Category: News

Friday, 10 January 2003 12:00 AM

Date: Saturday 18 January 2003
Venue: Perth Oval
Kickoff: 7.000m WA time (10pm AEST)

Radio: 6PR 882AM 7pm live broadcast (Perth only) & Radio 3XY 1422AM (Melbourne only)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 12 Perth wins 7, South Melbourne wins 2, Draws 3

HEAD TO HEAD (at Perth):
Played: 6 (Regular Season) Perth wins 5, South Melbourne wins 0, Draws 1

LAST WEEK:
Perth 1-0 away win over Newcastle
South Melbourne 1-0 home win over Spirit

Position on Ladder: 1st Vs 3rd

PERTH GLORY SQUAD: J Petkovic (gk), S Pryce, S Miller, B Hassell, D Tarka, M Horsley, J Harnwell, A Gumprecht, D Mori, N Mrdja, E Junior, B Despotovski, M Byrnes, A Caceres, V Matassa (gk)

IN: B Despotovski, A Caceres
OUT: C Deans (knee – season), G Faria (groin), A Danze (omitted)

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

IN: Unchanged
OUT: Unchanged

Tuesday, 7 January 2003 12:00 AM

Robert Liparoti has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and as a result will miss the rest of the season.

The central defender had a slow start to the season playing few games, but in the last month Liparoti has been in favour with his coach and has risen to the occasion standing firm in the centre of defence.

Liparoti undertook an MRI scan yesterday that showed damage to his knee, which he says, is not as bad as his previous knee reconstruction three seasons ago.

“I am still able to move around which is a good sign. My knee doesn’t feel as bas as the last time I had a similar injury.”

“I will be out for the season, which is a shame as I was beginning to play regularly and was playing well in my last few starts. This injury will only make me stronger”, says Liparoti.

Liparoti damaged his right knee in Round 2 against Carlton in season 2000/2001 and missed the entire season. He worked hard over that period and spent every training session with his teammates working just as hard to recover from his long-term injury. He is sure to do the same this time round and get back into the good form that he was showing in the past weeks.

“Had the injury occurred during a training session or in a practice match it would be difficult mentally to get back, but Liparoti is in the best form of his career and will now want to get back to full fitness”, says Wright.

Liparoti, who will be visiting the surgeon next week, will be out for at least six months. South Melbourne would like to wish Robert a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in action, in front of his home fans at the beginning of next season.

Monday, 6 January 2003 12:00 AM

Twenty-Four year old defender Robert Liparoti, injured his knee in South Melbourne’s 1 – 0 win against Sydney United last night. It was the Blue and Whites first away win of the season and with Newcastle dropping valuable points the Club sits in outright third position.

The towering defender injured his left knee, the opposite knee that sidelined him in season 2000/2001. An initial diagnosis has identified cruciate ligament damage, which will be confirmed as early as this evening.

“Liparoti prompted on his right foot and pivoted to the right when at the same time he had a mild collision with the opposing player. He was in a fair bit of pain”.

“He is having his MRI scan today and we will know the result of his injury later today”, says South Melbourne physiotherapist Mary Toomey.

Despite Liparoti’s injury, South Melbourne showed some of its best form of the season and displayed some tremendous character. Wright was very satisfied with his players performance as throughout the week he empahised the importance of teamwork and players taking responsibility.

“The difference between the two teams last night was that we showed the ability to dig deep and show great team spirit. Earlier in the week we worked on leadership groups in various areas of the squad.”

“It was very satisfying seeing the way the players went about their business grinding out the result. They took on more responsibility and I was very proud of that”

“Sydney United gave us nothing. It was up to the boys to get the result and it was evident after the match as the boys were pumped as they had got the monkey off their backs”, says Wright.

With Susa returning from suspension, it was the first time this season that Danny Wright had all his midfielders available and started with Panopoulos, Damianos and Susa in the centre of the park.

“We had a very attacking formation as the Damianos and Susa are not natural defensive midfielders. I was concerned with that but in the second half they did pretty good”, says Wright.

Another positive sign came from Steve Iosifidis who replaced the injured Liparoti in the 25th minute. The out of favour Iosifidis was impressive and showed exactly what he is capable of, quite easily slipping into defence.

“Iosifidis was able to come on under pressure and pretty much slip into defence displaying his best form all season. It was satisfying and I have always said for players to prove me wrong and show me what they are capable of”, says the South coach.

South Melbourne will now take on Northern Spirit this Sunday and look to avenge their loss to the Sydney Club in Round 4 earlier this season. Last time the sides met, South’s two-goal comeback was diminished after Jonathan Ritcher scored a last minute winner for Spirit.

The match kicks off at 7.00 PM this Sunday at Bob Jane Stadium!

Sunday, 29 December 2002 12:00 AM

In the last match of 2002, South Melbourne maintained it’s season 2002/2003 undefeated home record, as the Blue and Whites drew to a resilient Newcastle United at Bob Jane Stadium today.

Newcastle struck early in the 6th minute with a goal through Joel Griffiths, but the home side clawed their way back into the match through an own goal. The Albert Park Club could have sealed the match in the dying moments but Vaughan Coveny’s header narrowly missed the target.

FINAL SCORE (National Soccer League – Round 15)
SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (Own Goal – Dodd 72’)
Newcastle 1 (Griffiths 6′)
Crowd: 4,236
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium

Friday, 27 December 2002 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 29 December 2002
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 6.00pm AEST

Live Broadcast: (Melbourne Only):
3XX 1611AM 6.00pm (English)
3XY 1422AM 6.00pm (Greek)
Echo FM 87.8FM 6.00pm (Greek)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 5 South wins 1, Newcastle wins 2, Draws 2

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne):
Played: 2 (Regular Season) South wins 1, Newcastle wins 1, Draws 0

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne BYE
Newcastle 4-1 hone win Vs Sydney United

Position on Ladder: 4th Vs 3rd

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD:
E Galekovic (gk), F De Amicis, M Durakovic, R Liparoti, P Kisnorbo,
D Clarkson, S Panopoulos, V Coveny, P Trimboli, P Buljan, B Damianos, V Lia, M Baird,
D Anastasiadis (gk)

IN: BYE last week
OUT: Z Susa (suspended – 1 match)

NEWCASTLE UNITED SQUAD:
D Beltrame (gk), C Zoricich, S Baillie, E Masi, J Griffiths, S Thomas, R Griffiths, M Wilson, S Eagleton, M Blagojevic, R Middleby, M Bingley, T Dodd, P Tsekenis, T Willis (gk), A Griffiths

IN: T Willis (gk)
OUT: M Prentice (ankle), J Schirripa (Broken foot), A Moreira (groin), M O’Brien (omitted)

Tuesday, 24 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Striker Michael Baird played an integral role in the Australian Under 20 National Team (Young Socceroos) who have qualified for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, after defeating Fiji 4-0 in the 2nd leg of the Oceania World Youth Championship qualifying final at Korman Stadium, Ba, Fiji today.

Michael Baird scored four goals at Bob Jane Stadium last Saturday helping the Young Socceroos to an 11 – 0 drubbing over Fiji. Vince Lia came on as a substitute in the first leg and scored while Massimo Murdocca played a full game in Fiji.

South Melbourne’s young trio will be available for selection this weekend at home against Newcastle.

Coach Ange Postecoglou was understandably more than happy with both the result and performance of his team, “It was a very professional performance today,” said Postecoglou.

“The boys gave 100 per-cent for the full ninety minutes which is a real credit to them considering the lop-sided scoreline and very hot conditions. I’m delighted with the performance.”

The Young Socceroos must now await the official draw on 29 January before knowing the identity of their opponents.

The 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship will be held in four cities in the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al-Ain and Sharjah – from 25 March to 16 April 2003.

www.soccersaustralia.com.au

Tuesday, 24 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to wish all Members, Sponsors, Media, Supporters and Volunteers a happy Festive Season and a safe and prosperous New Year.

The Club looks forward to seeing you all at it’s next home game on Sunday, 29 December 2002 against Newcastle United this Sunday. Kick off 6.00PM

The Club’s Administration Offices will be closed from midday today and reopen on Friday 27th December 2002 in preparation for Sunday’s top six clash with Newcastle United.

Thursday, 19 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s defeat of the Football Kingz on the weekend, took the Club’s current home winning streak to six matches and is in with a chance to equal a record held by Ferenc Puskas, Ange Postecoglou and Len McKendry.

South Melbourne has only ever won seven consecutive home matches with coach Danny Wright only one win away from equalling that record.

“It’s a good milestone to achieve, but we approach every game to win and whilst we have a good run at home, we would like to have more consistency away from home”, says Wright.

South Melbourne take on Newcastle in its next home encounter, the final match at Bob Jane Stadium for 2002. In the New Year South Melbourne face a strong Sydney United outfit and return home to host Northern Spirit.

South Melbourne will need to improve their away form in the second phase of the season and gain some valuable points from their travels away from Albert Park in order to maintain their healthy league position.

“We are well aware of our lack of results away from home and will be working to rectify that in the second round. If we can start working losses into draws and draws into wins, it will go a long way to us having a successful campaign”, says the South coach.

South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at Bob Jane Stadium on December 29 when the Blue and Whites tackle Newcastle United at Bob Jane Stadium. Kick Off 6.00PM

Just for the record:

6 in a row
1992/1993 : Round 24 – 26 until 1993/1994 in Round 6
1998/1999 : Rounds 9 – 20
2002/2003 : Rounds 5 –13

7 in a row
1983 : Rounds 18 – 28 until 1984 Round 1 (Len McKendry)
1990/91 : Round 26 until 1991/9Round 11 (FerencPuskas)
1997/98 : Round 9 – Round 23 (Ange Postecoglou)
1998/99 : Round 25 – Major Semi Final Leg 1 vs Sydney United until 1999/2000 Round 6 (Ange Postecoglou)

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

Two players on contrasting ends of the football career, showed why they are worthy of selection in South Melbourne’s talented squad. Last Sunday Ibraimi was vibrant upfront and the magical Trimboli showed again why he is one of the NSL’s most famous players.

Trimboli maybe 33 years of age and heading towards the end of his career, but on Sunday he proved his worth and stamped that the number 9 guernsey is still a danger in the South Melbourne squad.

“Trimmers” as known by his teammates, had an outstanding match against the Kingz scoring a double, taking his tally to 113 career goals. Trimboli was substituted to the wild applause of the fans, which were acknowledging his fantastic match winning performance.

The Team of the Century inductee has only started a handful of matches this season. He has spent much time on the bench as his experience has been used in the later part of matches. Trimboli is pleased with his performance but emphasised the importance of the team continuing their good form.

“I am happy with the way I performed on Sunday but more delighted with the three points. We have been playing very well of late and need to continue our good form in the New Year”.

“We have a very good squad with all players competing for a spot in the first eleven. Training has been very intense which shows a healthy competition within the squad”, says Trimboli

Young prospect Ibraim Ibraimi showed the faithful on Sunday what a great talent he is displaying some good touches, creating and getting on the end of some promising chances. Playing in only his second NSL game, the 18 year old partnered Peter Buljan after coming on for the injured Coveny.

“I thought I played quite well. At the end of the match I felt tired as I have not yet adjusted to the pace of the game”.

“It feels great to play alongside Trimboli. His passes are outstanding and it’s like dream to play with quality players such as Trimmers”, says Ibraimi

Wright’s tactics have paid dividens as he has given all his players a chance at some stage of the season. He has successfully blended in a mix of youth and experience, which has excited the faithful at Bob Jane Stadium this season.

Players such as Baird, Lia, Murdocca and Ibraimi just to name a few, will be carrying the future pride of South Melbourne while experienced campaigners Trimboli, De Amicis and Clarkson who have shared many successes at the Club, will be out to nurture and teach their young talented teammates.

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

A surprise victory over Australia’s cross Tasman rivals has seen Fiji, a footballing minnow nation top Group B and set up a two-legged affair with the Young Socceroos beginning with a clash this Saturday afternoon at Bob Jane Stadium.

An aggregate victory over Fiji and Australia will qualify for the Under 20 Youth World Cup being held the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April 2003. Australia who easily accounted for their Group A is currently residing in Melbourne in preparation for the crucial encounter.

A young Socceroo victory will definitely cap off what has been a successful week for Australian Soccer with FIFA announcing that Oceania will have direct qualification to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Former Back-to-Back South Melbourne Championship coach and current Young Socceroo coach, Ange Postecoglou with the assistance of Victorian Institute of Sport coach Ernie Merrick, is carrying out his training sessions at a familiar Bob Jane Stadium. His squad has been training quite well and is looking forward to clash against Fiji.

“Training has been good. We didn’t have the proper training facilities in Vanuatu but the boys have been working hard throughout the campaign. The players are keen to get stuck into the next two matches”, says Postecoglou.

South Melbourne has three youngsters in the squad, Murdocca, Lia and Baird who are all fighting for a spot in Saturday’s squad. All three players took part in the qualifiers with Vince Lia scoring in the second match against Papa New Guinea.

“The South Melbourne boys are going well. They all played a part in the group matches and will definitely play a role at some stage of the two qualifying matches against Fiji. I am very happy with them”, says the Young Socceroo coach.

Don’t forget to watch Australia’s brightest stars as the Young Socceroos take on Fiji this Saturday at Bob Jane Stadium. The squad will immediately travel to Fiji for the second leg, which will be played on Monday 23 December. Kick off for Saturday’s first leg at home is at 1.30 PM.