Category: News

South Melbourne FC is in mourning after learning of the recent passing of long time member and club volunteer Nick Spanos.

Mr. Spanos (pictured left) or “Mr Fix it” as he called himself, would be known by many at the club for his commitment to the football club that he loved, having volunteered at SMFC for over 50 years. Despite his health issues in the latter years, the loyalty of Mr. Spanos saw him assist around the club throughout the post NSL period, as well as proving to be a mentor for many young volunteers of the club at the time.

As a tribute to Mr Spanos, the playing squad will wear black arm bands for tonight’s match against North Geelong, as well as observing a minute’s silence before the match.

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis added that “on behalf of everyone at SMFC, we extend our condolences to the Spanos family on the recent passing of Mr Nick Spanos. For many of us involved over a number of years we have all had to work with and enjoy great times with such a special man who truly loved all things South Melbourne. We will miss seeing his face around our club and his willingness to help all involved whether it was related to the club or not. We mourn his loss.”

Our thoughts are with his family at this very tough time.

The structure of the NPL in 2015 at a Youth level provides a significant increase in the amount of football being played throughout the season. This is seen as a positive by the club and our coaches in delivering greater opportunities for our players to advance their individual techniques and team match play.

A long thirty four round season is now approaching the half way mark and already our players are performing on the pitch both as teams and individuals. Looking purely at the results our six teams from Under 12s to Under 18s have amassed forty six wins, eleven draws and twenty losses whilst scoring two hundred and fifteen goals and conceding eighty five. Whilst these are all but numbers on the page, the focus has been entirely on player development and progression.

The success of our Under 20s under coach Sasa Kolman has seen four of our players recruited into senior NPL/NPL1 clubs during the mid-season transfer window. This has in turn created vacancies in the squad and the club has strongly prioritised using our own Under 16 and Under 18 youth players to fill these spots rather than bringing in external players.

This player progression approach extended through all of the age groups and we now have multiple players advancing to the next age group. Matthew Borowicz is the club’s Youth Coordinator and he spoke to smfc.com.au about the success of the program this year saying “I am very happy how our program is going this year. We have experienced and talented coaches guiding our teams and providing each of our players with an individual football pathway. This enables us to closely monitor player progress to ensure we are continually challenging them”.

Borowicz explained one aspect of the pathway saying “we assess the suitability of our boys as they develop and look to provide opportunities at different levels. This could mean exposure to different coaches, specialist sessions or advancement to the next age group. Once the boys reach the Under 15s we are looking to position them to be ready for the Under 20s as early as possible. We map their individual playing style, technique and capability to identify the best development opportunity for them.”

The clubs partnership with Keiser Training is another avenue for player development. At an appropriate age, players may access the experience and professionalism of Keiser Training to help them with their physical fitness and strength conditioning.

Personal Development off the pitch is as important as on the pitch. Leadership training on an individual basis comes through a variety of avenues and the strength of our media team is just one example of this. Providing our youth players with regular media engagement helps prepare them for the future in their football activities but also assists them with self confidence and public speaking. “Standing in front of a microphone and video camera often seems like a great fun thing to do when asked however once the boys are standing there being asked questions, the attitude suddenly changes. ‘What do i say’ is usually the first response but once the boys have been interviewed a few times, it’s amazing to see their confidence grow” says SMFC Marketing Manager George Kouramalis.

Under 20s coach Sasa Kolman reflecting on the progress of his players told smfc.com.au “the last twelve months has been very encouraging for us. Some of our Under 20s players have progressed to the National Youth League, NPL and NPL1 seniors. Our squad is constantly changing with our players in demand, especially around the time of the transfer window. We now have a very young Under 20s squad where the average age is under 17 and we have three players training with Chris Taylors and the Seniors squad. Whilst we are sitting two games behind the league leaders with two games in hand, my focus is getting boys into our senior squad.”

Following the long term injury sustained by Dane Milovanovic in Friday night’s loss away to Oakleigh, South Melbourne FC has signed versatile defender Thomas Lakic from Melbourne Victory for the remainder of the 2015 National Premier League season.

After a superb 2014 season as a key defensive player for Oakleigh Cannons, the mature 18 Year Old Lakic was signed by Melbourne Victory for the 2014/15 National Youth League season and most recently formed a part of the undefeated Melbourne Victory NPL squad in 2015.

Lakic is a calm and composed defender who can play in any position across the back four, as well as being able to also play as a defensive midfielder.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “As with many of our signings in 2015 we have been able to bring in a young player that we see as being an important part of the club for the next few years. With a lack of defensive options due to injuries to both Kristian Konstantinidis and Dane Milovanovic we needed some defensive cover and we believe that with Thomas we have found an adequate replacement.”

Thomas is available to play this Friday night against North Geelong Warriors at Lakeside Stadium. Kick-off for this must win clash is at 8.30pm.

On Friday 29 May, South Melbourne FC is joining forces with Principal Partner Bob Jane T-Marts to once again mark the Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign.

Road safety is a complex issue but if drivers consciously think about road safety and safe driving for just one Friday in the year, that day’s toll – about 5.3 deaths according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau – could be reduced to zero. The Fatality Free Friday campaign believes that if drivers are asked to actively concentrate on road safety and safe driving for just one day in the year, they’ll drive safer for the next few days too and, over time, change their outlook completely, consciously thinking about safety each and every day they get behind the wheel.

Since its inception in 2007 the Fatality Free Friday campaign has continued to expand its operation and is now recognised as Australia’s only national community based road safety program. It has successfully fostered community ownership of complex road safety issues and encourages those who can make a significant difference in reducing road trauma.

Last year’s Fatality Free Friday event was a great success nationally and South Melbourne FC was proud to be involved in promoting this important community safety initiative. To date, over 50,000 people nationally have taken the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and promised to consider their safety on the roads, particularly by:

• Reminding their family, friends and workmates to take extra care on the roads
• Putting their lights on for safety
• Being mindful to drive safely and follow the road rules
• Not speeding and or drinking and driving
• Taking care at level crossings
• Slowing down in the wet and driving to suit the conditions
• Not tailgating other drivers and looking as far ahead as possible
• Wearing a seatbelt
• Not using a mobile phone while driving
• Setting a good example to passengers by driving calmly and safely
• Taking care as a pedestrian when crossing the road or street

To support this initiative, each of the South Melbourne FC playing squad took the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and committed to thinking about their own safe driving practices and to setting an example for others on our roads. All South Melbourne FC fans are encouraged to also take the pledge at http://www.fatalityfreefriday.com and to show their support at our home game this Friday night by signing the inflatable car provided by Bob Jane T-Marts.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of 20 year old goalkeeper Fraser MacLaren for the remainder of the 2015 season.

MacLaren joins the club from NPL1 side Kingston City, after previous stints at Bulleen and Melbourne Victory Youth.

The son of former South Melbourne 1991 NSL Championship winner and 136 match Hall of Fame member Bruce MacLaren, Fraser is a highly rated shot stopper who is also quite comfortable in the air.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “We look forward to having Fraser join the club for the rest of the season. He has had an outstanding 18 months in the NPL1 competition and we strongly believe he has the qualities to perform at NPL level. It is also pleasing to have the son of a former South champion join our senior squad as well.”

Fraser will replace Peter Gavalas on our senior list, with the latter succumbing to a back injury sustained in the FFV Community Shield match earlier in the season.

South Melbourne has pulled off a major coup in signing former New Zealand U20 international Andy Bevin to its squad for the remainder of the 2015 National Premier League season.

The razor sharp striker joins South after a stint with MLS side Seattle Sounders, where other names in the squad included former English Premier League stars Clint Dempsey and Obefami Martins.

Prior to his time in Seattle, Bevin spent four years at West Virginia University, where he made a name for himself as a reliable finisher in front of goal. Bevin finished his time at WVU ranked seventh on the University’s all time goal scoring list with 31 goals.

Originally from Napier, New Zealand, Bevin starred for Hawkes Bay United and Waitiakere United across the ditch before getting his chance in the U.S. In the 2010/11 season, as an 18 year old, Bevin came second in the New Zealand championship Golden Boot award.

In 2011, Bevin represented New Zealand at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia, scoring a goal against Uruguay in the group stage. He also represented the All-Whites at the U17 World Cup in 2009.

Bevin will link up with fellow Kiwis Luke Adams and Michael Eagar at the club, continuing the strong New Zealand theme that has been present over the last few years at Lakeside Stadium.

The 22 year old will be available in early June as he arrives in the country from New Zealand.

South Melbourne FC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was excited by the signing of Bevin. “Andy has joined the club after a quite successful period of playing in the United States, where his form at University level prompted him to be drafted by MLS franchise Seattle Sounders. While that didn’t work for him, we are extremely confident that we have acquired an attacking player that will make an immediate impact at this level through his work rate and ability to score. We cannot wait until he arrives”.

The signing is South’s third of the mid-season transfer window, following Tasmanian Nick Morton, and winger Chris Irwin.

Everyone at South Melbourne would like to welcome Andy to the club, and wish him all the best for his time in Blue and White.

Highlight Video

South Melbourne has suffered its first defeat in 2015 after going down 2-0 to Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve on Friday night.

The result was further soured by the losses of Dane Milovanovic, to a serious knee injury, and Captain Michael Eagar, who received a red card in the dying minutes.

The result ends South’s extraordinary unbeaten run in the league, which was at 19 games before the night.

In front of a crowd which was predominantly made up of South supporters, Lambros Honos, who finished superbly in the 25^th minute to gave Oakleigh an early lead.

A short time later, Nick Epifano squandered a great chance after a tremendous solo run.

Just on the half hour mark, South was rocked when star midfielder Dane Milovanovic went down with a knee injury. Recent signing Chris Irwin came on as Milovanovic’s replacement, and almost put South ahead with one of his first touches for the club, however blazed over the top of the bar from 12 yards out.

Nikola Roganovic was the hero the last time these two sides met, and the former Melbourne Heart stopper made a great save on the stroke of half time to keep his side in the game.

Oakleigh dropped deeper in the second half, and made life difficult for the reigning champions.

Just after the hour mark, former South man Dusan Bosnjak shrugged off two defenders and put the ball on a platter or Mirjan Pavlovic to double the home side’s advantage.

South continued to fight until the end of the game, but were unable to find the back of the net. It was the first time South had failed to find the back of the net in 27 League games, since the 3-0 loss to Oakleigh in the same fixture last season.

Eagar’s dismissal at the death rounded out a disappointing night for the reigning champions.

South assistant coach Dimi Tsiaras summed up the night:

“A loss is a loss, if we lose to Oakleigh or we lose to someone else, it doesn’t really matter. The boys are pretty flat at the moment, as you would expect. We’ve got North Geelong next week, so we have to rebound, and hopefully get a result there”.

FINAL SCORE: Oakleigh Cannons 2-0 South Melbourne (HT: 1-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Lambros Honos (20’)
2-0: Own Goal (72’)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Nikola ROGANOVIC (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C) (sent off 90+2′), 5. Luke ADAMS, 7. Nick EPIFANO, 9. Milos LUJIC, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 17. Andy BRENNAN (10. David STIRTON 70’) 21. Jake BARKER-DAISH, 13. Dane MILOVANOVIC (6. Chris IRWIN 39’).

Unused Substitutes: 8. Mathew THEODORE, 23. Andy KECOJEVIC, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS.

Oakleigh Cannons:
1. John HONOS (GK), 3. John BLACK, 6. Steve PANTELIDIS, 8. Dusan BOSNJAK, 10. Dean PIEMONTE, 12. Tremayne SADLER, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 15. Jake MCLEAN (19. Goran ZORIC 60’), 18. Adam LE CORNU, 21. Jakob WILLIAMS, 26. Lambros HONOS (16. Rowan MCNAMEE 90+2’).

Unused Substitutes: 23. Dominic D’ANGELO, 25. Delarno PHAROE, 35. Lajos HUN (GK).

SMFC Fix Hellas Beer Man of the Match: Iqi Jawadi
Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve
Date: Friday 22 May 2015

 

 

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that it has released utility Bonel Obradovic who will be joining Northcote City.

Bonel joined the club from Oakleigh in the off-season and played a total of 9 matches for the club in the first half of the season.

He will now link up with the club that he won the 2013 VPL Championship with in Northcote City.

We wish him all the best for the future.

South Melbourne will have a score to settle tonight when it travels to Jack Edwards Reserve to take on rivals Oakleigh Cannons.

In this fixture last season, Oakleigh won 3-0 to end South’s undefeated streak. The circumstances are similar this time around, with South currently enjoying a 19 game unbeaten run in the league that extends back to round 20 of the 2014 season.

The top two sides of last campaign could not have had more contrasting starts to the 2015 season. South are now on the same amount of points as this time last year, and come into this match full of confidence after two important victories last week against Dandenong Thunder and Northcote City.

Milos Lujic was once again at the forefront of both victories, netting the opener against Thunder before heading home a memorable late winner in the clash with Northcote. The big striker is showing no signs of slowing down, having scored 13 goals in all competitions this season.

Oakleigh, on the other hand, have struggled to find their best football this year and are currently languishing in 12^th place, a point above the relegation zone.

The Cannons parted ways with former coach Miron Blieberg recently, with Arthur Papas taking over as head coach. Papas recorded wins against North Geelong and Dandenong in his first two games in charge, however the side has since struggled with consecutive 2-1 losses to Bentleigh Greens and Werribee.

The Cannons’ squad remains full of talent, however, with former South players Goran Zoric and Dusnan Bosnjak both capable of scoring goals in attack. Oakleigh will be without star Ben Clarke, after the winger’s dismissal against Bentleigh last weekend.

When these two sides met in the NPL’s season opener, South took the spoils 1-0 in a tight game at the Lakeside. As always against Oakleigh, form and ladder positions can be thrown out the window, with a tight game expected between two of Victorian football’s modern day heavyweights.

The clash between South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons kicks off at 8.30pm at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh. Those unable to make the match can follow proceedings on the club’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, using the handles #SMFC and #PS4NPLVIC.

 

South Melbourne have secured the services of former Youth player and highly touted youngster Chris Irwin, who put pen to paper on a two year contract with the club during the week.

The 20 year old joins from newly promoted Avondale FC, where he spent the first half of the 2015 season. Prior to his time with Avondale, Irwin impressed at NPL1 club Box Hill United, where he made 13 appearances and scored three goals in 2014. As also previously mentioned Irwin also played 3 seasons as part of our very own Youth setup before leaving the club to play senior football elsewhere.

Irwin is a versatile attacking player with an eye catching turn of speed, and tremendous technique. Although the right footer is most suited to playing on the right hand side of midfield, he is also adept at playing on the left.

Irwin has made 12 appearances in the league so far this season, scoring two goals, including an outstanding goal from 30 yards out against Melbourne Knights.

South Melbourne FC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis welcomed the signing of Irwin. “He is a wonderful individual who many of us know and remember through his time in our Junior and Youth Program at a younger age. Since then he has developed into a handy senior footballer and we hope that his versatility, attitude and speed is something we can add to the squad for the second half of the season.”

We welcome Chris back home to the club and wish him all the best for his time in Blue and White.