Category: News

Thursday, 23 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Sunday sees South travel to the Sydney United Sports Centre (formerly known as Edensor Park) to face Sydney United. Coming off a sterling 4-1 victory against the ladder topping Newcastle United, South is further strengthened with the availability of young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia and much-heralded signing Michael Panopoulos.

After a promising start to their campaign United’s season has somewhat gone downhill in the last two weeks. Opening round victories against Wollongong and the Football Kingz had David Lee’s men as the early NSL pacesetters, however, since returning from a bye in round 3 United have lost consecutive games to Sydney Olympic and the Parramatta Power without managing to find the back of the net.

Returning from national team duty is Franco Parisi who should add some bite to the “Bravehearts” forward line. In Liam Reddy – who moved from the Parramatta Power in the off-season – United possess one the local games most talented – if not a touch temperamental – young keepers. NSL experience can be found throughout the United line-up with players such as Joe Vrkic, David Huxley, Matthew Langdon, Michael Cunico and Damon Collina all having played at the highest level in Australia for quite some time.

In young midfielder Anthony Doumanis United also possess one of the league’s most unpredictable yet exciting players, discarded by Sydney Olympic a couple of season’s ago, Doumanis’s diminutive figure lends itself well to his fast paced and technical approach to the game, Doumanis along with many players in this season’s United squad have more than a point to prove to their previous employers.

Conversely, South are full of confidence and looking to consolidate their position in the top 6. Captain Vaughn Coveny has started the season in ominous form, bagging 5 goals from 4 starts. Impressive teenager Kristian Sarkies will once again push for a starting position in South’s midfield engine room. The availability of Murdocca, Lia and Panopoulos gives coach Munro a multitude of attacking options, yet South go into the game having only conceded 2 goals thus far, and more importantly, no goals, in their two away games to date.

Game: Sydney United Vs South Melbourne
Date: Sunday 26 October 2003
Venue: Sydney United Sports Centre
Kickoff: 5pm EST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 41
United wins 17
South wins 17
Draws 7

HEAD TO HEAD (at Sydney United):
Played: 17(Regular Season)
United wins 8
South wins 6
Draws 3

Last Encounter:
South 1-0 away win (Round 16 – 5 January 2003)

LAST WEEK:
United 2-0 home loss v Parramatta Power
South 4-1 home win v Newcastle

Position on Ladder:
7th v 6th

SYDNEY UNITED SQUAD: L Reddy (gk), M Rudan, J Vrkic, M Langdon, L Haliti, M Cunico, D Huxley, D Collina, T Doumanis, F Parisi, P Markovic, P Ivanic, T Ozbey, M Filipovic, I Necevski (gk)

IN: F Parisi (returns from U-20 international duty), D Huxley (returns from injury), A Doumanis, T Ozbey (both return from suspension)
OUT: D Heffernan (suspended – 2 matches), S Babic, G Nohra, A Zmire (all injured)

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: TBA

Wednesday, 22 October 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club congratulates Vince Lia and Massimo Murdocca for being selected to represent Australia at the FIFA World Youth Championships. The selection provides a great opportunity for Vince and Massimo to showcase their skills on a world stage. The inclusion of these two South players strengthens South’s reputation for producing Australian players with Scott Tunbridge and Eugene Galekovic currently in the Australian U/23 squad.

Vince and Massimo will be available for selection this week against Sydney United and then depart for Korea on 1st November. The team is playing in Korea and Japan before taking part in the FIFA World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates, with the final being held on the 17th December 2003.

Upon returning to Australia, Vince and Massimo will be available to play in South’s first game of the new year, versus Sydney United on the 11th January 2004.

South Melbourne wishes Vince, Massimo and the entire Australian U/20 team the best of luck and much success overseas.

Sunday, 19 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has bounced back emphatically after a last week’s disappointing performance against Brisbane. Led by the ever-inspirational Vaughn Coveny – who bagged a hat-trick – and teenage sensation Kristian Sarkies, South comfortably accounted for Newcastle by 4 goals to 1.

Coach Munro fielded a largely unchanged line-up from last week’s opening home encounter against the Strikers, notable changes were however made in that Mehmet Durakovic made his return to the first 11 in place of Levent Osman and young teenager Kristian Sarkies – a product of the VIS – was given his full NSL debut in place of gun recruit Michael Panopoulos.

South once again started somewhat tentatively, the game took a while to get into gear, with both sides registering notable efforts on goal in the early proceedings. The 5th minute saw Newcastle striker Ryan Griffiths get the better of the Durakovic after the ball was played in over the South defence, fortunately for South Griffiths was well closed down and the ball went out for a corner.

South’s first glorious opportunity arrived in the 13th minute after Sarkies had spotted a Curcija run down the right, Curcija measured his cross and delivered a curling centre that fell to Con Boutsianis who did well to bring the ball down but unfortunately couldn’t keep his volley low and on target.

The 23rd minute saw Boutsianis again waste great work down the right, this time South captain Vaughn Coveny had done exceptionally well to create space for himself and deliver a ball that evaded the United defence, with only United keeper John Perosh to beat, Boutsianis attempted a delicate lob that went wide.

The game was blown wide open in the 29th minute when United custodian Perosh inexplicably sent his clearance straight to Curcija, baring down on goal Curcija attempted to round Perosh and was brought down in the process, a penalty was awarded and Newcastle defender Peter Tsekenis was given his marching orders. Coveny stepped up and converted low to Perosh’s right.

To Newcastle’s credit they hit back almost immediately, the 30th minute saw South momentarily lapse defensively which allowed Newcastle to play in striker Greg Owens, Owens produced a text book finish, striking across Galekovic’s goalmouth to level the ledger at 1 a piece.

South however were determined to make their man advantage count, firmly embedded in the player’s minds from last week was coach Munro’s comments that the crossing lacked the needed quality, the 39th minute saw Simon Storey overlap down the left wing, Storey produced a stinging cross that Coveny did superbly well to rise and head down past a diving Perosh, South had regained the lead and most importantly before half time.

The 2nd stanza saw South further assert their dominance, with Kristian Sarkies pulling the strings in the centre of the park akin to a seasoned pro let alone a first game debutant South always looked dangerous going forward. It was therefore no surprise when Sarkies played a visionary ball over the United defence to an overlapping Sam Poutakidis, whose subsequent low cross – which was aimed near at keeper Perosh – was fumbled by Perosh and eventually trickled over the line to give South a deserved 3-1 lead and “Pouta” his second goal of the season.

Newcastle however failed to give in, the 67th minute saw Boutsianis dispossessed in the centre of the park with United defender Adam Griffiths continuing his run forward, Griffiths was nearly rewarded after being spotted by the Newcastle midfield who played a lovely long ball over the South defence that Griffiths managed to meet, however, fortunately for South Griffiths’s header failed to hit the target.

South wrapped up the game in the 76th minute when Curcija once again found space wide on the right, Curcija took his time and measured his cross inch perfectly for the incoming Coveny to rise above the Newcastle defence and emphatically head home his hat-trick and South’s 4th.

The 78th minute saw South legend Paul Trimboli replace Con Boutsianis to a thunderous applause, Trimboli’s introduction further inspired the relentless South to create 3 further classical chances. First off the 80th minute saw a Coveny header cleared off the line by the United defence. Coveny was involved again in the 82nd minute when his deft touch played in Curcija who unleashed a stinging drive that Perosh did well to save at full stretch.

Finally Curcija was denied a deserved goal when in the 85th minute yet another quality ball from the right, this time from Poutakidis, saw Curcija unmarked with only Perosh to beat, unfortunately for the Lakesiders Curcija’s header went wide.

Thursday, 16 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday (19/10/03) South takes on Newcastle United in their second consecutive home fixture. After a disappointing first up home result against the Brisbane Strikers, the Lakesiders will be eager to make amends.

In contrast Newcastle remains undefeated after two opening victories followed by two consecutive draws; the NSW-based club lies in equal first place and has made a sterling start to the season. United boast a squad littered with NSL experienced campaigners. In Milan Blagojevic, Robert Middleby, Esala Masi, Steve Eagleton, Peter Tsekenis, Craig Deans and custodian John Perosh, Newcastle possess one of the most experienced teams in the competition.

Middleby in particular is a player that Munro’s men must be weary of, his great pace and ability to whip in the dangerous ball from the flank provides plenty of ammunition for United’s front-men.

Exciting youngster Jobe Wheelhouse who has managed 3 goals so far this campaign will miss due to Young Socceroo commitments, Wheelhouse is joined by South Melbourne startlets Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia who will also miss due to national team duty.

Though somewhat disappointing in their opening home fixture, South supporters should be heartened by Michael Panopoulos’s display, the former Greek Under 21 International – though under-done from a fitness perspective – displayed touches of elegance that few, if any players in the NSL posses. Panopoulos will be a crucial cog in the South midfield and with the absence of Murdocca will assume even greater responsibility.

From a defensive perspective South have only conceded once in their opening 3 encounters, a record which should keep the home side in good stead, and if the obvious array of attacking talent that South posses comes to the fore, hopefully the South supporters present will be rewarded with a sterling victory.

Game: South Melbourne v Newcastle United
Date: Sunday 19 October 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 3.00pm AET

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall)
Played: 6
Sth Melb wins: 1
Newcastle wins: 2
Draws: 3

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne)
Played: 3 (Regular Season)
Sth Melb wins: 1
Newcastle wins: 1
Draws: 1

Last Encounter: Sth Melb 1-1 home draw – 28 December 2002

LAST WEEK:
Sth Melb 1-0 home loss v Brisbane
Newcastle 1-1 home draw v Parramatta

Position on Ladder:
7th v 3rd

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), M Durakovic, A Kovacevic, L Osman, M Stergiopoulos, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, S Tunbridge, V Coveny, S Poutakidis, M Lohy, M Panopoulos, S Storey, C Recchia, M Theoklitos (gk),

IN: M Panopoulos, C Recchia
OUT: M Murdocca & V Lia (both U-20 international duty)

NEWCASTLE UNITED SQUAD: J Perosh (gk), A Griffiths, M Wilson, R Griffiths, P Tsekenis, G Owens, J Mitchell, M Blagojevic, K Wolfenden, E Masi, D Brown, P McPherson, M Wallace, T Libbesson, S Thomas, B Kennedy (gk) (one to be omitted)

IN: T Libbesson, B Kennedy (both promoted), G Owens (returns from injury)
OUT: R Middleby (hamstring – 1 week), J Wheelhouse (ankle – 1 week), T Willis, M Johnson (both U-20 International duty)

Thursday, 16 October 2003 12:00 AM

The establishment of the Frank Lowy National Competition Taskforce has the full support of the Nation’s most successful club, South Melbourne.

Club President, Mr. Peter Mitrakas and Chief Executive Mr. Mark Patterson have thrown their full support behind the taskforce and the process being implemented to create a new National soccer competition. “The new competition must generate the credibility that is currently missing in soccer in Australia and if the taskforce under the Lowy administration forces us to raise the bar then that’s a very positive outcome” said Mitrakas today.

“We have already implemented major structural and administrative changes at South in the last few months, including the appointment of a new professional management team which is fundamental to the business improvement process we have embarked upon as a club”. “We have sourced many new sponsors and have recorded a higher membership than last year.” Mitrakas added.

“Our fans understand that credibility in terms of crowds, membership and stability both on and off the field are of paramount importance as the club embarks on its greatest ever challenge; to create the soccer club for all Melbournians. Our record crowd last weekend against Brisbane was indicative of our progress and is an important indicator for the competition and the club.” Patterson said.

The South Melbourne brand is very strong and the motivation of the team both on the field and off is intense. The focus is about involving the club prominently in the taskforce process.

The club has moved proactively to establish a taskforce of its own to investigate the key issues associated with membership of the new league. South Melbourne has drawn expertise from a wide variety of fields including finance, legal, strategic business and marketing. In addition, the club will soon commission a branding and image consultant to assist in the process.

“We have always thrived on the challenges that soccer has thrown up to us over the years. We have never failed to succeed in the bigger-picture issues and we have continued to learn along the way.” said Mitrakas.

South Melbourne is very supportive of the taskforce and congratulates the Frank Lowy administration on the cross-section of representation that has been appointed to the panel. “The group represents the key stakeholders and we look forward to contribution and supporting the process over the months ahead.” Patterson said. “It is also pleasing that the resources of the Professional Footballers Association and in particular its major research information and former CEO Brendan Schwab are available and will be assisting the task force.” Patterson added.

South can provide a valuable resource for the task force and from our history and desire to lead change for soccer in this country we support a team approach to resolving the issues.

South Melbourne has already shown by our recent actions that we want to be part of the new era of soccer. The recent achievements made by the club in the past few months include:

· Appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer with strong managerial, sports management experience and business management qualifications at the highest level.
· Implemented a broad based approach to commercial relationships including the signing of Crazy John and many other new companies to the club.
· Attracted professional staff from the AFL and other notable organizations to work for the club.
· Increased membership this season above last year’s season end total.
· Attracted a record crowd for the clubs first home game of the season against Brisbane Strikers.
· Entered in agreements for the fulfilment of major community programs within the city of Melbourne.
· Appointed a highly qualified taskforce with the objective of presenting the NSL taskforce with a highly professional and thought provoking submission.
· Currently considering the appointment of a brand and image consultant.
· Establishment of a school for soccer in Doncaster.

Patterson said “South Melbourne will continue to focus on improving its position with the objective of improving the game in Australia not only for its players, supporters, members and stakeholders but also for the many Australians who crave a credible and sustainable successful National competition”.

“South Melbourne shares Frank Lowy’s dream for the game in this country and will leave no stone unturned to be part of the new frontier of soccer in Australia, we are encouraging ongoing dialogue and healthy debate of the issues that will ensure the best soccer outcome is achieved” added club President Peter Mitrakas.

Tuesday, 14 October 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club Chief Executive Mark Patterson praised the team’s fans for their support at last Sunday’s first home game of the season at Bob Jane Stadium.

“Whilst the result on-field was disappointing the crowd of 7,250 was the competition’s second largest of the season; the largest being just over 9,000 in Perth in round one, and a record for the club against Brisbane Strikers” Mr Patterson said.

The club has also exceeded its last season tally of members after signing 350 new members on Sunday, which took the club’s total to 1150 for the season to date. “We are urging supporters to come and back the team again this week and to sign up as members” Patterson said. Membership will be on sale from 12.30pm outside the entrance gates.

After two excellent away result the team is certain to bounce back against Newcastle United this Sunday.

Fans will have a full day of entertainment with the curtain raiser Colt’s game between South Melbourne and Geelong starting at 1.00pm.

Match day sponsor Gavos Freight will also giveaway soccer balls as the players kick promotional balls into the crowd prior to kick-off.

Coach Stuart Munro also expects a much-improved performance this week. “We really let ourselves down with our quality last weekend and the players can’t wait now to make amends for the loss”. “We know the fans demand more and we are preparing this week for a fierce contest and we are focussed on getting our first home points of the season”.

Patterson said “We have the best and most loyal fans in the league and I’m sure that they will be out in force again this week to see a rejuvenated performance”.

“BLUE & WHITE IT’S IN YOUR BLOOD”

Sunday, 12 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

On a day where South Melbourne celebrated its illustrious history and also honoured club legends of the past – not forgetting an emotional farewell-address from David Clarkson – South’s on-field performance failed to live up to the day’s prestigious billing.

Intent on grinding out a result the Brisbane Strikers via a 47th minute strike from Louis Brain left Bob Jane Stadium with the ever-valuable three points.

South started well with much-heralded recruit Michael Panopoulos showing an array of silky touches in the centre of the park, as early as the 4th minute Michael Curcija connected with an ambitious lob-volley that Brisbane custodian Jason Kearton did well to comfortably glove. South had a goal disallowed in the 7th minute after South wingback Sam Poutakidis floated in a lovely ball over the Brisbane defence which was met by Curcija who headed easily past Kearton, Curcija however had been flagged for straying offside so the goal was disallowed.

The Lakesiders continued to apply pressure in spurts, a great break down the left by new recruit Simon Storey in the 19th minute saw Curcija presented with a glorious opportunity to open his account, instead of firing home Curcija decided to “dummy” in the hope that the oncoming Coveny would put South ahead, unfortunately for South Brisbane’s defence read the play well and cleared.

South continued to patiently look for the all important first goal, a searching 32nd minute ball by new South captain Vaughn Coveny found Boutsianis who with a first time left-foot volley fired into the side netting.

South should’ve taken the lead in the 41st minute after Coveny was brilliantly released from deep in South’s half; Boutsianis was breaking all alone and unfortunately for the home side Coveny took a moment to long to square for the enigmatic left winger, Brisbane once again adjusted and cleared.

Throughout the first stanza even though South had the majority of the clear-cut chances Brisbane had remained busy and had done extremely well to keep their shape and hence stay competitive.

Brisbane’s battling approach was rewarded almost immediately after the restart, the 47th minute saw Joshua Rose break well down the right and send in a low yet well-timed cross for the diminutive Louis Brain to slot home from 10 yards. Many would argue that Brisbane’s lead was somewhat undeserved, however, Brain’s celebration towards the Brisbane bench showed how much the goal meant to the Queenslanders.

For the rest of the half Brisbane seemed happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, the 60th minute saw a moment of miscommunication between Poutakidis and South keeper Galekovic that was nearly capitalised upon by new Brisbane forward Royce Brownlie, however, Galekovic did well to clear with his feet. South seemed to be sorely missing the penetration that Young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia usually provide, it is expected that pair won’t participate in South’s plight – due to their international commitments – for at least the next 8 weeks.

Coach Munro sent on Dutch-import Max Lohy in the 68th minute, Lohy injected some spark into the South attack with a stinging 89th minute cross that the Brisbane defence did extremely well to clear; it was to be the Lakesiders last opportunity to get something out of the game.

South Melbourne

0 – 1

Brisbane Strikers

L Brain 47′

Line-Up

Line-Up

20

Eugene Galekovic (gk)

2

Levent Osman

3

Simon Storey

5

Michael Panopoulos

6

Ante Kovacevic

8

Vaughan Coveny (c)

10

Con Boutsianis (-68′)

12

Marcus Stergiopoulos

18

Michael Curcija

22

Sam Poutakidis (-74′)

25

Scott Tunbridge

1

Jason Kearton (gk)

2

Karl Dodd

3

Shane Stefanutto

4

Josh McCloughan

5

Stuart McLaren

6

Peter Grierson (c)

7

Steve Fitzsimmons

10

Royce Brownlie (-78′)

11

Louis Brain

12

David Pilic

19

Joshua Rose

Substitutes

Substitutes

4

Mehmet Durakovic (+74′)

14

Max Lohy (+68′)

17

Carl Recchia

30

Michael Theoklitos (gk)

8

Adam Webber (+78′)

14

Daniel Dreger

18

Warren Moon

20

Scott Higgins (gk)

Cautions

Cautions

V Coveny 67′
A Kovacevic 87′

Red Cards

Red Cards

Referee

Crowd

Venue

Eddie Lennie

7250

Bob Jane Stadium

Thursday, 9 October 2003 12:00 AM

ARRIVE EARLY – Beat the rush and make sure you get to Bob Jane Stadium for the first home game of the season in plenty of time. Pre-match entertainment and heritage ceremonies will take place and a large crowd is expected. Don’t miss the fun, the festivities and especially don’t miss kickoff. – ARRIVE EARLY

Thursday, 9 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After two positive results away from home South Melbourne finally makes its home debut for season 2003/2004 against the Brisbane Strikers.

The Strikers find themselves lying an impressive third after an opening day victory against the Northern Spirit and two solid draws against Sydney Olympic and current champions the Perth Glory.

A win for South could see them consolidate a top 3 position whilst a Brisbane victory could see Stuart McLaren’s men top the table.

Brisbane have lost inspirational Brazilian import and former NSL player of the year Fernando Rech to the Parramatta Power, stepping in his shoes has been young Striker Luke Morley who has managed to score 2 goals in 3 appearances. Brisbane also boasts exciting youngsters in Australian representative Matthew McKay and nippy former Adelaide Force player Louis Brain.

The Strikers also possess a decent amount of experience, custodian Jason Kearton – a former Everton keeper – has remained an ever and solid presence in between the sticks for the Strikers since his return from England. In Shane Stefanutto, Peter Grierson and player/coach Stuart McLaren the Strikers boast quality players who are more than proven at NSL level. Add the acquisition of dangerous forward Royce Brownlie and South have more than a bit of homework to do in order to shut down the QLD-based club.

South however have started the season somewhat inspired, a great nil-all draw away to championship favourites Parramatta and a thumping 4-nil victory away to Wollongong sees South in both ominous attacking and defensive form. New recruits Simon Storey, Levent Osman and Ante Kovacevic have slotted in remarkably well and have managed to form a solid defensive understanding which has so far provided the Lakesiders with two clean sheets. Coupled with the array of attacking options the Albert Park based club possess in players such as Murdocca, Boutsianis, Coveny, Lia and Curcija not to mention the hopeful return of star recruit Michael Panopoulos means that a positive start for South in front of their home faithful is a genuine possibility.

Game: South Melbourne Vs Brisbane Strikers
Date: Sunday 12 October 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 3.00pm

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 27
Sth Melb wins 13
Brisbane wins 10
Draws 4

HEAD TO HEAD (at Melbourne)
Played: 12 (Regular Season)
Sth Melb wins 7
Brisbane wins 1
Draws 4

Last Encounter:
Sth Melb won 1-0, season 2002-2003

Last Week:
Sth Melb 4-0 away win V Wollongong
Brisbane 0-0 home draw V Perth

Position on Ladder: 5th V 3rd

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), M Durakovic, A Kovacevic, L Osman, M Stergiopoulos, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, S Tunbridge, V Coveny, S Pantelidis, M Lohy, M Panopoulos, S Storey, C Recchia, M Theoklitos (gk),

IN: M Panopoulos, C Recchia
OUT: V Lia & M Murdocca (Australia U/20 international duty)

BRISBANE STRIKERS SQUAD: J Kearton (gk), K Dodd, S Stefanutto, J McCloughan, S McLaren, P Grierson, S Fitzsimmons, A Webber, L Morley, J Rose, L Brain, D Pilic, R Brownlie, D Dreger, S Higgins (gk)

IN: D Dreger (promoted)
OUT: M McKay (Australia U/20 international duty)

Tuesday, 7 October 2003 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club will create history this weekend, by being the first NSL Club to honour it’s past Champions in wearing a replica of the strip worn by the successful teams of the 1960’s.

Between 1959 and 1972, South Melbourne showed loyalty and determination by winning 6 state league Championships in 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1972 and two Ampol Cups in 1969 and 1970.

This game will be the first game for Season 2003-2004 at Bob Jane Stadium, and with a draw to power brokers Parramatta Power and 4 nil win over Wollongong, this promises to be a game not to be missed as we take on the inform Brisbane Strikers.

South Melbourne Soccer Club will be holding a press conference at 11:30am in the Sports bar of the club on Wednesday the 8th October 2003. For further enquires, please contact the Club on 9645 9797.

Photo opportunities and interviews with Vaughan Covney the captain, Stuart Munro the coach and other senior South Melbourne players will be available.

‘BLUE AND WHITE IT’S IN YOUR BLOOD’