Category: News

Thursday, 18 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Saturday night sees South Melbourne travel to Parramatta Stadium for the opening game of the 2003/2004 National Soccer League against the Nick Theodorakopoulos’ coached Parramatta Power.

It’s no secret that in a period of financial gloom for the local game the Power have defied the norm and assembled one of the most if not the most powerful playing rosters in Australia.

The off-season has seen names such as Rech, Milicic, Dodd, Colosimo, Gumprecht, Durante, Pantelis and Bolton join the Power squad in what appears to be a last ditch attempt from the NSW-based club to secure a backer to maintain its future longevity.

South Melbourne have also added greatly to their playing roster, in Max Lohy and Michael Panopoulos South has managed to obtain two players with European experience, coupled with the return of Michael Curcija to lead the line and the confirmation that Con Boutsianis has committed himself for the next three seasons, it’d be safe to assume that Saturday’s encounter looms as a potentially high-scoring affair.

Retained from last season’s squad Parramatta top scorer John Buonavoglia and young Socceroo Ahmed Elrich add yet another dimension to the Power’s attacking presence. Coach Munro will no doubt be favouring a tentative approach early on, one looking to stifle the attacking ability of the Power and hence allow South to try and achieve some early confidence in the middle of the park. Crucial to this strategy will be the combination of Michael Panopoulos and Massimo Murdocca; both players have shown a cohesive understanding throughout the preseason, with Murdocca in particular looking to have emerged a better player from his off-season trials in Portugal.

Without a doubt the somewhat makeshift South Melbourne defence will come under close scrutiny, in Durakovic and Kovacevic South have two of the leagues’ most solid and confronting centre backs, however, new acquisitions Steve Laurie and Simon Storey remain largely unproven at NSL level. Levent Osman brings some much needed experience to the backline, however, the test of Rech, Milicic and Buonavoglia should go a long way in determining where the South Melbourne defence lies.

Game: Parramatta Power vs South Melbourne
Date: Saturday 20 September 2003
Venue: Parramatta Stadium
Kickoff: 6.30pm AET

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 8
Parramatta wins: 2
South Melbourne wins: 5
Draws: 1

HEAD TO HEAD (at Parramatta):
Played: 4
Parramatta wins: 2
South Melbourne wins: 2
Draws: 0

Last Encounter: Parramatta 4-1 home win – 1 March 2003

Position on ladder last season: 3rd V 7th

PARRAMATTA POWER SQUAD: C Bolton (gk), A Durante, A Ceccoli, S Colosimo, M Beauchamp, M Thompson, T Dodd, A Gumprecht, A Milicic, F Rech, L Pantelis, A Elrich, P Zorbas, J Buonavoglia, D Vukovic (gk)

IN:
OUT: K Salapasidis (foot – 4 weeks), P O’Grady (groin – 3 weeks), D Beltrame (shoulder – 10 weeks), V Ripepi (wrist – 4 weeks)

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), L Osman, S Storey, M Durakovic, M Murdocca, M Lohy, A Kovacevic, V Coveny, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, M Stergiopoulos, S Laurie, V Lia, M Panapoulos, M Theoklitos (gk)

IN:
OUT:

Monday, 15 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have completed their preseason commitments with an entertaining 2-2 against cross-town rivals the Melbourne Knights. The game was played at BJS and attended by 700 or so diehards who braved the very cold conditions to see a game of two distinct halves.

The first stanza saw the Knights – who were being led by ex-South Striker Peter Buljan – take a comfortable 2-0 lead with Henry Fa’Arodo and Ante Pelikan grabbing the goals. The Knights once again showed poise beyond their years. The club has chosen to invest in youth yet the cohesion and maturity coach Dobson has managed to achieve in such a short period of time should bode well for the Sunshine-based club.

Coach Munro must’ve given the players a decent spraying at half time as their 2nd half output was much improved. New South Captain Vaughn Coveny lead the South fight back first nodding home a Max Lohy cross and then pouncing on a rebound – that Knights keeper Adam Hrehoresin had failed to glove safely – from a fierce Con Boutsianis drive.

Massimo Murdocca once again remained busy, capping off a superb preseason for the Australian youth international.

South’s next fixture is the opening encounter of the 2003/2004 NSL season proper. South come up against the Parramatta Power this Saturday (20/09/03) at Parramatta Stadium.

Sunday, 14 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

New Zealand international and South Melbourne favourite Vaughn Coveny has been named as the new South Melbourne Soccer Club captain for season 2003/2004.

After many consistent seasons wearing the blue and white, the former Wollongong Wolves’ striker and “All Whites” regular was announced as club captain at last night’s Jumper Presentation night (12/09/03). Coveny takes over from club legend Paul Trimboli who has served as the club leader through glory-filled periods such as the consecutive championship winning seasons in the late 90’s and the World Club Championships staged in Brazil.

The South Melbourne Soccer Club wishes to congratulate Vaughn on picking up the captaincy, an honour which the player affectionately known to the fans as “Horse” will no doubt accept with honour and relish.

Tuesday, 9 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne had its first serious hit-out against NSL opposition this past Sunday (07/09/03) coming up against traditional rivals the Melbourne Knights.

Lining up for the Knights was former South Melbourne striker Peter Buljan who was keen to prove a point to his previous employers.

The Sunshine-based club ended up taking the honours with the eventual score line resting at 2-1. To the Knights credit they thoroughly deserved their father’s day victory taking the lead in the first half through none other than Buljan.

South had plenty of the ball with Massimo Murdocca continuing his stellar pre-season campaign, however lacked any sort of penetration in the last third. Antun Kovacic gave the Lakesiders a lifeline bungling home past his own keeper to tie the ledger at 1 a-piece.

Speedy Knights striker Henry Farado made sure that Ian Dobson’s men would have the first laugh over their fierce rivals after a nice bit of interplay with Buljan resulted in Farodo neatly tucking away the winner.

South will now embark on a mid-week trip to Sydney where it will come up against NSL side the Olympic Sharks, it is possible that games against Marconi and the Northern Spirit may also be organised. Finally, South will wrap-up its pre-season commitments this coming Sunday (14/09/03) at Bob Jane Stadium (kick off: 3pm) when it will once again line up against the Knights.

Tuesday, 9 September 2003 12:00 AM

Sunday 14th September 03 at Bob Jane Stadium
Kick off 3:00pm
Memberships will be on sale on the day.
South went down to the Knights 2-1 on their last meeting.
Come and See South settle the score!

Thursday, 4 September 2003 12:00 AM

Tickets for the 0304 Season Launch and Auction Night are selling fast so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this special event. Meet the players and coaching staff as they mingle with the guests and feel free to bid for your favourite player. Be a part of the night that will launch South Melbourne’s successful season in 2003/2004!

When: Friday 12th September, 7:30pm
Where: Tudor Coart Receptions, Kooyong Rd Caulfield
Price: $65 for a three course meal, beer wine and softdrinks.
Contact: Mirella 9645 9797 or click here

Tuesday, 2 September 2003 12:00 AM

Melbourne’s most famous national Soccer Club, South Melbourne received a major boost today with the announcement of mobile phone retailing giant Crazy John’s as the clubs major sponsor for this season.

This news continues the positive pre-season activities at Bob Jane Stadium and follows major local and international player signings, the recruitment of Stuart Munro as coach and the appointment of former AFL executive Mark Patterson as Chief Executive.

With the 2003/04 soccer season starting in 3 weeks time the club is positioning itself, not only for the championship but also as a major player in the revitalised National competition next year.

Crazy John’s Founder and CEO Mr John Ilhan said, “We are pleased to be the major sponsor of South Melbourne Soccer Club”. “ Our sponsorship is part of the strategic plan to continually support local clubs and the development of sport in the community, our sponsorship of South Melbourne will filter through to grass roots soccer and that is very important to us”

The sponsorship consists of a significant cash injection for the club and provides for the ability to generate addition revenue from commercial activities several of which that are already well underway.

South Melbourne Soccer Club Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Patterson expressed his delight with the agreement indicating that it is significant in a number of ways, “Not only is today’s announcement a commercially beneficial one, it also broadens our base of support and commences a strategy for this club to form business relationships with several major commercial brands this year”. “We are very keen to grow our corporate strength that will assist us meet the objectives of our business plan by providing better services to our supporters and members and an improved working environment for the players, administrative and coaching staff” Mr Patterson said.

Crazy John’s will receive front of shirt exposure, signage and corporate hospitality, as part of the agreement that both parties anticipate will be a long-term partnership.

Friday, 29 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Over the past month or so South Melbourne has been involved in a somewhat rigorous pre-season campaign against local Victorian sides. The aim of these encounters was to help ease the squad back into competitive action, to assess potential recruits and to welcome new additions to the squad. South wrapped up this “soul-searching” exercise this past Monday (25/08/03) by defeating the Oakleigh Cannons with an impressive 5-2 final score line.

Coach Munro has strategically chosen to up the level of opposition with each encounter going from State 2 N/W division leaders Pascoe Vale to Victorian Premier League promotion contenders Oakleigh. Throughout the exercise Munro has rarely fielded a side that may resemble his best 11 players, instead opting to thoroughly test a variety of prospective key-position players and promising youngsters. Coach Munro would’ve no doubt been impressed by the consistent performances of youngsters such as Murdocca, Ibraimi and Marinos and will be more than satisfied with the solid debuts of both high-profile off-season recruits Max Lohy and Michael Panopoulos.

South will now embark on the final stage of Coach Munro’s pre-season plan facing off against NSL opposition. A pre-season trip to South Australia to play against NSL side the Adelaide City Force has been planned and a friendly – at Bob Jane Stadium – against fierce local rivals the Melbourne Knights pencilled in for Sunday the 14th of September. Both encounters have been earmarked to help “match-harden” the final squad before the upcoming NSL season.

It is envisaged that Munro will teeter towards finally fielding a full-strength line-up, an ideal that South supporters over past month or so have been “salivating” over in preparation to witness.

Thursday, 28 August 2003 12:00 AM

Over 1000 keen supporters braved the Melbourne weather to celebrate the return of the South Melbourne and Heidelberg United legends teams back to Bob Jane Stadium. With a star-studded line-up from both sides it was an opportunity for old foes to once again re-live their memories of the past.

Both sides battled it out, in the first half with Heidelberg going one up just before the half time break. It then put South under pressure in the second half to get the equaliser.

The second half started just as the first, with both teams determined to win. South then equalised with Bobby McGinnes kicking a great goal. But the victory was short lived with Gary Cole from Heidelberg kicking the winner, and victory to the bergers.

Players then nursed their sore bones and egos, over a few quiet drinks as all the memories and banter of old came rushing back. The players and Club’s would like to thank the Laiki Bank for there initiative in bring together not only these great Legends of the game, but making Soccer the winner on the day.

Monday, 25 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne 2 – Heidelberg 0

Atrocious local weather could not prevent South Melbourne continuing its 100% pre-season record. 1000-2000 odd diehard supporters braved the conditions to witness the renewal of the once much revered South Melbourne vs. Heidelberg derby.

Typically South dominated their State 1 division rivals, with Massimo Murdocca proving to be a constant menace throughout the night. Much-heralded recruit Michael Panopoulos made his debut for the Lakesiders playing the midfield anchor role with an assurance “reeking” of European experience. Panopoulos oozed class with every touch and should go on to become crucial to South’s plight in the upcoming season.

Dutch import Max Lohy again caught the eye showcasing great ball control and always threatening with his pace, Coach Munro seems to have unearthed a player more than capable of providing that moment of inspiration that can often turn a match.

To the “Bergers” credit the scoreboard remained un-affected going into the break, however, Heidelberg can be thankful that veteran custodian Jim Kourtis was in inspirational form, repeatedly making save after save to not only keep Heidelberg in the contest but to also prevent a complete blowout.

The second half saw South continue their domination, however this time they were somewhat rewarded for their efforts. A glancing Michael Curcija header saw Kourtis finally beaten and great linkup play between South legend Trimboli, – who had come on in the 2nd half – Lohy and Murdocca saw Murdocca bundled down in the area and a subsequent penalty awarded to the home side. New Zealand International Vaughn Coveny stepped up and dually dispatched to round off the scoring.

So a comfortable win to the NSL outfit and a fitting end to a great initiative from both clubs, hopefully such an encounter can become a regular annual event with a helping hand – where possible – from the “heavens” as well.