Category: News

Thursday, 21 April 2005 11:58 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne look to overcome a stuttering two weeks when they travel to the Veneto Club to take on the Michael Michalakopoulos’s coached Essendon Royals.

The Royals have had a mixed start to the current campaign, winning 4 games but also dropping an equal amount to find themselves lurking around mid-table in eighth place.

Essendon suffered major player departures in the off-season losing striker Vaughn Coveny and goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis to South Melbourne, whilst exciting young midfielder Steven Pace moved to the Preston Lions. Furthermore, up-and-coming coach and former South stalwart/midfield workhorse David Clarkson joined Ange Postecoglou’s staff as an assistant to the National Youth setup.

Major signings for the Royals include that of ex-South defender Steve Iosifidis as well as striker Ben Harbinson. Harbinson is joined up front by yet another former South player, striker Michael Curcija. Together Curcija and Harbinson have netted 7 of the 9 goals the Royals have scored to-date and will no doubt provide a constant threat to the South defence.

In the South camp coach John Anastasiadis is no doubt facing his most testing period since taking over the coaching reigns. After a stellar start to the season, South has dropped its past two games – against Green Gully and Preston – by 1 goal to nil. In both encounters the Lakeside-based club deserved a result, in particular against Preston where South’s inability to convert a number of clear-cut chances cost them dearly.

South’s defence continues to be the best in the Vodafone Premier League with only 4 goals conceded but it is up-front where the side needs a talisman. After a succession of nicking games by the odd goal, South’s attackers need to stand up and begin to be more clinical in front of the uprights. However, the news isn’t all dire as the team is creating a decent amount of chances every game.

On the injury front, Arthur Tsonis will miss again due to a hamstring tear suffered in the game against Gully, whilst all other squad members should be available for selection.

Both sides met during the pre-season with a largely experimental South line-up eventually going down 1-0. That day winger/striker Peter Koutsoupias was the standout for South and will be pushing hard for a place in the starting 11. However, this time around much more is at stake with Essendon on the fringes of the top six whilst South will be looking to set aside a disappointing fortnight and look to once again push for the minor premiership.

Sunday, 17 April 2005 11:46 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has succumbed to their second successive defeat of the current Vodafone Premier League season suffering a shattering 0-1 loss to the Preston Lions.

After dominating much of the encounter, South succumbed to a Preston “sucker-punch” after Lion’s substitute and former South player Steve Manceski struck a tentative yet golden 25-yard shot that was cruelly deflected past a hapless Dean Anastasiadis.

Coach John Anastasiadis sent out his charges with two key changes. Captain Vaughn Coveny was cleared at Thursday’s tribunal hearing and took his position in the starting-eleven at the expense of young striker Jesse Krncevic whilst promising defender Steven O’Dor replaced the injured Arthur Tsonis. The rest of the line-up remained unchanged – from the game against Green Gully – with veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis taking up his customary position in goals, Con Blatsis partnering O’Dor in the centre of defence with Rama Tavsancioglu and Arthur Tsirtsakis patrolling the left and right-wingback positions respectively. In the middle of the park Brazilian import Fernando Moraes partnered Scot Macnicol, with Ryan Dinse and Vaisilios Natsioulas deployed on the wings. Up front Kosta Salapasidis resumed his partnership with the returning Coveny.

The game started tentatively with both sides soaking up the tense atmosphere. Chances were limited with South keeper Dean Anastasiadis comfortably dealing with a 7th minute Lions free-kick. Preston then had two penalty claims waved on by referee Dominic Barba with South producing their first quality attack in the 16th minute after Arthur Tsirtsakis was played through down the right-wing and delivered a stinging cross that was slightly behind Coveny who could not adjust his effort and get his header on target.

After dominating the possession stakes, South should’ve gone ahead in the 27th minute after smart work down the right wing by Coveny saw the Kiwi striker send in a looping cross to the back-post. Salapasidis used his body perfectly to header back across the Preston goal-mouth with Natsioulas left in charge of finishing off the superb move from a mere 8-10 yards out. Unfortunately for the home side, Natsioulas didn’t even test the keeper, sending his badly-hit strike wide.

Preston gave South a glimpse of their counter-attacking game-plan when ex-South midfielder Stephen Pace broke free down the left wing, assessed his options and played a nice grounded 36th minute square ball to an oncoming Preston player. A venomous drive from outside the box was unleashed that fortunately for the home side was straight at Dean Anastasiadis who comfortably gloved.

South upped their guilt-edged-chances-missed to two when a superb 43rd minute cross from Coveny – again from the left – picked out Ryan Dinse all alone in the 6-yard box. The diminutive Scotsman rose adequately and positioned himself well to head home but failed to make clean contact, allowing for the alert Preston Custodian Daniel Zilic to parry away.

The 2nd half commenced in a similar manner to the first. South had a scare in the 51st minute after a defensive mix-up in heart of defence almost released a roaming Preston player through on goal. Thankfully for South, quick thinking by Dean Anastasiadis saw the South gloveman quickly close down the threat.

South then resumed their dominance of possession and carved out a decent opening in the 53rd minute when Scot MacNicol broke down the right and whipped in a deadly centre that keeper Zilic just managed to get a fist to and deflect away.

Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes had been battling hard all night with intelligent passing a feature of his play. In the 57th minute Moraes should’ve marked his home debut with his first goal in South colours after a brilliant through-ball by Natsioulas saw Moraes one-on-one with Zilic. The Brazilian’s finish lacked anything synonymous with “samba-flair” as he seemed in two minds and ended up skying his shot considerably wide.

Then in the 60th minute, skipper Coveny’s immense speed was used to full effect with the Kiwi international being played in-behind the Lion’s defence with a well-weighted, skyed through-ball that left the Kiwi in a foot race with Zilic. Coveny got to the bouncing ball first and attempted to chip the Lion’s custodian who quickly read Conveny’s intent and managed to get his hands on the attempted lob.

With South having blown four guilt-edged chances, Preston started to gain in self-belief. Ex-South Melbourne midfield/striker Anthony Magnacca tried to lead the way when he broke free in the middle of the park, advanced a few metres and unleashed a stinging 65th minute right-foot drive – well outside the South box – that sailed narrowly wide.

Preston coach Vlado Vanis then sent on ex-South Melbourne striker Steven Manceski. The speedy young striker who had shown great potential by scoring bag-loads of goals in the National Youth League was no doubt eager to prove a point. Before Manceski could make an impact, ex-Melbourne Knight’s striker Serkan Oksuz should’ve given the visitors a late lead when he found himself all-alone – in the 87th minute – with only an advancing Anastasiadis to beat. Oksuz cheekily chipped the South keeper with the ball appearing destined for the back-of-the-net. Fortunately for the home side, Oksuz’s chip trickled narrowly wide with keeper Anastasiadis beaten.

One minute from time Manceski had his sweet revenge. It was almost as if South had settled for a nil-all draw allowing Manceski a decent amount of space 25-yards out. Manceski took up the challenge and unleashed a low 89th minute drive that took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Anastasiadis and trickling over the line for the eventual winner. Celebratory scenes ensued with the Preston players running to their fans and celebrating what was no doubt a monumental victory and a devastating defeat for South.

Final Score:
South Melbourne 0
Preston Lions 1, Manceski (89)

Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park
Referee: Domenic Barba

South Melbourne: (4-4-2) Dean Anastasiadis; Tsirtsakis, O’Dor, Blatsis, Tavsancioglu; MacNicol, Natsioulas (Petrovic 66), Moraes, Dinse (Koutsoupias 72); Coveny (c), Salapasidis (Krncevic 80).
Subs not used: Karavitis, Dimitropulos (GK).

Preston Lions: (4-4-2) Zilic, Vrbovac, Younan, Anastasiou, Jankovski; Sekulovski, Magnacca (Manceski 82), Siveski (Dolevski 25), Pace; Oksuz, Sapazovski (c).
Subs not used: Coceski, Josifovski, Cvetanovski (GK).

Cautions: Sekulovski (PL) 29, Vrbovac (PL) 69, Anastasiou (PL) 69

Red Cards: None

Thursday, 14 April 2005 11:13 PM

The positives of tradition and rivalry will hopefully ensure that the big winner on Sunday is Australian football.

SMFC and Preston are two traditional clubs that have not only helped form the basis of grassroots support and Socceroo success, but also continue to be part of the fabric of local football in Melbourne.

The club wishes to inform all members and supporters, that all reasonable precautions necessary are being taken, in order to avoid any incident that may damage or impinge on the profile and reputation of our great club.

Many people in both football and especially non-football circles are viewing this fixture as a test for our great club in it’s continued existence as a powerhouse club in Australia’s new football era.

It is imperative that both SMFC and Preston supporters understand the significance of any potential negative repercussions might have on the future of their respective clubs.

Let Sunday be a memorable celebration of tradition and passionate rivalry whereby Victorian football can be proud and the atmosphere at BJS is pulsating for all the right reasons – that being for the football displayed on the pitch.

May the best team win!

SMFC GUIDELINES

Supporters will be asked to adhere to the following guidelines set out by the club in consultation with the FFV and police requirements;

What IS NOT Allowed
• No national flags to be brought in to the ground i.e. Greek or FYROM;
• No contentious symbols or banners to be displayed i.e. The Star of Vergina;
• Supporters to occupy designated areas as allocated, see plan;
• No flares or fireworks permitted into the ground;
• Zero tolerance policy on any unruly or inciteful behaviour by patrons;

What IS Allowed
• Blue and White banners pertaining to SMFC;
• Red banners with a yellow lion pertaining to Preston;
• Passionate chanting and boisterous support;

After the Game
All SMFC supporter designated areas will be asked to wait for 10 minutes after the conclusion of the match to allow Preston supporters adequate time to leave BJS.

Non Compliance

A zero tolerance policy has been set by the Police, FFV and the club. Any person who does not comply with the above guidelines will be removed from the stadium.

Any supporter found guilty of inciting or contributing to bringing the club or the sport of football into disrepute will face the possibility of being barred from the club.

Please do the right thing and support the club in achieving an incident free fixture which will give no one the right to discredit this wonderful game of football and also SMFC.

Thursday, 14 April 2005 3:44 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Traditionally tense NSL rivals South Melbourne and the Preston Lions renew their rivalry this coming Sunday in the tenth round of the Vodafone Premier League.

Both sides suffered narrow losses in the previous round, with South losing its unbeaten start to the season at the hands of the Green Gully Cavaliers, going down 1-0, whilst Preston was sunk by a late Heidelberg penalty, eventually losing 1-2 to the Phil Stubbin’s coached outfit.

Rivalry aside both clubs have much to play for. With contrasting fortunes, a Preston defeat could see the Vlado Vanis-coached side enter the relegation zone, whilst a second consecutive loss for South could see its early season momentum come to a grinding halt.

The off-season for the Lions saw the departure of club captain Chris Emsovski, potent striker Naum Sekulovski, giant goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger as well as ex-Melbourne Knight’s defender Sasa Ogenovski, four major losses which have no doubt contributed to the Lion’s stuttering start to the season.

Coming into the club the Lions have looked to ex-NSL experience bringing in former South and Green Gully striker Anthony Magnacca, ex-Melbourne Knight’s youngster Serkan Oksuz as well as ex-South midfielder Stephen Pace.

Long-time Preston striker Johnny Sapazovski has started the season in good form topping the Vodafone Premier League with 4 goals thus far. Sapazovski’s lanky frame is joined up front by ex-South Melbourne youngster Steve Manceski who has proved a good foil for Sapazovski with his compact game and pace contributing 2 goals to the Preston cause. However, Manceski failed to start last week against Heidelberg with the recently signed Alex Josifovski getting the nod, meaning his contribution could be limited to an appearance off the bench.

Furthermore, Sunday signals the return to Bob Jane Stadium of ex-South right-winger Ray Sekulovski. Sekulovski was a fixture in the South starting 11 during the 2002-2003 season after then coach Eddie Krncevic had plucked him from the AIS. Finally, the Lions will be without the services of central defender Pece Dimovski after his red card against the Warriors sees him miss via suspension.

In the South camp, Coach John Anastasiadis has had his hand forced with a hamstring injury ruling out giant centre-back Arthur Tsonis for 2-3 weeks. Promising youngster Steven O’Dor who has looked at ease in his prior appearances will no doubt come straight back into the starting 11 to partner defensive colossus Con Blatsis.

Captain Vaughn Coveny – at the time of print – is still waiting on a tribunal hearing that will determine the length of his suspension after receiving a direct red against the Sunshine Georgies. If a 1 match ban is deemed to be sufficient punishment, the Kiwi international will be thrown straight back into the starting 11 at the expense of youngster Jesse Krncevic. Should Coveny have to sit the game out, Anastasiadis must decide whether to persist with the in-experience of Krncevic or perhaps assess his options and include the likes of Peter Koutsoupias to lead the line.

Exciting Brazilian signing Fernando Moraes made a solid debut in the game against Green Gully and is likely to maintain his position in the starting 11. The Brazilian brings a fluent passing game as well as sound positioning to the line-up which in the game against Gully helped balance South.

Finally, one cannot stress enough the importance of a unified supporter approach before, during and after the encounter. With a big crowd expected and many administrators as well as fans in general casting their gaze, it is crucial that the only winner is the game of football itself.

Tuesday, 12 April 2005 7:48 PM

This Sunday promises to be another blockbuster game in the Vodafone Premier League, between 2 cross town rivals with a proud history.

I invite you all to enjoy the contest and give the players your best and loudest support.

For Sunday’s game, all past differences should be put aside and I invite all football lovers, to help create an atmosphere of carnival and celebration, afterall it has been 12 years since the 2 sides met in an official league match.

We will welcome the President of Preston Lions Nick Atanasovski and his committee, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for helping with Sunday’s match day preparations. We have invited 10 marshalls from the Lions to attend the fixture and help us maintain a positive attitude throughout the contest with their fans.

Let’s show all the sundry, that Victoria truly is Australia’s “premier” league for football talent and enjoyment.

May the best team win.

George Donikian

Sunday, 10 April 2005 11:22 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In rain affected conditions South Melbourne has suffered its first defeat of the 2005 Vodafone Premier League season going down 1-0 to new ladder leader the Green Gully Cavaliers.

South gave a full debut to exciting Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes who was used largely in a midfield holding role. The Brazilian slotted in very comfortably showing a great range of passing ability and solid positioning and will no doubt reach greater levels of performance as his fitness comes along with more game time.

Moraes was brought in for George Tzirtis, whilst Jesse Krncevic was trusted to lead the frontline in the place of the suspended Vaughn Coveny. Those two changes aside, coach John Anastasiadis kept to his trusted core group, starting with his brother Dean in between the sticks, Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis in the heart of the defence with George Tsirtsakis and Rama Tavsancioglu playing right and left back respectively. Partering Moraes in the centre of the park was the more attack-minded Scot MacNicol, with Ryan Dinse on the left wing and Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front, Kosta Salapasidis was again given his free roaming supporting role, playing off the shoulder of Krncevic.

With both sides aware of the importance the match held – a win for either side would see them go top – both sets of players were intent on holding their positions and playing simple football to bed themselves in. This approach resulted in a series of half-chances with genuine golden chances few and far between.

The first half-chance of the encounter fell to Gully after a 6th minute corner was headed over from a rising Cavaliers player who couldn’t keep his header down. Then 11 minutes into the contest Natsioulas found some space down the right flank, the ex-Melbourne Knight’s player intelligently summed up the situation sending in a low cross to the feet of Krncevic, who on-the-turn blazed over.’

Thirteen minutes in another Gully corner caused heart flutters for the South defence with both sets of players scrambling to make contact in the Gully box, finally the ball fell to a Cavalier’s player who directed a bobbling shot into the side netting. A minute later and South had claims for a penalty after a Salapasidis corner was headed across the Gully area only for Tsonis to go down with what appeared to be push in the back.

Gully then tore the South defence to shreds after a glorious 18th minute through ball from midfield found Gully winger Andy Vargas on the edge of the South box, with the South defence scrambling Vargas held the ball up and eventually laid it off only to see his team-mate’s shot go miles over the South goal-mouth.

Krncevic was making the most of his extra game time looking lively on a couple of occasions. The son of Australian football icon Eddie Krncevic had two decent attempts on goal in the 20th and 23rd minutes respectively with both shots comfortably gloved by Gully custodian Pasi Schwalger.

Gully’s best chance in the first half came in the 29th minute after an extremely patient build-up was rewarded when a ball played into the South box was met with a lunging, toe-poke attempt by gully striker Nick Tsaltas that had beaten a fully stretched Anastasiadis only to rebound off the left upright.

Moraes was having an obvious influence in the centre of the park, his direct passing was helping South keep their structure and it was his 31st minute chipped ball from the left that caused the Gully defence problems. Both sets of players scrambled for contact, however, fortunately for the home side the ball eventually fell clear.

South then finished the half with two quality chances. The first was created by the ever-busy Ryan Dinse who after being released down the left in the 36th minute, saw his deadly cross tentatively cleared by the Gully defence, with the ball falling beautiful for the incoming Natsioulas who unleashed a stinging volley on goal that again was foiled by the positioning of a Gully defender who managed to get his head to the ball and send it out for a corner.

With 38 minutes played Scot MacNicol burst through the Gully midfield with South in a 3-on-1 position. MacNicol played the correct ball and released Natsioulas on the right who burst into the Gully area and when a shot was begging, Natsioulas took the unselfish, but ultimately wrong option of trying to centre for Krncevic who was well covered, with the Gully defence intercepting and clearing.

Gully started the 2nd half buzzing when Andy Vargas made some space down the right flank, Vargas cut inside and sent a low strike across Anastasiadis with the South keeper comfortably beaten. Fortunately for South, Vargas’s strike cannoned off the right upright with the visitors clearing.

Then in the 54th minute South had a definite penalty waved on. Tsirtsakis was released down the right flank and produced a stinging ball right into the heart of the Gully area. The ball took a bounce and clearly hit the arm of a Gully player with referee Perry Mur 5 yards away and staring straight at the incident. Such was the clarity of the handball that it was as if Mur had chosen to blink at the wrong moment and hence missed the contact.

Ryan Dinse then produced a piece of individual skill, making a solid run down the right flank, cutting inside, but sending his a relatively tame 56th minute effort straight at Schwalger.

It was obvious that Gully’s second half tactics where to catch South on the counter, the home side were playing long balls at every opportunity and their persistence reaped rich reward in the 57th minute after another long ball released striker Nick Lazarevski. With much still to do, Lazarevski skipped past South defender Arthur Tsonis as if he wasn’t there, angled in towards goal and from 10 yards out sent his shot under South custodian Dean Anastasiadis who got some of his body onto the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

With South somewhat shell-shocked, the Albert Park-based club raised its tempo. Seventy minutes in a Salapasidis corner was met well by the rising Tavsancioglu with giant Gully custodian Schwalger quickly reacting to glove. Three minutes later South had a free kick on the right just outside the Gully area. A stinging ball was delivered with the Gully defence under intense pressure, fortunately for the home side they managed to clear for a corner.

South were dominating possession and were pushing everyone forward leaving the backline open to another Gully “sucker-punch”. Gully almost capitalised on South’s attacking play when they pushed the ball to Brandan Vassallo on the right flank, with the South defence hurriedly rushing back to recover, Vassallo managed to produce a mazy run, skipping past two South players on his way to entering to the South box, however, his subsequent 82nd minute strike found the side-netting. Shortly after, South defender Arthur Tsonis was substituted after tearing his hamstring and appears to have ruled himself out of action for 2-3 weeks.

Coach John Anastasiadis had sent on debutant Gianni De Nittis and Peter Koutsoupias in the hope of salvaging a vital equaliser, with De Nittis having a good chance in the 92nd minute after a South corner had fell nicely to him at the top of the box, only for his subsequent strike to be blazed well over. One minute later South had one final attack when a cross from the right-wing was looping dangerously near Schwalger’s goalmouth with the Gully keeper gloving it right on the line and then managing to hold onto it as a swarm of South player’s narrowed in.

Disappointingly, the well-behaved travelling South faithful were let down by a couple of hoons who threw flares onto the playing arena just as the final whistle had sounded. This is the sort of unsolicited behaviour that only seeks to tarnish the image of the club for there were no excuses for the actions taken by the few individuals who decided to go the next step.

Final Score:
Green Gully Cavaliers 1, Lazarevski (58)
South Melbourne 0

Venue: Green Gully Reserve
Attendance: about 4,000
Referee: Perry Mur

Green Gully Cavaliers: (4-5-1) Schwalger, Vassallo, Markovski, Nastevski, Fak, Andy Vargas, Fleming, Velkovski, Lapsansky (Rajher 79), Roddy Vargas, Tsaltas (Lazarevski 53).
Subs not used: Batinovic, Nikolic, Loncaric (GK).

South Melbourne: (4-4-2) Dean Anastasiadis (c), Tsirtsakis (Koutsoupias 75), Blatsis, Tsonis (O’Dor 89), Tavsancioglu, MacNicol, Salapasidis, Moraes, Dinse (De Nettis 88), Natsioulas, Krncevic.
Subs not used: Karavitis, Dimitropulos (GK).

Cautions: Nastevski (GG) 27, Blatsis (SM) 55, Lapsansky (GG) 71

Red Cards: None

Friday, 8 April 2005 4:24 PM

All members and supporters are invited to a supporters’ forum on:

Thursday 14th April
Time: 6:00pm
Champions Bar, Bob Jane Stadium

The club wishes to inform members and supporters about security measures for the upcoming game against Preston Lions and to receive feedback in relation to match day issues.

All are welcome

Friday, 8 April 2005 12:34 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Fans of the Vodafone Premier League are in for a treat this Sunday night when championship leader South Melbourne make the trek to Green Gully Reserve to take on the notoriously consistent Green Gully Cavaliers.

Both sides have been in superb form throughout the first 8 rounds of the season, so much so that Gully find themselves a clear 2 games ahead of the third placed Sunshine Georgies, whilst South are a further point in-front (of Gully).

Similarly to South, the Cavaliers play a compact game, keeping strong defensively whilst managing to poach a goal or two when needed. The arrivals of giant ex-Preston keeper Pasi Schwalger and former NSL and Melbourne Knights midfield maestro Lubo Lapsanky have no doubt strengthened the Cavaliers who already boast one of the most talented squads in the league.

Ex-NSL regulars Roddy and Andy Vargas, Dragi Nastevski, Dean Fak, Nick Tsaltas and Josip Rajher provide the core of the Gully side which is also led by ex-Melbourne Knights coach Ian Dobson.

Year after year, Dobson is renowned for moulding Gully into a highly consistent outfit and this season appears to be no different. The key to Dobson’s success has been sustaining relatively the same personnel over the last few seasons whilst topping up the squad annually – where needed – with 1 or two experienced players

In the South Melbourne camp, the Lakeside-based club will be without inspirational captain Vaughn Coveny who is serving a suspension after being red-carded against the Georgies. Coveny’s absence could signal the way for the squad inclusion of Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes. Moraes has been training as normal with the club but as yet has been unable to force his way into a squad which is still currently undefeated. That said, with Coveny ruled out, Peter Koustoupias – very familiar with striking duties from his time at Whittlesea – could see his name on the starting sheet.

Encouraging for South last week was the form of right-winger Ryan Dinse. The Scottish-born speedster proved the difference against the Georgies nodding home a goal and supplying a superb cross for Vasilios Natsioulas to grab the vital second. Dinse’s transition from State League Two club Yarraville has been extremely comfortable with the diminutive winger slowly carving out a name for himself at Lakeside.

Special mention continues to go out to the South defence who in their 8 games to-date have only conceded 2 goals. Veteran goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been the undoubted star, rediscovering career best form with some breathtaking saves and faultless positioning whilst Con Blatsis and Arthur Tsonis continue to form an intimidating duo in the heart of the South defence.

With top spot in the most prestigious VPL to-date up for grabs, not to mention the psychological advantage that could result from victory, both sides will be eager for a strong showing and a positive result.

Monday, 4 April 2005 11:16 PM

While it isn’t where many in the South Melbourne family think it rightfully belongs, and that is in the A-League, there are few that could complain about where South Melbourne FC sits today.

Leading the rejuvenated Vodafone Premier League, with solid support from supporters and sponsors alike, debt free and on the move, the blue and white is sitting pretty in most facets of its operations.

It’s easy to forget that not too long ago, a year ago to the day in fact, none of the aforementioned seemed possible. It was this date on a sunny Autumn day last year that the Save Our South rally was run at BJS. With the help of the club’s employees, players and fans, the wheels of the clubs salvation were put in place.

Those involved with the club at the time will appreciate that it wasn’t an overnight operation. In his last throws as the club’s CEO, Mark Patterson put a brave spin on things. But the relatively small turn out at the Rally and relatively small monies raised that day left most in the SMFC community fearing the worst.

Unsatisfied with the apparent apathy amongst the SMFC faithful, ‘Friends of South’ put together a campaign to win the club’s future from the jaws of death. ‘South
Saviours’ chimed in too, and eventually – through many dark days of potential doom and uncertainty the seeds of the new South were sewn.

The events of 2004 are as much a part of our proud club as the 4 national championships we have won. It is now, a year on, that we look back and thank everyone in the South family for their support when the club needed them most. We also look back and ask no fans, be they a major sponsor or a rank and file member to take anything for granted. It is only with the continued and consistent support of our members and supporters that we can continue on our path of stability and success.

After a stunning opening round crowd against old foes Heidelberg, home crowds at BJS have waned. Again we ask you not to take South Melbourne for granted. When we meet Preston Lions next weekend (our next match is away to Green Gully THIS weekend) make sure you are there flying the colours with pride. Only together can we ensure that our darkest hour of 2004 remains precisely that.

Monday, 4 April 2005 5:19 PM

SMFC has scored another win on the weekend, but this time it was off the pitch.

The Social committee under the guidance of Olyvia Nikou and Jim Dolkas raised the bar with a Just For Fun Ball, which left many who attended breathless.

The Club’s social committe is striving to be more inclusive and looking for new converts to South.

If we can win people to our social events they are likely to support the Club in other ways.

Along with the services of Connie Skaliotis and Koula Zouros from the Club office, Olyvia Nikou and Jim Dolkas are working to move our special events, onto a more professional footing.

3 bands instead of one, a comedian to create controversy and the President’s special “timed” address, all adding to an evening that left those attending in raptures and asking for more.

But the absolute highlight of the evening was the “surprise” lucky dip, or should that be, a lucky duck competition, which simply wowed the skeptics and left one lucky woman $3,000 richer for her $50 investment.

A big thank you to all that attended the Gala, and if you missed out, just wait…. because Olyvia and Jim are on the prowl looking for new ways to entertain and raise more funds for the Club.

George Donikian