Category: News

Thursday, 10 March 2005 12:58 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a three game hiatus from Bob Jane Stadium South Melbourne returns to familiar surroundings coming up against last season’s runners-up the Altona Magic.

The Magic have started the season in decent form and find themselves nestling near the top in 3rd position.

Conversely, South Melbourne have set the league alight in the opening 5 rounds defying all critics by registering 4 wins – 3 away from home – to comfortably sit atop the Vodafone Premier League on 13 points, 3 points clear of nearest rivals Green Gully.

The Magic have a squad bristling with NSL experience. Former South players Levent Osman, Marcus Stergiopoulos and Goran Lozanovski give Altona a strong defensive and midfield core with goalkeeper Martin John having had extensive NSL experience with the Melbourne Knights. Coached by the vastly experienced Ken Murphy – an assistant at South Melbourne last year – the Magic are a well coached, compact outfit who showed their resilience in last season’s VPL final’s series, surviving 3 consecutive sudden death encounters en route to the grand final.

South are unlikely to make any major changes to the side that defeated Oakleigh, Ryan Dinse will be available once more after serving his suspension, but with Peter Koutsoupias scoring the winner against the Cannons, his inclusion from the start appears doubtful.

One of South Melbourne’s strengths this season has been stability on the selection table, 8 players have featured in every game with Coach John Anastasiadis rightly showing faith in the players who have started the season so brightly. It’s no secret that the team’s defensive strength has provided the bedrock to the positive start with only one goal going past veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis in the first 5 games.

Defensive colossus Con Blatsis has been superb in his two games thus far, showing remarkable composure and brilliant timing, his experience in Europe has no doubt help mould him into one of, if not the league’s premier defender. Up front Kosta Salapasidis has provided the cutting edge the side desperately needed during pre-season. Salapasidis’s vision, creativity, passing and close ball control have led to a direct involvement in 3 of South’s 5 goals to date.

South will be looking for a strong performance in front of its home fans after a string of impressive results away from home. A good crowd will be expected with a win helping consolidate South’s standing atop the Vodafone Premier League. Conversely, a win for the Magic will go a long way in helping them strengthen their position in the top 3, whilst a draw or loss could see them slide dramatically with 8 teams all within a game of the Ken Murphy-coached outfit.

Tuesday, 8 March 2005 6:19 PM

Congratulations to every one involved in the South Melbourne family.

Just as the players have done us proud and remain unbeaten after 5 rounds of the new competition. So too the travelling fans, who have registered their influence.

SMFC’s fans have proven an inspiration in the opening rounds by lifting the younger players in the squad with their singing and chanting on the terraces.

When the Blue and Whites did battle against some fierce and bruising tackling in the past 3 weeks, at Monterey Reserve in Frankston, at the Veneto Club in Bulleen and again against Oakleigh, last Friday night.

It was the travelling supporters that managed to lift the players when the going got tough. The 3 away games have been a fabulous proving ground for the Club.

We are all learning about our responsiblities, whether it’s in the boardroom, on the terraces or on the pitch.

Bob Jane is the venue this coming holiday Monday night, but it’s important we aren’t on holidays when the Magic come to play.

We need to show Melbourne what a fortress our home ground can be and we need the might of our fan base to flex it’s muscle at our stadium.

You can do it by being the loudest fans in the league and the proudest.

I ask all our fans to make an “extra” effort and become members.

The numbers add to our bottom line and help us to finance the team in it’s quest to capture a title.

We are offering incentives for ALL new members, contact the Club to find out more.

If we can show all and sundry we are making giant strides on and off the pitch, it will hold us in good stead as we re-shape South, into the best run outfit in the VPL.

As a good corporate citizen, we are keen to embark on a campaign to reach out to all the schools in our area, in order to help spread the influence of the world game.

Remember the opposition will test us every week and in every department.

So go South ….and lets be, the best we can be, on and off the pitch.

George Donikian

Saturday, 5 March 2005 1:15 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Defying even the expectations of the most enthusiastic, South Melbourne have extended their lead atop the Vodafone Premier League to 5 points defeating the Oakleigh Cannons 0-1.

In front of 5,500 spectators, the packed Jack Edwards Reserve laid witness to an epic encounter where mentality and approach played as big a role as quality and skill.

South coach John Anastasiadis made the expected change of Peter Koutsoupias as a direct replacement for the suspended Ryan Dinse. Koutsoupias aside, the team remained unchanged from the game against Bulleen on Monday. The ever-present Dean Anastasiadis lined up in goals, Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis formed the heart of the defence with Rama Tavasancioglu and Arthur Tsirtsakis left and right back respectively. In the middle Evan Karavitis partnered Scot Macnicol with Vasilios Natsioulas patrolling the right wing and Koutsoupias the left. Up front the familiar pairing of Kosta Salapasidis – used largely in a free roaming role – and Vaughn Coveny resumed their partnership.

The game commenced with Oakleigh bossing proceedings, whilst they were not all over South, they were knocking the ball around in more dangerous areas and looked more of a threat. As early as the 7th minute, ex-South trialist Nick Marinos was played through, with a defender closing, he took a touch and fired a decent effort – from the edge of the area – on goal, the shot was initially fumbled by Anastasiadis who then did well to recover and smother his body over the ball.

With 12 minutes played a Salapasidis corner was met by a rising Blatsis, who unmarked, misdirected his header. From the resulting play, Oakleigh played a ball forward to the tricky Juan Nilo. Nilo cleverly dummied over the ball, skinning Arthur Tsirtsakis in the process, narrowing in on goal from a tight angle and with only Anastasiadis to beat, Nilo shot agonisingly wide.

The game was beginning to take shape with both sides over their initial nerves. Openings were being created more regularly with an inspirational 17th minute Tsirtsakis run – that saw the South defender enter the Oakleigh area – well cleaned up by Oakleigh custodian Stuart Webster who raced off his line to smother. A minute later ex-South legend Steve Panopoulos saw a well hit low drive well saved by Anastasiadis with a 19th minute Coveny dash down the right wing resulting in the South captain miscuing his eventual attempt and blazing over.

South’s best opportunity of the half fell to the skilful Salapasidis who managed to get onto Koutsoupias’ slight cutback and unleash a well placed 21st minute curler, that Oakleigh keeper Webster did well to read and save easily down to his left.

Panopoulos was doing his best to control the centre of the park and almost stamped his authority on the contest when he unleashed a stinging 30 yard angled effort – in the 36th minute – that looked destined for the top right-hand corner but sailed narrowly wide.

Looking for the killer blow before half time Oakleigh saw a goal disallowed in the 37th minute. Striker Nick Marinos was brilliantly played in behind the South defence, his first touched appeared a good one and with his second he comfortably stroked the ball past the oncoming Anastasiadis. As Oakleigh broke into celebration the goal was disallowed with the linesman signalling that Marinos had controlled the ball with his hand. Nilo then had a 39th minute strike well saved by Anastasiadis with South finishing the half strongly with the slowly gaining in confidence Koutsoupias latching onto a 43rd minute release ball from Salapasidis, Koutsoupias used his immense pace to sprint down the left wing and angle an accurate shot on goal that Webster did well to parry for a corner. From the resulting corner, box mayhem ensued with Salapasidis’s cross finding an Oakleigh player who nearly turned his header into his own net.

The second half commenced with South starting to gain control, George Tzirtis was brought on at half time for Evan Karavitis and was given a nullifying role on Oakleigh striker Ante Pelikan. Oakleigh however nearly went ahead, 52 minutes in diminutive midfielder Tsouramanis made a sharp run into the heart of the South box, skipping past Blatsis Tsouramanis centred, with a simple touch all that was required for the go-ahead goal. Thankfully for South they managed to cover well and just as the Oakleigh frontline was closing in on making contact, South cleared.

South were beginning to threaten with Natsioulas producing a class 57th minute turn on the edge of the area, only for his subsequent shot to go well over. Then a minute later Salapasidis once again released Koutsoupias, his touch was slightly too powerful but the pacy South winger/striker chased down the ball and collided with the Oakleigh defence just as keeper Webster was closing in.

Having been a constant thorn in the Oakleigh defence Salapasidis was inches away from volleying South into a 67th minute lead. Receiving a deep cross from the right, Salapasidis unleashed a side snap-shot that trickled just past the right hand post. Salapasidis was again at the heart of South’s next half-chance. The ex-Parramatta striker sent a 74th minute free kick deep into the Oakleigh area, the ball fell perfectly to Blatsis who completely missed the ball when about to strike.

With Oakleigh having gone cold, Ante Pelikan nearly provided the much needed inspiration, with 78 minutes gone, Pelikan whipped in a flashing cross from the right that evaded the entire South defence and nearly sneaked in on the back post.

South continued to press and appeared to have had their reward when Coveny broke into the Oakleigh area and sharply squared across the Cannon’s goalmouth, keeper Webster got a fingertip to the ball and diverted it straight to Koutsoupias who was on hand to tuck home in the 82nd minute. Delirium broke out with South’s travelling supporters celebrating wildly, unfortunately for South, Koutsoupias’s goal was denied for a sketchy offside.

A draw seemed the likely result until Salapasidis exploded into a left sided run that saw him enter the Oakleigh area and be up-ended as he took his next touch. Referee Domenic Barba pointed to the spot immediately. Captain Coveny stepped up and placed his penalty well to the bottom left only to see the excellent Webster save at full stretch, however thankfully for South, “fox-in-the-box” Koutsoupias was on hand to pounce on the rebound and smash home the decider in the 86th minute.

With a late goal on the board South desperately tried to hang on, Con Blatsis continued to rule over anything that was in the air defensively with the visitors almost managing a second when a cross was dealt with poorly by the Oakleigh backline with the ball eventually falling to Salapasidis who lacked composure on this occasion and blazed over from the edge of the Oakleigh area in the dying minutes.

Referee Barba finally blew the whistle after a good 4-5 minutes of extra time, the South bench immediately broke into cheer and perhaps somewhat symbolically, the players made their way towards the travelling supporters and proceeded to celebrate with their adoring faithful.

Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Crowd: 5,475
Referee: Domenic Barba

Oakleigh Cannons: (4-4-2) Webster, Tolios, Anthopoulos (c), Rosman (Sulemani 88), Kovacic, Poutakidis, Pelikan, Panopoulos, Tzouromanis, Marinos (Daglis 70), Nilo. Subs not used: Latinopoulos, Drossos, Kumar.

South Melbourne: (4-5-1) Dean Anastasiadis, Tsirtsakis, Blatsis, Tsonis, Tavsancioglu, Natsioulas (Krncevic 81), MacNicol (O’Dor 94), Karavitis (Tzirtis 46), Salapasidis, Koutsoupias, Coveny (c). Subs not used: De Nettis, Dimitropulos (GK).

Cautions: Coveny (SM) 25, Poutakidis (OC) 41, Salapasidis (SM) 42, Blatsis (SM) 46, Tzouromanis (OC) 53, Panopoulos (OC) 60, Tolios (OC) 71.

Red Cards: (none)

Wednesday, 2 March 2005 11:42 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Top-of-the-table football arrives at Jack Edwards Reserve this Friday night when Vodafone Premier League frontrunners South Melbourne make the trek to Oakleigh’s turf.

Having surprised many with their superb start to the season South Melbourne go into Friday’s fixture knowing that a positive result will help consolidate their position atop the VPL.

Coach John Anastasiadis must be commended for not only putting together a squad capable of positive results, but for also instilling a unity which in such a short space of time has managed to capture the imagination of the South Melbourne faithful.

That said, the Cannons possess one of, if not the most talented and experienced squads in this season’s competition and must be approached with extreme caution. Former South great Steve Panopoulos will anchor the midfield with another ex-South midfielder George Goutzioulis trusted in a playmaking role. In defence ex-South defender Nick Tolios forms part of a solid backline which also includes ex-Melbourne Knights defender Antun Kovacic, ex-South and Carlton player Con Anthopoulos with former South favourite Sam Poutakidis a chance to line-up after missing the beginning of the season through injury.

In goal the Cannons may have lost Adrian Cagalj to the Melbourne Knights but in replacement Stuart Webster possess a former VPL goalkeeper of the year. Up front Oakleigh are extremely dangerous with ex-Knight Ante Pelikan leading the line with the experienced and ex-Gippsland Falcons striker Juan Nilo playing off him.

South are expected to field an almost exact replica of the team which lined up against the Bulleen Zebras with perhaps Peter Koutsoupias a direct swap for the suspended Ryan Dinse. A feature of South Melbourne’s play thus far has been their combined defensive efforts. Experienced goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been superb in marshalling his defence with the grit and sheer determination of the likes of Arthur Tsirtsakis and Arthur Tsonis well complemented by the all-round class of Con Blatsis, the attack-minded Rama Tavsancioglu and the youth of Steven O’Dor, though O’Dor – as he did against Bulleen – will miss through injury. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis has been superb doing the hard leg work with the front duo of Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny one of the deadliest partnerships in the league.

With everything to play for and a full house expected, Friday’s encounter potentially looms as the beginning of a newly-formed and exciting rivalry.

Monday, 28 February 2005 11:49 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In front of a packed house at the Veneto Club, South Melbourne have gone atop the Vodafone Premier league with a thoroughly professional 0-1 victory.

With the majority of the crowd travelling South Melbourne faithful, the Veneto club resembled a home away from home for the Albert Park-based club.

Coach Anastasiadis made one change to the line-up bringing in experienced centre-back Con Blatsis for the injured Steven O’Dor. The game represented Blatsis’s first game back since his overseas departure. With Dean Anastasiadis in goal, Arthur Tsonis partnering Blatsis and with Arthur Tsirtsakis and Ramazan Tavsanciouglu patrolling the right and left wingback positions respectively, South’s backline looked particular assured. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis resumed his defensive midfield duties alongside Scot MacNicol who was playing in a more attacking, central midfield role. The left and right wings were patrolled by Ryan Dinse and Vasilios Natsioulas with Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny once again in charge of leading the line for the visitors.

The first 10 or so minutes of the game were purely used for familiarisation; both teams failed to threaten, however, South seemed to have more of the possession. In the 14th minute skipper Coveny showed a glimpse of his tremendous pace, breaking down the right wing and sending in a far post cross, the ball fell to Salapasidis who intuitively tried to cut it back for an oncoming player, unfortunately for South no-one was following through and the Zebras cleared.

With 16 minutes played, South wingback Tavsanciouglu produced a brilliant piece of individual play that nearly put the visitors ahead. After making a solid run down the left wing, Tavasanciouglu sharply cut inside skipping past a player or two and then proceeded to unleash a well placed low drive that Bulleen and ex-South custodian Michael Theoklitos did well to parry.

After 18 minutes South had a defensive scare, Bulleen had won a free kick near the South area and chose smartly to chip the ball in behind the South defence as opposed to having a direct strike on goal. The Bulleen player – though on an angle – had a clear strike on goal and seemed to beat Anastasiadis with a scurrying South player on hand to clear off the line.

Then in 23rd minute South won the ball in defence and unleashed a brilliantly executed counter. Salapasidis found the ball in the centre of the park, with only one defender in his way and MacNicol making a superb run down the left, Salapasidis took his time and delivered an inch perfect through-ball that MacNicol controlled well and calmly slotted past the on-rushing Theoklitos. It was a well deserved lead for South who away from home had taken the contest to the hosts from the opening whistle.

With Salapasidis at the heart of South’s creative forward play, the former Parramatta Power star once again showcased his immense talents. Thirty-four minutes had been played when “Sala” found the ball at his feet 30 yards out from goal. His skilful step-over saw him easily skip past his direct marker to then unleash a darting bottom-right corner strike that Theoklitos – at full stretch – just managed to fingertip away for a corner.

The second half commenced with South having an early chance. In the 47th minute Con Blatsis made a sneaky late run in behind the Bulleen defence and was played in over the top by the South midfield. With time on his side, Blatsis seemed to miss the ball completely as the Zebras defence applied just enough pressure on the South colossus to distract his attempt.

Bulleen were struggling to break down the South backline and were largely relying on their set-piece play for a breakthrough. Forty-nine minutes had been played when South survived a genuine scare. A Zebras corner had been struck into the heart of the South defence with the Bulleen players challenging for the ball, mayhem ensued as both sides struggled to get a foot on the ball. Thankfully for South the ball was eventually cleared to safety.

As the game progressed the referee appeared to lose his hold on the game. Arthur Tsirtsakis appeared to be body-slammed after winning the ball and in the process tangling himself up with a Bulleen player. The referee missed the body-slam and then went on to award a free-kick to Bulleen for Tsirtsakis’s slight retaliation. The resulting 56th minute free-kick nearly found its way in as the Bulleen player unleashed a stinging ball into the heart of the South defence that was met by a Zebras player who couldn’t keep his contact low sending the ball whizzing over Anastasiadis’s crossbar.

Then in the 59th minute Scottish South winger Ryan Dinse was booked for what was a 50-50 ball. Dinse didn’t seem to challenge dangerously, in fact all he genuinely did was win the ball. The referee saw otherwise and showed him the yellow card. Slightly after the Dinse booking the referee was at it again, this time after copping a retaliation-based elbow to the head, Vasilios Natsioulas also found himself in the book, thankfully justice somewhat prevailed with the Bulleen player also receiving a booking.

South seemed rattled after the referee’s succession of disappointing judgements and gave away the ascendency to the home side. Sixty-one minutes in another Bulleen corner put the South defence under severe pressure, players from both sides scrambled for contact but thankfully for South the referee saw an infringement and whistled a foul against the Zebras.

In the 69th minute South were dealt a genuine blow with the dismissal of Ryan Dinse. A Bulleen player had broken through the centre of the park and had made his way – full steam ahead – to the top of the South area. Dinse instinctively stopped him in his tracks by bringing him down just outside the area. It was a clear-cut decision for the referee who had no choice but to send Dinse off.

South then re-adjusted with a more defensive emphasis hoping to keep the home side at bay and register a valuable victory. The Albert Park-based club had a scare in the 81st minute when a brilliant first time back-heel from a Bulleen player split the South defence, thankfully for South the experience of Dean Anastasiadis shone bright with the veteran custodian quickly off his line to gather.

South nearly went two ahead when in the 84th minute the brilliant Salapasidis almost outsmarted Bulleen keeper Theoklitos. Captain Vaughn Coveny had made a brilliant run down the right wing and just as he began to cut inside towards the Zebra’s box, was brought down. From the subsequent free-kick Salapasidis intelligently aimed for the near post when everybody was expecting a centre. Theoklitos was all at sea, but luckily for the Zebra’s keeper the ball crashed against the side netting.

The whistle came soon after with the South faithful in full voice. Coach Anastasiadis’s chargers pulled off a thoroughly professional display and deservedly sit in pole position after four rounds.

Thursday, 24 February 2005 6:50 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne’s unbeaten start to the season will be put under severe test this coming Monday when the Albert Park-based club take on last season’s Champions the Bulleen Zebras.

The Zebras have had a somewhat indifferent start and will be desperate for a win to kick-start their season. Two one-all draws against Fawkner-Whittlesea and Heidelberg with a surprising 2-1 defeat against the Bentleigh Greens – in round 2 – sees the Zebras rooted in second last position.

The crux of last season’s squad has hung around with the addition of last year’s gold medal winner Ricky Diaco – from the Frankston Pines – an astute pickup. Ex-South keeper Michael Theoklitos remains one of, if not the best custodian in the league and will no doubt be looking to depart the Vodafone Premier League – Theoklitos has signed for the Melbourne Victory – with an inspired performance against his former club. VPL journeyman Peter Kakos as always will provide a threat on goal with the talents of young midfielder Billy Celeski likely to excite those in attendance.

Conversely, South have surprised many and see themselves in equal 1st after the first 3 rounds. Coach John Anastasiadis has done a sterling job moulding a unit on limited resources that has managed to achieve immediate results. South’s positive start cannot be put down to one or two particular factors. The team has played tight across the backline – conceding only 1 goal – whilst up front the experience and class of Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny have managed to provide the crucial goals. In the middle of the park diminutive Scottish winger Ryan Dinse has easily handled the step up from State 2 and has been in impressive form. Evan Karavitis and Vasilios Natsioulas have also been solid.

South could be boosted by the long-awaited return of giant centre-back Con Blatsis. Blatsis played in a midweek friendly against Chinese team Tianjin and slotted in incredibly well, looking at ease on the ball and free from any serious knocks.

Wednesday, 23 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South midfield dynamo Evan Karavitis is a player going places.

Trusted with the central midfield holding role, at just 18 years of age, Evan has displayed an on-field maturity that defies his tender years.

With a clear objective of selection in the National Under-20 2007 World Cup squad, Evan is well on the way to achieving this ambition.

A bit about your career to date?

“I started playing as a 6 year old. After seeing my older brother commence training with Brunswick City, I just had to have a taste. Seeing him train and get involved whet my appetite so I asked my Dad to sign me up as well”

“At Brunswick City I was consistently playing 2-3 years above my age group. When I was advised to move to the Thomastown Devils to play in a team my age, I took the opportunity, believing that if I managed to stand out, I’d push for State team selection.

This belief proved to be correct with State representation following soon afterwards. I represented and captained Victoria at Under 14, 15 and 16 levels, in the National Talent Identification Championships.”

“At 13 and half, I was offered a VIS scholarship under the tutelage of Ernie Merrick – the youngest player to date to be offered a VIS soccer scholarship.

I decided to accept this offer, as I felt that with the Institute’s pure and simple aim being the development of younger players, my chances of going on to greater things would increase.

Seeing players like Kristian Sarkies and Adrian Leijer – players just above my age group – move onto the NSL and do well, gave me the belief that I too could achieve similar things.

The VIS under Merrick, broke away from the traditional National Youth League and focussed on providing higher calibre opposition. For example, Ernie organised consistent friendlies on a Wednesday night against VPL opposition.”

Tell us a bit about your representation for the Joeys.

“Ange Postecoglou gave me a chance with the Under 16’s at the Oceania Pacific Cup. I was only 14 at the time and the experience proved to be invaluable.

Ange had seen me play in the National Championships and felt I was up to the required standard.

We played in the Oceania South Pacific Tournament against the likes of the Solomon Islands and Fiji – Australia won the tournament.

In February 2002, I represented Australia in the qualifiers of the Under 17s World Championship.

Unfortunately, when selection for the actual World Cup arrived, I was overlooked.

I was in a massive form slump and no matter how hard I tried during training I just couldn’t get myself out of it.

Thankfully that experience has proved a positive one, as I went back to the drawing board, slowly worked on my game and have now put myself into a position to once again seek National team selection.”

How have you found yourself making the adjustment to VPL senior football?

“The jump has been a huge learning experience.

Adjusting to the quicker pace and physical nature of the game has been the biggest challenge, in particular, the physical leap has been enormous.

As a junior, I was lucky to have high levels of physical endurance. I never had a problem with the physical aspect of the game, had the most powerful shot, was quick etc.

This has worked against me though, with my transition into senior football, as I’ve found I had to work very hard to get to the required levels.”

Future Ambitions?

“My immediate aim, is to gain selection into the 2007 Under-20 World Cup squad. When I was 14, Sydney FC youngster Jacob Timpano and I were headhunted by Everton.

We were both offered a full expenses paid 3-week trial and were told that we could bring any members of our family to support us.

With the advice of Ange and Ernie, I decided against going, as I was very young and felt that establishing myself locally was the way to go.

After all, the only “true” success story of a youngster going to England at such a young age is Harry Kewell, who is a once-in-a-lifetime player.

I felt the tried and tested model of proving myself at home was the way to go.”

Why South Melbourne?

“To be honest, at the beginning of last year, I was offered a two year AIS scholarship, but I declined in order to finish my VCE in Melbourne.

Late last year, after consulting with Ange, I decided to sign with South Melbourne, as he told me I needed to play senior football as soon as possible. Ange assured me that I was mature, talented and deserving enough to gain national selection, even if I didn’t go to the AIS. Provided I played senior football and performed consistently well.”

“That said, the club is close to my heart.

Like many of the younger players in the squad, I had offers from Green Gully, Fawkner, Bentleigh and the Melbourne Knights.

It’s not just about playing for a club that pays the most, but its more about playing for a club with history, a club that makes you want to play for the shirt.

I have supported the club since I was 5, my dad has supported the Blue and White’s since he was 10 and my grandpa has been a supporter, since he migrated from Greece.

The buzz may well be about the A-League and I’d be lying if I said I never want to secure an A-League contract, but with South going through administration issues last season, the club folding would’ve resulted in a significant change of landscape for the game in this country, and such a loss would’ve been tragic.”

What can the supporters expect from the team and from Evan Karavitis?

“The supporters must be patient. We have a lot of natural talent at the club, but ultimately talent, that is just starting out.

The experienced warheads like Dean Anastasiadis, Vaughn Coveny, Con Blatsis and Kosta Salapasidis need time to take us youngsters under their wing to pass on their experiences and help us improve.

That said, the fans can also expect exciting football times ahead, you know the odd-talent stepping up and producing a quality through ball, but again I stress and beg the fans for patience.”

“Personally, playing in a “somewhat” restricted position, my aim is to do a job for the team, week in week out.

As time goes on, the supporters will begin to see more flair and magic in my play… you know, more quality through balls, extra pace, more organisation, accurate long balls etc.”

Saturday, 19 February 2005 10:53 PM

By Mark van Aken

South Melbourne continued their solid start to the 2005 Vodafone VPL season with a well deserved 2-1 today at Frankston Pines. It was a good performance all round by the SMFC side, with Kosta Salapasidis playing a devastating role in attack, supported by a solid defence and his skipper Vaughan Coveny on the left.

While South Melbourne had much of the play in the early going, the side failed to capitalise on a smorgasbord of opportunities. After some early half chances a perfectly timed cross from Salapasidis found Scottish winger Ryan Dinse and almost the back of the net. His strike cracked the cross bar and rebounded back into play and was eventually cleared by the Frankston defence. On the quarter hour Dinse had another goal face opportunity but it was again foiled by a Frankston defender.

The home side was surrendering much of the possession to South for large patches of the first half but weren’t without their own opportunities, mainly through lumbering forward Nick Waite. Like their opponents, they were finding it tough to break down the defence in the last quarter and the teams entered half time locked at 0-0.

The second half began much the same as the first. South Melbourne controlled play in the middle of the park and had a fair shout at a penalty when Salapasidis was felled inside the area in the opening minutes. The referee saw it otherwise and incurred the wrath of the boisterous visiting SMFC support.

Rubbing salt into the blue and white wounds was Frankston’s Simon Webster capitalising on a Dean Anastasiadis slip up only minutes later. After surrendering a mountain of ball for close on an hour the home side owned a 1-0 lead. The Frankston side made sure the South fans on the far wing knew all about it.

Stung into action, South consistently went forward and were rewarded within minutes. Skipper Vaughan Coveny was fouled at the top of the box and the resulting Salapasidis free kick rocketed past a hapless Pines keeper to tie it away with around half an hour to play.

South continued their sorties forward, with Dinse regularly running at the Frankston defence and providing width to the attack. Eventually the weight of possession was too much, an own goal seeing the boys form the Peninsula fall behind 2-1.

Not disheartened by the set back, Frankston started to win more of the ball and looked likely in the last quarter hour, but it wasn’t to be. South claiming their second win of the season and cementing their spot near the top of the Vodafone VPL Premiership.

Coach John Anastasiadis was ecstatic with the win and the support the side received on the terraces. “It was good today. Some of our guys were physically challenged out there and guys like Billy Nats really stood up”, explained the rookie coach, “we had good support from the visiting fans and the win keeps us well in the mix in the league”.

South next travel to Bulleen on Monday week, February 28, for a highly anticipated clash between these two former NSL rivals.

Thursday, 17 February 2005 8:26 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a week long break Vodafone Premier League activity resumes this weekend with South Melbourne travelling to Frankston in pursuit of a positive result to maintain their encouraging start to the season.

The Albert Park-based club has so far managed to defy pre-season form and start the season with two positive results at home. The first being a spirited 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Heidelberg whilst the second a narrow yet important 1-0 victory against the St. Albans Saints.

Conversely, Frankston have had a stuttering start to the season. Their opening fixture saw them demoralise the Bentleigh Greens 4-0, though they followed up this great result with a 0-2 defeat away to Heidelberg.

Frankston has had an interesting off-season with the loss several key players, in particular the loss of club custodian Stuart Webster will hurt the Pines as his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability and safe hands have often proved to be a solid back-bone for the Pines. Along with the loss of Webster, current South midfielder George Tzirtis and Ricky Diaco – who has joined last season’s champions Bulleen – signal a further two crucial losses for the Frankston North-based club. Club battering-ram Nick Waite remains a goal-scoring threat with the former Melbourne Knight’s striker on the mark against Bentleigh, the South backline must look to void the presence of Waite with his sheer strength and presence a constant threat.

Provided no last minute injuries occur, South will no doubt once again field a very similar line-up to their opening two fixtures. Giant centre-back Con Blatsis will be nearing a return though may miss again with the club opting to give the former Derby County player another week’s rest. South attacking interests will largely be vested in front duo Kosta Salapisidis and club Captain Vaughn Coveny, both players have been superb in the club’s opening two fixtures and have the experience and class to be a threat to any defence in the league. Worth a mention are the club’s two clean sheets thus far. Experienced keeper Dean Anastasiadis has been immense, using his experience to guide the defensive central pairing of Arthur Tsonis and Steven O’Dor who have kicked off their South careers in solid form.

Both teams need a positive result to help consolidate their starts to the season, South is currently sitting in equal 2nd on 4 points with a win likely to boost them into the top 3, whilst conversely, Frankston is 1 point behind South with a win likely to consolidate their standing in the top 6.

Wednesday, 16 February 2005 3:41 PM

By Mark van Aken

4 points from 2 starts, not bad for a South Melbourne team that was supposed to be battered from pillar to post in this year’s Vodafone VPL. But there is no time to rest on their laurels for John Anastasiadis’ SMFC side that travels to Frankston Pines on Saturday night.

“We’ve had good results so far but I expect that, I expected 4 points from 6”, says a steely resolved Anastasiadis. “I expect to win at home and I definitely think we shouldn’t be losing any games at home through out the season”, says a coach who is pleased with how his largely young team has handled the pressures of representing Australia’s most storied club. “They handled the pressure in front of 12,000 really well and backed it up against St Albans”.

With the VPL season taking an early breather last weekend, South’s squad was back at the coal face against Western Suburbs in a friendly. “It was a chance for some of the guys who hadn’t played much in the first two games to get a run, we won 3-1 and it’s good to know that we have a squad, not just 11 players, who can stand up when needed” explains the South gaffer whose squad is slowly growing in stature each week.

The longest away trip for the SMFC was previously across the ditch in New Zealand or across the Nullarbor in Perth, this year it is down the peninsula to Frankston, and it’s a road trip that Ananstasiadis is weary of. “They are a fit group and won’t stop running for 90 minutes”, warns the former striker, alluding that extra fitness in the legs was a determining factor in South’s opening fortnight’s positive results. “If you don’t have a fit side then you are going no where and I think we are in pretty good shape”.

From a youthful side with little size in the pre-season, South’s team has been boosted with the late signing of Steve Mc Nichol and still has Con Blatsis to return shortly. Others like Salapasidis and Dinse have impressed in the early going, but South have not fully settled their playing list just yet. “We are looking at some more senior types right now but nothing is concrete”, says a coach still keen to unearth the next SMFC young gun, “Victoria hasn’t produced too much talent of late, and we want to change that and bring through some really good new stars – we don’t just want to be recycling players”.

Which youngster will step up this week for the blue and whites? Fans will have to make the trip down to Frankston to find out.