Category: News

Monday, 26 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

The Australia day affair that promised much, delivered on many of the promises bar delivering a goal and hence a victor. The inaugural SEN cup saw both South and Perth battle gallantly with the Glory looking dangerous on the counter; whilst the home side carved out the majority of the chances and went on to rue a host of missed first half opportunities. Opportunities which ensured the cup will remain at SEN headquarters until perhaps next season.

With the biggest crowd at Bob Jane of the season, South came out looking to dictate the play early on with young-gun Vince Lia going close on two occasions within the first 15 minutes. Lia’s first chance came when left wingback Simon Storey proceeded dangerously into the Glory area and whipped in a dangerous cross/shot that Perth custodian Jason Petkovic parried into the path of Lia, with Glory defenders hurriedly swarming back, Lia chose to shoot at goal and saw his strike cleared off the line by a Glory defender with South striker Michael Curcija brilliantly placed and waiting for the cutback.

Soon after Lia was at it again, with the ball appearing to be heading out, Con Boustianis cheekily back-heeled and kept the ball in play, fortunately for South the ball fell to Lia who composed himself and took the ball around his direct defender and then fired a stinging drive that Petkovic did well to save.

The 24th minute saw brilliant interplay between Lia and Boutsianis lead to Boutsianis breaking towards goal, with defensive pressure behind him, Boutsianis managed a decent shot that Petkovic did well to save once again.

With South buzzing and searching for the opener, midfield general Michael Panopoulos decided to take matters into his own hands, with the ball falling to the ex-Greek Under 21 international, Panopoulos’s first touch took him cleanly past his direct marker, with the South faithful urging him to shoot, Panopoulos sent a 29th minute deflected strike – from just outside the box – onto the roof of Petkovic’s net. Petkovic appeared to have been fooled by the deflection and hence was helpless as he watched the ball dip just over.

Having weathered the South barrage in the first 30 minutes, the Glory started to settle and went on to create some chances late on in the first half. Firstly, offensive danger-man Bobby Despotovski saw a 30th minute free-kick – from edge of the South defensive area – curl narrowly wide. Then 3 minutes later, dangerous midfield dynamo Tom Pondeljak found some space deep in South’s defensive half; taking one touch to put the ball on his right foot, the ex-Olympic favourite struck solidly and forced South keeper Michael Theoklitos into a sharpish palm over the goalmouth.

South’s final attacking move before half time saw Lia who was having a glorious first half, once again send in a teasing early lowball to the Glory back-post that evaded everyone bar South captain Vaughn Coveny, who intelligently cut inside and let loose with a cleanly hit 44th minute right footed strike that Perth stalwart Petkovic once again did well to save.

With South seemingly toying with the Glory in the opening half, Perth came out in the second half with a far tighter approach and as a result, limited the home side’s attacking effectiveness. South received a wakeup call almost immediately after the re-start, the ever-dangerous Pondeljak whipped in a dangerous ball from the right that was met by ex-Adelaide City Striker Brad Hassell, Hassell made decent headed contact but rising star Theoklitos was on hand to react brilliantly and palm over in the 47th minute.

South started to deviate from their attacking menace throughout the second half, perhaps tiredness had started to set in after a monumental first half showing, perhaps frustration at not being able to get that much deserved goal had begun to bite at the player’s psyche, whatever the rationale, South started playing the long ball far too often and as a result rarely got behind the Perth defence again. However, the 52nd minute saw Con Boutsianis find that much needed space down the left hand side, Boutsianis weaved his way into a good crossing position and then sharply squared for an incoming Curcija who with the crowd waiting in anticipation, failed to get decent headed contact – after immense defensive pressure – and the chance was lost.

Perhaps South’s best opportunity arrived in the 58th minute when the enigmatic Boutsianis quickly took a free kick from the right close to the Glory box, Boutsianis’s low bumbling ball into the Glory area seemed to evade and mislead players from both sides and eventually fell to an unsuspecting Ante Kovacevic who must not have been expecting the ball to fall his way, picking it up late, Kovacevic toe poked wide from 4 yards out with Petkovic stranded and an open goal begging.

With the home side clearly tiring, chances became few and far between and the Glory started to gain confidence culminating in a 74th minute break down the right by Perth forward Despotovski, who scrambled his way into some space and squared for the incoming Pondeljak who was slightly off balanced and hence saw his attempted chip go over Theoklitos’s goalmouth.

South’s final opportunity arrived in the 84th minute after substitute Scott Tunbridge whipped in a quality centre from the left, Coveny rose and sent a looping header towards goal only to see the outstanding Petkovic on hand to once again palm over.

Thursday, 22 January 2004 12:00 AM

NEW RADIO STATION SEN 1116 PARTNERS SOCCER CELEBRATION

Patrons will join in a major celebration of Australia Day on Monday when South Melbourne takes on championship leader Perth Glory at Bob Jane Stadium on Australia Day.

Monday’s game is the inaugural Australia Day Cup challenge match between two of the National Soccer League’s strongest clubs. “We are hoping that this day becomes a tradition along the lines of the AFL Anzac day games between powerhouses Essendon and Collingwood” said South’s CEO Mark Patterson.

A special cup has also been designed for the game which will be sponsored by Melbourne’s new sports radio station SEN 1116. In a move designed to promote soccer and the station, South Melbourne and SEN are continuing to develop a major strategic alliance into the future. “To have the involvement of a radio media partner such as SEN will be great for South and for soccer in general” said Patterson at today’s announcement.

SEN Managing Director Danny Staffieri said, “SEN is looking forward to Monday’s celebration and the involvement of SEN in the Australia Day Cup between two of soccer’s real heavy weights”. “These two club will be vying for the championship in a months time as the season get to its business end. We want to be part of this excitement and more broadly, a part of the game’s future development and growth” Stafferi went on to say.

“SEN has a commitment to all sport and a real and strong interest in soccer. This is the start of what we believe will be a long and important relationship for both organizations”. Said Staffieri.

South Melbourne has also been working in conjunction with the Australia Day Council to enable a host of activities and celebrations to become part of what promises to be the match of the season to date as both teams strive for top position on the National League ladder.

Haylee Simpson, who has just been announced as the winner of the Victorian section of the National Anthem Singer Competition will sing the National Anthem prior to kick-off as a highlight of a day of Australian celebration.

Famous Manchester United player Jesper Olsen will also attend the game while added colour and movement to the pre-game activities will be provided via a special preview of the fast growing world game “Fun Football”.

Thousands of Australian flags will be distributed to patrons on arrival and the crowd will be invited to recite the Australia Day Affirmation with each patron receiving a special card.

Hawthorn senior coach Peter Schwab will also be in attendance to address the pre game function being hosted by the club.

Councilor Liz Johnstone, the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip will also attend to assist with the presentation of special Australia Day Sports Medallions to all players and officials. “We are delighted to be a part of the special celebration and thank the Australia Council for their support,” said South Chief Executive Mark Patterson.

“Traditionally the match against Perth Glory is well attended and we are hoping that given our respective positions on the championship table and the extra celebrations, a big crowd will come out on Monday”. Said Patterson

Kick Off is at 6.00pm with the pre-game activities and fun football starting from 4.30pm.

Wednesday, 21 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Australia Day looms as the date for perhaps the biggest encounter of the NSL season. Reigning champions the Perth Glory come to Bob Jane Stadium looking to all but secure the minor premiership, whereas a victory for the home side could see Stuart Munro’s men get a stranglehold on a coveted top two position.

The Glory are in ominous form and after a tough first half of the season where they played an unprecedented amount of away games – due to the construction of the newly built Members Equity Stadium – now face a consistent run of home games which has seen them skyrocket 5 points clear and with a game in hand.

Conversely South are locked in a battle with the Parramatta Power in the race for the coveted second spot, both sides are locked on 32 points and have a goal difference of +20.

The past month has seen South go through a somewhat patchy run of form, an unlucky result against the Wolves at home followed by a disappointing loss to the Northern Spirit away saw Stuart Munro’s men desperately in need of a result against Sydney United. Fortunately for the Lakesiders a Vaughn Coveny penalty was enough to earn them a crucial victory and get their finals push back on track.

Perth Glory’s roster depth is revered throughout the league; most notably their ability to spread the goal-scoring load should make any defence extremely weary. Potential threats loom in players such as Tom Pondeljak, Nick Mrdja and the ever-dangerous attacking duo of Bobby Despotovski and Damian Mori, these 4 players have contributed 28 of the 39 goals the Glory have scored to date and as such a positive result for South Melbourne could potential lie in nullifying the effectiveness of this high-flying quartet.

The attacking prowess of the Glory has been well documented, however, a consistent balance can be found right throughout their squad. Custodian Jason Petkovic has been one of the leagues marquee goalkeepers for many seasons, in front of him the experience of Sean Murphy and Matthew Bingley provide a solid base for defensive resistance, their presence is well complemented by the youth of up-and-coming defenders Mark Byrnes and Jade North (who will be missing on Olyroo duty). The recent return of Glory defensive favourite Jamie Harnwell only further seeks to solidify the Glory’s backline.

Conversely South will be keen for a positive showing and result to regain the tag of genuine championship contenders. The side has recently been boosted by the superb form of youngsters Vince Lia and Kristian Sarkies. Lia has shown amazing maturity down both flanks, choosing the right moment to attack and finishing his elusiveness down the wing with superb delivery. On the other hand Sarkies has defied all expectations, after making his debut at 16, the now 17 year old midfield workhorse has gone on to play at a level that defies his tender age, his confidence on the ball coupled with his immense self belief has seen the VIS graduate establish himself as one of the best talents in the country.

Coach Munro will have a near full squad to choose from as Marcus Stergiopoulos appears to have recovered from a recent ankle injury. With depth to be found all over the park, Munro will no doubt be stretched when selection time arrives, finding the right balance will be crucial, however, with both sides desperate for victory what is for certain is that a great spectacle of football awaits.

Tuesday, 20 January 2004 12:00 AM

New technology that will operate an access control, turnstile and customer relationship program will be utilized at Bob Jane Stadium this week when South Melbourne takes on Perth Glory on Australia Day.

The system that has been developed over the past five months will enable the club to improve the access to the ground by all patrons and at the same time allow the club to operate a more sophisticated relationship with its supporters and members. Through this system, the club can implement a customer-relationship management program that will benefit its members, sponsors and general customers.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Patterson identified this opportunity on his arrival at the club and believes that there are enormous marketing opportunities available to South Melbourne.

“The introduction of this technology is part of a process to improve our infrastructure and customer service capabilities, particularly as we strive for inclusion in the revamped National competition next year where the level of professionalism will require us to be equipped with such technology. The technology will also operate in conjunction with the on-line ticketing program that was initiated last year” said Chief Executive Officer Mark Patterson.

The system will be truly tested when South takes on table leader Perth Glory at Bob Jane Stadium this Monday at 6.00pm.

“We have tested the access control system over recent weeks to record all member entries and we are ready to expand this system to include all match day and corporate ticketing as from this week’s big match against Perth Glory” Mr. Patterson said.

“The benefits will accrue to all our stakeholders as we begin to better understand the needs of our customers and at the same time be in a position to accurately monitor crowds and revenue. In addition we will also be investigating marketing activities such as loyalty programs for our merchandising and social venue operations” said Patterson.

The club commissioned the services of BEC Systems a company that specializes in access control and database software systems. BEC developed the software and installed the specially designed turnstile apparatus that has enabled the club to meet its specific objectives. “We have been delighted to assist South Melbourne in the development of the system and believe it will enable the club to achieve excellent results in crowd monitoring and control as well as recording valuable marketing data”, said BEC Managing Director Jeff Ottery.

The system has been powered through the generous support provided by Daytec Australia.

An added benefit will be that all hirers of the stadium will have the confidence that the access system is of the latest technological standards and will provide them with excellent customer data and access controls.

Tuesday, 20 January 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Chief Executive Mark Patterson will present his club’s case for acceptance into the Victorian Premier League at a meeting of clubs to be held tonight.

There has been growing debate amongst some of the Victorian Clubs about the planned move of Victoria’s two national league teams, South Melbourne and the Melbourne Knights, as the face of soccer undergoes significant change at both the National and State level.

“The South Melbourne Soccer Club is extremely serious about its plans to participate at State level and we believe that any opposition will be withdrawn once the benefits of our involvement is more clearly understood by the member clubs, particularly the financial benefits that will result for all concerned” said Patterson today.

South Melbourne is confident it will be admitted into the revamped National competition and believes its Victorian participation will add value, profile and improved crowds to the Victorian competition, regardless of what occurs at the National level.

“Unfortunately there has been far too much misinformation and scare mongering in the debate about South’s intentions and I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to explain our position. I am sure we can provide the other clubs with confidence that the move is advantageous for the game and that it would simply be narrow minded and backward not to see that the positives of such a move far out weigh any negatives” Patterson went on to say.

South Melbourne believes other clubs will benefit in a variety of ways including

· Improved revenues from increased crowds
· The potential to gain access to South Melbourne players and resources for junior development purposes
· Access to use Bob Jane Stadium
· Improved player career path options and compensation payments to Premier League clubs

Patterson said that he was confident that the clubs would support South’s move once the issues and benefits had been discussed in an open forum. “The debate to date has only been based on media speculation and reporting which has not provided any of the parties with a real opportunity to talk through the issues properly” he said.

“We ought to all be exploring these issues from a position of ‘how to achieve progressive change’, as opposed to taking a stance of ‘why change shouldn’t occur’ ” Patterson explained.

The VSF meeting will be held tonight.

Friday, 16 January 2004 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club will be holding their annual Grand Gala Auction Night on Friday 20th February 2004 at Albert by the Lake Receptions.

The night promises to be the best auction night yet with dozens of unique and exclusive items. South Melbourne Soccer Club memorabilia includes pieces celebrating this year’s milestones such as Con Boutsianis’ 200th South Melbourne game, Vaughan Coveny’s 100th NSL goal and Paul Trimboli’s 446th record breaking milestone. In addition, international soccer and other sporting memorabilia will be sold.

Other auction categories include homewares, electrical goods and sponsor items. Guests will be treated to a sumptuous three course meal and will be entertained by dancing, a professional master of ceremonies and special guest entertainer.

Tickets can be purchased via the online ticketing engine or through the club on (03) 9645 9797.

This will be a night to remember and is a great opportunity to be a part of South Melbourne’s 2003/2004 NSL season.

Sunday, 11 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Vaughn Coveny made amends for his penalty miss against the Wollongong Wolves by firing home a 65th minute spot-kick to give South a hard-fought – yet priceless – victory against a gallant Sydney United.

Coveny collected his 100th NSL career goal in a game that also celebrated South legend Paul Trimboli’s rise into second position for the all-time NSL games played.

The opening 20 minutes saw Stuart Munro’s men play a great brand of cohesive and attacking football. Con Boutsianis signalled the home team’s intentions early on with a great free kick attempt from 30 yards out. Sydney United custodian Liam Reddy clearly hampered by glare, did well to clutch the ball.

South’s attacking pressure resulted in another great opportunity in the 13th minute, a deep ball from the South midfield saw South striker Michael Curcija contest the high ball on the edge of the United defensive area. The ball fell to Young Socceroo Vince Lia who from outside the box – and on his non favoured left side – unleashed a brilliant curling effort that was destined for Reddy’s right-hand top corner only for the Ex-Parramatta Power keeper to pull off a wonderful save at full stretch.

Two minutes later Lia once again found himself in a great attacking position on the right, Boutsianis with great vision played a great through ball to the South starlet who’s first touch took him reasonably deep into the United area and his subsequent outside-of-the-foot right-foot rocket curled just wide with Reddy well beaten.

With South feasting on attacking adrenalin, another chance went begging in the 16th minute. Right wingback Simon Storey sent in a deep cross for Captain Coveny to head across Reddy’s goalmouth, the ball fell to Boustianis who unfortunately couldn’t keep his half volleyed attempt down.

United’s first genuine impact came in the 21st minute, with seemingly tons of time to clear the ball Ante Kovacevic hesitated with the ever-alert Zeljko Babic stealing the ball from the South defender and honing in on goal, the United marksmen found made his way into the box and with only South debutant Michael Theoklitos – who came in due to the international commitments of usual South number 1 Eugene Galekovic – to beat, Babic’s attempt was foiled by a great save – with his feet – by Theoklitos.

The 28th minute saw South waste a golden opportunity, midfield stalwart Michael Panopoulos played a brilliant through ball in behind the Sydney United defence and unleashed Curcija tête-à-tête with United custodian Reddy, thundering in on goal Curcija opted for power but seemingly forgot about placement resulting in his strike cannoning off Reddy for a corner.

Curcija’s miss was to be the last golden opportunity for quite a spell, both sides went into the dressing rooms at half time knowing that a positive result was still achievable, however, with the guilt edged chances that South had wasted in the first period Stuart Munro would’ve no doubt been grilling his men about their composure in front of goal.

The second stanza started with United’s defensive strength firmly in gear, South continued to have large chunks of the ball but the chances were simply not being created.

Then in the 55th minute seemingly against play, United striker Brendan Santalab – with his back to goal – found the ball at his feet deep into the South defensive area, Santalab shielded the ball well for a good 15 seconds before deciding to turn only to be met with a mistimed lunge from South defender Mehmet Durakovic that gave referee Eddie Lennie no choice but to point to the spot. With the South faithful dejected and fearing that another loss would largely harm their current campaign, and unlikely hero emerged. As Brendan Santalab approached the ball to convert the penalty, Theoklitos chose correctly and pulled off a wonder-save down low to his right, it was a moment to savour for the ex-Blackpool keeper who has been very patient in waiting for his opportunity and grasped it with a season-turning save.

With South thankful for the heroics of Theoklitos, up stepped another young-gun to provide much needed inspiration. The 64th minute saw Vince Lia play a superb delicate ball from the right over the United defence to release South captain Vaughn Coveny, Coveny knocked the ball past Reddy who in the process brought down the South captain with the consistent Lennie on hand to whistle for his second spot kick of the evening. Up stepped Coveny to smash home his 100th NSL career goal as well as to give South a much needed boost.

Not content with one goal as insurance South pressed for a second, the 69th minute saw a deep Boustianis free kick find its way to the United back-post where Curcija was on hand to meet thunderously with a volley that unfortunately for home side went straight a Reddy who gloved well.

With the game entering the last 20 minutes, United began to up their tempo and dominate possession in the hope of pushing for an equaliser. The chance the “Bravehearts” had been building towards arrived in the 85th minute when a quality cross from the right, was met 6 yards out by an attacking United player who made great headed contact only to be foiled by another world class point blank save by the brilliant Theoklitos. Theoklitos’s save capped off a great debut for the South custodian and ensured South’s push for a top three position remains firmly in tact.

Friday, 9 January 2004 12:00 AM

The Australian Soccer legend that is Paul Trimboli is set to reach new heights on Sunday when he becomes the second highest games player in National League history.

South Melbourne takes on Sydney United on Sunday night at Bob Jane Stadium when Trimboli is expected to play his 446th senior match. Trimboli has played 424 of these games with South and the remaining 22 with Sunshine George Cross.

Trimboli’s record is simply outstanding and includes the following highlights

· 1988 and 1989 National Under 21 Player of the Year
· 1992/93 & ‘97/98 NSL Player of the Year
· Member of South Melbourne Soccer Club Team of the Century
· Youngest player to reach 300 and 400 senior NSL games
· Represented Australia on 46 occasions including 39 “A” grade games
· Captained South Melbourne for seasons 1995-2003
· Member of South Championship teams of 1990/91 and 1997/98, 1998/99
· Won South’s best & fairest 6 times

“This is a special day for the club and even more special for Paul, we are encouraging our fans to come and celebrate this enormous achievement on Sunday” said CEO Mark Patterson.

Fans will also be invited to attend a special function the following week to celebrate with Paul and his friends at the club. The night will include a roast from a special panel, music, and celebration.

This week’s match also promises more celebration with skipper Vaughan Coveny sitting on 99 national league goals.

TOP THREE NSL APPEARANCE MAKERS
518 Alex Tobin*
445 Sergio Melta
445 Paul Trimboli*

Thursday, 8 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday’s encounter looms as an extremely important fixture for both Sydney United and the home side South Melbourne.

With South having opened up a 4 point lead atop the NSL just 3 weeks ago, Stuart Munro’s men looked in a great position to comfortably make the finals. Two narrow successive losses to the Wollongong Wolves and the Brisbane Strikers have put South in a somewhat uncomfortable 3rd position with the teams behind them having games in hand.

Sydney United may have the league’s best defence – having only conceded an astonishing 7 goals thus far (though midweek the United defence leaked 5 against the Power) – however, their lack of productivity in front of goals sees them clinging on the edge of the final’s race in 6th position.

Rookie NSL Coach Grant Lee has managed to form a very competitive unit with a defensive emphasis on – like many clubs in the NSL this season – a very low budget. Makeshift defender Damon Collina has done a superb job linking with experienced NSL campaigners Mark Rudan and Joe Vrkic to form the league’s best defence. United’s defensive strength was also boosted pre-season with the acquisition of ex-Parramatta Power custodian Liam Reddy who has re-affirmed the belief that he is one the best young keepers in the country with a great start to his career as a “Braveheart”.

The nippy roaming presence of influential midfielder Anthony Doumanis is always a concern for the opposition as is the sheer pace and acceleration that forward Zeljko Babic brings to the line-up. Babic has been vastly out of form this season having only scored once, however, this fact alone should make the South defence weary as Babic’s immense work rate always presents a danger to the opposition.

Conversely, South will be hoping that Marcus Stergiopoulos pulls up fit after missing the past two encounters with an injured ankle. Stergiopoulos’s presence has been vastly missed as his holding role in front of the defence has been of great importance in South’s tremendous first half of the season. Furthermore the late withdrawal – to injury – of left wingback Sam Poutakidis in last week’s encounter against the Strikers also saw South loose one of their most consistent performers to date. The South faithful and coaching staff will be hoping that Poutakidis returns as soon as possible.

South’s squad depth is well known across the league and the challenge will once again be left up to Coach Munro to find his best 11. With a vast array of experienced campaigners and talented youth players at his disposal, it shall be interesting to see if the former Glasgow Rangers stalwart can find the right mix.

Thursday, 8 January 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne today clarified its application to be part of the Victorian Premier League.

“Our move is a strategic option that may also enable us to play our Youth players in Victoria’s premier competition as part of a career path strategy and one that supports local soccer” said Club CEO Mark Patterson.

“I do not want this application to be perceived as showing any lack of confidence in our success to be part of the new National competition. On the contrary said Patterson today “We are of the view that our National application will be successful and that we will be a strong and valuable asset to the new league” he said.

What South Melbourne can also do is help strengthen Victorian soccer by adding its brand and its players to the local competition that provides young players with an opportunity to develop their careers.

“I see this as a real test for the ability of the Victorian soccer administrators to see a vision for the future and to look at the positives that the changes to the national competition can have locally. South Melbourne’s participation can indicate how a National club can assist to lift the profile and credibility of the local game,” said Patterson. “This also creates an opportunity for South Melbourne to provide a 12 month on-field operation that will benefit our commercial and player development operations,” added Patterson.

South Melbourne sees its role as broader than just a National club and believes it can offer strength within Victoria both on-field and in terms of promoting the game within the wider community as well” Patterson went onto say.

This Premier League move is just as much about South Melbourne wanting to continue to be a proactive participant at all levels of soccer as it is about protecting any potential National position whilst it continues to assist game development in Victoria.