Category: News

Thursday, 28 November 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne will take on the Young Socceroos in a warm up match, before the U20’s travel to Vanuatu for the Oceania World Youth Championship Qualifying tournament.

Postecoglou’s boys will compete in an exhibition match against our own Blue and Whites, in their last full hit out before they head overseas on Wednesday 4th December 2002.

The game will be played on Tuesday 3rd December 2002 at Bob Jane Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00pm and admission is FREE.

Everybody is encouraged to come along and support the Blue and Whites and farewell our Young Socceroos before they head to Vanuatu to represent our nation. South Melbourne’s Michael Baird, Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia have all been selected in the touring squad and they will certainly do the club and country proud.

The Young Socceroos will play only two matches in their qualifying group (Group A) due to the late withdrawal of the Cook Islands.

The fixtures are:

Saturday December 7
Vanuatu Vs Australia – 2.30pm

Monday December 9
Australia Vs Papua New Guinea – 2.30pm.

The winner of Group A will playoff against the winner of Group B, which includes Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga.

Should Australia progress from its group, playoff matches are scheduled for Thursday December 19 (away match) and Sunday December 22 in Melbourne.

The winner of the playoff shall represent Oceania at the FIFA World Youth Championship to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April 2003.

Monday, 25 November 2002 12:00 AM

On a muggy Melbourne day, South secured three vital points against Marconi Stallions with a tough one nil victory. In front of a crowd of 5,000 spectators, the man of the moment was once again Bill Damianos, as he stepped up to score his second consecutive goal in as many weeks.

Damianos’ fine 1st half goal lifts South back into the top six and within striking distance of last years finalists, Olympic Sharks and Perth Glory.

The match didn’t have the flair and excitement of the previous 2 weeks encounters, as the goals didn’t flow as frequently as what the crowd would have liked. Without the services of Peter Buljan and Michael Baird, South Melbourne struggled to penetrate the Stallions defence, whilst Marconi lacked firepower upfront without the injured Joe Spiteri.

In total contrast to the Olympic and Knights games, both teams settled in their own half and were reluctant to push men forward.

The first half chance of the game fell to South Melbourne in the 36th minute. Bill Damianos was the beneficiary of some fine individual skill from captain Paul Trimboli, who controlled the ball gently on his chest and turned quickly to slot the ball into the path of Damianos, who smashed the ball into the back of the net from 20 yards.

The one nil lead to South was almost instantly cancelled out by Alex Brosque. Brosque made his way past two defenders and found himself in a one on one situation with Eugene Galekovic. Galekovic was able to preserve South’s lead after making a world class save.

Vince Lia almost extended South Melbourne’s lead in the 45th minute when he cut in from the right hand side and smashed a left foot rocket into the post. This would be the last effort of the first half and South Melbourne would take a one nil lead into the break.

After half time, it was Marconi who could have equalised, as midfielder Grant Last skied a guilt-edge chance over the bar from 10 metres out. There were no other major opportunities for either team to score and South was able to hang on and record its 4th victory of the season.

Danny Wright had praise for his defence and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, who continued his good form. “Probably the most pleasing thing was that we were able to keep a clean sheet and the best three players on the park were our back three and our goalkeeper.”

South Melbourne will be looking to continue their recent good run of form in Round 11 against Parramatta Power.

Sunday 24th November 2002, Round 10 NSL – 2002/2003, Bob Jane Stadium
South Melbourne 1 ( B. Damianos 36’ )
Marconi Stallions 0
Crowd: 4,972

Thursday, 21 November 2002 12:00 AM

The Melbourne Derby lived up to expectation last Sunday, as South Melbourne scored a 4-2 victory against arch rivals the Melbourne Knights. In front of a vocal crowd of 9,000 spectators, South Melbourne was too strong for their opponents and has now moved within striking distance of the top six.

South couldn’t have dreamt of a better start, when in the first minute of play they were awarded a penalty that Captain Paul Trimboli slotted away. The Knights hit back early after Leon Buhic equalised in the 30th minute.

The Knights equaliser was cancelled out just a minute later, as Peter Buljan scored his fourth of the season and made the scoreline 2-1 in favour of South.

Just 12 minutes after restoring South’s lead, Buljan was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the game. Buljan’s tackle on Leon Buhic inside the penalty area was enough for referee Brett Hugo to award a controversial penalty to the Knights. Anthony Pelikan stepped up to calmly slot the ball past Eugene Galekovic.

The Knights were reduced to ten men in the dying moments of the first half, with former South midfielder Nick Sabljak also receiving his second caution of the game. Both teams went into break with a man down and the scores level at 2-2.

South Melbourne dominated the second half and created numerous opportunities to score. It wasn’t until the 61st minute when South was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Bill Damianos stepped up to caress a fine curling strike into the top right hand corner of the net and once again give South the ascendency.

Nick Tolios added to the lead, after meeting a Bill Damianos corner with a perfectly timed header to give Martin John no chance in the Knights goal.

The game ended in South prevailing by 4 goals to two and another Derby victory under their belt.

Sunday 17th November 2002, Round 9 NSL – 2002/2003, Bob Jane Stadium
South Melbourne 4 ( P. Trimboli 1’ pen, P. Buljan 31’, B. Damianos 61’, N. Tolios 67’ )
Melbourne Knights 2 ( L. Buhic 30’, A. Pelikan 43’ pen )
Crowd: 8,997

Thursday, 21 November 2002 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 24 November 2002
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 6.00pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 50 South Melbourne wins 18, Marconi wins 22, Draws 10

HEAD TO HEAD (at Melbourne):
Played: 23 (Regular Season), South Melbourne wins 14, Marconi wins 9, Draws 0

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne 4-2 home win Vs Melbourne Knights; Marconi 0-0 away draw Vs Newcastle

Position on Ladder: 7th Vs 11th

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

IN: S Pace
OUT: P Buljan (suspended – 1 match), M Baird (suspended – 1 match)

MARCONI STALLIONS SQUAD: M Turnbull (gk), C Gibson, T Sekulic, S Webb, D Longo, P Cotte, T Perinich, D McDonald, R Enes, S Bozinovski, A Brosque, M Thwaite, G Last, E Anabalon, S Alogdellis (gk)

IN: S Bozinovski
OUT: J Spiteri (broken arm – 5 weeks), A Costanzo (knee – 1 week), S Fitzsimmons (ankle – 3 weeks), K Gulesserian (knee – 4 weeks)

Tuesday, 19 November 2002 12:00 AM

Peter this is your second year with the club after a fairly difficult first season. This season you are currently one of the clubs leading goal scorers. What has been the difference?

After having a difficult season last year, l have mentally changed the way I am going to approach playing this season, and when I scored my first goal of the season in my first start it gave me extra confidence and things have progressed from there.

Peter when you joined South Melbourne the team was in fulltime training. This season they have reverted back to part-time. As a player does this make much of a difference in terms of fitness and playing levels?

I think it does because it means less time to work on your game, but in turn it is very hard for clubs these days to pay players to be fulltime. But in saying that Wollongong won two Championships with a team that was part-time, so it may not make that much of a difference.

Peter, sport in general in Australia seems to be going through a roller coaster ride, with some Sporting clubs asking there players to take pay cuts. What do you think the general public wants and needs to create interest in the sport?

It’s very hard to say, soccer has been trying to work this out since the National League began, but I do think it needs to be advertised and sold on mainstream television a lot more. If the game isn’t televised or even publicised in the mainstream media then it makes it a lot harder to attract corporate dollars (sponsors) and therefore the game itself struggles.

Peter, you have had two opportunities to trial overseas at clubs in Germany and in Belgium. What differences and experiences have you brought home to help you with your Soccer career?

When you train and play it has to be at 100% and that there are no friends in the clubs, it is very ruthless and very competitive, so you must stay strong at all times. I’m a true believer in the fact that you play the way you train. The main difference between Soccer here in Australia and overseas is that the game of Soccer in Europe and South America is professional. Even the lower leagues are full time and that is there full time job. You can’t compare it to a part time competition.

Peter, as in sport and in life, there are always highs and lows. What have been your highs and lows with your time in the National Soccer League?

One of my biggest highlights was being voted the leading goal scorer and player of the year for two consecutive seasons at the Canberra Cosmos. Being given the opportunity to further my career with the South Melbourne Soccer Club has also been a highlight for me. The lowest point of my NSL career would be when I joined Perth Glory and I suffered two bad injuries to my quadricep and ankle, which kept me out of the game for 7 months.

Saturday, 9 November 2002 12:00 AM

With Newcastle losing to the Kingz, South Melbourne could have stepped up to outright third position on the NSL table, but fell short of a result at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday night.

Fortunately for the Blue and White’s, Adelaide City, Sydney United and Melbourne Knights were all on the losing end, which enabled South Melbourne to hold onto fourth position.

South Melbourne dominated proceedings as Brisbane played a very defensive game, putting all eleven players behind the ball, trying to catch the away side on the counter attack. South had to be patient with their attacks but fell behind against the run of play early, through a Kris Trajanovski 12th minute goal.

South went into the break a goal down, but hit back in the 53rd minute when Vaughan Coveny struck after good lead up play from Peter Buljan. The game then had all the characteristics for a South Melbourne victory as Danny Wright’s side continued to press forward, creating numerous chances to finish off bottom placed Brisbane.

All of South’s good work came undone in the 80th minute, when Brisbane captain Stuart McLaren scored the winner through a soft goal, after two miss kicks saw the ball cross Galekovic’s goal line.

Danny Wright was disappointed with the loss but was pleased with the way his side played saying it was our best performance for a number of weeks.

“We had possession of the ball for 75 per cent of the time. It was one of our best performances of the season but we conceded two very soft goals from lapses of concentration,” said Wright.

The South coach was also delighted with midfielder Zeljko who played his first match for the season after being cleared to play earlier in the week.

“The other thing was Zeljko Susa. He was playing his first game, he lasted 80 minutes and he was one of the best on the park.

“He was outstanding. He put himself about and he was a class above anyone else.”

Nick Tolios sustained some bruising to his elbow but will be fit for this Sunday’s home match against Kingz FC. Apart from Tolios’ elbow, there were no injuries on the weekend, which is a positive sign, leading into this weekend Round 13 clash.

Friday, 8 November 2002 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 10 November 2002
Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium
Kickoff: 4.00pm (ACST)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall): Played: 59 Adelaide City wins 20, South Melbourne 27, Draws 12

HEAD TO HEAD (at Adelaide):
Played: 27(Regular Season) Adelaide City wins 13, South Melbourne 7, Draws 7

LAST WEEK:
Adelaide 2-1 away loss Vs Newcastle;
South 6-4 home win Vs Olympic

Position on Ladder: 4th Vs 6th

ADELAIDE CITY SQUAD: D Godley (gk), G Lagati, A Kovacevic, M Valkanis, D Pellegrini, L Pantelis, C Veart, A Vidmar, G Lozanovski, S Tunbridge, D Terminello, I Karlovic, C Pelosi, S Smeltz, I Martin (gk)

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

Friday, 8 November 2002 12:00 AM

CONGRATULATIONS Vince Lia, Massimo Murdocca and Michael Baird on your selection in the Australia Under-20 squad for the Oceania World Youth Championship qualifying tournament.

The squad will go into camp in Melbourne on December 1 before departing for Port Vila on December 4. The Young Socceroos will play only two matches in their qualifying group (Group A) on December 7 and 9.

Vince Lia and Michael Baird have had sensational starts to the season, pulsating South Melbourne’s attack and played an inspirational role so far. Vince Lia who was one of the stand out players in the recent Festival Cup in Adelaide is hoping to repeat his splendid performance.

“It’s exciting to be chosen as part of the squad along with two of my team-mates. I am looking forward to the experience which I hope will be a positive one for me”.

Baird is also excited about the prospect of representing his country and will be fighting for a spot in the starting eleven against five other forwards.

“Its obviously the pinnacle of all players career to represent their country. I want to be in the best possible form for South Melbourne and for the upcoming qualifying tournament. I would love to represent my country at the Youth World Cup next year”.

“I want to get into the starting line up, do my best and from they’re try and qualify for the World Cup”, says Baird

Last seasons Rising Star Massimo Murdocca has been superb for the Club and is also proud to be called up into the Under 20 squad.

“It’s a big achievement. Making the Under 20 squad has been a long time goal for me. Just getting a call up is a thrill and hope to get something out of it”, says Murdocca.

All three players are likely to miss South Melbourne’s Round 12 & 13 matches. If Australia qualify in Group A, will meet the Group B winners over two legs with the second leg held on December 22 in Melbourne.

The winner of the playoff shall represent Oceania at the FIFA World Youth Championship to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April 2003.

Wednesday, 6 November 2002 12:00 AM

Some of South Melbourne’s and the National Soccer Leagues finest players will take part in a star strutted curtain raiser prior to the Round 13 clash at Bob Jane Stadium next Sunday.

This is your chance to watch the high profile Melbourne Glory who won the 40 – 45 age group at the recent World Masters Games held in Melbourne, take on a talented Mercurial Kingz who were defeated in the final of the 30 – 35 age bracket.

Captain Alan Davidson along with some of his former Melbourne Knights team mates, Josip Biskic and Theo Selemidis will be on show for Melbourne Glory and will be joined by Bogdan Bonk (Melbourne Knights), Joe Carbone (Melita Eagles) and Bobby Mcguinness (Sydney City, South Melbourne, Green Gully).

Their opponents the Mercurial Kingz, whose players are also made up of current Victorian State League players, are lead by South Melbourne’s current Assistant Coach Peter Tsolakis. Team-mates Greg Kasidas, Peter Nikolakopoulos and former South Melbourne strikers Michael Mihalakopoulos and John Anastasiadis form a formidable line up and will not be easy to defeat.

This match promises to be entertaining and a chance for South Melbourne supporters to come along early and watch some of the National Soccer Leagues and South Melbourne legends battle it out next on Sunday, 15 December 2002. Kick off 3.30 PM

Melbourne Glory vs Mercurial Kingz
Sunday 15 December 2002
Bob Jane Stadium
Kick off: 3.30PM

Monday, 4 November 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne midfielder Zeljko Susa has been cleared by FIFA and Soccer Australia to take part in this weeks Round 12 away encounter against Brisbane Strikers.

Since re-joining the club during the pre-season, the skilful midfielder has been unable to participate in any National Soccer League match this season, because of a dispute with his former club Hajduk Split.

The Croatian Football Federation has been requested to issue an international transfer registration certificate (IRTC) on behalf of Soccer Australia and in the interim Soccer Australia will immediately register Zeljko Susa with the Club provisionally until receipt of the original IRTC.

Susa is obviously relieved and can now not only concentrate on keeping fit, but also obtaining a spot in South Melbourne’s squad for the coming weekend.

“I’m excited! I am very keen to play and I am relieved to be able to play again”

It has been a stressful three months for Susa who thought that at the beginning of the season would be lining up for South Melbourne and not be sidelined for such a long period of time.

“I didn’t expect this dilemma to go on for so long. I thought I would receive my clearance prior to the commencement of the season”.

“I would like to thank the Club who has been very supportive and have persisted with this matter. I would also like to extend my thanks to my team-mates and the supporters”.

Last night Susa who played a full match against the Australian Under 20 squad was in good touch and showed he is ready to take the park this weekend.

“I was a good hit out for Susa last night. He showed some deft touches with his cultured left foot”, says Wright.

South Melbourne defeated the Australian Under 20 squad 1 – 0 at Bob Jane Stadium last night with a 52nd minute goal by Ibraim Ibraimi.