Third time’s the charm for South Melbourne vs A-League opposition (guest post)

South Melbourne vs Wellington Phoenix. It was a game that I had been looking forward to since it was announced, and one that was scheduled just a few days after my return from holiday. In terms of cultural whiplash, I’m not sure the experience could have been any more surreal.

Instead of relaxing on a Greek beach (as I was just a week ago), my day consisted of a return to the office, a deluge of emails and then a mid-week football game between South and an A-League opponent. The whole thing felt like a dream, and considering the final result, I’m still not entirely sure that the experience was reality.

Getting to the game

I made my way down to Southern Cross after work where I grabbed a pregame meal and caught up with a mate. From there, we grabbed a tram destined for Lakeside, where the first signs of the game’s significance were present. Blue South Melbourne beanies and Yellow Wellington scarves adorned other passengers on the trams. Many of which were undoubtedly first time visitors to Lakeside, as they were noticeably tracking their journeys on Google Maps.

Although tonight was surely going to be bigger than a usual Lakeside escapade, I was still pessimistic about the game and experience to come. As we approached the stadium, the grandstand only appeared sparsely occupied, and as we entered through Gate Two my heart sunk as I realised that most of the ground was in fact closed up… yes, despite playing A-League opposition, only one stand was open.

Before the game

We made our way to the packed Social Club to kill some time in the merch store, before heading back out to snag seats next to Clarendon Corner. Pleasingly the atmosphere was picking up at an accelerating pace. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Most people tend to arrive just before kick-off especially on a cold weeknight, but even then, I was surprised as to how large the crowd eventually became.

Amongst the many South fans were a strong contingent of Wellington faithful, as well as a good showing from associate clubs – I noticed quite a few Yarraville and Malvern scarves sprinkled throughout the ground. The grandstand felt warm, both thanks to our undercover seats and also thanks to the excited pre-game chatter around us. Lakeside was looking picturesque and despite the cold, the minimal wind and beautifully lit stadium had me looking forward to a wonderful night of football.

The first half

Fireworks blasting at the end of the player tunnel were a novel way to usher the players onto the field, but the most pleasant surprise was South’s aggressive opening play. After just five minutes a beautiful through ball from Zak Spiteri was wonderfully hit into the back of the net by Harrison Sawyer. The goal put South in the lead and made the crowd go wild.

Just moments later though, South narrowly avoided a quick retaliation. Wellington managed to carve out a one on one opportunity, only to hit the final shot over the bar. This wasn’t their only chance of the half but it was certainly their best. For the remainder of the half Wellington held possession and seemed particularly dangerous down the right wing, however despite numerous plays into the box the Nix lacked the strike power to equalise.

South defended well and defended aggressively to the delight of the fans. South frequently pressured Wellington into losing the ball up the field and prevented the Nix from establishing much fluidity in their possession. The crowd cheered every major slide tackle and clearance, more so when they realised each turnover could quickly be turned into an attacking opportunity.

South were content on playing a quick and direct style with Sawyer offering the main target up front. Midfield turnovers were quickly taken by sprinting South wingers but despite the frantic attacking play at the end of the half the score remained 1-0. It was a near perfect half for the club, and the players enjoyed a standing ovation as they returned to the change rooms.

However as is always the case with unusually large games at Lakeside minor issues can on occasion pop up. This time round was a farcical attempt from security to remove the trumpet from Clarendon Corner. Thankfully the issue was laughed away by the fans and security allowed reason to prevail, but having seen this before I can’t help but wonder how this isn’t mentioned in the pre-game security briefings. Clarendon Corner should not have to argue for their right to support the team as they have been for decades!

The second half

The second half was a different beast. Save for a couple of counter attacking chances and an inexplicably impressive run from Sawyer, South were largely on the back foot. It was clear from the onset that the team was rapidly fatiguing, and would not be able to approach the game as aggressively as they had in the first half.

South responded to the changing dynamic by subbing off Harry Sawyer for Andy Brennan. It was a clever move which allowed South to concentrate on their defensive structure whilst retaining an attacking threat through Brennan’s pace, which kept Wellington on their toes. Despite the isolated role and team fatigue, Brennan even managed to carve out a few chances behind the high Wellington defensive line.

Wellington on the other hand looked energised and composed. The Nix comfortably retained the lion’s share of possession but failed to break the South defence with their young strike force. Eventually the team was forced to introduce some attacking experience, subbing on both Barbarousness and Rojas later in the game.

During the second half I decided to go for a quick walk and soak in the atmosphere. Although only one stand was open for the game it should be noted that the grandstand in question is huge and it is no surprised that over 4,000 people were in attendance on the night. The corporate areas were packed and there was barely any room along the fence line for those looking to get close to the action.

On the far end I was surprised to find a couple of hundred Wellington fans in attendance. After chatting to a few of them it turns out they have a very established presence in Melbourne and generally fill out their away allocations in their A-League games here. They were understandably impressed by the Lakeside set up, particularly the views of the city and the Albert Park surrounds.

Injury time

Meanwhile at the social club end, Clarendon Corner managed to create a noisy atmosphere throughout the whole game. As they do for most big games, flags, drums and tickertape featured and on more than one occasion the surrounding crowds got involved in chants. As the game slowly reached its conclusion though, the noise and anxiety of the crowd palpably grew.

In injury time, the whistles from the crowd were ear piercing, every South tackle was cheered and every Wellington attack received the scorn of the masses. When the actual final whistle finally arrived the players fell to the floor exhausted and the crowds rose in jubilation. South had done it.

The PA system pumped ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ to farewell the Kiwi opponents and Clarendon Corner led the crowd with chants for the team. The overall experience was equal parts pride and surprise that the team, the club, had actually managed to defeat an A-League team.

One final note

I’m grateful for nights like this. Nights where over 4,000 people come to a mid-week match to watch South win in a National Competition. This upcoming weekend South face Avondale in a park by a freeway. The contrast in some ways is sad but it also reveals something quite important. Despite the many years in the football wilderness South, and many other clubs, have not given up on their ambition for something bigger.

The big nights can only happen after many nights of hard work. South has worked hard to remain successful in football at the highest level it has been allowed to reach. It has worked hard to maintain a strong fan base, it has worked hard to retain a strong team, it has worked hard to occupy a world class facility, and it will continue to work hard to excel elsewhere – whether that be the junior program, women’s program, powerchair football, community work, or helping to deliver a second division.

This weekend’s game might be played in front of fewer people but it also could deliver South a Premiership. No matter the level, doing your best matters, and for as long as I’ve known South, that’s what they’ve tried to do themselves, and inspire others to do to. Sometimes your best isn’t enough, thankfully for South against Wellington, it was.