Category: News

Wednesday, 19 January 2005 10:42 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne finally delivered on the positive signs they have been showing throughout their pre-season campaign spanking the newly promoted Sunshine Georgies by 3 goals to nil.

From the onset South looked as though they were ready to take their first serious step and register a pre-season victory under the guidance of coach John Anastasiadis.

Anastasiadis fielded a slightly different line-up bringing in Ramazan Tavsancioglu at left back and experimenting with Nick Curtis in the right back position, Arthur Tsonis and Steve O’Dor were at the heart of the South defence. In the middle inspirational young-gun Evan Karavitis was joined by George Tzirtis, with Scottish winger Ryan Dinse playing on the left and Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front Kostas Salapasidis was paired with Vaughn Coveny.

Admitedly both sides took a good 15 or so minutes to settle with South gaining the early initiative after a perfectly timed run by Dinse down the left flank saw the ball bobble into the diminutive South winger’s path with only the keeper to beat. Like a seasoned pro Dinse did not hesitate to pick his spot and calmly slot home his strike.

To the Georgies credit they came agonisingly close to a quick reply when a squared ball from the right fell to an attacking player who from point blank range was denied by a stunning save by South keeper Dean Anastasiadis.

Anastasiadis’s hand was forced when Vaughn Coveny appeared to pick up a knock and hence Jesse Krncevic was thrown into the fray. Almost immediately Krncevic had a positive impact providing a genuine target up front and on one occasion managing to wriggle in behind the defence, calmly going past a Sunshine defender and with the presence of mind to square the ball back, Tzirtis’s ensuing shot was saved by the toe of the Georgies keeper from point blank range. Krncevic then had the final chance of the half when from a tight angle he sent a right foot belter slightly over the right top corner.

The second half got under way with an unfortunate rush of blood. After impressing since his early introduction Jesse Krncevic’s enthusiasm got the better of him when after chasing a through ball he followed through and took out the keeper after the ball had been cleanly gloved. Noting the friendly nature of the game, the referee allowed for South to replace Krncevic and on came Tex Apostolikas. Apostolikas’s introduction was almost marked with a goal when his dogged determination to win back a ball he had lost saw him with some time just outside the box. He proceeded to unleash a powerful right foot drive that sailed narrowly wide.

With South looking for the ever crucial cushion of a second goal their search was finally rewarded. Midway through the 2nd stanza a South free kick from the right wing – near the edge of the box – was put into a brilliant position by Tzirtis, big Arthur Tsonis rose above everyone else and nodded home the Albert Park based club’s second of the evening.

With the comfort of a 2nd goal, down went the heads of the George Cross players leaving the South players free to run riot. Peter Koutsoupias had been introduced in the 2nd half and was operating in a somewhat experimental attacking midfield position. Koutsoupias was the catalyst for South’s third finding himself in space on the left wing, he released a sublime – made more special by the fact it was with his opposite foot – cross that found Ryan Dinse unmarked in the George Cross box with the speedy winger once again showing an immense calmness in front of goal, nodding his header easily past the helpless Georgies custodian.

With the Georgies on the ropes South sensed a slaughter. The Clarendon Corner was in full voice and could not believe Apostolikas’s miss from 5 yards out. A scramble in the box had bobbled its way to the ex-Olympiakos youngster who from point blank range somehow managed to sky over.

Hungry for a fourth the goal almost arrived after young substitute Stavros Georgakakis’s angled run from the right saw the South midfielder unleash a powerful angled drive that skimmed the Georgies left upright.

Saturday, 15 January 2005 10:46 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has continued its pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to last season’s VPL runners-up the Altona Magic.

Once again the Lakeside-based club put in a spirited performance but lacked a cutting-edge up front to capitalise on the chances created. It was a far improved outing for visitors who were somewhat dour in their previous encounter against the Bulleen Zebras.

Wearing the South colours for the first time was new signing Kostas Salapisidis who only participated in the first half but still managed to look a genuine class above as his experience in the NSL and Europe would suggest. His first touch, close control and general shielding of the ball should prove to be a major asset to South throughout the coming season.

The first half saw South control the majority of possession with Evan Karavitis once again showing a level of maturity in the centre of the park that defies his 18 years. Possession however counts for little in the world game and hence South found themselves behind midway through the half when a Magic raid down the left wing saw an Altona player break deep into South’s box and whip in a perfectly placed cross that was expertly nodded home from 6 yards into the roof of the South net.

South went on to finish the half strongly and will rue two golden opportunities wasted by midfielder George Tzirtis. The first chance wasted was a follow up from a long range shot by right back Arthur Tsirtsakis. Tsirtsakis’s 25 yard effort was not held by the Altona keeper who spilled the ball right into the path of Tzirtis, faced with the slightest of angles but with the goal absolutely gapping Tzirtis somehow managed to place his shot into the side netting.

Tzirtis’s second chance came near the end of the first half when a South counter attack saw 3 South players against one Altona defender. The ball was well squared to Tzirtis who made his way into the box and with only the keeper to beat, saw his bottom-left, side-foot shot brilliantly saved by the Magic’s custodian who had spread himself impeccably and managed to get to Tzirtis’s effort with his toe.

South came out and bossed the 2nd half but saw many advantageous positions ultimately go to waste. Jesse Krncevic and Peter Koutsoupias were brought on in the 2nd stanza and had an overall positive effect on the game linking up nicely on 2 or so occasions down the right flank. In fact both Krncevic and Koutsoupias had decent half chances in the Altona box, with Knrcevic failing to connect cleanly with a volley that was coming across his body, whilst Koutsoupias seemed to hesitate a moment to long and ultimately was closed down and forced wide by the Altona defence after finding the ball at his feet – with his back to goal – 8 yards out.

To Altona’s credit they did create one decent chance in the 2nd half when nice build up play saw a well-hit shot blazed past the right South upright with South’s replacement keeper well beaten.

Saturday, 15 January 2005 10:42 PM

It is with deep regret and sorrow that South Melbourne FC announce the passing of brilliant clubman Spiro Papaioannou.

Spiro passed away on Sunday, January 9, aged 77. His wife Panagiota and his children Anastasia and Theodore, Ioannis and Lynette, Fotini and Dimitrios and Thomas survive him.

Spiro was a regular fixture at both Middle Park and Bob Jane Stadium and was famous for his vending of assorted snacks to the South Melbourne faithful.

He has been a great servant of the club and it’s community and we ask the entire SMFC family to channel its thoughts and prayers at this sad time towards Spiro and his family.

Wednesday, 12 January 2005 11:14 PM

After more than 450 NSL matches, 3 NSL Player of the Year Awards, a treble of NSL titles and 6 SMFC Best and Fairest awards, Paul Trimboli has formally announced his retirement from football.

The 36 year old veteran had been training with the South Melbourne FC squad for the upcoming VPL season, but has decided to draw the curtain on his stellar career.

“Johnny Anastasiadis was keen to get me along and help mould the new squad, but after a while my body made it clear that it was time to move on” says a circumspect Trimboli, “there will no doubt be some sadness that comes with this, but I believe it was the right decision for me and the club”.

Commitment to the club where he has played all but 22 of his NSL matches spanning 3 decades brought him back, and he is hopeful that SMFC will be challenging for the VPL title for years to come. “South are always competitive. If we aren’t winning championships, we’re not far off it and I doubt that is going to change”.

SMFC President George Donikian has nothing but the upmost praise for the retiring champion. “Words can’t describe what Paul Trimboli means to this club, he has been a brilliant servant of the club in the way he has conducted himself both on and off the field. He was a member of our team of the century and his presence on the pitch will be dearly missed”.

While not having an official role with the team for the rest of 2005, Trimboli says his heart will always be with the famous club. The former Socceroo will no doubt be a regular fixture in the stands at SMFC matches this season including the club’s opening round clash with Heidelberg United on 30 January at Bob Jane Stadium.

Wednesday, 12 January 2005 11:13 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have gone down for the third time in consecutive pre-season friendlies losing to the reigning VPL champions the Bulleen Zebras by 3 goals to nil.

An overall dour game saw South coach John Anastasiadis persist with a line-up missing key players Ante Kovacevic and new South signing Kostas Salapasidis.

Using 9 players who started against Oakleigh, Anastasiadis gave a chance to a couple of trialists who made up the rest of the eleven.

The game started in a somewhat lazy manner, both teams failed to assert any sort of dominance with Bulleen happy to sit back and let South knock the ball around. Chances were not being created with both sets of goalkeepers having little work to do.

South did manage to create one memorable chance in the first half when right winger Ryan Dinse played through Vaughn Coveny who with only the keeper to beat appeared to have managed to sneak it under ex-South custodian Michael Theoklitos only for the latter to get a hand on it and hence prevent it from crossing over the line.

The 2nd half saw South with the greater possession but ultimately the experience of the VPL champions proved to be the difference.

Bulleen got their first near the start of the second stanza when an attack from the right was whipped across the South box with an incoming Zebras player on hand to easily tuck in on the back post past a stranded Dean Anastasiadis.

South almost immediately replied when they won a penalty soon after going behind. Up stepped Coveny who saw his shot brilliantly saved by master shot-stopper Michael Theoklitos who palmed away after diving to his right.

Bulleen got their second in a similar manner to their first. A ball from the right eluded the entire South defence with a fast tracking Bulleen player on hand to calmly finish from an acute – though very close to goal – angle into the roof of the South net.

With South continuing to have more of the ball young South midfielder Bill Nastioulas almost conjured a goal out of nothing. With his back to goal and just outside the box, Natsioulas flicked the bobbling ball up and in one sweet motion unleashed a well placed low right-foot volley that Theoklitos did well to keep out.

The game was nearing its climax when Bulleen nabbed a third. A comical error from South’s replacement keeper saw him come out to either catch or punch a high ball. He failed to make contact and collided into a team-mates back, with no time to recover, the ball fell to a lurking Bulleen player who with the easiest of tasks slammed home for the final goal of the evening.

Friday, 7 January 2005 9:00 PM

South Melbourne FC are pleased to announce the signing of former Olyroo Kosta Salapasidis for the upcoming 2005 VPL season.

The 26 year old Adelaide native will be a vital cog in SMFC’s midfield, with his attacking flair sure to excite the Bob Jane Stadium faithful this season.

“I’m ecstatic I joined a proud club like South Melbourne which I supported as a boy, the same team my father won a championship with in the 1960’s” says the former Parramatta Power, Wollongong and Adelaide City star. He also noted that “the club offers a brilliant environment to continue my playing career with its football set-up and I am excited about our first match against arch rivals Heidelberg later this month”.

Apart from a distinguished NSL career of 17 goals in 116 games, Salapasidis has enjoyed stints at clubs in Greece, Switzerland and Spain as well as playing an integral part of past Young Socceroos and Olyroo line ups.

SMFC coach John Anastasiadis is delighted at the club’s latest signing. “The experience and attacking penetration that Kosta brings is exactly what we were looking for” says Anastasiadis, “he has an excellent football pedigree having spent time abroad and in the national set up at youth level and we trust he will add another dimension to the sides attacking options.”

Salapasidis will commence training immediately and expects to be in full flight for the club’s opening VPL match against Heidelberg United on January 30 at BJS.

Wednesday, 5 January 2005 11:31 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South have completed their second serious pre-season hit-out against fellow VPL opposition going down to the Oakleigh Cannons by 2 goals to 1 at Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh.

The Albert Park based club can consider themselves unlucky to go down after dominating possession and creating more chances throughout the encounter.

Selection wise, South fielded an almost exact replica of their first 11 against Essendon with the exception of exciting Scottish winger Ryan Dinse who came in on the left wing. Defensively South started with veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis between the sticks, Tsonis, Tsirtsakis, O’Dor at the back with a young trialist playing as left wingback. In the centre of the park, Bill Nastsioulas and Evan Karavitis were responsible for South’s engine room, with Dinse and Koutsoupias on the left and right wings respectively. Up front, Kiwi striker Vaugh Coveny led the line along with Jesse Krncevic.

South began the game the quicker to settle, knocking it around quite confidently, the Lakeside based club created their first chance when a Koutsoupias centre was met by the rising Krncevic who did very well to outjump his marker and head over.

Ryan Dinse was enjoying a very solid game on the left wing, looking extremely sharp and with quick feet, the Scotsman was causing the Cannons defence all sorts of problems. Then somewhat against the run of play, Oakleigh broke forward, a decent shot was hit on target with Anastasiadis saving well, only for the oncoming ex-South midfielder George Goutzioulis to tuck home the rebound.

To South’s credit they didn’t let this setback lower their approach. Karavitis in particular was continuing to show promise in the centre of the park and in general South’s passing game was extremely attractive to watch. Late in the first half South had a goal disallowed. Koutsoupias had sent in a great ball from a right sided free kick, the ball seemed to evade everyone with South big-man Arthur Tsonis nipping in at the back post to slot home. South’s celebrations were cut short after the goal was flagged back for what must’ve been an infringement in the air.

Ryan Dinse should’ve capped off a superb first half display by capitalising on an Oakleigh defensive error which left him one-on-one with a vastly out of position Oakleigh keeper. With the ball bouncing, Dinse rushed his chip and sent his attempt well over.

After weathering the storm, Oakleigh once again went for a foray into South’s defensive half and came up with their second of the night. Ex-South defender Nick Tolios unleashed a tremendous 25 yard volley that was dipping ferociously under the crossbar only for a fully stretched Anastasiadis to fingertip onto the woodwork with once again an oncoming Oakleigh player in the right place at the right time to tuck home.

South went into the change rooms at half time upbeat with their positive performance but no doubt somewhat disheartened with that lack of a tiny bit of luck which saw them behind on the scoresheet.

The 2nd half was a somewhat tighter affair but once again South had the lion-share of possession.

Midway through the second stanza Koutsoupias was extremely unfortunate to not be given a penalty. Facing his direct marker down the right, Koutsoupia’s quick feet left his marker for dead drawing clear contact inside the box. Somewhat unexplainably the referee waved play on with luck once again evading South.

To Oakleigh’s credit they were unfortunate not to nab a third when – late in the contest – they forced a superb save from South’s second string keeper who was brought on at half time in the place of Anastasiadis. The South keeper managed at full stretch to turn the ball past his right-hand upright and out for a corner.

With the game nearing its finale, South had another chance go begging. Karavatis found the ball at his feet on the right hand side. He looked up and quickly spotted the darting Dinse making a superbly disguised run in behind the Oakleigh defence. Karavitis sent a superb ball over the top and with only the keeper to beat, the Oakleigh custodian did well to spread himself and hence smother the winger’s effort.

The final whistle was moments away when South finally got some reward for their encouraging display. Vaughn Coveny was played in behind the Oakleigh defence after a superb through ball by the South midfield. With plenty of NSL goals to his name, the Kiwi speedster took the ball in his stride, entered the Oakleigh area and crashed his shot comfortably past the helpless Oakleigh keeper.

Thursday, 30 December 2004 10:18 PM

Thursday, 30 December 2004 10:17 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

(Please be aware some corrections where made as at 31/12/2004 1.30pm)

South kicked off their 04/05 pre-season campaign with an unlucky 0-1 defeat in the somewhat unfamiliar surroundings of the Calabria club in Brunswick West.

The game served as the first serious pre-season hit-out against fellow VPL opposition for the Albert Park based club.

With the majority of the squad assembled South Coach John Anastasiadis was given the opportunity to have a thorough, yet preliminary look at his playing stocks.

Familiar faces from the old NSL that were present in the /starting line-up included GK Dean Anastasiadis, winger and ex-Melbourne Knights player Bill Natsioulas as well as South/ war horse Vaughn Coveny who along with Jesse Krncevic was in charge of leading the line. Not to be outdone, Essendon also fielded two South old boys in the form of Steve Iosifidis and Michael Curcija.

Both teams took a sufficient amount of time in adjusting to the pace of the game, in fact during the first 10-15 minutes clear cut openings were no where to be seen.

The lull of goalmouth action came to an end when midway through the first half Jesse Krncevic was played in behind the Essendon defence and with only the keeper to beat, the Essendon keeper positioned himself well and hence blocked the ensuing shot on goal.

With little to no spark present in the game, South did have one overwhelming positive. The form of ex-Whittlesea Stallions winger/striker Peter Koutsoupias was a clear eye opener. With genuine pace down the wing, a strong build, quick feet and a powerful shot, Koutsoupias was proving to be a handful for the Essendon defence. His first half strike outside the box from the left produced a solid save from the Essendon keeper.

VIS graduate Evan Karavitis was also having a solid game in the centre of the park, sitting slightly in a defensive midfield position he looked particularly sharp on the ball, with good strength and quickness. The Lakeside club were also quite assured at the back, with Arthur Tsonis, Arthur Tsirtsakis and Steven O’Dor managing to easily repel any Essendon threat.

The second half saw the introduction of Tex Apostolikas where he went up front in place of Coveny. Apostolikas caught the eye almost immediately with a nice run at the Essendon defence which resulted in a decent shot. The second stanza also saw Natsioulas get into the game and start looking a genuine threat. On a couple of occasions he managed to go past his direct marker and whip in a ball, unfortunately for South no-one could meet the crosses, but the signs were no doubt positive.

Towards the end of the second half South had a goal disallowed after excellent work down the right wing by Koutsoupias resulted in a goal mouth scramble that eventually fell to Krncevic who tucked it away from 6 yards only to see the goal pulled up for what appeared to be either an infringement or offside.

After clearly winning honours, South succumbed to a very late sucker punch. Essendon managed to quickly break and get the ball to ex-South striker Michael Curcija’s feet in the box, Curcija calmly laid it off, and after one more pass an Essendon player was left with a clear shot on goal from 12 yards out, his shot was scuffed but still managed to beat South’s replacement keeper – a substitute for Dean Anastasiadis at the break – who was wrong footed by the mis-hit.

So all in all, a decent first hit-out for South, positives included the form of young guns Koutsoupias, Natsioulas, Apostolikas and Karavitis.

Wednesday, 29 December 2004 5:33 PM

South Melbourne FC is looking for proven food operators/caterers to undertake the operation of the Social Club kitchen.

The successful applicant will need to have a proven track record in operating and managing food businesses in addition to being able to comply with all necessary food standards.

All proposals to be emailed to Venue Manager at admin@smfc.com.au by the 15 Jan 2005 or call the club on 9645 9797.