Category: News

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.

Sunday, 6 February 2005 10:24 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have scored their first victory in the 2005 Vodafone Premier League defeating the St. Albans Saints by 1 goal to nil. In front of 3000 or so supporters, a breathtaking first half strike by Kiwi striker Vaughn Coveny was enough to settle the tie.

Coach John Anastasiadis fielded the same first eleven as he did in round 1 playing a flat back four of Tsonis, O’Dor, Tsirtsakis and MacNicol with a four man midfield consisting of Karavitis, Tzirtis, Natsioulas and Dinse. Up front Kosta Salapasidis was again given a free roaming role with Captain Vaughn Coveny playing as the lone striker.

With less hype surrounding the game and the St. Albans line-up relatively unknown, South came out with a far more open approach. This somewhat lax outlook almost immediately cost the home side when only in the 2nd minute a superb over-the-top through-ball by the St. Albans midfield was well controlled by striker Bossio who found himself six yards out and with only Anastasiadis to beat. Fortunately for the home side, Bossio scuffed his volley and didn’t even hit the target.

The Saints where at it again in the 7th minute when Paleka created some nice space for himself at the top of the box and unleashed a venomous strike that Anastasiadis did well to keep out.

Somewhat against the run of play, South opened the scoring. A 25-yard free kick was played square by Salapasidis to Coveny who looked to have taken a touch too many but just when the chance seemed to have been wasted, Coveny managed to unleash a stinging 13th minute angled drive – from outside the box- that Saints’ custodian Stjepan Gal – at full stretch – couldn’t get anywhere near.

Though disappointed with going behind, St. Albans continued to create chances. South pre-season trialist Ivan Razov saw a 16th minute free-kick – from just outside the South area – parried over by the excellent Anastasiadis. The South keeper was the home side’s saviour again when he parried another decent strike in the 21st minute.

The half ended with a bit of bust-up between South’s Scottish winger Ryan Dinse and a St. Albans player. The situation was close to boiling over with many players running to get involved but was thankfully quickly cooled with Dinse receiving a yellow card.

Seeing that South was failing in the centre of the park, coach Anastasiadis replaced Tzirtis with Koutsoupias at the start of the 2nd half, moving Natsioulas to the centre and playing Koutsoupias on the right wing.

South came out in the 2nd half far more determined, as early as the 49th minute Coveny broke down the right wing, shaked off his marker yet was slowed in his tracks by a lack of support, he still managed to pick out Ryan Dinse’s run on the back post but the South winger failed to connect with his attempted snapshot volley.

Dinse was at it again in the 51st minute when his dangerous run down the left produced a quality low centre that evaded the St. Albans keeper and was primed for a tap in only to see a lack of South players streaming into the box to get on the end of it.

St. Albans’ only chance in the second half was a 56th minute Dragicevic free-kick that looked headed for the top corner but thankfully for the home side just skimmed the roof of the net.

Koutsoupias had looked eager to impress and was at the heart of South’s next chance. His superb interplay with Dinse saw Koutsoupias released down the right, his subsequent 66th minute delivery was whipped in low with Saints’ defender Ivan Filipovic fortunate not to divert into his own net, seeing his mis-kicked interception just clear the crossbar with keeper Gal no-where in sight.

South then finished the game with a flurry and were denied two penalties which seemed clear cut. First a mazy 77th minute dribble by Salapasidis saw the South playmaker make his way into the St. Albans box, dazzling his way past the Saints’ defence Salapasidis appeared to have been clearly brought down yet referee Giuseffi waved play on. Then an 88th minute through-ball by Evan Karavitis was latched onto by the speedy Koutsoupias who took a touch away from the keeper, having his legs taken out in the process. Referee Giuseffi whistled immediately though to the amazement of the home supporters, issued Koutsoupias a yellow card for apparent simulation.

In between the two penalty appeals, Koutsoupias had shown his dogged determination in managing to outpace and outmuscle his direct marker and narrow into goal to unleash a 80th minute angled drive that keeper Gal did well to hold.

Final Score: South Melbourne FC 1 – St. Albans Saints 0
Venue – Bob Jane Stadium
Attendance – 2,989
Referee – Lewis Giuseffi

South Melbourne: Anastasiadis, MacNicol, O’Dor, Tsonis, Tsirtsakis, Natsioulas, Karavitis, Tzirtis (Koutsoupias 45), Salapasidis, Dinse (Krncevic 69), Coveny (c)
Subs not used: Curtis, De Nettis, Dimitropulos (GK)

Saint Albans Saints: Gal, Suric, Paleka M, Buljubasic, Filipovic, Paleka A, Razov, Franjic, Bosnic, Boddio, Dragicevic, Vunderl, Pete, Ievardo, Gazic

Cautions: Dinse (SM), Tsirtsis (SM), Koutsoupias (SM), ? (SA)
Red Cards: (None)

Thursday, 3 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Coming off an encouraging draw against bitter rivals Heidelberg United, South Melbourne entertains a newly shaped St. Albans Saints in the 2nd round of the Vodafone Premier League.

The Saints have been decimated by departures, five of which have been to sister-club the Melbourne Knights. Dario Matkovic, Neven Antic, Tommy Milardovic, Tomi Razov and Mark Vidakovic have all made the move to Sunshine whilst experienced coach Vlado Vanis has also left the club. Gutsy midfielder Ante Deak is trying to win an A-League contract and will also be missing from the Saints’ plans this season whilst NSL-experienced striker Paul Urlovic has also departed.

The Saints have brought in seasoned veteran Vinko Buljubasic to try and marshal the defence, whilst pre-season South trialist Ivan Razov – a quick winger/midfielder – has also joined the club.

New and untried coach Srecko Baresic has the ominous task of trying to keep the Saints in the premier division this year with last week’s 2-0 loss against the newly promoted – and early favourites for the drop – Sunshine Georgies acting as stern realisation for the task that Baresic is presented with.

Conversely, South Melbourne are coming off a confidence boosting nil-all draw against Heidelberg United, a game in which the home side were tipped to suffer a hiding yet binded together to achieve an unlucky draw.

South coach John Anastasiadis was greatly impressed by the entire performance of his youthful squad last week and will no doubt make none if very few changes to this weeks starting line-up.

Showing his immense class Kosta Salapisidis will again prove to be the linchpin for the home side. His partnership with fellow NSL warhorse and club captain Vaughn Coveny will prove crucial to South’s goal getting ability. In the centre of defence the newly-formed partnership of Arthur Tsonis and emerging young-gun Steven O’Dor will hopefully provide the “bedrock” base the home side needs to keep the Saints forwards at bay, against the Bergers these two were outstanding and managed to repel any Heidelberg threat.

A win for South is a must and will consolidate a strong and encouraging start to the season. Conversely, a defeat for the Saints will only serve as a further indicator of a potentially long season ahead.

Wednesday, 2 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Continuing with the theme of interviewing up-and-coming young-guns Vasilios Natsioulas typifies what the current South Melbourne squad is all about.

Bristling with talent and considerable NSL experience for-his-age,

Natsioulas was a fan favourite down at Knight’s Stadium, where his silky skills coupled with his dedication and obvious play for the shirt won the hearts of the Sunshine-based club.

His intentions at South Melbourne are no different, the supporters can expect much of the same.

A bit about your career to date?

“I started playing at the age of 7 at Clayton Juniors. At the age of 10 I moved onto their more advanced junior setup (Box Hill Inter) and spent 5 years there. I had one season at Knox when I was 16 and then moved to the VPL-based Bentleigh Greens where I made a couple of appearances off the bench for the seniors. Later that season I trialled for the Melbourne Knight’s youth team and was fortunately picked up. My senior debut came soon after where I played 25 or so NSL games largely as a winger with stints in attack and centre midfield”.

Having played both in the NSL and VPL what are the major differences in the standard of play?

“Look, both leagues have their advantages and disadvantages. The NSL is far more technical whilst the VPL is a far quicker style of play. In the NSL support play from team-mates was far greater, i.e. when you’re in a sticky position there was inevitably always an option. However, if the NSL was played at VPL-like speed the likelihood of players being skinned would also increase as the general technical ability of the old NSL was considerably better”.

Who are some of the hardest opponents you’ve come up against?

“Matty Horsely was a real livewire, super-fit and hard to keep up with. Tommy Pondeljak was high quality, box-to-box all game. However, Troy Halpin of Sydney Olympic takes the top award. Halpin is the sort of player who may not work much but makes up for his lack of engine by reading the game immaculately. He just knows where to position himself in order to get the ball. I distinctly remember playing against Olympic and having the most possession of any Knight’s player that day as I had decided to follow him around the pitch”.

Future Ambitions?

“I definitely want to stay in Australia and prove myself here. The overseas dream isn’t as much of a lure for me as it is with other players. The new Football Administration in place at the top of the game sees conditions for players in Australia continually on the rise. Being able to earn a comfortable living from the game at home, is now a real possibility and something which I find quite appealing. I won’t lie and say the A-League isn’t a league I want to be competing in, whether that be with a club like South or somebody else.

I’ve been at a similar level before, and want to reach that summit again.

Why did you choose South Melbourne?

“I chose South Melbourne for the shirt.

I had offers from the Knights, Oakleigh, Bentleigh and Green Gully, but ultimately I just wanted to play for South.

Having been one of the leading clubs in Australia for such a long time, the level of professionalism and prestige at the club is something a young player can really appreciate.

From something as simple as the quality of the facility that is Bob Jane Stadium, choosing South was ultimately an easy decision.”

What can the supporters expect from the team and from Vasilios Natsioulas?

“We’ve got a young side at South, but one which I firmly believe has the playing stocks to be challenging for a top-six position.

On a personal level, the fans can expect a player who loves to attack and has an emphasis on creativity.

The style of play I produced at the Melbourne Knights is a good indicator as to the level/style of play that I’m trying to bring to South Melbourne”.

Tuesday, 1 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

It’s no secret, that this coming season’s squad features many richly talented young players.

One of the most promising is ex-Whittlesea Stallions striker Peter Koutsoupias.

Peter was kind enough to lend his time to allow South supporters a greater insight into his career, thus far.

So Pete a bit about your career to date.

“I started playing football at a relatively old age. I was 13 before I started playing organised games and in a team environment. I had always loved the game and would gather on weekly basis with some family and friends, to take on some local African players at a nearby park. Week after week they would consistently beat us; it was when we finally beat them, that I decided I should give the game a proper crack”.

“My first club was Meadow Park, I wasn’t there for long however as I was spotted by Charlie Spiteri who was running an elite coaching academy for kids, known as the ‘Centre of Excellence’. Charlie invited me to join the academy, as well as the club he was coaching at the time, Eltham.

I spent one season at Eltham and then moved to the Super-league-based U14’s at Thomastown”.

“From Thomastown I trialled at the newly-formed Whittlesea Stallions who picked me up for their U16’s side whilst I was still 15.

The move to the reserves side followed quickly with my senior debut coming at the age of 16 and a-half”.

During my time in the National Youth League, I helped Whittlesea knock out South in the Southern Semi Finals. We ended up winning 3-2 that day, and I nabbed 2 of those, one at each end and in the process accomplished one of my dreams, to score at BJS.

We ended up winning the Southern Youth league that year, but unfortunately quickly came back down to earth when a Parramatta side fielding many players with NSL experience comfortably defeated us, in the National titles”.

“Last season I scored 7 or so VPL goals in 10 starts so naturally I’m looking forward to improving on that mark, I had an unfortunate run of 10 or so matches where the coach at the time, didn’t see me in his plans, for me, it was an extremely frustrating period as I had scored 4 goals in the first 5 games of the season and could not understand why I was being left-out.

Thankfully with Gary Cole taking over late, I was re-instated into the starting 11 and finished the season strongly scoring 3 times in the last 5 games”.

Your trial at Derby County?

“An amazing experience. I was training with their U19’s and walked past many great senior players like Fabrizio Ravanelli and Malcolm Christie.

Manager John Gregory was being treated like royalty tucking into a cup of tea and some biscuits, but on a more serious note.. the 3 week experience taught me many things.

It made me realise the level of “cut and thrust” required to make it overseas. In my first week nobody said a word to me, something I found very odd, only later did I realise that it was due to the incredibly high level of competition for places.

I played in a friendly against West Bromwich Albion and came close to scoring with a header, that flashed narrowly wide passed the upright. At the end of my 3 weeks I was given a report card with recommendations regarding potential areas of improvement.

I have been working away at those areas ever since”.

Future Ambitions?

“I want to play at the highest possible level that I can, whether that be in Australia or overseas. I am 19 now and still feel that I can give the overseas dream another shot”.

Why did you choose South Melbourne?

“Simply I followed my heart. I had an offer from Heidelberg but for me the choice was very straightforward. Growing up in a Greek family I always felt close to South, it was the club I supported. From seeing current coach Johnny A score a double against Sydney United in the season 99/00 grand final, it is that sort of euphoria that I wanted to experience.

At South, the supporters are amazing; to be able to celebrate with fans as if they are your brother, is something unique.

To illustrate that point, in our recent friendly against the Sunshine Georgies, the atmosphere generated by the boys in the Clarendon Corner is something I have never experienced before”.

You’ve been given the number 9 made famous by club legend Paul Trimboli, how did that come about?

“Trimmers was training with the squad right throughout pre-season. I never expected to be wearing such a famous number; I mean the guy’s an absolute legend, someone I truly admire. When he decided to retire, I donned the famous number during some pre-season games. It’s a number I have always enjoyed wearing and to adopt it a club where it is a sacred thing, is an honour. Not many things bring tears to my eyes, but going up to Trimmers and telling him that I hope to live up to the number was something which certainly did”.

What can the supporters expect from the team and from Peter Koutsoupias?

“Maximum effort and players giving it their all are two characteristics which describe this team well. On a personal level I class myself as a player who loves to entertain and excite the fans. There is no better feeling then a crowd responding positively to the way you and the team is playing. Also knowing how special the supporter base at South is makes me want to create and score goals just so I can celebrate these moments of joy with them”.

Monday, 31 January 2005 11:51 AM

The President and Board of South Melbourne FC, wish to thank everyone who made yesterday’s match at BJS a fantastic and historic event.

Fans of both sides can be proud that their collective efforts created a VPL record attendance.

In years to come, you can proudly tell your family and friends that I was at BJS when SMFC and Heidelberg played for the first time in a decade, in front of a bumper crowd.

To you all, we say thank you.

The SMFC family worked tirelessly through out the day, and you have our eternal gratitude.

It is the great volunteers, that make our club Australia’s finest.

While it was a fantastic event, we recognise that the day was not without its teething problems.

We wish to remind you that this is a new board and that yesterday was the first time that many in the administration had been charged with such a massive task.

We recognise there were first up problems and delays.

But we are committed to working through these issues, to make your match day experience at BJS, a more enjoyable one.

Your patronage yesterday was a great first step, in this new Vodafone VPL season.

We could not have done it, without the support of both sets of fans and teams.

Again, we thank you.

But the hard work and effort doesn’t stop here. The blue and white will be out in force again this Sunday, when we play St Albans Saints.

We urge you to turn out in numbers and show everyone what SMFC is all about.

It is only with your continued support, that our club can maintain it’s proud history and tradition of excellence.

See you at the football,

The Board of the SMFC

Sunday, 30 January 2005 10:26 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In front of almost 12,000 spectators South Melbourne announced their presence in the Vodafone Premier League with an unlucky scoreless draw against traditional rivals Heidelberg.

Hungry for some football action the South supporter gave the club the exact boost that it needed by turning up in massive numbers. The game was special for a few reasons. First and foremost it was the first meeting of the two bitter rivals for a decade and secondly, the game marked the official send-off of South legend Paul Trimboli.

South kicked off with a starting line-up of Dean Anastasiadis in goal, a back four consisting of Steven O’Dor, Arthur Tsonis, Scot Macnicol and Arthur Tsirtsakis. In the centre of the park, South played Evan Karavitis and George Tzirtis with Vasilios Natsioulas and Ryan Dinse doing the wing work. Up front Kostas Salapasidis was given a free-roaming role with Vaughn Coveny the main spearhead.

The game commenced with former South favourite Con Boutsianis sending a 1st minute free-kick narrowly wide. The Boutsianis effort served as a reminder of the higher level of experience and class present in the Heidelberg first 11. Heidelberg midfield ace Steve Pantelidis summed up the level of intensity present in the game when his ill-timed 4th minute tackle sent South captain Vaughn Coveny tumbling and clutching his leg. Pantelidis was dually booked.

With both teams struggling to settle Heidelberg sent a shiver through the heart of the South defence when a 19th minute free-kick from the right-peg of ex-South starlet Billy Damianos was met by a rising Berger’s player with his header flashing narrowly wide.

Heidelberg’s 19th minute opportunity was to be their last genuine chance of the entire encounter as with the crowd behind the home side, South looked to gain the ascendency. Kostas Salapasidis’s all-round class was proving to be vital for South and it was his inch perfect ball over the top in the 30th minute that released Coveny one-on-one with Bergers’ keeper Lou Acevski. Coveny looked to delicately chip the Heidelberg custodian but Acevski was alert and got a finger to the attempt, Coveny then had a follow-up opportunity where it appeared Acevski infringed the Kiwi forward but referee Perry Mur waived play-on.

32 minutes in Vasilios Natsioulas received a ball from Tzirtis which released him wide on the right. Natsioulas cut inside and unleashed a dipping and curling cross-shot that sailed narrowly wide of Acevski’s right upright.

South went into the half-time break confidently knowing that the balance of play and chances belonged to them.

The Albert Park-based club looked to continue their positive outlook in the second half and nearly succeeded in the 50th minute when the superb Salapasidis received the ball and advanced to just outside the Heidelberg box. His subsequent shot was loaded with power and flashed just over the Heidelberg framework.

Having had a solid if somewhat quiet debut Scottish winger Ryan Dinse showed his potential in the 63rd minute when he comfortably skinned his direct marker, made his way into the Heidelberg box and sent in a low venomous cross the impeccable Acevski was once more on hand to alertly intercept.

South then had a flurry of chances. The first came in the 72nd minute when Scottish right-back Scot Macnicol released Coveny over the top with a skied through-ball. Coveny did well to shake off his marker and entered the Heidelberg defensive area with only Acevski to beat. Fortunately for the visitors Acevski succeeded in spreading himself well and making a big presence, managing to get his body onto the shot and hence deflecting it out for a corner.

Then in the 73rd minute Salapasidis received the ball on the right-wing, his brilliant close control saw him skip past a couple of Heidelberg players and hence make his way into the box. His subsequent angled shot was headed for the bottom corner only for Acevski to once again get a fingertip onto the ball, managing to divert around the upright for a corner. From the subsequent corner a Vaughn Coveny flick-on to the back post was met by Salapasidis who from 3 yards out sent his header over the bar.

From there on the game was played out with both sides cautious of the result. Minor chances fell to Heidelberg substitute Tsioulis who had a 78th minute drive comfortably saved by Anastasiadis. South then saw an 86th minute strike from outside the box by George Tzirtis also easily saved by Acevski.

Final Score: South Melbourne FC 0 – Heidelberg United Warriors 0
Venue – Bob Jane Stadium
Attendance – 11,800
Referee – Perry Mur

South Melbourne: (4-5-1) Anastasiadis, MacNicol, O’Dor, Tsonis, Tsirtsakis, Natsioulas, Karavitis, Tzirtis, Salapasidis, Dinse (Koutsoupias 66), Coveny (c)
Subs not used: Krncevic, Curtis, De Nettis, Dimitropulos (GK)

Heidelberg United: (3-4-3) Acevski, Erdogan, Roberts, Liparoti, Karapatsos (Yusef 59), Pantelidis, Damianos, Vassiliadis (c), Simsek (Goutzioulis 59), Tricarico, Boutsianis (Papadopoulos 66)
Subs not used: Tsoulis, Ouliaris

Cautions: Pantelidis (HU) 8, Tsonis (SM) 79, Roberts (HU) 83
Red Cards: (None)

Thursday, 27 January 2005 7:57 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Back in the old National competition there was no other fixture that could capture the imagination as much as the South Melbourne-Heidelberg derby.

After years of hiatus this legendary fixture is on the verge of resurrection. Sunday sees the battle of the two Australian football giants recommence with both sides super-eager to not only get their season off to a positive start, but more importantly score a psychological victory against their bitter rivals.

Heidelberg is back in the VPL after gaining promotion last season with a credible 2nd place finish behind the eventual State 1 winners the Sunshine Georgies. Recruiting for the Bergers has been particularly impressive with many experienced NSL players joining the roster at Olympic Village.

Ex-South Melbourne stars Con Boutsianis and Billy Damianos are two players integral to the Heideilberg outfit. Attacking spark, flair and that little bit of extra class are the responsibility of these two seasoned professionals. With Ex-Melbourne Knight and Adelaide City keeper Lou Acevski in goal, ex-South defender Robert Liparoti in the heart of defence, and exciting young Socceroo Steve Pantelidis in a wingback/midfield role this season’s Heidelberg is definitely not lacking in the quality stakes. Up front Joe Tricarico is a player to watch with stints at Carlton and the Melbourne Knights highlighting his ability to play at the top.

Form wise Heidelberg has had a mixed pre-season. Outstanding results against the likes of Bentleigh, Altona and Oakleigh have been overwhelmed by a tight loss to Fawkner-Whittlesea as well as two thrashings at the hands of Green Gully and the Preston Lions.

Conversely as all know, South is in the process of re-building its dynasty. The squad is largely made up of promising youngsters with a trickling of NSL-hardened players who make up the backbone of the team. Key to South’s core will be veteran goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis who has had vast NSL experience with South, Collingwood Warriors, Carlton and Wollongong. Con Blatsis has returned from a long stint overseas and will form the heart of the South defence, injury however will keep him out of the derby.

Up front Kiwi Vaughn Coveny is entrusted to once again lead the line. The Kiwi international has had a distinguished career at NSL level with his best football played at the Albert Park-based club. Late signing Kostas Salapasidis will also play a crucial role, his silky touches should provide a large chunk of the team’s goals. Salapasidis has played in Europe with stints in Spain and Greece but is perhaps most famous for his virtuoso performance in the World Youth Championships were his 4 goals single-handedly defeated tournament favourites Argentina.

Scottish winger Ryan Dinse has had a very solid pre-season campaign and will be crucial to South’s width and attacking raids. High quality youngsters can be found in Peter Koutsoupias, Vasilios Natsioulas, ex-VIS captain Evan Karavitis and son of Australian football legend Eddie Krncevic, Jesse Krncevic.

South’s pre-season hasn’t been supplemented with positive results; however, their play has shown many promising signs. Narrow losses to Essendon, Oakleigh and Altona where the team produced good attractive football where unfortunate. Two 3-0 losses to Bulleen and the Melbourne Knights were a disappointment as the team conceded soft goals and in general lacked spark; however, John Anastasiadis’s men finally gelled and comfortably disposed of the Sunshine Georgies 3-0.

With both sides desperate for a result Sunday promises to be a cracking fixture. A big crowd is expected to witness the renewal of one of Australian Football’s most legendary rivalries; the “good old days” of Victorian football are truly back.

Tuesday, 25 January 2005 4:17 PM

That is the call from SMFC for this Sunday’s VPL season opener against old foes Heidelberg United.

With a bumper crowd anticipated, fans of both sides are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they do not face delays getting inside to see this much anticipated match.

Patrons are also reminded that construction works at the neighbouring Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) have severely reduced the capacity of parking in the area and as such the SMFC recommends the use of public transport to and from the match.

“The last thing you want on such a big day is to spend an hour looking for a spot, then getting to the ground and lining up for a ticket and missing the kick off”, says SMFC President George Donikian, “so jump on the train or tram and get to Bob Jane Stadium nice and early”.

Gates will open at 2pm and all the stadiums amenities, including the famous ‘Champion’s Bar’ will be open well in advance of the 6pm kick off, so grab your friends and get to the football early!!