South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm that Matthew Loutrakis and Giorgi Zarbos have been elevated to the senior squad for the 2020 NPL Victoria season from our Championship winning Under 20s side.
Loutrakis joined the club in the Under 12s, with the 19-year-old having a standout year in attacking midfield for the 20s side. A classy and composed midfielder, Loutrakis’ ability to create and score goals himself is something that South fans can look towards over the next few seasons.
He is joined by Under 20s skipper Giorgi Zarbos who has been elevated on the back of a superb season in defence for his side. As well as being a rock in the back half of the park, Zarbos has the ability to be dangerous at the set piece. His efforts saw him score 5 crucial goals as the team went on to win the league by 11 points.
Both players have been instrumental in the success of the Under 20s and are highly regarded by the club and their peers for their leadership skills off the park also.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Senior Football Director Andrew Mesourouni was proud to see two of the club’s juniors elevated to the senior squad. “Both Matthew and Giorgi have come through the youth program at South Melbourne and we are very pleased to see them given an opportunity to join the senior squad. Both players are extremely talented, and we see them as long term prospects at our club, so they will continue to work hard under Esteban this season as they aim to play senior football.”
We welcome both players to the senior squad and look forward to seeing their progress throughout the season.