Category: News

Wednesday, 2 April 2003 12:00 AM

This week, Young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Patrick Kisnorbo will depart for Europe, in sight of a contract with some of Europe’s top-flight clubs.

Murdocca who has played 44 NSL games is heading for Portugal, on a two week trial with glamour club Sporting Lisbon, while Gun defender Patrick Kisnorbo will also depart today for the Italian shores. Patrick is expected to be away for at least one month with trials expected at several clubs.

Dynamo and a crowd favourite Massimo Murdocca, is excited by the prospect of playing alongside some of Europe’s best but is well aware of the towering pressures of European Football.

“The scariest thing is that I am going by myself. It’s a hurdle I will have to overcome. I am confident about playing quality soccer and this is something I am keen to do. I have been keeping fit and working hard to be in good shape”, says Murdocca.

“I am happy that I have finally taken my chance. I have had offers in the past and have turned them down. I believe I am ready to go abroad now and hopefully have some success”.

“I want to begin at a good club, in a good league. I feel excited and I think Sporting Lisbon is a good club to start at. I have always heard of the club and I am looking forward to the experience in getting a taste of European Football”.

South Melbourne Soccer Club wishes the players a safe trip and every success with their European trials.

Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has secured its first signing of the pre-season. Inspiring goalkeeper, Eugene Galekovic has committed himself to the club, agreeing on a new two-year contract.

“This is fantastic news for the Club in our endeavours to re-sign players from our existing squad”, Club President, Peter Mitrakas.

Twenty-year-old Galekovic played 15 matches this season, making giant strides and showing much potential and continued improvement. He established himself as a first team regular and gained valuable experience this season.

The young keeper is delighted with his signing and looks forward to the next two seasons at Lakeside.

“I am delighted with the new deal and to be part of the immediate future of Australia’s most successful soccer club. I believe the club will re-establish itself as a force within the League next season. South Melbourne fans demand and deserve success and I confidently predict continued success is around the corner”, says Galekovic.

“Playing regular football for South Melbourne will give me a pathway to Socceroo representation. I hope to improve on my performances of last season, to attract the attention of Mr. Farina and be part of the Olyroos set up”.

Young Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou has taken notice of Galekovic’s performances this season, as the young goalkeeper strives for National Team representation.

“Galekovic had a good year and was noticed by Frank Farina, myself and the National Team coaches. With the 2004 Olympics around the corner, he is certainly contention and will need to be consistent next season”, says Ange Postecoglou.

South Melbourne’s Football Operations Department will speak to classy midfielder Con Boutsianis next and will try to lock in a long-term deal with the enigmatic former Socceroo.

The Club is assembling a coaching selection committee to commence interviews for the vacant coaching position. Interviews will commence with a fortnight.

Football Operations Manager Manny Anezakis is predicting a busy period as the Club determines it’s new coach, continues the process of re-signing uncontracted players from its existing squad and looks to strengthen the squad upon the appointment of its new senior coach.

“We have placed an enormous priority on re-signing our players over the next two months. Galekovic is the first in a string of players and we are dedicated to promptly speaking to the entire squad”, says Anezakis.

Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM

With South Melbourne’s 2002/03 Campaign over, the time is right to look back at what has been an eventful season.

Season 2002/03 will be defined as an important and historic season for the South Melbourne Soccer Club. Despite the obvious disappointment of not qualifying for the finals series, President Peter Mitrakas and his Board have delivered a number of notable achievements.

These achievements are all the more significant given the difficult trading conditions for all soccer clubs in Australia.

This season South Melbourne has embraced greater professionalism and business practices throughout the Club. These practices have already improved day-to-day operations and will continue to bear fruit in the coming years.

2002/03 Key achievements
As a result of the combined efforts of the Board, Administration, and our loyal supporters, the Club has achieved the following:
• A reduction in debt levels from $1.3M in May 2002 to $670,000 as of March 2003
 • A “balanced budget” for this season with the Club on track to post a modern profit
  – South Melbourne will be one of the few NSL Clubs to achieve a surplus this season
  – Apart from World Club Championship revenues, this will be the first season the Club will post an operating surplus
 • An extension of the lease for Bob Jane Stadium for a further 14 years on favourable trading terms
 • The introduction of Coterie Groups based on successful AFL models
  – Coterie groups have raised over $280,000 in 2002/03 and have introduced a number of new supporters to the Club
  – They have also proved a valuable source of advice and expertise with these groups regularly providing input into the Club’s future direction
  – A revamped Coterie system will attract additional members and revenues next season
 • Ground redevelopments including an expansion of the Corporate area
  – Construction of a further 16 corporate boxes which were largely sold
  – Construction of dedicated Coterie entertaining areas

On the Field
On the field, whilst the disappointment of not making the finals cannot be ignored, the Club has established solid platforms for future success.

This is highlighted by the recent signing of promising young goalkeeper Eugene Galokovic. Eugene joins the core group of Vince Lia, Massimo Murdocca, Michael Baird and Vaughn Covney as contracted players for next season.

The decision to part ways with coach Danny Wright was a difficult one. However the clubs run of results leading up to his parting was not satisfactory, and action was required in an attempt to improve results and qualify for the finals.

Contrary to certain media reports and despite internal process problems, South Melbourne made news of the decision public immediately after informing both Mr Wright and the players (the players were informed at their next training session). The Club owed a courtesy to the departing coach and its players and staff to release the information only after the relevant parties were informed.

Upcoming priorities
The Club has commenced work to secure a new coach for the 2003/04 Season. Interviews will commence in the coming weeks. The new coach will be responsible for finalising the player list for next season and establishing an integrated youth and junior set-up.

South Melbourne will also shortly be hiring a new General Manager. The Club has accepted the resignation of Steve Blair who was previously on extended leave. The hiring of the General Manager is part of a wider administrative review that has already seen a number of changes to the Club’s administration.

The Club will also be holding a number of functions in the coming months including a Grand Gala Auction Night and Annual Ball/Presentation Night. Details of these events will be confirmed shortly and tickets can be purchased from the Club by ringing 9645 9797 and all supporters are encouraged to attend.

The Future
The South Melbourne Board have commenced implementation on a range of strategic initiatives that will secure the ongoing viability and success of the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

These include:
 • Extinguishing all debt within 12 months
 • Securing a high-quality senior coach
 • Developing a new playing squad and recruiting the best young talent in Australia
 • Undertaking further ground developments
  – Fans should expect more improvements at Bob Jane Stadium next season
 • Continuing to be at the forefront of reform of the National Soccer League
  – South Melbourne has played a leading role in the discussions over the structure and composition of a reformed NSL
 • Positioning the Club for entry and success in a revamped NSL for season 2004/05

Questions can be directed to the Club on 9645 9797.

Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM

Last night Peter Zorbas scored the winner in Parramatta Powers 2 – 1 victory over Newcastle in Round 1 of the National Soccer League Finals.

In the biggest upset of the round, Adelaide City Force defeated top placed Olympic Sharks. Former South Melbourne Back to Back Championship player Goran Lozanovski scored the only goal in the 73rd minute, to give the Force a boost in their first finals match.

Northern Spirit who secured sixth spot, were on the end of their second successive thrashing as Perth Glory put five goals past the North Sydney Club. Glory striker Bobby Despotovski scored four goals in the Glory’s 5 – 0 win.

Parramatta and Adelaide City have narrowed the gap on Olympic, while Perth Glory now head the table on goal difference. Parramatta now face Perth at home which makes for a very interesting clash this weekend.

In other matches Adelaide City travel to Newcastle this Friday night, while Olympic are expected to topple Northern Spirit in Round 2 of the National Soccer League Finals.

Thursday, 20 March 2003 12:00 AM

As part of SBS’ celebrations of the network’s official arrival at its new headquarters in Melbourne’s Federation Square, SBS Sport will be recording their Sunday soccer program THE WORLD GAME LIVE and in front of a studio audience at the BMW Edge Amphitheatre, Federation Square.

SBS Sport are inviting all members of the public to be their live studio audience on Sunday, 23 March from 12 noon at the BMW EDGE amphitheatre in the Federation Square complex. (Entrance from Flinders Street)

Viewers will get a close up and behind-the-scenes glimpse at a live television broadcast and will have the chance to rub shoulders with everyone from the SBS soccer team including LES MURRAY, JOHNNY WARREN, ANDREW ORSATTI, CRAIG FOSTER, FRANCIS AWARITEFE, TONY PALUMBO and even DAMIEN LOVELOCK.

This is a rare and exciting chance for Melburnians to meet their favourite SBS Soccer on-air personalities, chat with them about the world game, take home an autograph and maybe even some great prizes and souvenirs!

SBS Sport will also be recording two episodes of its nightly prime time sports news bulletin TOYOTA WORLD SPORTS, live from Federation Square on Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd of March at 7.00pm.

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

On Friday evening South Melbourne Soccer Club players, Peter Buljan, Nick Tolios, Eugene Galekovic along with New Zealand International Vaughan Coveny and Young Socceroo Vince Lia fully shaved their hair for the World’s greatest shave for a cure.

Young gun Massimo Murdocca sprayed his hair grey and blue for this worthy cause.

With some of the players girlfriends watching on, the players themselves were nervous as they walked up to the electric clippers. But as Peter Buljan received his shave, the rest of the boys gained confidence and went the whole nine yards.

The Cricket Club Hotel put on a fabulous evening with many present, giving generous donations to raise funds for leukaemia research and patient support. South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to thank Tania and John McConnon of the Cricket Club Hotel for their support and hospitality.

The head shaving worked wonders for the boys with Vaughan Coveny and Peter Buljan getting on the scoresheet in yesterdays 5 – 4 win over the Kingz in Auckland.

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne finished off season 2002-2003 in similar fashion to the way it commenced back in early October 2002. The Blue and Whites battled a 5 – 4 win with New Zealand based Kingz FC to finish the season in seventh spot, one point outside the top six.

In the initial rounds, the Albert Park Club played some thrilling matches against Olympic Sharks and Melbourne Knights, which were the highlights at Bob Jane Stadium this season.

Yesterday’s win was South’s second away win of the season, as South Melbourne who has had a problem scoring of late put that factor to rest in their season finale.

The home side opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but were soon behind as South went on a rampage netting three goals in 15 minutes to be two goals up at the break. Baird scored South’s first, while Coveny and a Boutsianis free kick added to South’s scoresheet.

After the break Coveny scored his second to give South handy 4 – 1 lead. But the Kingz were not finished yet as they clawed their way back with two goals in four minutes. Buljan came onto the field and put the game to rest in the 80th minute with South’s fifth and final goal.

In other matches, Perth Glory missed the opportunity to be crowned National Soccer League Premiers with a loss to Marconi who lifted themselves off the bottom of the table. Wollongong Wolves are this seasons wooden spooners. Current Champions Olympic Sharks finished top of the table.

Monday, 17 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne had a few knee wobbles this season but none were bigger than the long term injuries to captain Paul Trimboli, Robert Liparoti and Zeljko Susa.

At the age of 33 and in his 15th season, captain Paul Trimboli caused serious damage to his medial and lateral cartilage, an injury that could have had serious implications to his career. Fortunately for Trimboli, he is rapidly recovering and is due to be back within two months.

“Paul Trimboli is doing really well and is now spending a lot of time in the gym. He has had a strong recovery and will be ready to play again within 6-8 weeks”, says South Melbourne physiotherapist, Mary Toomey”.

South’s number nine has been working through a daily program to get his knee right, as he aimed to return during the finals series.

“It is frustrating not making the finals, as I had pencilled in making a return during the finals series. I’m currently in a 12 – 16 week rehabilitation program which will enable me to prepare for the pre-season”, says Trimboli.

Unfortunately Susa and Liparoti’s seasons were brought to a halt when they both tore cruciate ligaments. Liparoti, who injured his opposite knee two seasons ago, is due to return for the pre-season while Susa awaits a knee operation.

South Melbourne physiotherapist Mary Toomey is pleased with the progress of the tall defender.

“Liparoti is equally doing well, riding bikes and swimming regularly. He will be ready for pre-season training.

“Susa still has to have surgery on his knee which is four weeks away. We will wait for after the operation to see what happens with Zeljko Susa”, says Toomey.

Friday, 14 March 2003 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 16 March 2003
Venue: Ericsson Stadium
Kick off: 12.00 midday (11.00am AEDST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 7 Kingz wins 2, South Melbourne wins 4, Draws 1

HEAD TO HEAD (in New Zealand) Played: 3 (Regular Season)
Kingz wins 1, South Melbourne wins 1, Draws 1

Last Encounter: South Melbourne 3-0 home win

LAST WEEK:
Kingz 2-1 away win Vs Newcastle;
South Melbourne – weekend off

Position on Ladder: 11th Vs 7th

FOOTBALL KINGZ SQUAD:
M Utting (gk), J Taylor, C Jackson, A Vlahos, H Ngata, H Miyazawa, J Pritchett, M Donoso, J Christie, M Beldham, C Anthopoulos, M Atkinson, J Perry, S Turner, J Bannatyne (gk)

IN: Unchanged
OUT: Unchanged

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD:
D Anastasiadis (gk), S Iosifides, F De Amicis, M Durakovic, V Coveny, P Buljan, V Lia, S Poutakidis, M Murdocca, P Kisnorbo, S Pace, N Tolios, C Boutsianis, R Sekulovski, E Galekovic (gk).

IN: P Kisnorbo, V Lia
OUT: B Damianos (suspended – 2 matches), S Panopoulos (suspended – 1 match)

Friday, 14 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club will today support “Shave for a Cure” at the Cricket Club Hotel, South Melbourne.

The World’s Greatest Shave for a Cure is the Leukaemia Foundation’s biggest annual fundraising event where participants shave or colour their hair to raise funds for leukaemia research and patient support.

Senior teammates Vaughan Coveny, Zeljko Susa and Peter Buljan will join the Lakeside Club’s young brigade in Eugene Galekovic, Nick Tolios, Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia, for the world’s greatest shave for a cure.

The Cricket Club Hotel, located on 435 Clarendon Street South Melbourne, is aiming to contribute $5,000 towards the worthy cause tomorrow evening. South Melbourne encourages all members and supporters to get behind the event by logging onto www.worldsgreatestshave.com and send in their donations.

South Melbourne players will be appearing at the Cricket Club Hotel at 6.00PM.

Details are as follows:
Date/Time: 14 March 2003, 6:00 PM
Venue: Cricket Club Hotel, South Melbourne, Melbourne
Address: Cricket Club Hotel, 435 Clarendon Street SOUTH MELBOURNE