South Melbourne FC

Category: News

  • Young guns sign on to guard the goals in 2017

    Young guns sign on to guard the goals in 2017

    zaffina-molly

    South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of goal keepers Cassandra Zaffina and Molly-May Ramsay for the 2017 NPL Victoria Season.

    Zaffina has an amazing story in football where her determination and tenacity has defined her character both on and off the pitch. She has played at a number of clubs in Melbourne as well as a stint with Alstonville in the Northern NSW Women’s Premier League. At the start of last season she transitioned from Caulfield United Cobras to the newly formed Alamein FC for the inaugural National Premier League season. Throughout 2016 she played 21 matches for the Under 18s and 3 matches with the Senior team.

    Speaking with smfc.com.au, Zaffina details her transfer saying “South Melbourne has a reputation for it’s history, the girls in the squad and Soc as coach. It is an exciting opportunity for me to be joining such a big club. Working with Lou Petrou to develop as a goalkeeper has been an amazing experience to get me to the position I am now in. I also have a lot of respect for Soc as a coach. He recognises I am still developing my experience as a top level keeper yet has put his trust and faith in my ability. 2017 is going to be an exciting year for the South Melbourne squad and Soc is building a line-up which can go all the way to the Grand Final”.

    Joining Zaffina wearing the gloves this season is Molly-May Ramsay who joins the squad from Murray United. Ramsay has played for a number of clubs around Albury Wodonga in her youth including winning the U15 Girls FFA National Girls Championship with the NSW Country team. As a sign of her skill and capability, Ramsay made the switch from girls to boys football in 2016 joining NPL2 regional team Murray United where she was named Captain of the clubs Under 15s boys team. It was a high intensity season for Ramsay where she played 26 rounds for the U15 boys, and a further 10 fixtures for the U16 boys who finished the season in 6th place.

    Ramsay shared her thoughts on the move to South saying “it’s fantastic to be given an opportunity at such a big name club like South Melbourne. I am looking forward to playing in the Women’s NPL having made the move from Wodonga. Training with Cassandra and the squad, especially the men’s teams, is amazing and I am looking forward to really improving my game.”

    Women’s Football Director Gabrielle Giuliano is impressed with both Zaffina and Ramsay. “Cassandra’s story is an interesting one and  her commitment in training and performance on the pitch is what makes her an excellent fit for our squad. Additionally when I look at Molly-may, I see such a young talent and a name we are going to hear a lot about in the coming years. Coming to South will be an exciting transition for her and we’ll be supporting her the whole way. I am looking forward to watching both girls develop throughout the year and their contributions to the South community in 2017.” she said.

  • 2017 NPL Victoria Round 02 / Match Stats

    2017 NPL Victoria Round 02 / Match Stats

     

    Seniors Port Melbourne 4 (1) South Melbourne 0 (0)

    Goals

    		 Khrapko 12′
    Govas 51′
    Cristaldo 58′
    Khrapko 65′

    Yellows 

    		 None Piergianni 55′
    McCormick 72′
    De Niese 81′
    Foschini 90+2′

    Reds 

    		 None None

    Teams

    		 01 Brendan White (GK)
    02 Nick Apostolopoulos (15 Kobbie Boahene 71′)
    03 Jordan Lampard
    04 James Karvelis
    06 Michael McGowan
    07 Christopher Cristaldo (12 Godfrey Okello 83′)
    08 Bonel Obradovic
    09 Oleksiy Khrapko
    10 Francesco Stella
    16 Alan Kearney (c)
    21 Andreas Govas (06 Fraser Hills 70′)    		 01 Nikola Roganovic (GK)
    03 Kristian Konstantinidis (19 Gavin De Niese 55′)
    05 Luke Adams
    26 Carl Piergianni
    06 Liam McCormick
    23 Matthew Foschini (c)
    18 Matthew Millar
    27 Leigh Minopoulos
    17 Marcus Schroen (22 Andy Kecojevic 65′)
    07 Nick Epifano
    09 Milos Lujic

    Unused

    		 20 Milos Ilic
    22 Nicholas Kostadinoski    		 02 Tim Mala
    08 Luke Pavlou
    21 Zaim Zeneli (GK)

     

    Under 20s:
    Port Melbourne 0
    South Melbourne 3 (Kovacevic 45′, Layton 70′, Laurie 87′)

  • Hey DJ play that song

    Hey DJ play that song

    Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video production company. Because it is a family business, you inevitably end up wearing many hats and being the czar of many different jobs. I mainly managed projects and worked as a video editor. On production, there were times that I was called on to work as an audio tech and was made to wear headphones on long production days. In those days, having a really good set of headphones that picked up every nuance of sound was essential to making sure the client got what they needed.

    Keep me dancing.

    Naturally, my first impression of these headphones is based off of the look of them. They have a classic over-the-ear style that is highlighted by a blue LED light that indicates the power for the noise canceling. The padding on the ear pieces seems adequate for extended usage periods.

    They are wired headphones, but the 3.5mm stereo mini-plug cable is detachable. Something else I noticed right of the bat was the very nice carrying case that comes with them. It has a hard plastic exterior with a soft cloth interior that helps to protect the surface of the headphones from scratches. I never truly appreciated cases for headphones until I started carrying them from place-to-place. Now I can’t imagine not having a case.

    All night long…

    Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable.

    Play me something for me and my darling, want you to make everything.

    Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone 6. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. From John Williams to Fallout Boy, the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience.

    In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.

  • 2017 NPL Victoria Round 01 / Match Stats

    2017 NPL Victoria Round 01 / Match Stats

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    Seniors Bulleen Lions 2 (0) South Melbourne 2 (1)

    Goals

    		 White 58′
    Clarke 64′    		 Minopoulos 43′
    Lujic 89’p

    Yellows 

    		 Mullett 88′
    Bresolin 90+2′    		 Piergianni 80′

    Reds 

    		 None None

    Teams

    		 01 Shane Viitakangas (GK)
    02 Eli Luttmer
    03 William Abbott
    04 Samuel Borghesi
    06 Davide Cardamone (10 Bardhi Hysolli 76′)
    07 Luke Gallo
    08 Thomas Neilson
    09 Oliver White (19 Stefan Cardamone 90+1′)
    15 Jordan Templin (14 Dylan Bresolin 66′)
    20 Andrew Mullett (c)
    22 Bradley Clarke    		 01 Nikola Roganovic (GK)
    02 Tim Mala (22 Andy Kecojevic 78′)
    04 Michael Eagar (26 Carl Piergianni 73′)
    05 Luke Adams
    11 Brad Norton (c)
    06 Liam McCormick (08 Luke Pavlou 67′)
    23 Matthew Foschini
    27 Leigh Minopoulos
    17 Marcus Schroen
    07 Nick Epifano
    09 Milos Lujic

    Unused

    		 18 Nicholas Voulgaris
    24 Wyatt Chant    		 15 Jesse Daley
    21 Zaim Zeneli (GK)

     

    Under 20s:
    Bulleen Lions 1 (Di Ciocco 48′)
    South Melbourne 4 (Said 39′, Kovacevic 45′, Maker 73′, Layton 85′)

  • South sign Golden Boot Winner & U20 International Melina Ayres

    South sign Golden Boot Winner & U20 International Melina Ayres

    Melina-Ayres

    South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of Melbourne City striker Melina Ayres for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.

    Seventeen-Year-Old Ayres joins us following a championship winning stint with the W-League outfit, coming on as a late substitute in Sunday’s Grand Final win away to Perth Glory.

    Previous to this, Ayres was on hand to capture the inaugural WNPL Golden Boot while playing at Alamein in 2016, scoring nineteen times in twenty competitive matches. Her outstanding form also culminated in selection for the Australian Under 20 side, where she scored three times in four appearances for her country.

    Ayres also joins us having played numerous seasons previously as a South Melbourne junior and returns to the club to link up with another former South junior and Golden Boot winner Tiffany Eliadis.

    ayres
    Speaking to smfc.com.au Football Director Gabrielle Giuliano was excited with the signing. “We all remember a young and talented Melina running around as a South junior, so we are naturally excited to see her return to the club for the upcoming season. Furthermore, to sign someone with W-League and International experience is very exciting and we believe she will be an outstanding asset to the team in the forward half. We wish Melina all the best for the upcoming season”.

    Melina will make her SMFC senior debut in two weeks time for the Round 1 clash against Box Hill United at Wembley Park. We can’t wait to see her in our colours.

  • Verzi and Nicolaci sign for 2017 season

    Verzi and Nicolaci sign for 2017 season

    Michelle Verzi started her football career at the age of four growing up in New Jersey, USA. By age eleven she had joined the Universal Soccer Academy and was quickly a part of the New Jersey Olympic Development Program. Two ACL reconstructions wasn’t enough to discourage her from the game and she went on play College football at La Salle University in Philadelphia were she helped the team reach record breaking seasons.

    In 2007 she was selected to play for the New Jersey Wildcats in the W-League, the then second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. It was here at the Trenton based outfit she first met Socrates Nicolaidis who was the head coach at the club in 2007 and 2008.

    It was a few years later when Verzi moved to Australia that she made herself at home with long-time South Melbourne rivals, Heidelberg United. Verzi played six seasons at Olympic Village, serving as the club Captain in the last few seasons. Now in 2017 Verzi moves to Lakeside and reunites with coach Nicolaidis.

    Talking to smfc.com.au, Verzi said “I’m really excited to play football again with Soc and happy to be a part of a new club environment. Everyone has been so welcoming, the facilities are tremendous and I’m looking forward to walking out on to Lakeside wearing a South jersey”

    Julia Nicolaci is another strong player swapping the yellow Heidelberg jersey for South Melbourne blue this year. Nicolaci started her football at Eltham North before joining Heidelberg United at the age of 16. She has been a loyal stalwart serving at the club for 9 years growing into a crafty midfielder. In the inaugural WNPL season last year she started in 20 fixtures and scored 6 goals including a brace against the Senior NTC in Round 17. A win in the Team App Cup last year was also a highlight for 2016.

    Nicolaci was recognised for her success on the pitch last season being listed in the The Corner Flag’s Team of the Season (Attacking Midfielders) where they said “while she somewhat flew under the radar this season, given her explosive 2015 campaign, Julia Nicolaci was still an incredibly important figure for Heidelberg United as she helped pull the strings from behind the strikers. American Leigh Gray was the biggest profiter from her work as Nicolaci combined beautifully to help her towards a 20 goal tally, while she herself grabbed a respectable six goals from midfield.”

    Nicolaci told smfc.com.au “the introduction of the WNPL has taken women’s football in Victoria to the next level. Now with South Melbourne involved it’s a step up again. The way South integrates the women’s team with the men’s team gives you the feeling you are truly part of a family environment. I spent a long enjoyable time at Heidelberg and made some amazing friends. However the time was right for the change and I now have a fantastic opportunity here at South Melbourne.”

    Head of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano reflected on the value of the duo signing at South Melbourne saying “both Michelle and Julia will bring a tremendous amount of experience at the top of Victorian football. Their leadership and maturity will serve the team and the club well on and off the pitch. I have seen both play over the years and they have a positive style and the ability to stamp their authority on the game. I’m excited to see them on the pitch in 2017.

  • SMFC launch 2017 Membership

    SMFC launch 2017 Membership

    South Melbourne FC is pleased to launch its membership campaign ahead of the 2017 National Premier League Victoria season.

    We’ve introduced a new membership category in 2017, in conjunction with the opening of the SMFC Social Club at Lakeside Stadium. The unique membership will give you priority access to our wonderful new facility, including discounts on all food and drink purchased within the premises. You will also receive a new SMFC Scarf (Valued at $30) and numerous discounts throughout the year from our associated partners.

    The Social Club Membership will also give you entry into all SMFC Home controlled matches at Lakeside Stadium, including both of our men’s and women’s senior teams. Many double-header matches have been planned, with 2017 members able to watch both of our senior teams at Lakeside Stadium.

    Due to a new membership database system being implemented ahead of the launch of the Social Club, online purchases will not be available until Mid-March. Until such time that this is available, you can simply fill out the membership form and submit your membership application via email.

    The club has numerous community based events planned leading into our opening home match in April, so membership can be purchased from any one of these also. Stay tuned to our website and social media as these events are announced.

    It is very important that you support us by purchasing your membership. We want success both on and off the park and we are aiming to increase and broaden our membership more than we did in 2016.

    It’s time! #smfc4aleague

    Click here to download 2017 brochure and form

  • Me Myself and I

    Me Myself and I

    Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video production company. Because it is a family business, you inevitably end up wearing many hats and being the czar of many different jobs. I mainly managed projects and worked as a video editor. On production, there were times that I was called on to work as an audio tech and was made to wear headphones on long production days. In those days, having a really good set of headphones that picked up every nuance of sound was essential to making sure the client got what they needed.

    First impressions.

    Naturally, my first impression of these headphones is based off of the look of them. They have a classic over-the-ear style that is highlighted by a blue LED light that indicates the power for the noise canceling. The padding on the ear pieces seems adequate for extended usage periods.
    They are wired headphones, but the 3.5mm stereo mini-plug cable is detachable. Something else I noticed right of the bat was the very nice carrying case that comes with them. It has a hard plastic exterior with a soft cloth interior that helps to protect the surface of the headphones from scratches. I never truly appreciated cases for headphones until I started carrying them from place-to-place. Now I can’t imagine not having a case.

    A perfect fit.

    Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable.

    It’s safe to say that because of my unique professional experiences, I’ve tested out a lot of headphones.

    Quality.

    Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone 6. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. From John Williams to Fallout Boy, the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience.

    In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.

    I would highly recommend these to any sound mixing specialist.

  • SMFC launch 2017 Puma Playing Kit

    SMFC launch 2017 Puma Playing Kit

    South Melbourne FC in conjunction with Puma – One Sports is excited to launch our NPL Victoria Playing Kit for the 2017 season.

    The kit blends together the club’s rich and proud history, with our 2017 shirt taking elements from our three NSL championship winning shirts previously manufactured by Puma.

    The Club will once again wear its traditional colour of a rich royal blue at home, with the away kit also keeping with tradition in being a white colour. Our goalkeepers will wear a black kit for the majority of matches, with a clash kit to be released soon.

    Our entire range will be worn by each participant at the club, inclusive of all male and female players. This includes all junior players and teams of all age groups.

    The shirt can be purchased from the club and through our apparel suppliers in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to social media for release dates.

    Watch our launch video

  • My tech travel setup

    My tech travel setup

    MacBook Pro

    Robert Capa, a famous photojournalist once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” It’s not just about zooming in with your lens, either. It’s about getting physically closer to people and getting to know them better. It’s also about spending a little time with a stranger before taking their photo. That helps build the trust and comfort that’ll come through in your pictures. Walk up to your subject with a simple wave and a smile to help communicate that you mean no harm.

    Ask permission to take a photo if they speak the same language as you. If you don’t share a language, try learning some basic phrases ahead of time, gesture at your camera and ask through expression. Of course if someone doesn’t want their picture taken, it’s imperative to respect their wishes and move on — people are always more important than photographs. National Geographic writes that “making great pictures is primarily a mental process.” What makes you want to photograph the person or place? How might you describe it to a friend, and what adjectives would you use? Are there details you can focus on that tell a story?

    iPad/iPhone

    Maybe it’s a dry, arid desert, captured by focusing on the patterns of cracked earth. Or a prairie that’s photographed with the horizon at the bottom of the frame, to help create a sense of the open sky and tranquility. Or maybe it’s the story of a deft artisan, fingernails covered in wet clay as she molds a pot. When you’re on the road it can be tough to eat right and make sure you get all the right nutrients. I started taking daily supplements of Multi-Vitamin, Fish Oil capsules and Vitamin D and it helps a lot. Especially the Vitamin D since I don’t get to see the sun a lot during the winter in Sweden.

    Sennheiser HD-25 Headphones

    It’s difficult to recreate the grandeur of a vast landscape in the confines of a picture frame. But one way to add a sense of depth to your photos is to compose them with objects in the foreground that support the scene. It can be as simple as a winding road through a national park, or some rocks to show off the local geology.

    If you’re taking photos of people during normal daylight hours, a quick way to get more flattering light is to move the person out of direct sunlight. The light is much “softer” and doesn’t cast stark, unflattering shadows across their facial features. Even better, have someone stand next to an open door or window as the single source of light.

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