Has Johnny A' walked?

Strange rumours flying around yesterday seemed to indicate that Johnny A' had quit halfway through yesterday's match. No confirmation yet as to the truth of that claim, but if anything happens, I'll keep you updated.

South Women lose to Preston 1-0

You give 'em a plug and... oh well. No match report up yet anywhere, so hard to say what happened. Better luck next time I guess.

Comeback kids - Preston 1 South Melbourne 2

Well, I would give you an in depth match report - ok probably not in depth, but a match report nevertheless - had I been able to actually get inside the ground. The Clarendon Corner contingent which had organised collectively to do things by the book, did so, and were refused entry, for our own safety allegedly. So our view was eventually the limited one behind the goal at the far end, not really ideal.

What I did manage to see was Deano pulling out a ripping save from a freekick, only to later screw up and hand Preston a goal on a plate. Our 2 goals, in the space of 3 minutes in the 2nd half, I did not see, but really that's not the point - the point being that they went in, and Zoric and Caldwell were the deliverers of sweet justice, or whatever the fuck you want to call it.

As for anything else you may have heard. The people that were there know what happened. Full respect to everyone that came from beginning to end. And a big fuck you to the FFV for letting a club dictate terms to them, when the same excuse for us wanting a members only game against the Knights was knocked back with that reason. And don't believe everything you read.

Press Release from Hellas Fan Club, not turning up tomorrow

Not something I would've liked to have seen come out before this game, and from one of my least favourite sources at the moment, but we can't just report good news can we? I suppose they could've not turned up and not said so, and let their absence speak for itself, but they're well within their rights to let everyone know anyway. Whether this means that people who are HFC members will turn up 'unofficially' is anyone's guess, as you would expect. I do disagree quite strongly with much of the content of the press release, but the South of the Border readership are a fairly clever bunch, and could probably guess for themselves where I think they're wrong. As for their beef with President Leo, I've said my piece already, no need to add anything further. So with the intro out of the way, I'll hand you over now to the Hellas Fan Club.


HFC Press Release regarding this match:

MEDIA RELEASE - Round 6 - Preston Lions FC vs. South Melbourne –

The Hellas Fan Club Melbourne (“HFCM”) have advised its members not to attend Sunday’s clash against arch Rival Preston at BT CONNOR RESERVE.

The HFCM refuse to show support for a sporting club that constantly fails to take responsibility for its deficiencies. The purpose of this release is to ensure that the HFC and HFCM are not used as scapegoats by South Melbourne Football Club, or subjected to any further inaccuracies which have caused great distress to many members of our club and our image, in recent times.

The HFC and HFCM are hopeful that the events of 2005 are not repeated, and that both clubs work co-operatively to ensure a safe environment for all supporters.

The HFC & HFCM wishes SMFC fans the best of luck, and hopefully it is a incident free event.

In further news, The HFCM can confirm that legal advice has been sought and a potential action is being considered against Mr Athanasakis (current President of South Melbourne) in relation to defamatory comments made against Mr Chris Vlahogiannis in January 2008.

South Melbourne Women get new site

As mentioned in the entry 'Things learnt while sober', the South Melbourne Women's team were due to get themselves a new website. Well, regular blog correspondant on the women's division 'anonymous' has informed South of the Border that the new site is up and running. Needs a bit of work from a layout point of view, but it has up to date info, a photo gallery, a bravenet counter like the one at the bottom of this site, and a link to this blog, which is very much appreciated. Of course this doesnt mean that I'll stop providing updates on the women's team occasionally, but for more in depth coverage there's now a far better alternative. And if anyone wants to vent their spleen at something to do with the women's game, with particular reference to South Melbourne, just give us a bell and I'll add you to the contributors list. Also, one more thing, it's probably superfluous but a forum would kick arse. Also, quite clever to make the South of the Border link go directly to everything under the 'SMFC Women' category.

Singapore vs Lebanon, Part 3

ok, also now the addition of the 2nd half, Duric features in the early part of the clip hitting the post, also at the 4:00 minute mark missing from point blank range



Excuse me if i come across as a bit obsessed :P

Duric scores against Lebanon part 2

Below is footage of the first half highlights of Singapore vs Lebanon. It's the Duric goal that's relevant to us here, and that comes in at about 2:55. But also check out the very wonky singing of the anthem by the home fans, the impressive roar (no pun intended) when the goals go in, the 2nd goal at about 5:40, the odd placement (to these Euro-centric ears) of the basketball 'defence' chant and overall, for any South players reading this, how to set up opportunities, if not how to finish them off necessarily.

Johnny A's last stand? - Round 6, Preston Lions vs South Melbourne

Last time they met
Round 12, 2007 at Lakeside Stadium

South Melbourne 3 Preston Lions 3

Through two defensive blunders a and stunning strike from Marino Gasparis Preston found themselves 3-1 up with less than 20 minutes to play. But a fierce fightback from the hosts with two goals from Billy Natsioulas almost saw them snatch the game at the death, the late heroics of Preston keeper Lou Acevksi denying South a memorable victory.

Preview
Another in the endless procession of 'derby' games the VPL throws up. Preston's form so far this season has seen them take a fairly linear and yet nevertheless bizarre arc. They were belted by early pacesetters Richmond, drew with the struggling Zebras, squeezed past the Pines, clawed back a 0-2 deficit to draw against the more than competent Heidelberg and last round thumped big spending Coburg 4-1. So which one is the real Preston? I can't answer that, and I don't think this game will either. Preston isn't quite the side that took the title last year, but at the very least they're heading in an upwards direction. The forecast of showers for Sunday will also mean that players from both sides won't be able to play their natural games. Or more likely, it'll make the game way better, with balls and tackles flying every which way. They really should bring back the shoulder charge, would suit a game like this.

As for South, well, the real South is probably easier to pin down. Haphazard long ball attacks which will not be finished off by the strikers. A loss here, and really, it should be all over for Johnny A'. I mean, how much more would it take? South may get O'Dor back from suspension, which will help the defense somewhat, but it's the lack of fight that's troubling fans at the moment. Then again, it'll allegedly be captain Dean Anastasiadis' 150th league match for Hellas, and that might fire them up up a bit. I can't rally pick the result of this one. Stupid derby, rain, two average teams, you name it, of anything has 5-5 written all over it.

Oh, and in further evidence of this blog's impact on the real world, the official South site has partly adopted South of the Border's use of the 'last time they met' device, which admittedly I borrowed off The Age's aussie rules previews.

Duric scores in Lions win over Lebanon

While I was fighting a losing battle to watch the China-Socceroos match over a P2P stream (come on TPG, get that damn ADSL2 here already!), and with no radio broadcast either meaning having to follow crappy minute by minute texts, there was another game played by Singapore against Lebanon. Our ex-defender Alex Duric got the opener in their 2-0 win, which apparently should have been more. Alas, there isn't a video online yet of his goal to savour, but here's the utterly ridiculous, utterly brilliant tv promo for this clash of the titans.

Pumpkin Seed Eaters Episode 4

So episode 4 is now available, download here. Usual shenanigans which, again, I'm not necessarily comfortable with or agree with, in particular their continuing smart-alecky take on our 2nd meeting, - our first meeting by the way was in a churchyard where they told me of their plans for the show - but there is the addition of a very important element, a lengthy editorial. It focuses mostly on the post-NSL era treatment of the ethnic clubs. I agree with much of it, disagree with other parts, worry about many of the generalisations and there's stuff that I would contest the accuracy of, but above all, it is mellow, measured and something which should definitely be heard. Now, will they make the transcript available? This way a proper round debate and analysis can be set up, and hopefully some good points will come out of it. I for one would appreciate the opportunity to give it the once over on here, without fear or prejudice to anyone's feelings.

Correspondance FFV Style

Here's a bit of a treat loyal readers. In case you didn't quite pick up the public relations basics in this earlier entry, one of South of the Border's informants/raconteurs has provided this email back and forth he had with the FFV over the state of the game, in particular the Federation's kowtowing to the Melbourne Victory without receiving anything in return. We'll keep you up to date with any updates on this. Enjoy.

Subject: Straegic Vision query
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:27:02 +1100
From: Jim
To: info@footballfedvic.com.au

Can I ask why the Melbourne Victory are part of the Consultation and planning process ? http://footballfedvic.com.au/strategic/consultation.php

The Melbourne Victory is a private footballing entity owned by a private business man, for the sole purpose of making a profit. The Melbourne Victory is not a club working in the interests of football in this state.

I would like a reply to this email...an explanation if you will as to why a private business venture is part of the consultation and planning process of football in this state !

regards
Jim

FFV Response

Dear Jim,

Thank you for you enquiry and interest in the FFV Strategic Plan. On behalf of Mark Rendell, CEO, FFV, please find below some feedback concerning your enquiry.

Your query in relation to Melbourne Victory's involvement can be answered simply in that the Melbourne Victory currently provides a pathway to young men in the state of Victoria to play A-League football. Currently over 26 Victorians are playing in the A-League competition throughout Australia some of which who originate from Victoria and have gone through the "Victorian system". As the state governing body we want to ensure these numbers continue to increase and that we provide the best opportunities for Victorians to play at the highest level possible.

It should also be noted that we have engaged the VIS for the same purpose, to provide opportunities for Victorian players to represent their state and country and create the best possible opportunities in representative football.

Without the support or engagement of the Melbourne Victory and VIS it is difficult to present a continual pathway for game development to players as I am sure you can appreciate.

Thank you once again for your email and we hope you will find the forthcoming developments in the game throughout Victoria of interest.

Regards,
Belinda Wilson

Jim's Reply 24/03

Dear Belinda.
Thank you for your prompt reply regarding my enquiry. You say that Melbourne Victory currently provides a pathway to young men in the state of Victoria to play A-League football. I fail to see this point, when the Melbourne Victory's squad currently consists of only 8 Victorian players out of a squad of 25. They are also yet to open their doors to Victorian trialists.

Belinda, i'm not going to sit here and badger the Melbourne Victory, because simply you will fail to respond to my emails. My point is simple. The Melbourne Victory is a private business NOT working in the interests of football in this state. I believe it is wrong for the FFV to be even advertising the Melbourne Victory on their website. FYI there is no FFV advertisement on the Victory website is there ?

As the state governing body you should be supporting and ensuring numbers increase at local level, rather than at the National Level. The FFA can do that on their own. Instead of assisting in the slow death of football in this state, it is your organisations responsibility to enusre the wellbeing of the sport at local level. The sport at local level is slowly dying. I invite CEO Mark Rendell to see the state of the local game when the state leagues kick off in 2 weeks. When teams are struggling to find grounds suitable for competition, where is the FFV ?

I can tell you where the FFV is. The FFV is too busy worrying about Geoff Lords Melbourne Victory...not the states ! Melbourne Victory will never represent this state in the A-League. The belief that it does is a figment of the imagination of the un-knowledgeable. When you have been following football in this country for the last 26 years, you get to know what's right and what's wrong with it.

Regards
Jim

FFV Response

Hi Jim,

I have passed your email on to FFV CEO, Mark Rendell as he is always happy to hear the opinions of the membership, especially those who have been involved in the sport for many years like yourself.

The FFV will continue to work towards setting up the right environment for Victorian players from the grassroots up as this is our primary business as you know and should be our focus going forward.

We do value your opinion and thoughts on how we are going about this and will certainly take your points below on board.

Thank you again for your correspondence.

Regards,

Belinda Wilson

SMWFC kick off season with 6-1 win over GSL

Last year the women's team was pipped at the post for first place by the Gippsland Soccer League combined team. So it's with no small amount of pleasure to hear of their thumping of that same opponent 6-1 last night at Darebin in the opening round of the WVPL. The following is a guide to what will likely be required to avoid relegation, and the points required to make the finals.

In 2005, Ballarat Districts finished with 1 point, and Melbourne University with 12. In 2006 the bottom two sides, Brimbank and South, finished with 2 and 13 points respectively. In 2007 Geelong Region earned only the one point, while Melbourne University were relegated with 12. While it does show that the difference between the top and bottom sides in the WVPL is fairly large, it also shows that South has probably already avoided finishing last this year. Looking further ahead, in order to almost definitely make the finals a total of about 38 points will be needed, going by the last three years. Good luck to SMWFC as they take on Preston this week at Lakeside on Sunday.

Keep up with Postecoglou's Panachaiki adventure

As reported some time last week, Ange Postecoglou is having a Greek adventure at Con Makris' Panachaiki. So there are a couple of new links on the right-hand side, which will be there for as long as Ange has the job.

There's the official site with an awol flash intro, it's in Greek by the way, so get someone to translate for you. Or I'll do it for ya on request.

The other link is for the UK based Panachaiki supporters. It's available in English and Greek, there's two forums as well, mostly in Greek, with a single English section.

By the way, he's off to a reasonable start, a 2-0 home win and a scoreless draw away, albeit to one of the bottom teams.

Masochism for beginners

Thanks to those who took these videos. This time Cliff had no trouble with being potentially hit by the ball.

First up, from right behind the goals.



And from a slight angle.



Better luck next time, I guess. Tomorrow's lesson will be on how to correspond effectively with your constituents.

Disappointing - South Melbourne 0 Australian Institute of Sport 2

I wish I could write more, but after deliberately waiting until the day after, so as to be calmer about the whole thing, this is just about all I could come up with. That these days, every loss is like a little death. The club's heart is fragile, and while the core will always be there, their willpower becomes weaker and their enthusiasm becomes drained. That kind of performance, lacking energy and direction, is not necessarily just a one off on the field. It's the kind of performance that could perhaps define us as a club; tired and without a sense of purpose.

And despite the lack of intensity and the general lack of method, we still created chances enough in the first half. Had a penalty. Could have taken the lead. But perhaps it's better that we didn't. To keep the game going at 0-0, to see what we would do in that situation. As expected, not much. I was an advocate of removing Johnny A' at the end of last season. To me, it had been obvious that part of the cycle had run its course. Leaving aside Green Gully's Ian Dobson, who took time off for family reasons, we're the only club who hasn't changed coaches in the three and bit years if post-NSL VPL. There was a case for giving him another year, in that he had won us the championship in 2006; but for mine it was better to nip the downward spiral in the bud. Some may say it's only been 5 weeks, but it's been more like 18 weeks. How much longer? And even if we do win the derby against Preston this week, will that be a one off or a true return to form. I suspect the former.

South Melbourne kick season off tomorrow evening

Today's game will be dealt with tomorrow. For now, here's something that was going to be posted tomorrow but will now be done today because today's men's performance needs time to be written to give it proper justice.

The women's team kicks off proceedings tomorrow night against fellow promotee - and the team that pipped them at the post for first place last year - Gippsland Soccer League, at FFV HQ. I had my doubts about how the women would do this year, seeing as there is quite a gap between the top and bottom sides in the WVPL, but their performance in the Hellenic Cup final against reigning champion Heidelberg leaves room for optimism that survival is certainly within reach and perhaps an outside chance of reaching the finals.

Now, I know that the women's team is hardly the priority for much of the South Melbourne family, but anyway, if you find yourself with a free weekend, check out a game. The fixtures will hopefully be up soon on their site. They play four games at Lakeside in the early part of the season, with the remainder at Albert Park Field 13, an unenclosed pitch near the grand prix pits. Some of their game days clash with senior men's fixtures (particularly and peculiarly away games), but speaking for myself, I'm going to try and make an effort to see at least 4-5 games this year. Good luck ladies! And hopefully later in the year I (and my team I suppose) can repeat our trivia night victory of last year.

Things learnt while sober

Saturday was eventful, and if I wasn't sober I wouldn't be able to relate all the following items to you. So here's to sobriety, it helps you remember the good times.

* What the fuck is with people wearing soccer jerseys to AFL games? Not the first time I've seen this, and Aussie Rules courtesy of its very confused and diluted supporter culture, with its giant inflatable novelty hands/fingers, soccer style scarves and unnecessary touches of grey in polo tops, but at yesterday's game, I was still perplexed at the thinking that goes behind wearing a Juventus or Newcastle United top to a 'Pies game. Sure the colours match, and there's nothing wrong per se with supporting more than one code, but is there some sort of cultural cringe at not wearing actual Australian supporters gear? And why are there still far more people wearing foreign soccer tops as opposed to local ones? Are the latter only for game day, or has the game not made the leaps and bounds into the public consciousness as has been claimed?

* South Melbourne will have a new website by the end of the year. Was supposed to be launched by the start of this season, but whatever. I've been nominally commissioned to do the history section

* South Melbourne's Women's team will also get a new site, soon allegedly. Might explain why the current one, which takes awhile to load even on a half-decent connection, is not being updated.

* Very likely I will soon have my own Peter Buljan General Diagnostic Laboratories mouse pad. I've been wanting one of these ever since I learned of their existence, irrespective of the fact that mouse pads are useless now that everyone's shooting lasers with their fifty button mice.

* I've been promised my own sort of vintage 'Pies flag from an ex-fan.

* A step in the right direction has been taken into the production of the season 2007 DVDs. Hopefully they become available soon.

* There's been a shuffling of roles amongst the inner sanctum of the South board and in general operations. These relate mostly to merchandise and the website, and suffice to say at this stage it comes across as a welcome change. Time will tell on how well it all works out, but so far the signs are good.

* Learned that a certain South board member, known for his high level of education, handsome appearance, ability with the ladies and his hatred for all things Heidelberg, has Heidelberg supporting friends. Bit disillusioned to be honest.

* A Global Positioning Device is pretty much useless if you don't know what you're doing or where you're going.

* A sole piece of paper on a bit of street furniture is probably not the best way to inform people of the change in location of the Nightrider bus service.

* Lastly, Happy Birthday to Yianni and Dubs, Greeksta relax, and Cliff show yourself on Monday and no one will belt you. Honest.

For Football In The Capital - South Melbourne 3 Canberra Cosmos 1, NSL Cup Sem-Final 1995/96

In the spirit of waiting for this fucking game with the Canberra based AIS to get here, thought we'd have a little look back at the 2nd last NSL Cup tournament ever held. That's Canberra Cosmos in grey by the way. Interesting to note how the reporter doesn't bother to mention who actually scored for them. That perhaps should've been a hint to their fans. Anyway, we went on to win the cup the next week against Newcastle Breakers, a video I may upload someday, but the clip I have doesn't have all the goals. Enjoy Eamonn!

Barbecue Day! Free Ladies! South Melbourne take on AIS on Assimilated Pagan Festival Monday

I think it's fairly safe to say that most people will turning up for the free BBQ, a select few because it's 'ladies day', and everyone else, probably parents of the AIS lads.

Last time they met:
Round 9, 2007 at Lakeside Stadium

Australian Institute of Sport 1 South Melbourne 2

South were fortunate to take all three points from this match. They scored first, but the visitors leveled within a minute. South managed to sneak a second in before the break, and after that, despite outrunning, outplaying and outlasting the 'away' team, the AIS couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, and therefore the goddess Tyche smiled on Hellas for once. The Institute had a highly competent team on the park, but ultimately lacked players with the x-factor.

Preview
The AIS are one of the better teams thus far. Three wins, a draw, and another three points here will send them top of the table. It seems they're actually taking the competition seriously this time around, not chopping and changing their squad week by week. But we are only five rounds into it, so there's time to go back to old ways. But really, what do the AIS offer Victorian football? High costs to host them since they bring zero fans. High costs to travel to Canberra to play them. Taking the spot of a local team. A team which does not have the same costs of facilities or player payments, has different transfer rules, and which should realistically be playing in the new A-League Youth, er, league, and leaving us alone to play with our stupid wog hobby horses.

As for South, they need to start winning games. That's about it. You want more in depth? Buy Neos Kosmos. Better yet, buy The Age, that great sporting paper, which would never, ever cover 2nd tier sport, unless it was aussie rules, in which case let's go down all the way to whatever level of the Under The Table Ammos or Bumpkin River District League you can find results on. Anything so you-know-who won't have to get up off the couch and report on something other than what some third rate aussie player had for breakfast before taking his position on the pine for some division 50 club in Engerlund. And let's keep those wire services going as a financial concern with crusty day old results from Portugal and Spain, which anyone who actually gave a toss would already know because of something called the Internet. Because what exists here and now, during the time when the magnificent Alpha-League is in the phase I like best, its 23 month off-season, is not worth reporting on.

By the way, South'll do well to get a draw out of this one. The way we're going, I just hope the snags are good and I don't get food poisoning.

To Morwell it is - AIS away match venue settled

While the Shepparton trip seemed like a good bet at one stage, turns out that one of the other suggestions from my part of that link has come true, and South will be heading to Morwell and Falcons Park for the first time in 7 years. As seen on Soccer-Forum:


Institute pours cold water on cup game plans Teo Pellizzeri

Cobram Victory and Shepparton South have been denied the chance to host Foxtel Cup Victorian state league games after proposed plans fell through at the Australian Institute of Sport's end.

After passing a ground inspection last week, South was hopeful of playing host to a match between AIS and former National Soccer League champion South Melbourne, while Victory had Whittlesea Zebras lined up.

But left with a choice of Morwell or Shepparton, South Melbourne opted to return to La Trobe City Sports Stadium where it played various Gippsland franchises in the now-defunct national league.

Victory's plans were scuppered by an overseas tour for the AIS to the Hong Kong Sevens tournament on what was the proposed weekend for the match in late May.

Football Federation Victoria operations manager Tony Persoglia said the South Melbourne match had been keenly sought after and ultimately it was the club that turned down Shepparton in favour of Morwell.

``It was the fixture every rural association wanted,'' Persoglia said.

``The AIS and our chief executive Mark Rendell struck a deal for four games to go to rural Victoria and this has left Shepparton with the one game.

``There were issues for the AIS trying to raise the funds to continually travel around rural Victoria and also clashes with the international calendar.''

Mercury Dve will host AIS' match against defending Foxtel Cup champion Preston Lions, with Shepparton playing Tatura as the curtain raiser on July 19.


Should be fun, though being on a Saturday it means that there'll South fans playing games who will miss it. Will they also put on a curtain raiser? Also interesting to see that we were highly sought after by the various regional centres. Perhaps we should listen to the Victorian Government's advice and relocate to Provincial Victoria, where we can build a nice house, take heaps of holidays, find plenty of work and take up whatever other hokey promises they've made in their ads. Goodness knows our current inner city lifestyle ain't going too flash.

Also changed the blog's font, should be easier to read now. Times New Roman, what was I thinking?