Category: News

Monday, 17 February 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has secured championship-winning player Con Boutsianis, who returns to the club in a much-anticipated strategy to bring the NSL Championship back to Victoria. Boutsianis has been training for several months in order to resurrect his domestic and international career.

Together with the signing of the promising Sam Poutakidis, coach Danny Wright is excited about the club prospects.

“Adding a player of Con’s calibre to what is already a dynamic and talented squad, only serves to enhance our ability to compete with the leading clubs in the country.”

“Particularly with the absence of our greatest NSL player of all time, captain and inspiration Paul Trimboli, I was determined to ensure we maintained our commitment to the Championship aspirations of the team and fans.”

Wright is pleased with the balance of his squad leading into another finals series for Australia’s most successful club.

With veteran defender Fausto De Amicis overcoming the frustration of an injury plagued season, the adrenalin is pumping for another South Melbourne assault on the NSL Championship.

Thursday, 13 February 2003 12:00 AM

Returning from suspension, South Melbourne striker Vaughan Coveny scored the only goal in the Albert Park Clubs 1 – 0 victory over Brisbane at Bob Jane Stadium last night. The win lifts South Melbourne to third spot on 31 points.

South controlled the game from the outset and should have been convincing leaders at half time. Coveny struck in the 32nd minute which was enough to secure the points.

South Melbourne will now take on the Melbourne Knights at Knight Stadium on Sunday, 16 February 2003. Kick Off 6.00PM.

Thursday, 13 February 2003 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 16 February 2003
Venue: Knights Stadium
Kickoff: 6.00pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 51 Melbourne Knights wins 12, South Melbourne wins 23, Draws 16

HEAD TO HEAD (at Knights) Played:
20 (Regular Season) Melbourne Knights wins 6,
South Melbourne wins 10, Draws 4

Last Encounter:
South Melbourne 4-2 home win

LAST WEEK:
Knights 1-1 away draw Vs Newcastle;
South Melbourne 1-0 home win Vs Brisbane

Position on Ladder: 11th Vs 3rd

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS SQUAD: M John (gk), N Sabljak, A Marth, I Erdogan, D Vasilevski, V Buljubasic, A Pelikan, L Buhic, L Lapsansky, A Kovacic, D Rocco, R Vargas, H Fa’Arodo, B Natsioulas, A Hrehoresin (gk)

IN: A Pelikan, A Marth, L Buhic
OUT: S Horvat (calf), D Piorkowski (bruised foot), G Biscayzacu

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), S Iosifides, M Durakovic, N Tolios, P Kisnorbo, M Murdocca, B Damianos, Z Susa, S Panopoulos, V Lia, M Baird, P Buljan, V Coveny, S Poutakidis, D Anastasiadis (gk)

IN: P Kisnorbo
OUT: P Trimboli (knee – season), R Liparoti (knee – season), S Pace

Wednesday, 12 February 2003 12:00 AM

Michael Baird scored his last goal in Round 7 in the thriller against Olympic where he netted a double. Tonight the blonde striker has a point to prove against his former club, Brisbane Strikers.

The Young Socceroo striker joined South Melbourne this season and looked lively in the first part of the season. But since that scintillating 6-4 win over the Sharks, the boy from up North has had a dry patch.

You don’t have to tell Michael Baird how important a win is tomorrow, as he knows all too well that a victory over his former club is very important.

“I have had a dry patch of late. Every striker goes through a dry patch and no striker likes it no more than I do but once one goal comes the goals will begin to flow”.

“The match against Brisbane will be the turning point of the season and it will all start happening from there. South Melbourne will show it’s true colours in the finals series”, says Baird.

Due to International duties the 19 year old didn’t take part in South’s Round 12 away loss to the Strikers at Ballymore Stadium. He is very much looking forward to playing a primary role in tonight’s encounter.

“I would certainly like to play well against my former club and team mates but the rivalry isn’t between myself and Brisbane it’s between South Melbourne and the Strikers”.

“We need to beat them convincingly and continue some good form in the upcoming rounds”, says Baird.

Michael Baird urges all South Melbourne members and fans to get along to Bob Jane Stadium tonight to support the team, which gives the club a huge advantage at it’s home ground.

“We need the support of all the supporters which always helps us. All teams that come to South Melbourne don’t like the South Melbourne fans because they are so intimidating and passionate for their club”.

“This is a huge advantage for us”, says Baird.

A win tonight will push South Melbourne to third spot in the lead up to the Melbourne derby this Sunday at Knights Stadium.

Wednesday, 12 February 2003 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 12 February 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 7.30pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 26 South Melbourne wins 12, Brisbane wins 10, Draws 4

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne):
Played: 11 (Regular Season) South Melbourne wins 6, Brisbane wins 1, Draws 4

Last Encounter: Brisbane 2-1 home win

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne 3-2 home loss Vs Adelaide City;
Brisbane 3-0 home win Vs Parramatta Power

Position on Ladder: 6th Vs 9th

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), S Iosifides, M Durakovic, N Tolios, S Panopoulos, V Coveny, M Murdocca, P Buljan, M Baird, Z Susa, B Damianos, V Lia, S Pace, R Sekulovski, D Anastasiadis (gk)

IN: V Coveny (returns from suspension)
OUT: P Kisnorbo (suspended – 1 match)

BRISBANE STRIKERS SQUAD: J Kearton (gk), J McKain, S Stefanutto, S McLaren, P Grierson, F Rech, A Webber, F Tagawa, D Pilic, W Heath, M McKay, J Rose, A Roche, S Laybutt, C Baldock (gk)

IN: S Laybutt (returns from suspension)
OUT: D Dreger (omitted)

Tuesday, 11 February 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s left footed midfielder Zeljko Susa, who has had an interrupted season, will play his 100th National Soccer League match tomorrow night against Brisbane Strikers.

Susa who returned from Europe during the pre-season, played his first match in Round 12 but soon found himself on the sidelines after being sent off against Newcastle. Due to a foot injury he missed the traditional interstate derby against Olympic Sharks but has now returned at the most crucial time of the season.

The 24 year olds potent ball skills and deft touches will be essential during South Melbourne’s run towards the new look finals series. The Club is in need of three important points, which will strengthen their position in the top six.

“If we don’t at least get a point we could kiss our finals chances goodbye. We have had a couple of losses in a row but all the players know what job we have to do and the squad will be working hard to get the three points”, says Susa

Zeljko was unaware that he would be playing his 100th game tomorrow evening and is glad he has achieved the milestone.

“It has sort of crept on me. I didn’t realise I was so close to playing 100 matches but it’s good and I am glad that I will be playing my 100th match tomorrow”.

Although Susa is excited to be playing against his former club Melbourne Knights in Round 22 this Sunday his focus is on winning tomorrow nights encounter.

“We have to take it game by game. Three points are up for grabs tomorrow and we must achieve a victory. I have a lot of friends at the Knights and I am excited to play in the Melbourne derby”.

“This is our last home game of the home and away season and I urge all supporters to come and support us, as we need a full stadium of passionate fans. The South supporters always give the squad a lift and the more noise and atmosphere at Bob Jane Stadium the more chance we have to achieve a result”, says Susa.

South Melbourne takes on Brisbane Strikers in a deferred Round 25 match tomorrow evening at Bob Jane Stadium. Kick Off 7.30PM.

Tuesday, 11 February 2003 12:00 AM

Date: Wednesday 12 February 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 7.30pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 26 South Melbourne wins 12, Brisbane wins 10, Draws 4

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne):
Played: 11 (Regular Season) South Melbourne wins 6, Brisbane wins 1, Draws 4

Last Encounter: Brisbane 2-1 home win

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne 3-2 home loss Vs Adelaide City;
Brisbane 3-0 home win Vs Parramatta Power

Position on Ladder: 6th Vs 9th

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), S Iosifides, M Durakovic, N Tolios, S Panopoulos, V Coveny, M Murdocca, P Buljan, M Baird, Z Susa, B Damianos, V Lia, S Pace, R Sekulovski, D Anastasiadis (gk)

IN: V Coveny (returns from suspension)
OUT: P Kisnorbo (suspended – 1 match)

BRISBANE STRIKERS SQUAD:
J Kearton (gk), J McKain, S Stefanutto, S McLaren, P Grierson, F Rech, A Webber, F Tagawa, D Pilic, W Heath, M McKay, J Rose, A Roche, S Laybutt, C Baldock (gk)

IN: S Laybutt (returns from suspension)
OUT: D Dreger (omitted)

Monday, 10 February 2003 12:00 AM

Last night’s loss to traditional interstate rivals Adelaide City put a slight dent into South Melbourne’s push for a record 15th finals appearance. South Melbourne now sit in 6th place but a win against Brisbane this Wednesday evening will see the Club reaffirm its position in the top six and jump three spots up the league table.

The Blue and Whites worked hard in yesterday’s clash but were unable to achieve a result as a structured Adelaide City line-up stuck to their game plan for the entire 90 minutes.

Coach Danny Wright was obviously disappointed with the result but cannot afford to dwell on the loss, as he has to prepare for another encounter in two days.

“We welcome the return of Vaughan Coveny to strengthen our attack and also the inclusion of Nick Tolios, who will take the position of the suspended Patrick Kisnorbo”, says Wright.

Steven Pace who was selected in the squad for only the second the second time this season came on late in the game, providing a burst of energy which resulted in South’s only goal.

The goals have been few and far between of late, to the disappointment of the demanding South Melbourne faithful. Wright acknowledged the fans displeasure but highlighted the positive effect that supporters have on the success of the famous Blue and Whites.

“The disappointment and reaction from home fans on Sunday was to be expected because we aspire to bigger things and the expectations from supporters are naturally going to be high,” says the South coach.

There were no injuries last night but South Melbourne will spend their time on recovery and light training leading into Wednesday’s match against the 9th placed Strikers.

Sunday, 9 February 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s undefeated home run came to a halt this evening as Adelaide City Force defeated the Lakeside Club 2 – 1 at Bob Jane Stadium.

The Blue and Whites started the better and should have been in front early through Michael Baird who squandered an inviting chance. Adelaide struck in the 20th minute and doubled the score line in the 79th minute after a Lucas Pantelis strike. The home side hit back late in the match through Stephen Pace who scored his first goal in the National Soccer League.

FINAL SCORE – (National Soccer League – Round 21)

SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (Pace 91′ )
Adelaide City 1 (Turnbridge 20′, Pantelis 79′)

Crowd: 4,050
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium

Friday, 7 February 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne is pleased to announce it has concluded the signing of Sam Poutakidis from Victorian Premier League Club, Port Melbourne Sharks.

Poutakidis, captain of the Sharks, is a versatile, two-sided player.

A hard-running and goal-scoring midfielder, Poutakidis has been a regular for the Victorian State team.

He is widely regarded as one of the best players outside the National Soccer League since a stint with the Adelaide Sharks in the late 1990s.

South Melbourne senior coach Danny Wright has been a long-time admirer of the hard working midfielder.

“Sam Poutakidis represents the fighting spirit and the commitment the South Melbourne teams are renowned for. We welcome him to our squad”.

“Poutakidis will give us not only extra depth but I believe can play a part in our path to a successful end to the season, says Wright

Poutakidis is delighted to be joining South Melbourne.

“It’s a great honour to be playing for Australia’s most successful soccer club. I look forward to working with Danny Wright and the boys and to hopefully be playing in the finals series”, Poutakidis.

With the suspension of Vaughan Coveny and the knee injury to Trimboli, 26-year-old Poutakidis could be a likely starter on Sunday against Adelaide City.

FACT FILE
BORN – 31/07/76
AGE – 26
PREVIOUS CLUB – PORT MELB, ADELAIDE SHARKS, NORTHCOTE