days – of playing up front, whilst the pace and in-box menace of Peter Koutsoupias has produced 4 goals this season.

Conversely, Essendon have severely dented their finals aspirations after only managing to pickup a point in their past three encounters. The recent sacking of Coach Michael Michalakopoulos seems to have coincided with the Royals downturn in form.

Essendon however do remain dangerous. In ex-South front-man Michael Curcija they possess the league’s most potent striker with the ex-Partizan Belgrade player having bagged 12 goals to date. Ex-South player of the season (1999) Steve Iosifidis also makes a return to his former hunting ground, Iosifidis is fondly remembered at BJS for his dogged displays and consistency, characteristics which he has managed to reproduce for Essendon this season.

Monday, 25 July 2005 8:44 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have consolidated a place in the top 6 and are right back in the race for a top 2 finish after a battling and professional performance against bitter rivals the Preston Lions saw the Albert Park-based club escape Connor Reserve with a super sweet 0-1 victory.

South were forced to re-shuffle their defence after Arthur Tsonis was automatically suspended after accumulating 5 yellow cards with Con Blatsis missing through injury. Thrust into the centre of defence were the untried combination of Rama Tavsancioglu and Steven O’Dor, superb youngster Sammy DeVito took up the left-back role with Evan Karavitis playing in an unfamiliar right-back capacity. Dean Anastasiadis as always was in-between the uprights.

In the centre of the park Arthur Tsirtsakis was trusted with the defensive midfield role allowing for Scot MacNicol to play as an attacking central midfielder. Out-wide usual suspect Ryan Dinse took up the left flanker’s position with exciting Brazilian Fernando Moraes playing on the right. Up-front the newly-acquire Robbie Cattanach partnered skipper Vaughn Coveny.

The match started with both sides showing a lack of initiative. The historical rivalry and pure need for a positive result to maintain a comfortable spot in the top 6 meant that both sets of players were happy to slowly bed themselves in.

However, six minutes in Preston had a great opportunity to take the lead. Les Anastasiou found himself in acres of space after a corner was unconvincingly cleared by the South defence. Anastasiou with a typical defender’s touch allowed the South defence to recover and apply enough pressure to block his eventual strike.

Twelve minutes in Brazilian Moraes, who was having a solid game on the right, showed his flair, skipping past a Lion’s player with ease down the right flank but failing to produce a good enough strike to test Preston custodian Daniel Zilic. Moraes’s eventual shot went well over the bar.

In the 27th minute leading Preston marksman John Sapazovski was released into some space down the right, the 10 goal to-date striker took too long with his shot closed down by the South defence.

Four minutes later, Preston won a free-kick in an extremely dangerous position, 20 or so yards out and slightly favouring the right side of the box. Zia Younan stepped up and produced a testing – mid-height – strike that the ever-reliable Dean Anastasiadis gloved easily.

Thirty-eight minutes in Moraes was harshly tackled – from behind – right on the edge of the Preston box. Up stepped Fernando but unfortunately for South the Brazilian maestro failed to clear the wall.

The half finished with a floury with 40th and 43rd minute crosses from Dinse and MacNicol respectively, testing the Preston defence. MacNicol’s ball in particular managed to evade keeper Zilic with only a touch needed at the back post to give South the initiative. Unfortunately for the visitors there was no-one present to tuck home.

Preston immediately responded with ex-South winger Radomir Sekulovski slicing a bumbling ball well wide in the 45th minute and then a minute later managing to break down the right, skin his man and produce a deadly ball that the South defence struggled to cope with. The ball eventually fell to former South squad member Yianni Galanos who on-the-volley was closed down.

Coach Anastasiadis sent out an unchanged line-up for the second half. The makeshift South defence had been operating extremely well with Tavsancioglu and O’Dor solid in centre with DeVito and Karavitis holding their own on the defensive flanks. Karavitis in particular looked very impressive, his technique and willingness to go forward yet always retain his position made him look like a right-back natural.

Preston came out in the 2nd half determined to lift the tempo and search for a goal. Ex-Melbourne Knights striker Serkan Oksuz nearly gave the Lion’s the lead they so badly wanted when he was released with a 48th minute delicately chipped through-ball. Anastasiadis slightly misread the play and came out too early, Oksuz was aware enough to take the ball away and with Anastasiadis scurrying back, the Preston forward released a venomous strike that Anastasiadis did superbly well to turn away.

Two minutes later South nearly went ahead after MacNicol received the ball just outside the Preston box. The ex-Brechin player took a touch and unleashed a strike that took a massive deflection, leaving keeper Zilic stranded with the ball eventually going narrowly over.

An action packed 3 minute spell was completed after Yianni Galanos made some space for himself down the left flank and produced a superb cross that was met on the back post by Sapazovski with the Preston striker – slightly on the lunge – blazing over with an empty net begging.

Preston was continuing to apply attacking pressure and again went close in the 55th minute after a long and hopeful cross from the right found a player unmarked in the South box. Thankfully for South the shot sailed wide.

After 57 minutes South got the goal the South Melbourne faithful had been dreaming since the bitter 0-1 home loss earlier in the season. Tsirtsakis received the ball well advanced from the centre of the park, he attempted a through ball to try and play in Cattanach but the Preston defence intercepted unconvincingly. The ball fell to Kiwi international Coveny who without hesitation riffled a right footed-effort – from just outside the box – onto the underside of the Lion’s crossbar and into the back-of-the-net, leaving Zilic with no chance.

To Preston’s credit their response was almost immediate. A mere two minutes later after South’s goal Oksuz was released into an almost one-on-one situation with Anastasiadis. The South custodian was quick off the mark and managed to get to the ball before Oksuz who upon slight contact with Anatastasiadis fell down and pleaded for a penalty. Referee Giuseffi was correct in waving play on.

However, only a minute later Preston had genuine claims for a penalty after a Lion’s corner was unconvincingly cleared by the South defence with the subsequent strike from outside the box appearing to strike Steven O’Dor on the arm. South eventually cleared and with referee Giuseffi so near the play, perhaps the intention of O’Dor was taken into consideration upon waving play-on.

Seventy-one minutes in and South should’ve settled the tie. After soaking up the Preston barrage, Ryan Dinse escaped his marker and was released 1-1 with Zilic after a searching through ball from defence. Zilic had come out and Dinse was primed to lob. The Scottish winger did attempt a lob but unfortunately overcooked his effort with the ball going over the bar.

Two minutes later Preston again continued to attack with menace. Galanos made some space again down the left with his subsequent cross falling to an unmarked player who luckily for the visitors sliced his shot well wide.

Perhaps South most influential player of the season, keeper Dean Anastasiadis once again came to South’s saviour in the 76th minute after a through ball saw Sapazovski released 1-1. Anastasiadis spread his arms and made himself a massive barrier, smothering Sapazovki’s attempt with the confidence of a keeper at the top of his game.

Two minutes later a free-kick from a dangerous 20-25 yard range saw former South striker Anthony Magnacca step up and produce a quality low strike that the sharp Anastasiadis was onto in a flash, gloving safely when the shot was at a dangerous height that is often spilled by goalkeepers. Magnacca had another free kick effort from almost the exact position in the 84th minute, however, this time his attempt went over with Anastasiadis un-troubled.

With 88 minutes gone and the game on a knife’s-edge Sekolovski produced a great run down the right flank. The former South winger looked up and played a square low ball to Stefce Solevski, who from 10 yards out, only needed to pick his spot but somehow managed to strike the ball well over with the goal at his mercy.

The South defence scrapped for an incredible 5 extra time minutes and upon Giuseffi’s whistle came away with a memorable victory that is sure to strike joy, inspiration and belief back into the hearts of its loyal faithful.

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.