Category: News

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of former youth player Giuseppe Marafioti for the next two seasons.

The attacking midfielder joins his brother Giordano Marafioti at the club, following a highly successful 18-month stint with the Oakleigh Cannons.

Marafioti was a key member of the 2015 SMFC Under 20 squad under coach Sasa Kolman, before being signed by Melbourne City as part of their youth set up. After two years with the Hyundai A-League side, he moved onto Oakleigh in the NPL Victoria competition, playing in 40 matches for the Cannons and scoring on a dozen occasions.

A player renowned for his work ethic, calmness on the ball and creativity in the attacking third, he will bring another much-needed option for South Melbourne heading into the second part of the season.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Sasa Kolman was excited to officially welcome Giuseppe to the club.

“Pepe was a wonderful talent in our Under 20s. He has shown his quality through the National Youth League system and during his time at Oakleigh.”

“He will bring us a hardworking and creative option into our side and we are very excited to see him make his senior debut at the club on Sunday against Bulleen.”

We wish Giuseppe all the best for his time at the club and look forward to seeing him make his senior debut.

Adams returns to Australia with his young family, following a six month period with Swedish side Ljungskile SK.

In his first stint with the club, the central defender played in 70 club matches, playing a key role in the heart of the defence. This included starting in the 2016 NPL Grand Final win over Oakleigh and an important role throughout the 2017 FFA Cup campaign.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Coach Sasa Kolman was pleased to have Luke re-join the club.

“We all know what Luke is about, he will bring a composed and very confident defensive option to the team, as well as understanding what it is like to play for South Melbourne.

“We see him playing an important role for the remainder of the season and beyond.”

Luke will replace Ajdin Fetahagic on the club’s roster, with the Queenslander being released.

South Melbourne FC would like to confirm the signing of dynamic forward George Howard.

Howard joins the club following a stint in the NPL New South Wales competition, but he will be most familiar to Victorian football fans through his 3 years and 13 Hyundai A-League appearances with Melbourne Victory FC.

He will immediately join the club and provide Sasa Kolman with another attacking option ahead of our home match this Sunday against FC Bulleen Lions. 

Speaking to smfc.com.au, head coach Sasa Kolman was pleased to have secured Howard’s services for the rest of the season.

“George is a very composed and versatile forward, who can play in any role across the front three, and just behind the striker.” Kolman said.

“With his experience at national level and hard working nature, we hope that he can make an immediate impact at our club.”

We wish George all the best in his time at the club and look forward to seeing him make his debut on Sunday.

SMFC v Bulleen Lions – Lakeside Stadium – Sunday 3 June 2018 at 4pm

Previous Meetings – click individual game for highlights
2018 (R01) : Bulleen Lions 1-1 SMFC (Veneto Club)
2017 (R14): SMFC 3-0 Bulleen Lions (Lakeside Stadium)
2017 (R01): Bulleen Lions 2-2 SMFC (Veneto Club)
2016 (R17): SMFC 1-0 Bulleen Lions (Lakeside Stadium)
2016 (R04): Bulleen Lions 2-2 SMFC (Veneto Club)

Overall Head to Head:
Played: 5
SMFC Wins: 2
Bulleen Lions Wins: 0
Draws: 3

SMFC v Calder United – Lakeside Stadium – Sunday 3 June 2018 at 1:30pm

Last Five League Meetings – click individual game for highlights
2018 (R05): Calder United 2-2 SMFC (Keilor Park Reserve)
2017 (QSF): SMFC 4-2 Calder United (Lakeside Stadium)
2017 (R21): SMFC 2-2 Calder United (Lakeside Stadium)
2017 (R12): SMFC 2-1 Calder United (Lakeside Stadium)
2017 (R03): SMFC 4-2 Calder United (Keilor Park Reserve)

Overall Head to Head:
Played: 5
SMFC Wins: 3
Calder United Wins: 0
Draws: 2

NPL MEN / BOYS

NPL WOMEN / GIRLS

FINAL SCORE: HEIDELBERG UNITED 0-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-1)

Goal:
0-1: Tiffany Eliadis (14′)

Heidelberg United:
1. Christine Fonua (GK), 3. Katrina Tsalikidis (19. Hannah Ryan 46′), 4. Michelle Verzi (34. Sophia Samlidis 90′), 7. Stephanie Galea (c), 9. Emma Langley (23. Mikayla Lazic 81′), 12. Daniella Galluccio, 14. Rebecca Davies, 15. Caitlin Storay (5. Elly Torre 84′), 18. Lisa Fonua, 20. Monica Fonua, 22. Samantha Black (36. Stephanie Pantazopoulos 65′),
Unused Substitutes: None.
Yellow Cards: Storay 66′.

South Melbourne:
26. Beth Mason-Jones (GK), 4. Leah Scroggie, 5. Aimee Medwin, 7. Chelsea Blissett, 9. Julia Nicolaci (49. Emily Rayment 65′), 12. Sarah Richardson, 14. Alex Cheal, 15. Leia Varley, 16. Sofia Sakalis (27. Irene Paracki 7′), 17. Melina Ayres, 18. Tiffany Eliadis (c) (31. Sophie Papatsanis 84′).
Unused Substitutes: 21. Kelsey Quinn (GK), 23. Catherine Forte-Oddo.
Yellow Cards: Eliadis 43′.

FINAL SCORE: PORT MELBOURNE 4-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-0)

Goals:
1-0: James Papadimitriou (26′)
2-0: Kamal Ibrahim (52′)
3-0: Yuta Konagaya (54′)
4-0: Francesco Stella (64′)
4-1: Leigh Minopoulos (69′)
4-2: Perry Lambropoulous Own Goal (72′)

Port Melbourne:
1. Matthew Symes (GK), 2. Amadu Koroma, 3. Kris Kioussis, 4. Michael Eagar (c), 7. Kamal Ibrahim (23. Feston Azizi 79′), 8. Matthew Ntoumenopoulos (6. Alan Mulcahy 74′), 10. Francesco Stella, 12. Perry Lambropoulos, 14. James Papadimitriou (9. Sam Smith 74′), 19. Daniel Clark, 22. Yuta Konagaya,
Unused Substitutes: 13. Dionis Shabani, 20. Branko Skocic.
Yellow Cards: Ibrahim 11′, Ntoumenopoulos 35′, Lambropoulos 74′, Konagaya 90+4′.

South Melbourne:
21. Jerrad Tyson (GK) / 3. Kristian Konstantinidis, 5. Jake Marshall, 39. Christos Intzidis, 11. Brad Norton (c) / 8. Luke Pavlou (17. Andy Brennan 64′), 23. Matthew Foschini / 18. Matthew Millar, 6. Marcus Schroen (sent off 64′), Nick Epifano / 19. Oliver Minatel (27. Leigh Minopoulos 64′).
Unused Substitutes: 1. Keegan Coulter (GK), 16. Josh Hodes, 20. Ajdin Fetahagic.
Yellow Cards: None.

Good afternoon South Melbourne supporters. Today represents a significant moment in the history of South Melbourne FC.

We have officially lodged our Expression of Interest (EOI) document to join the A-League in season 2019/20.

It’s the first small step in a process, but the culmination of many steps and large strides this club has made over the best part of 60 years.

SMFC has a rich history. We are Australia’s most successful football club, having achieved more honours than any other Australian club, including four national titles. Of course, we are proud of these achievements.

However, this bid document is not about the past National Soccer League (NSL) glories or number of titles.

Outlined throughout the 100-page document is a 14-year case study of a committed football community building every element of a professional club to not only compete in the top flight, but contribute to the sustainability of Football for girls, boys, women, men and fans in Australia for generations to come.

We have you, the supporters, players and community to thank.

It’s no secret that 14 years ago SMFC was disappointed not to be a part of the inaugural A-League. The decisions relating to the formation of the A-League are well documented. Simply being a successful part of the old world (NSL) would no longer guarantee the club a seat at the table. It was watershed moment for the club.

Despite the disappointment, our response was to “get to work” on creating the “new” SMFC. Many people have provided support to keep the club moving forward.

We sincerely thank you for your support.

As your President, it is an absolute privilege to serve this club.

The next steps will be announced towards the end of June.

Yours sincerely,
Leo Athanasakis
SMFC President