Day of Ghosts - South Melbourne 1 Richmond 0

Well, this was an unusual day.

The weather wheeled and turned the way it used to do in Melbourne. Rain, sun, wind, hot, cold, not necessarily in that order. Got to wheel out the Greek phrase "ο ήλιος έχει δόντια (the sun has teeth)", meaning that even though the sun is shining, there is no warmth. There's apparently also a version of this saying in Albania, so there's a good chance that it's a wider Balkan thing. The second umbrella I bought from Aussie Disposals kicked the bucket about five seconds after I opened it. So it goes.

And Lefteri was back, after years and years away. For the uninitiated - Lefteri was the sound of South Melbourne Hellas for about 25 years. The specific sound was his trumpet, calling ours fans to arms. Even if you didn't know what he looked like, even if you stood in another part of the ground, the trumpet was as much as part of the South Melbourne experience as souvlakia and a long line at the ticket booths two minutes before kickoff.

South fans happy to have Lefteri back. Photo: Cindy Nitsos

There are several rumours circulating about the reasons for his seven year absence. And it wasn't like there weren't several efforts in the post-NSL era to try and get him back. Why did he come back today of all days? Will he be back next week? The week after? Who knows. With all due respect to Bruno, the lad who's filled in on trumpet duties on and off in the year's since Lefteri's absence, it was nice to hear the original, even if it wasn't quite as powerful and fluent as it used to be, and to see him in his vintage vest, loaded with patches. In a very small way, for many it felt like nothing had changed. A quick look around though quickly breaks that illusion.

We started off the game well, dominating the first twenty minutes or so. All our chances went to waste though, and our slicing and dicing of the Richmond defence was all for nothing. The visitors picked up their game, but were still mostly reliant on set pieces on causing us problems. Steven O'Dor was back in this week, but he barely lasted half the game. He came off and Recchia was forced back to the defensive post he held last week. He's doing a good job - it's amazing what decent pre-season can do for a player.

But as the game wore on, we kept losing our shape. The main culprit was Ljubo Milicevic, who whether under the coach's instructions or his own decision to hark back to the days of Total Football, decided his role was to roam across the field, in every position it seemed except for the one he was supposed to be in: centre back. It caused all sorts of chaos on the field, and raised the ire of several of his teammates. And all of a sudden the ghosts of Ljubo's past are coming out again, to the point where maybe a Captain Obvious/Dr Philism comes into play - hey, maybe it's not always everyone else, maybe sometimes it's you.

Where was Simon Colosimo today? Photo: Gains

Anyway, Carl Recchia managed to score the winning goal, from a corner where allegedly the keeper was obstructed. I couldn't see if that was the case from the distance and angle I was at, suffice to say I was pretty confident when I saw the ball dip quickly at the near post with the keeper somewhat stranded. All in all not pretty stuff again for the most part, but good enough. Next week away to Hume for an earlier version of the Anzac Day Cup, one of the so-called 'Great Cups of Cuppage'.

Now for some of the other crap that happened today.

• Discussing the current status of Greek provincial team Kalamata, it came to my attention that they had been relegated to the fourth division there due to either financial irregularities or mismanagement. Hell, let's just call it shenanigans. Somehow I managed to quip that there's probably a rumour starting over there that the fans are asking whether George Vasilopoulos or his Kalamata equivalent has a mansion in Dromana. 
• Remember when Tony Free was captain of the Richmond aussie rules club? Hilarious stuff.
• Dean Uthoff or Shawn Bradley?
• Now this one's from Steve from Broady, so I can't really ascertain the truth of the matter. All I can say is that it sounds good. Anyway the story goes that former South Melbourne players and current Melbourne Victory employees Mehmet Durakovic and Kevin Muscat were at the game. At half time as Clarendon Corner went past as they were switching ends, Muscat for some reason apparently called us a club run by fish and chip shop owners. I haven't had this story verified by anyone else yet.
• The "Keeping It Real" fad is getting out of control. I think I'm going to start the Hyperreal faction.

Kiss of Death, round 8, 2011

Scotch Watch
Top of the table South extends its leads to seven points. Long way to go, but Bentleigh will want to get a move on if they're to scuttle the Kiss of Death's side of the wager.

• South Melbourne, 1st place, 17 points, goal difference +7
• Bentleigh Greens, 6th place, 10 points, goal difference -3

Bentleigh Greens vs Hume City
According to people in the know, John Anastasiadis is now the coach of Bentleigh Greens. Will this turn things around? No. A few players have already made plans to return to the UK, a few are shopping themselves out to other clubs, and frankly they are a lost cause. Hume was disappointing last week against lowly Springvale. One of my scouts was very disappointed in the way Hume played, and they failed to even get close to scoring as did Springy. Was more of a midfield possession game. This week they will bounce back. Quick update on the scotch situation. The bottle has been upgraded to a black label as a gesture of goodwill as to how early I called Bentleigh's demise. Bentleigh Greens 0 – Hume City 5.

Oakleigh Cannons vs St Albans Saints
My Friday night match. I’ll be there tonight admiring the tactical nous (?) of both coaches. I’m not sure if St Albans have found anyone yet, so they will most likely be coached by the ressies coach tonight as they were last weekend against South. Oakleigh, well, problems, problems, problems. Rumours of infighting, rumours of cliques being formed, and basically starting to implode. My mail tells me that one of their young players from Queensland, packed his bags last week and headed back home. The rent free place in Footscray never eventuated. BOOM! Oakleigh Cannons 1 – St Albans Saints 2.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Northcote City
I’m going to have to go with Green Gully after their upset win away at Dandenong last week. No one in the betting world picked that 0-3 win. Are they back? Maybe.
Northcote had a good 4-1 home win against a nine man Heidelberg last week. They are still missing players through injury, but I can’t see their young boys being up to the challenge at the more experienced Gully this weekend. Green Gully 2 – Northcote City 1.

Springvale White Eagles vs Dandenong Thunder
The Balkan Derby. Cevapi to sell out, and beer runs to be had. Will be a very, very entertaining game. However, I suspect Stuart Munro will shut down Zoric very early on and render Springvales' attack impotent. Springvale White Eagles 0 – Dandenong Thunder 2.

Heidelberg United vs Melbourne Knights
Bergers are gone for this year. They will struggle to keep up with the pack after this weekend. They are slowly falling apart both on and off the field. Crowd numbers are woeful, red cards are being handed out like Christmas cards, HUFC.TV is still not up and running and their spelling mistakes continue. Melbourne Knights on the other hand aren’t too bad at all. Heidelberg United 1 – Melbourne Knights 3.

South Melbourne vs Poormond (Richmond)
South Melbourne is sitting on top of the table and playing very well. Last week's 0-2 win at St Albans was rather special. No O’Dor, no Topalovic, no Krncevic and Ljubo ate his own. There has been a lot said about last week's game. A lot of rubbish and a lot of good stuff. Nonetheless, I’m more than happy with a 0-2 win at the Saints, knowing that we won’t need to go there for at least another three years. Richmond are rubbish. They should change their name to Poormond. No money, no honey. They have no hope against a full strength South this weekend. I am expecting South to come out and absolutely batter them. South Melbourne 7 – Richmond 0.

Highlights from match against St Albans

George likes his chicken spicy - St Albans 0 South Melbourne 2

So the Public Transport Faction elected to alter its usual habit of watching the reserves (who won 2-1 by the way) and headed instead to 'pre-drinks' at the St Albans Hotel, a venue I've walked past a number of times on my way to uni without ever stepping inside its doors. We went out the back to the sports bar area which all in all is actually not too bad a place. And it had a pinball machine! OK, so it was only Pirates of the Caribbean, a terrible table, but pinball is still alive! The last time I played pinball in St Albans was at uni when they still had that soccer one with the moving goalie. That was some years ago. Man, that was a good table.

First ever visit to Churchill Reserve, which is something like a cross between Sunshine George Cross' Chaplin Reserve (the stepped terraces) and Western Suburbs' Ralph Reserve (the compact field), but about ten times better than either of them, thanks in no small part to the very nice social club. Unfortunately the line for food and drink was too long for my tastes, and I can't write anything good or bad about the local fare.

Anyway, amongst all these things, a VPL match did break out at about just after 3pm, and despite St Albans being in an absolute mess at the moment - no coach, ow wins, no morale - our task was made harder by the absence of Jesse Krncevic, doing some kind of law exam, and Steven O'Dor and Steven Topalovic carrying injuries. In addition, Marinos Gasparis started on the bench. What all this meant was Kyle Joryeff up front, Bobby Russell getting a start, and Carl Recchia playing in defense in what looked like a sweeper's role. Recchia's absence from the middle saw Seb Petrovich get another chance in central midfield.

We started off well enough, and a save from a Joryeff shot lead to an early corner. Taseski whipped the ball in, the St Albans defence failed to clear it, and Fernando latched onto the loose ball for the opening goal, his 50th league goal for South. We seemed to be, if not in control of the match at that point, then at least doing more than enough to keep out of trouble and create the occasional forward thrust. But the big tackles on the small ground started coming in, and all of a sudden Russell was off with Gasparis replacing him. St Albans created perhaps the only other good chance of the half, with a goal mouth scramble from what appeared to be a clear offside - the linesman did put his flag up - all of which lead to Carl Recchia saving the ball with his face. When the linesman made his next offside call - this time acknowledged by the referee - he got a big cheer from the visiting fans, and he flashed a little smile.

The second half wasn't so flash from us. We were pinned into our half for long stretches, and we struggled to get and maintain possession. But it wasn't all bad, as we defended well for the most part, blocking the long range shots and intercepting the loose balls in the box. It helped that St Albans moved the ball slowly and predictably, but it was nice for once to go to a small ground and actually put out an appropriate response to the conditions. About fifteen minutes from time, Ljubo Milicevic sidled past three opponents, slipped a through ball to Joryeff who made it 2-0, and more or less iced the game.

Seb Petrovich became another victim of the home side's physical approach, and he came off with the assistance of the medicos with ice on his ankle. Nicky Jacobs got a late run replacing Kamal Ibrahim, and eventually time ran out for Dinamo, who remain winless. South jump to the top of the table for the first time in about four years. Apart from Recchia, who played an excellent game outside his usual position, no one stood out for us. But a cleansheet and a backs to the wall performance was more than enough for me. Next week back at Northcote, at 3pm, against an improving Richmond who have won a couple of games on the trot and have momentarily at least picked themselves up off the canvas.

Gains was celebrating his 27th birthday today, keeping it very quiet until we got to dinner at the Hot Space Sichuan Bar on Russell Street, where he decided it was his treat. The Kung Pao chicken was excellent, though one suspects the mirrored wall they have there is for gweilo like me and Steve from Broady to see for ourselves how red we became. In fact this was he first time I'd even seen Steve struggle to finish a meal, not because it wasn't good, but because the heat of Sichuan cuisine got through to him. All in all, a good day out. Tomorrow, international ice hockey action.

Kiss of Death, Round 7, season 2011

This week's lesson? Don't get the Kiss of Death angry. You wouldn't like them when they're angry.


Scotch Watch
Both teams had wins last week, so the gap is still four points.

• South Melbourne, 2nd spot, 14 points, goal difference +5
• Bentleigh Greens, 5th spot, 10 points, goal difference -1

Northcote City vs Heidelberg United  
This is the game where Northcote bounces back. They have had a slow start and are struggling with injuries. Heidelberg still have their coach suspended and they will struggle in the derby. They had a good win against an overrated Oakleigh last week. Northcote City 2 – Heidelberg 2.

Dandenong Thunder vs Green Gully Cavaliers
Dandenong had a good win at Northcote last week, while the Cavaliers lost at home to Hume. Green Gully are struggling and time would be right after this week for Ian Dobson to step in and take over from Ljubo Lapsansky. After this week's loss to Dandenong, I can see this happening. Dandenong are travelling well sitting top of the table and they look to have settled and gone under the radar.
Dandenong Thunder 3 – Green Gully Cavaliers 0.

Hume City vs Springvale White Eagles
Hume was disappointing last week against Green Gully. They still did win 0-1 however, as well as a 0-3 thumping of the the VTC midweek. Springvale is a yoyo team. They can score, but can also concede. A 4-1 home win to a dead Richmond last week was a good result, but I don’t think they can get over Hume. Experience will be a factor in this weekend's game. Hume City 3 – Springvale White Eagles 2.

Richmond vs Bentleigh Greens
Don’t mind me, I’m already drunk. As bad as Richmond has been so far this season, surely they should notch up a win over Bentleigh. Bentleigh has yet to impress. Then again neither has Richmond. Richmond 2 – Bentleigh Greens 1.

St Albans Saints vs South Melbourne
So this week I travel down to Fox Street, St Albans. Haven’t been there for a few years. Nice little compact facility, parking's a bit of a bitch, the food is great, the fans are hardworking blue collar Labor voters, and the chick behind the bar is apparently a moisty. St Albans sacked their coach Kruni Razov after the loss at Bentleigh, and a rumour which I made up the next day seems to have gathered some pace. The day after this sacking, North Geelong sacked their coach Vinko Buljubasic. I don’t know who has replaced Razov, but Buljubasic seems the perfect replacement.

Here’s a big BAM rumour going round the traps at state league level concerning the sacking of Buljubasic. Joe (Josip) Skoko, that’s right, ex-Socceroo Josip Skoko will be kitting up for North Geelong in this year's State 1 competition.

South Melbourne on the other hand seem to have finally steadied the ship and plugged the goal leaking. They sit second on the table behind Dandenong and should gain another six points in the next two games against St Albans and Richmond. This attacking brand that Eddie has brought to the club seems to be a match winner, and a crowd pleaser. There are some people who sook and carry on if we win 6-4, but are happy when we win 2-1 or 3-1. You do not lose points for conceding goals if you score more than the other team! I really don’t care how many goals we concede, as long as we score more. I also don’t care how many midfielders we have down at the club. Contrary to this blog, I don’t think a club can have enough midfielders. Statistically midfielders are the most injury prone players due to the amount of kilometres they run, the amount of time they have the ball, and the amount of tackles they get and make. There is nothing in the rule book that says only strikers are allowed to score goals. The majority of midfielders at South are attacking midfielders anyway, so what’s the problem? People at South seem to fall for whatever the media (however limited) seem to say. Sheep! Yes, as a fan you have an opinion, however when it’s trumped by someone qualified, then shut it. South is on 2.5 goals scored per game, and a 1.8 goals conceded average so far this year. Whinging, whinging, whinging. We could win it this year, yet some idiot will come out and say, “yeah, but we copped 50 goals”…yeah but we scored 100 you moron. St Albans Saints 0 – South Melbourne 4

Melbourne Knights vs Oakleigh Cannons
Three losses in a row and surely it’s good bye to Arthur Papas down at Oakleigh. The young coach doesn’t seem to have the tactical nous that everyone made out he had. He has been tactically outsmarted by Eddie Krncevic at South, and the reserves coach down at Heidelberg. Surely the pressure must be on. The popstar team just isn’t performing and are lucky to be in the top half of the table. Melbourne Knights on the other hand play good football. They attack at any chance, and close down the opposition very quickly. They have become pack hunters and this showed against South Melbourne last week. Their only weakness seems to be defending against three or more strikers. To concede three goals in the last 11 minutes of a game is not good enough at this level. Melbourne Knights 2 – Oakleigh Cannons 1.

If midfielders were made of sugar, we'd be diabetic

A Fawkner supporting poster named 'benzema' posted this on soccer-forum.

But the 2 biggest signings are the two new midfielders from Belgium and Argentina. They won't be cleared for a couple weeks but South Melbourne will be signing them in the next window and will be with the club for half a season with an agreement between South Melbourne and Fawkner as they were training at South Melbourne for a couple weeks. The boy from Belgium captained his national team in the Under 20's and has played for Genk easily A League material from all reports.

Have no idea about the validity of these claims, but one must add that it's a good thing these boys are midfielders, because we need coverage in case something happens to the 20 other midfielders we have on books.

Highlights from win against the Knights

Needs More Cowbell - South 3 Knights 1

Amongst the questions that we pondered on the bus trip to Northcote - if Romeo and Juliet were around today, would they die their hair raven black, dress up in mourning clothes with the pale makeup and black eyeliner and sit under the clocks at Flinders Street Station on a Friday night? Gains, Steve from Broady and me also discussed the merits of Chekhov, Gogol and Vonnegut. We discussed the ceaseless contest between youth's faith in using the rare example over the elder's preference for basing their judgments on a form of experience which seeks to negate the improbable, yet possible?

What could bring up such weighty topic of conversation. Gianni De Nittis of course. We fought over both his legacy, whether he had any untapped potential, and the thought only occurs to me now, whether he simply managed to have scored in two massively important games in the space of two weeks, cementing his status as a VPL South legend but unfairly burdening him with expectations which he would seldom be able to meet in future.

We watched the majority of the under 21s contest. We don't talk much about the under 21s on here - after blitzing the field last season, this year has seen defensive frailties creep into their game. De Nittis had been relegated to the 21s, and opened the scoring with apparently a ripping goal. I couldn't see it from my vantage point inside the social club. I did however see him try to be tricky, lose the ball, and retaliate with tackle from behind. The offence saw him get a red card. As Vonnegut's Tralfamadoreans said, 'so it goes'. The game finished at 2-2.

The main event was an even affair for sixty minutes. Which is to say, the Knights played well without creating too many chances, while we were forced onto the sidelines with very little room to move in the middle. Our short passing game was non-existent, and we seemed to be clueless as to how to work out something which might get us a goal, other than Mick Malthouse style chip kicks along the outer side, which almost inevitably had Jesse Krncevic, turning and shooting off balance into the side netting, or straight at our old foe Martin John.

When Steven O'Dor gave away an obvious handball in the box, the world paused as the referee seemed to lag behind the rest of the crowd in acknowledging the /infringement. But once his consultation with the corresponding linesperson was done, the Knights got their penalty and a deserved lead despite Zaim Zeneli moving to the correct side. The Knights kept up the pressure, and probably should have made it 2-0, but for one slightly convoluted explanation, which is as follows.

During the game one of the many Georges at South Melbourne suggested that the Knights were of the same ilk as the South of 2008. That is, they could fight and scrap and even dominate a match, but their inability to score goals would always come back to haunt them. People like to see parallels between the past and the present as a way of making sense of the world, but that particular George may have been on to something there. Pound for pound the Knights were the better team for seventy minutes; they even had the lead - and yet they just couldn't jag the result.

South finally woke up, having made use of its substitutions in an effort to win the game. The most important of these was Daniel Vasilevski, though both Kyle Joryeff and Kamal Ibrahim added something for which Gasparis, Petrovich and Taseski had not. Still, for about ten minutes we spent most of our energy on trying to snag an unlikely long range effort. But then Vasilevski - the only player who should be allowed to take our shooting free kicks - put one away into the top corner where even the valiant efforts of Martin John could do nothing about it, and all of a sudden, we felt a draw would be a good result after playing so poorly.

But that plan was ruined when we scored again, Ibrahim setting up an easy finish for Krncevic, the prodigal son continuing to put goals away. And then we scored another one, Joryeff putting his name down to become the new Yusef Yusef by scoring a junk time goal to rub pure iodine into the open wounds of the visitors. The Knights deserved at least a draw, but such is the game of football that even relative dominance is nothing without putting the ball in the back of net.

We don't have the wood on too many sides these days, but the Knights for some reason continue to find ways to see us get the three points more often than not. While I was disappointed with the majority of the performance by our boys, there's a certain satisfaction in getting a win over an old rival when they gave it more than a good shake and it still wasn't enough.

Highlights from Ljubo's first match

Two things. One, as with the 2011 Hellenic Cup Final, I was first up to celebrate what would be the winning goal. On that occasion I realised it even at the time; this time Gains had to tell me after watching the video. Two, what's the go with Joe Montemurro wearing sunnies on his head? That's hardly the right place for them; and it wasn't even sunny out. People .

A Glorious Night of TELLING IT LIKE IT IS! (or maybe just how some people see it but with the use of an authoratative voice so people are more likely to think you're being a realist and more knowledgable)

Or,


Reading Slaughterhouse 5 before rocking up to events celebrating the past and the future can alter perceptions in ways probably entirely intended by the author.


This entry has the usual wearying digressions.

I missed the 2010 jersey presentation with the least troublesome of my many medical emergencies of last year. I was in recovery mode after having my wisdom teeth taken out. Insert corny joke about that being less painful then such events; it'd have been true anyway, as unlike many dental themed horror stories, I was under general anesthetic for the entire procedure.

Anyway, the 2011 version was back at Kinisi for the first time since 2008. Almost the entire crew I would have normally attended and fraternised with in the past was absent. The reasons were many and varied - illness, hatred of Kinisi, disillusionment and being halfway through a nervous breakdown, the last of which I learned this week is not an actual medical term. Even I probably qualify for several of those categories, but I'd already committed! Blast!

I was with Gains and Hellas Johnny though, which made the evening more than tolerable. I'll say this about the seating arrangements. Not that I wish any sort of harm to those in the bliss of romantic entrapment, but being on a table filled with single people and one obviously very much in love couple makes one feel like a recalcitrant of some sort.

The player auction didn't seem to really take off. Indeed, the majority of the evening seemed muted, as if, after the recent celebrations of the past and the apparent end to life on the slow train to financial oblivion, there was no more need or energy to be fired up about the club anymore. That perhaps we'd found a niche we could survive in and that perhaps everyone was emotionally spent. Or maybe it's just a transition year. No home ground yet, the major battles won but the war not quite over. A 50 year old suddenly feeling the full force realisation of its best years behind it?

There was also the panel discussion. There was no Q&A segment, which was just as well I suppose, as I had been shunted into the back corner of the room facing away from the stage. They perhaps should have put me behind a curtain just to make sure I didn't do anything stupid - in the past I had an awful habit of rolling my eyes at almost anything, such was my teenage cynicism. I'm better at that these days, I have a little more self-control.

Too much talk about the EPL and pandering to the imagined loyalties of overseas allegiances forged in the heat of a suburban loungeroom. Koutoufides and Christou had some interesting anecdotes - did you know they were both Collingwood fans growing up? - but for the most part their presence on the panel was more of a fifth wheel. For all Ljubo's theatricality, there is an eventual one dimensional aspect which comes into his rhetoric. Still, it was interesting to hear about how while he was in Switzerland, he was getting half the wage of his time at the Glory.

Unlike Les Murray in the past, Mark Bosnich at least had the courtesy not to humour our delusions of grandeur by being unapologetic about his and/or the FoxSports team's stance that change was necessary in the game and that we should be relegated to the toxic waste dump of Australian football. Nor was he sorry that the players reaped the benefits more than anyone of the television money revolution, even while the fans were frozen ever more out of accessing the teams they love. His point had some merit - players, like other workers, had been exploited for generations by their employers. But has the ledger in some cases swung too far the other way? There wasn't any chance to ask that question, or any other.

After all the formalities were done, we stuck around for a bit catching up with people I see on a weekly basis anyway. Hellas Johnny, being a starfucker, got a few photos taken with some of the luminaries. Then we left. East Richmond station is one of my personal favourites. In the heart of the inner city and yet skipped over so often. So it goes.

In all seriousness, I probably should be banned from attending such functions, since I seem to always miss the point. It's about the hobnobbing and fundraising, not about quarter-literate cultural critiques and the fact that the chicken was dry again.

Kiss of Death, Round 6, 2011

Scotch Watch
A big win for South last week coupled with a big loss for the Greens sees the Kiss of Death open up the gap on its opponent.

• South Melbourne, 3rd place, 11 points, goal difference +3
• Bentleigh Greens, 8th place, 8 points, goal difference -3

Bentleigh Greens vs St Albans
The rumour mill has begun. John Anastasiadis to be taking over Bentleigh after this week's match. Regardless of the result, he will be taking over from Andy O’Dell. Will this move save Bentleigh from being relegated? No chance. I put the mozz on them last season and they just survived. I have an even bigger incentive for them to drop into state 1 this season. SCOTCH!!! St Albans missed an 89th minute penalty last weekend and paid for it with a 90th minute equaliser. I still have faith in them. The Knights took it easy against the hapless Greens last weekend only putting four past them. This weekend St.Albans will bounce back from their draw with Springvale and beat Bentleigh 0-3.

Springvale White Eagles vs Richmond
Springvale will beat Richmond this weekend in what will be a very attacking game. More like one-sided. I can see Springvale ripping them to absolute threads. Richmond scrapped together a 2-1 home win against Gully last week, but frankly that does not sway me. They are yet to win away this year, and a trip out to Springvale is always a tough one. Richmond is only one point above Springvale but have only scored 6 goals to Springvale's 11. At home I can’t see Springvale giving Richmond a sniff. Springvale White Eagles 3 – Richmond 1.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Hume City
Should be a close one. So close that it ends in a draw. Green Gully 2 – Hume City 2.

Northcote City vs Dandenong Thunder
7th v 1st. Northcote are yet to take the VPL by storm this season. Dandy on the other hand remain the only unbeaten team after five rounds. They have flown under the radar and planted themselves on top of the table. Can Northcote give Dandy their first loss of the season? I think they can. Northcote City 3 – Dandenong Thunder 0.

South Melbourne vs Melbourne Knights
I was proven correct with my tactical analysis of last weeks game between South Melbourne and Oakleigh. I am yet to see the Knights play this season and am looking forward to seeing them. Will they win? No. They will not be good enough to beat South Melbourne this week. What’s good enough to beat Bentleigh 4-0 is the equivalent of losing to South 3-0. South Melbourne 3 – Melbourne Knights 0.

Heidelberg United vs Oakleigh Cannons
The “Derby”… LOL. Heidelberg 1 – Oakleigh 1.

Ljubo! Classy Drinking! Crunchalor! Oakleigh 1 South Melbourne 2

What an eventful evening that was. You know it's going to be one of those nights when you're walking down a city laneway and some drunk with a drink in each hand stumbles out of some hole in the walling singing Billy Joel's Piano Man - for some reason Steve from Broady looked quite confused by the spectacle. Probably too young to be a connoisseur of drunken classics of yore.

After killing an hour or so at the Charles Dickens Tavern, the Public Transport Faction was joined by some interlopers for the trip out to Huntingdale. Except we never got that far, because we got off at Oakleigh instead so the interlopers could buy some more booze to drink by the railway tracks. And isn't it always great to see some runt with a rat tail try to heap abuse at you from 50 metres away? Stay classy Oakleigh.

Getting into the ground, it was obvious there was a bit of a buzz about the game. Later we find out that Ljubo Milicevic's papers have come through after the FFV was allegedly bombarded with media inquiries about why he hadn't been allowed to register. Add to that a near brawl when he tried to get into the ground, and a top three clash which has a bit of added spite to it, got even more an edge.

And three minutes in, we scored, a wonderful volley by Marinos Gasparis who is having a pretty good season so far. But not too long after we're penalised with the first of several mystifying free kicks around the area - Ricky Diaco putting away a low drive which got through or around the defensive wall far too easily.

The game then settled down into the following pattern - South would try attack with quick short passing, both through the middle and out wide with overlapping players, while Oakleigh mostly went wide, trying in particular to exploit Steven Topalovic on their left hand side. Milicevic's inclusion was pivotal - while not completely negating the defensive frailties of this season, at least Oakleigh were unable to win a ball in the air, nor were they able to get behind the defence.

Some may have been disappointed with the spectacle, but I felt that the first hour or so was excellent to watch. Oakleigh almost took the lead towards the end of the first half with a deflected shot which hit the post. 1-1 at half time was a fair outcome. The second half started off much the same way, but once we got ahead, with a Steven O'Dor header from the six yard box, the game deteriorated, as both teams resorted to long balls along the wings.

Peter Zois apparently lost his cool at being called a traitor by fans behind the goals, and was probably at fault when they conceded their second. If there's one area of the game where Zois struggles, it's in commanding his six yard box on high crosses, and much like the equaliser we conceded against Bentleigh early last season, he let rip into the defense rather than take responsibility. Perhaps the video footage will vindicate him though.

Gasparis should have wrapped the game up after he faced an empty net, but succumbing to a rush of blood to the head, he blasted it over. The ceaseless free kicks around the box, often for reasons I couldn't fathom, had us all on edge, but for the most they were harmless. Zaim Zeneli had an adequate game in goals, but wasn't tested too often. Jesse Krncevic came through the middle late, but delayed taking a shot, with Zois smothering the ball, but we still got the win, and after several years of struggling to win at Oakleigh, that's now two in a row.

Still no cleansheet, and one wonders what might happen once Ljubo goes. But going forward we look good. Sebastian Petrovic has started passing the ball sideways and backwards too often, and just doesn't have the pace need to win balls even in his preferred middle of the park position. Rama had a quiet game, rarely noticed him out there.

There was one bitter individual standing to the side of Clarendon Corner (who had an excellent game by the way), heaping abuse on Ljubo - it was all sour grapes though, as Oakleigh had tried desperately to sign him before he'd put pen to paper with us. And during the second half I somehow ended up in a conversation which involved comparing NBA and NBL players of bygone eras. Mark Price or Sam McKinnon? Michael Jordan or Andrew Gaze? Clyde Drexler or Shane Heal?

Anyway, that difficult two week stretch is over, and we're back at our home away from next round against the Melbourne Knights. Could we possibly get a clean sheet? Will we be as switched on as we were last night? What random conversation will sprout up this time? And what's going to be for dinner? So many questions and too much time to think about them.

Kiss of Death, Round 5, 2011

Scotch Watch
Bentleigh's loss and South's draw has seen the bottle of Scotch move closer to the Kiss of Death's side of the wager.

• South Melbourne - 3rd place, 8 points, goal difference +2
• Bentleigh Greens - 5th place, 7 points, goal difference +1
   

Oakleigh Cannons vs South Melbourne 
Much talk on the forums about this week's humdinger. For me it’s going to be a one sided affair. I have seen all of South and Oakleigh's games this year. Everyone is carrying on about South's defensive issues, yet no one has said anything about Oakleigh's. With all the popstars they have down at that club, they might only have conceded five goals, but their crossbar and posts have been rattled four times, they’ve cleared two shots off the line, and the opposition has stuffed up about four one on ones. All this and yet everyone is harping about South's non-existent right back. Yes, I agree, we are a bit flimsy in defence at times, but right back is not the issue. South's defensive lapses stem from an all out attacking mentality. The midfielders come deep to collect the ball from the defenders creating a shit load of space in the midfield. We have dominated every single midfield this season by employing that come and collect policy. Our full backs push into the midfield space leaving two centre backs to man the defence. Souths game is all about short passing and fluid movement. We seem to break down when our full back positions are exposed due to a stray pass, or over zealous full backs over committing. Oakleigh on the other hand play a flat 4-4-2. Their full backs don’t overlap, and their two centre backs are slow. Their midfield works, but their long balls go straight down the opposition's throat, and they can’t string more than three short passes together. 95% of their goals have come from keeper errors. No disrespect to Rama, but I think even if he was at South this season, we would still be copping goals from the full back positions due to the system we are playing. Oakleigh Cannons 0 - South Melbourne 2.

Dandenong Thunder vs Heidelberg United
Dandy recorded their fourth straight win of the season and the Bergers held South Melbourne to a 2-2 draw last weekend. The Bergers look like they are struggling this season. I don’t know why, don’t care, but for the good of the game, I hope it continues. Dandy has the best defence in the league with only three goals conceded, while the Bergers have the second worst attack with five goals. Dandenong to continue their unbeaten run. Dandenong Thunder 2 – Heidelberg United 0.

Richmond vs Green Gully Cavaliers
Last placed Richmond will be taking on 10th placed Green Gully. Both teams are playing boring football. If anything Green Gully is playing a less boring brand than Richmond at the moment. Sure to be a bumper crowd down at KB Reserve so be there early if you can. Richmond 0 – Green Gully 1.

Hume City vs Northcote City 
Down at windy Broadmeadows, Hume usually dominates their opposition. Northcote though are good travellers. This game is sure to be a cracker with plenty of goal mouth action. Hume City 2 – Northcote City 2.

St Albans Saints vs Springvale White Eagles 
St Albans will win their first game of the season and jump Springvale on the ladder. It has to happen this week or else they might as well start planning for next season's state 1. This will be a test for the Saints. If you can’t beat Springvale then you shouldn’t be in the VPL. St Albans Saints 3 – Springvale White Eagles 2.

Melbourne Knights vs Bentleigh Greens
Ahhh it’s scotch time! The boys down at Sunshine will wrap up my little 'on the side' wager against Bentleigh this week. After this week's loss, the Greens will buckle and their slide down the ladder will continue. Melbourne Knights 2 – Bentleigh Greens 1.

Heidelberg vs South highlights

The 'you've already got your jersey' presentation on next week

What with all the hilarity of everything else that's been happening, I've almost totally forgotten that the jersey presentation is on next week. And apart from being held several weeks into the season it's also got an interesting little twist on the usual goings on. Details below

• It's at Kinisi, it's $50, and it's on Friday 25th
• And it will have a panel discussing Australian football!
• The panel will include Eddie Krncevic, Ange Christou, Anthony Koutoufides and... Mark Bosnich! Very exciting!

Too bad it's a football discussion because there were some kickass questions that could be asked. Should be interesting regardless.

Now that's what a derby is all about - Bergers 2 South 2

Still five years and counting. We got there early as per usual, but the reserves were called off due to the rain. I had nothing to do for an hour and a half except the usual chit chat and marveling at how Steve from Broady managed to just walk through the gates without paying - his argument about Maccas overs souvlakia with one of the gate attendants seemed to mesmerise everyone and no one realised he'd managed to walk through even going up to the ticket booth.

The match went on its predictable path of us spurning chances and having the misfortune of every save off McMaster landing in exactly the wrong spot - except for Topalovic's shot which was goal bound but headed off the line. Having said that, once again we gifted the opposition some goals with comical defending - the second goal will go down in history as one of the worst goals South Melbourne has ever conceded.

After letting Osagie walk through the defence and letting him have a shot, Sardelic at least managed to save it, only for the entire defence to then just ball watch for an eternity and let him follow up with another shot to put them 2-1 up. Still, we managed to fight out the game and earned a well deserved point after Fernando's pinpoint cross met either the head of Gasparis or Krncevic - I'm not sure if it's been decided who got the final touch on it - and Heidelberg Harismidis who was doing his usual thing of running up and down the line in his guise as a field marshal.

Stefaan Sardelic, who apart from getting in the way of shots had a poor game - his kicking proficiency at an all time low, so much so that goalkicks eventually started being taken by one of the defenders. That didn't last long because Sardelic soon got injured in a nasty clash in the six yard box and had to make way for Zaim Zeneli to make his South Melbourne debut. Didn't have much to do, as by that stage the home side had started parking the bus, but everything he did oozed confidence. Or perhaps we were unaccustomed as to what an adequate keeping performance was supposed to look like.

Afterwards, in an attempt to get to the bus stop in Northlands without going around the long way, we took a hitherto uncharted route through shops, down a ramp, through the underground car park and back up again only to find out that we still had to wait like ten minutes. Then back in the city I had the worst Chinese food ever, and corrected some group coming home on the train from FutureSounds music festival about the title and artist of Father and Son - oh yeah, and one of them was wearing a penguin suit for some reason.

All in all, it could have been worse. At least we managed to score again. Maybe one day we'll even get a clean sheet.

Highlights from win against Bentleigh

Kiss of Death, Round 4, 2011

Scotch Watch
After last week's gutsy 2-1 win by South over Bentleigh, the Scotch Watch wager is now carefully balanced.

• Bentleigh Greens - 3rd place, 7 points, goal difference +3 
• South Melbourne - 4th place, 7 points, goal difference +2

Bentleigh Greens vs Oakleigh Cannons
I’ve got a side bet involving Bentleigh Greens’ progress this year, but I can’t separate these two teams. Both have been what I believe ordinary. A 2-2 draw here.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs St Albans Saints
Picked Gully to lose last week, and I was spot on. St. Albans were a tad unlucky against Northcote. I expect Gully to win this one. A hard fought game with plenty of action. Green Gully 2 – St.Albans 1.

Northcote City vs Richmond
Northcote had a surprising win away at St. Albans last week. Richmond flopped. I don’t know what’s wrong with Richmond. Has the money dried up? Has Chatz lost his touch? Have the off field changes finally caught up with them? Northcote City 3 – Richmond 1.

Dandenong Thunder vs Hume City
Dandy had a great win away from home last week, while Hume beat the Bergers.
Another tight one, but Dandy will be a tad better beating Hume 3-2.

Springvale White Eagles vs Melbourne Knights
Springvale impressed me at Oakleigh last week, and the Knights always seem to impress me. Will be a tight one for sure. Springvale 1 – Melbourne Knights 2.

Heidelberg United vs South Melbourne
Bergers struggled at Hume last week. South had a big, 10 man win vs Bentleigh.
Kliment Taseski has received an Auto + 2 week suspension over the phantom tackle last week against Bentleigh. Only the ref saw something nasty in it. Will definitely be a tough game for both teams. South’s on a high at the moment. But can they take that to the Village? Traditionally a tough trip for South. Heidelberg 0 – South Melbourne 3.

Halcyon Days of Making an Idiot of Yourself

Once upon a time we had a sort of intern here by the name of Cliff Hussey, who was initially inspired to create a rival or complementary South Melbourne Hellas blog, before we roped him in to do match reports and provide shaky, nausea inducing videos. Does he still come to games? I don't know. Where is he nowadays? Lighting up the Melbourne social scene judging by his Facebook ramblings.

Apart from the disturbing memories of his bizarre emo dress sense, Cliff did leave us with some great artefacts, the pick of the bunch being this video of the now banned fan known as 'Columbo', doing his usual abuse the keeper shtick before making making a fool of himself by falling over the fence and making some random kid laugh.

Lakeside redevlopment update March 2011

Hello people, today we have another little update on the stadium's transformation. These two photos are the pick of the bunch taken on a camera phone by a Melbourne Victory supporter who goes under the alias of 'a mac', whom we thank for sharing these images.

In the first photo you can see the new stand, which is looking a lot like a new stand nearing completion should. You can also see the brilliant blue of what will be the running track. Yes, one of our requests has seemingly come true. The angle, while perhaps being deceiving, seems to suggest that the view from the new stand may not be so bad - though the view from behind will, as expected be atrocious.

The second photo has the merest hint of our stand, with its new seating, but as you can see, the more prominent object is the 1926 stand undergoing its refurbishment. There's still a long way to go on that front. But the faintest rumours have begun circulating that we may be back for the last three games of the season. I'm finding that a little hard to believe, but we'll see I guess.

No Ljubo, but a win anyway - South 2 Greens 1

Lots of things to talk about today. Let's start with the simple stuff.

Late in the day, I was told by a mutual friend that some twit from Glenroy said that he didn't understand why I take public transport around the grounds, despite my ownership of a car. Well, Mr. Twit, as I have explained on this blog, I have poor eyesight, which while more than adequate to get me around my main destinations in the western suburbs, is not good enough to give me the confidence to drive around unfamiliar roads, especially at night.

I also like public transport for its positive environmental qualities, the light hit on the hip pocket, and the lack of a struggle to find a parking spot. I also find it a more sociable experience. Sure, journeying in a car is fine with all its creature comforts, but a half hour trip from the city with ample opportunity to talk about such weighty subjects such as: the origins, purposes and use of deities; the quest for immortality, including the technological problems associated with it, especially the preservation of the mind; and even the risk society. Steve from Broady may be a deadset plodder when it comes to traditional forms of learning, but he does have an inquisitive mind, which is good, as I like to bounce around ideas like this.

The polo tops aren't ready yet, but they should be ready by our next home game. I bought a scarf, because for years I'd criticised the designs as being too busy. This year's is a simple, classy, royal blue and white striped or barred number, and my old one, the wrong shade of blue and looking the worse for wear has now been relegated to the day to day scarf. Now for the game.

First of all, it was a shock to see active Bentleigh fans behind one of the goals. I don't know where they came from, what they're calling themselves, whether they'll stay the distance, but even though there weren't that many of them they had a couple of flags and they had a go. Should be more of it. Somehow we managed to score a goal from a corner - Seb Petrovic back in his usual central midfield spot with that goal.

While we still don't look that good defensively, it's a damn sight easier to defend against an opponent who is content to sit back very deep, with lots of numbers in defence, and ping plenty of long balls forward. That kind of method generally suggests you're going to be doing most of your better work from set pieces, and that's where the Greens got their equaliser from. An extraordinarily poor decision from the referee - I thought Rhodri Payne was well within the legal limit of how he used this body to win the ball - saw Bentleigh get a free kick wide on the right, and a glancing header into the back corner just made me angrier.

Still, their tactics didn't change, and we were for the first time this season up against a team which with an overdone defence and our side seemingly a little flummoxed as to how to go about breaking that down. We kept possession, trying to find the openings and little runs, but it was a moment of swift wing movement which got what turned out to be the winning goal. The ball was moved quickly out to the vacant right hand side, Jesse Krncevic - who otherwise had a disappointing game I feel - crossed behind Kyle Joryeff who, take your pick of either a poor first touch or a good one, managed to control the ball enough to then hit a shot which went in off the post.

We rode our luck a bit more for the first half, but deserved our lead. The halftime break was the chance to get an orange slushy. Quite refreshing, but I wish people wouldn't be so finicky about picking a flavour - it's sugary coloured gloopThe second half was different story, as Bentleigh pushed numbers forward and played further up the field. Kliment Taseski was sent off with a straight red card for a challenge I felt warranted a yellow (which would have seen him sent off anyway I believe), and thus we were down to ten men for the last half hour or so.

Both teams had plenty of chances to score in the second half - South in particular butchering several counter attacking chances. Bentleigh upped the physical intimidation factor, which for the most part went unpunished, with the worst of the offences being Fernando being taken out behind play and receiving what looked like a serious arm injury. But despite the numerical disadvantage and extended playing time, we held on, and got a much needed three points heading into difficult away games against Heidelberg and Oakleigh. Ljubo was in the stands today, but it has been reported he'll be right to go next week. We'll see I guess.

Bed goes up, bed goes down

Has Ljubo signed? Will he be allowed to play? Why has the article on Ljubo's arrival on the official site gone up, then down? Will it go up again?

Highlights from last week's game against Springvale White Eagles

Kiss of Death, Round 3, 2011

This week the Kiss of Death has a new weekly segment, Scotch Watch - details below.

Scotch Watch
Last week at the Serbian Sports Centre, two heavyweight movers and shakers of Victorian soccer agreed on a bet. The prize - a bottle of whiskey. The wager - that Bentleigh Greens would finish higher than South Melbourne this season. A perfect time to introduce this segment, now that both South and the Greens have played the same number of games, and are also due to meet this Sunday. At present the situation is thus.

• Bentleigh Greens - 1st place, 7 points
• South Melbourne - 5th place, 4 points

This should be a lot of fun. And now the Kiss of Death brings you this week's Johnny Walker Judgement.



Melbourne Knights vs Green Gully Cavaliers
It’s about time the Knights started putting things together. One loss and a draw means that all they need now is a win. Green Gully has a draw and a loss. With both teams chasing their first win of the season, I expect the Knights to be just a tad better this weekend. Melbourne Knights 2 Green Gully 1.

Oakleigh Cannons vs Springvale White Eagles
A match of two very different teams. Oakleigh two wins from two, White Eagles two losses from two. White Eagles are a state 1 team, no doubt about that. Oakleigh will not struggle to put White Eagles away. Expect a big, ugly score. Oakleigh Cannons 4 – Spingvale White Eagles 3.

Richmond vs Dandenong Thunder
A few people have said to me leading up to the start of the season that Richmond will struggle due to some off field changes. I beg to differ. The season is still young and Richmond are traditional slow starters. Richmond 2 – Dandenong Thunder 1.

Hume City vs Heidelberg United
The draw of the year. Hume City 4 – Heidelberg United 4.

South Melbourne vs Bentleigh Greens
Gonna drink it up at this game. Gonna get absolutely whacked on some Johnny Walker. South beats Springvale White Eagles 6-4, then lose midweek to the VTC 3-2. Bentleigh draw with the Bergers after copping a 98th minute equaliser. This game will be drama filled from go to woe. South was not the best vs the VTC. They seemed to underestimate their opponents. Everyone is panicking about the backline. I’m not really fussed. We actually copped one goal more at the same time last year. Bentleigh will get relegated. South Melbourne 4 – Bentleigh Greens 0.

St. Albans vs Northcote City
St.Albans gave Dandy a good run for their money last week. Northcote struggled against the Knights. In what will be a close contest, I can’t split these two teams.
St.Albans 2 v Northcote City 2.

Last night's score - South 2 VTC 3

Another Glorious Day in the History of South Melbourne Hellas!

Talk about the game? Why would I do a stupid thing like that?

I want to talk about other things.

Sure I live in Altona North, but as self-appointed South Melbourne FC public transport guru and informal tour operator I decided against taking my car to the ground and instead chose to help a couple of friends make their way to this irregular location.

With one of those being my mate Steve from Broady, a young man with a hearty appetite, we ended up at the McDonalds on the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston Streets. Me, I didn't want anything, so I just stood back and waited for his large Quarter Pounder Meal to get ready.

While waiting in that line, some guy with an obviously shaky grip on reality walks past me, then turns around and asks 'what did you say to me?', when I hadn't said anything at all. After an attempt to break me down psychologically by looking at me with a mean shifty stare, he decided that maybe I hadn't said anything after all and walked off.

In any event, I reckon I could have taken him down if necessary, which isn't saying much, and besides, Steve from Broady would have given me a hand if anything happened that required his intervention. We decided to go upstairs because 'it's mad', but being a fast food restaurant in the city, it's full of sparrows which is totally hygienic of course, which didn't seem bother Steve from Broady as much as the initial spot being messy.

After his finishes up, we head out to the bus top to meet Gains. Except for some reason the bus stop is not where it usually is and we have to walk back in the opposite direction. The bus before the one I had scheduled us to use is actually waiting there and we get on. As the bus winds its way through the thoroughfares and avenues of Port Melbourne, Steve from Broady brings up his usual complaint, 'oh, look, Paul's got us lost again', which only happened that one time, and soon enough the parklands were in view and we got off the bus.

I hadn't been to Port Melbourne's SS Anderson Reserve since early 2006 where we lost the Hellenic Cup final to Oakleigh in extra time. Nothing much has changed. The lights are still good, the field is still immaculate by Victorian standards, but I was confused by two things. Firstly, in addition to the usual beverage fare, they also had Magners. That's right, Port Melbourne is turning into a hipster club.

Secondly, where were the souvlakia? They had hamburgers, steak and sausage rolls, but no souvs! I made do with an (overcooked) steak roll and king size Mars bar, but it just wasn't the same. The rest of the evening, with its twists and turns, injuries, quick starts, fightbacks and unnecessary answers to rhetorical questions, just wasn't as interesting.

Ljubo Milicevic to join South - your correspondent left almost speechless

FourFourTwo is reporting that the one and only Ljubo Milicevic - at least I hope there's only one of them - is joining South Melbourne. Yes, our South Melbourne. The club has not officially confirmed it as I go to print, but certain peoples with more authority have indicated that he has signed and will be start on Sunday against Bentleigh.

It won't be for an entire season, but he should add value to our defence if he doesn't break down with injury, as he is somewhat prone to doing. And while I'm normally not for these short term arrangements - especially leaving before the end of the season - the Ljubo Experience is so ripe for gimmick value that I'm sure whatever way it falls, there'll be laughs for everyone.

And he did say he wanted to go to a real club after all.

About four years ago - reminiscence of Langerak's brief VPL stint

Dean Anastasiadis got injured in round four against Green Gully. On came a skinny kid by the name of Mladen Tosic who, try as he might, was never able to convince the coaches, the fans or even his fellow defenders that he was the right man for the spot between the sticks.

So for the second half of the season, in came a young lad by the name of Mitch Langerak, a Queenslander on loan from Melbourne Victory. He made mistakes, to be sure - the worst of which was letting a harmless grubber of a cross by Henry Fa'arodo go through his legs for a tap in and the win for Richmond on a dispiriting Friday night. But he also showed enough in his aerial exploits, dubbed by Ian Syson at the time as either 'solid as a rock' or 'safe as houses' - I can't remember which, but it's the sentiment not the wording which matters - that even I was making uncharacteristically bold predictions like 'future Socceroo keeper'.

The years and keepers have come and gone at South in our VPL era. Deano came back after his injury and apocryphally kept Neil Young out of a job; Nick Jelic filled in for a game or two, as did Andy Sfetkopoulos; Tommi Tommich was awesome on short notice at the tail end of 2008, and then fell in a heap the year after; and the still young Stefaan Sardelic has pinch hit over the past few years without being able to nail down the starting keeper's spot.

The Agitator leaves his mark on the scoreboard

But for whatever intangible reason none of these guys excited me like Mitch did on a cold and rainy Sunday in June at Chaplin Reserve, against a dogged Sunshine George Cross outfit. It was a hard fought 2-0 win, well earned in the mud by the players, as the South fans huddled together under umbrellas not always their own on the hill at the Anderson Road end, and scoreboard shenanigans by one of our stalwart fans kept us amused as we fought off the onset of frostbite.

But just one of the enduring memories of that game was our old foe John Markovski, who was coaching George Cross at the time, doing his by that stage almost compulsory act of subbing himself on against us. When the home side won a free kick within Markovski's range, there was just that moment of dread. Loathe his as we do, he still had a phenomenal left foot shot - he hit a volley as sweetly as he would have done in his prime, but Langerak made the save, and was re-christened 'Mitso' by the faithful.

Billy Natsioulas fights for the ball.

It was a glorious day all round, back in the day when there was still a sort of VPL  camaraderie amongst South fans before we divided ourselves into innumerable factions; when Gate 1/HFC faction splitting was the height of our worries; when some people still thought we were a shoe-in for the second Melbourne A-League spot when it opened up; when a few wins against some of that season's strugglers, which included the aforementioned game, had us run into a bit of form halfway through the year before the Victory game and the subsequent collapse into an inconsistent heap, whose misery was only occasionally punctuated by moments such as this.

This morning Mitch 'Mitso' Langerak made his Bundesliga debut for the ladder leading Borussia Dortmund away at Bayern Munich. Dortmund won 3-1, their first win away at Bayern in 20 years. From all reports, Langerak had a good game, including making one great reflex save against Mario Gomez. Four years on from what for most football fans would rightly be viewed as a game between two also-rans of Australian football, a young man brought in almost as a last resort to try and solve a goalkeeping crisis at Lakeside is one step closer to achieving his potential. Now, as then, I have every confidence that he will fulfill his promise.

Change of venue for match against VTC

Probably owing to the pitch at Kingston Heath being in a horrible state, our match against the VTC on Wednesday has been moved to Port Melbourne's SS Anderson Reserve. I assume the kickoff time remains 8:30.

Highlights from the match against Green Gully

Exhausting and ridiculous - White Eagles 4 Hellas 6

To the few who claim that the Serbian Sports Centre is not in the middle of nowhere, please be quiet and/or go away. When they switch the lights on at the MCG, you can see them from Northcote's grandstand; out at Keysborough, all you can see are horses and people on the other side of the fence who were too tight to pay to get in. Now to the game.

Our first half was beyond atrocious. White Eagles dominated every facet of the game. Former South forward Goran Zoric did most of the damage, playing wide on the left. Time and again he destroyed Sebastian Petrovich who was stationed at right back.

Petrovich looked slow and out of place. Even when attempting to establish attacks, he was being harried relentlessly by Zoric, who exploited the pace advantage with merciless zeal. Petrovich first received a yellow card for a clumsy and frustrated tackle on Zoric, and then a penalty after bringing down Zoric. Luckily for South, Zoric smashed the ensuing penalty against the bar, but South wasn't able to rally from that piece of fortune.

Zoric went on to score two goals in the first half, almost identical in their execution. Running around Petrovich and across the face of the 18 yard box past Topalovic, he blasted both his goals into the bottom corner, which made one wonder where this form had come from. At South - though admittedly he wasn't the only one - he would struggle to bury chances from the six yard box, and his defensive efforts were mostly negligible.

White Eagles were helped further in the first half by South's tactical shortcomings. Springvale played very high up the field, and yet South refused to move the ball quickly, preferring to mess around with aimless short passes, which would almost inevitably gift the ball back to the home team. The home side's high tempo also saw South unable to win much in the middle of the field - the only saving grace was that Springvale weren't able to create any more clear cut chances, and that South wasn't down by further.

Not seeing any immediate way out of the predicament we were in, one was left hoping for damage limitation. In the second half drastic changes were brought about. De Nittis and Petrovich off, the new Heart loan signing Kamal Ibrahim on as well as Kyle Joryeff and much to my surprise, the game swung almost immediately. Ibrahim's fellow Heart teammate Kliment Taseski wss moved to right back, and shut Zoric out of the game.

Within 13 minutes South was in front. Fernando scored first with a long range effort, before a dreadful error by Springvale's goalkeeper gifted Ibrahim a goal on debut. Coming out for a ball over the top, the keeper collected the ball, which was then accidentally dislodged by a collision with one of his defenders - the ball fell to Ibrahim, who stroked the ball home to level the scores. A minute later Taseski hit another long range effort to put the visitors ahead.

Celebrations were shortlived after O'Dor gave away a penalty, and this time Springvale didn't waste their chance. 3-3 and still half an hour to play. Carl Recchia put South back in front after Fernando's shot hit the bar, and Jesse Krncevic made it 5-3 and seemingly out of the reach of Springvale, but the home side managed to pull it back to 5-4 after a parried shot was tucked away. Krncevic made it 6-4 moments later, and that was how it stayed, somehow, for the rest of the game.

While many were happy with the win and in particular the fightback, there were many obvious concerns to come out of the game. Fernando De Moraes undoubtedly gave South the spark we needed in the 2nd half, but as with last week against Green Gully was obviously not 100% right, and a bad tackle on him late on the game when he should have been subbed off, may have made things worse.

While the half time tactical reshuffle worked, it should have come far earlier. The manner of our first half capitulation required far earlier intervention - against a better side, we might well have been down further than what turned out to be a measly two goals. In addition, while we could even have scored 10 goals in the second half - Krncevic's overhead kick and some close offside calls will be interesting to see on the replay - it was done against a defence which had already leaked seven goals in its first two games, and will almost certainly concede many more by year's end.

Indeed all the positives - the stellar efforts of the new signings, the fightback, the scintillating attacking play of the second half and the general buzz after such a win could well be negated by the eventual inferiority of the opponent. White Eagles were unable to shut up shop or adjust tactically, and I believe that as with their previous stints in the VPL, they will struggle to survive the fight against relegation.

For us, once again we looked magnificent going forward once we got going, but against better opponents, and especially against sides which are able to grind out results, we'll need massive improvement across the board. Next week with games against the VTC and Bentleigh Greens, we'll see if we're able to show the requisite improvement. Two grinding 1-0 wins might be the order of the day after the two opening rounds defensive efforts.

Kiss of Death, Round 2, 2011

What a shocking round last week. No money for anyone. I was at two games last week, Oakleigh vs Northcote and South vs Green Gully. Oakleigh vs Northcote was full of drama. Oakleigh should’ve had a man sent off, should’ve lost the game, and overall was pretty poor. Northcote was lively and should’ve been declared the winner. South provided an excellent first 60 minutes, then began to fade away after Gully had equalised. In what easily could’ve finished 5-5, the final result was 1-1. This week, we have the following.

Oakleigh Cannons vs Green Gully
What is it with Oakleigh and playing a few of their games at home in the opening rounds? Something must be done about this. No explanation would be valid, and I find this decision by the FFV as very daft. Oakleigh did not impress me last week at all. Early days one would say, but they don’t seem to be a threat this year. Impotent up front, slow in the backline, and the midfield lacks that X-Factor player. Green Gully is just Green Gully. Will always be tough opponents and I see them beating Oakleigh this week. Oakleigh Cannons 0 – Green Gully 2.

Springvale White Eagles vs South Melbourne
White Eagles are coming off a 3-0 loss to fellow relegation battlers Bentleigh last week. As stated in last weeks Kiss Of Death, White Eagles peaked too too early in the pre-season, and have quite frankly run out of legs. South is looking good, but just needs to iron out a few things in the backline. The transition from defense to midfield is fine, but last week a few errors in the backline nearly cost them the game. Keeper Stefaan Sardelic will be the club's no.1 this season. Deservedly so with young Stefaan performing well when being called on. White Eagles 0 – South 4.

Northcote City vs Melbourne Knights
Northcote City were very unlucky to lose to Oakleigh last week. A disallowed goal (which was NOT offside), and two goalkeeping errors cost them the game against Oakleigh. Melbourne Knights I am yet to see, but they will be contenders this year for a change. They won’t be good enough to beat Northcote at home, but they will be this year's quiet achievers. Northcote City 2 – Melbourne Knights 1.

Dandenong Thunder vs St Albans Saints
Dandy will struggle this year, but will be good enough to just beat St.Albans. St.Albans won’t get relegated and will be a mid table finisher. Dandenong Thunder 3 – St.Albans 2.

Hume City vs Richmond
Yet to see anyone, but Richmond losing to the Bergers tells me that they will definitely struggle this season. Changes off the park will impact the players. Hume City 2 – Richmond 0.

Heidelberg United vs Bentleigh Greens
Heidelberg, one of my least favourite teams. Credit to George Katsakis though. I have been to many a state league game in the last few years, and every bloody game I’m at who walks in... George Katsakis. My hat goes off to him for his scouting abilities. He seems to find players from all over the place, and they end up paying off. Bentleigh Greens are all rapt that they beat Springvale White Eagles. Woopeedoo, you’re both going to get relegated anyway. Will be a tough match, with plenty of cards. Heidelberg United 1 – Bentleigh Greens 1.

Heart duo Taseski and Ibrahim sign for South

Young talent brought in to bolster ranks; Steve from Broadmeadows isn't happy though

Rumours of potential Heart signings rang true today, as South signed up youngsters Kliment Taseski and Kamal Ibrahim on loan from Mirabella's minions.

While talented players in their own right, both are suited more to positions further up the field, which is not the most obvious area of need of attention at South.

Still, they should be handy additions to the squad - unless you're like my mate Steve from Broady who thinks this announcement is a massive disappointment. Steve doesn't rate these guys, and is rightly skeptical of how long they'll be with us.

Time will tell if he's right or not. Me, I have no idea.

Fast Love with the Green Hornet

Comical finishing extravaganza - South 1 Gully 1

This game could have ended up 4-4; it could just as easily ended up 7-7, thanks to some atrocious finishing and shaky defending. Both teams would be glad to get away with a draw to open the season.

Jesse Krncevic gave us the lead with a nice finish, the kind of stuff that we missed so much last year (and the year before, and the year before that...). Nicky Jacobs got a surprise start and did well, before being subbed for what reason I don't know. Sardelic got the no. 1 keeper's spot, and made a hash of several moments. Trent Waterson came on late and looked terrible. The defense was messy and failed to deal with the diagonal balls being played by Gully.

Fernando looked sluggish - though he did hit the woodwork twice, he fluffed a golden chance one on one with the keeper where Nando, racked by uncharacteristic indecision, allowed the keeper enough time to nullify the chance. Supposedly new players from the A-League to come soon - from the Heart apparently, while a couple of other players are waiting for clearances.

Clarendon Corner returned to their patch inside the ground after self-imposed exile of sorts. Rama was there, and got a rousing reception from them. They had some banners about injustice. For some inexplicable reason they started chanting my name before the match started. It's headed straight to the lead for best chant of the year. I'm an egoist

Next match against Springvale White Eagles on Friday night in the middle of nowhere. Half the fun for my posse will be getting and back. The other half will be seeing how we deal with a side who had raging hot pre-season form and yet has coughed up seven goals in it's first two games.

Dinner was Es Teler on Swanston Street. Nasi Uduk - coconut rice, fried egg, chicken soup, fried chicken. Not too bad. Washed down with Jus Pisang - banana smoothie made with condensed milk. Tasted good, but I drank mine too quickly and almost gave myself a brain freeze.

Kiss of Death, Round 1, 2011

How about that? We bid a fond farewell to the Kiss of Death last year, as it sought to pursue bigger and better things, but then realised that this blog is the be all and end all of Victorian soccer. Whatever helps me sleep at night I guess. Good to have the Kiss of Death back, now with its own merch.

After a short hiatus and many requests, I have decided to rejoin the South Of The Border blog with my weekly Kiss of Death segment. This year I will be going all out in naming and shaming and leaving it up to the editor-in-chief to decide if he publishes it or not.



Oakleigh Cannons vs Northcote City - Jack Edwards Reserve
I will be at this one on Friday night. Key point of interest for myself will be Arthur Papas. The youngest senior coach from VPL to Provisional League 2. I'm interested to see the team he has built, and how they react to his tactical approach. As a youngster with a well filled resume I will be expecting a lot from him. He is the new poster boy of every young aspiring coach. I wish him every success in the future. Why am I saying future? Because I only give him six weeks at the Cannons. Northcote will be the same as last year. Counter attacking, long ball football straight to Rixon. They were exciting at times last year, but I don’t see them making the finals this year. There are only so many times where they can ride the wave of luck. Oakleigh Cannons 1 – Northcote City 2


Richmond vs Heidelberg United - Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Will Kevin Bartlett show up to this one? Who cares. Will anyone show up to this one? LOL, two major powerhouses of Victorian football battle it out on a Sunday arvo down at KB Reserve. The Bergers did well during the Hellenic Cup finishing second behind South Melbourne. I haven’t seen Richmond this year, so I don’t really know what they are capable of. Richmond 2 – Heidelberg 2.


South Melbourne vs Green Gully Cavaliers - John Cain Memorial Reserve
About time we get to play these guys early on. South is coming off a win at the Hellenic Cup, and Green Gully is coming off a ? no idea. Controversy down at South the last few weeks with Rama being shown the door. I’m here to make people money, not to discuss politics. South is looking good from what I’ve seen and will be a serious contender for this year's championship. A couple of weak points, but nothing of major heart failure status. South Melbourne 3 – Green Gully 0.


St Albans Saints vs Hume City - Churchill Reserve
Ole! St Albans Saints are back in the VPL albeit one year overdue. They are looking a bit shaky. I saw them lose to Altona Magic a few weeks back and was not really impressed with my fourth favourite team in Victoria. They will have some teething issues early on but I think they will survive the drop and most likely be a mid-table team. Hume City has been quiet from my perspective. Haven’t had a chance to venture out to Broady and they haven’t been playing anywhere close to me. This one is kinda a blind tip. St Albans Saints 0 – Hume City 3.


Melbourne Knights vs Dandenong Thunder - Knights Stadium
Have looked at both lists, and nothing really fancy to talk about. Hopefully the Knights are a little more competitive this year. Dandy will struggle. Will survive the drop, but only just. Melbourne Knights 3 – Dandy Thunder 1.


Bentleigh Greens vs Springvale White Eagles - Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
The 2 relegation bound teams fight it out early on, which is a good thing kinda. Gives one of them some hope and false belief that they actually are a good team. Bentleigh don’t look anything special. Were pretty poor in the Hellenic Cup and didn’t really show me anything. Bentleigh Greens 3 – Springvale White Eagles 3.

... but on the plus side

my media pass just became even more valuable. I guess somewhere deep beneath my anarchist exterior beats the heart of a Scrooge McDuck capitalist. Or maybe I just like sticking it to the man.

Mirabella Cup announced by FFV - requisite whinge follows

So the good old FFV managed to pull a surprise out of the proverbial hat by announcing the return of a cup competition to the Victorian season. Details are still fairly sketchy, but here's what we know.

• According to the FFV, it will be open to all clubs - I assume this will also include regional areas, considering the emphasis on 'statewide' - but clubs must choose to enter the competition, and there are entrance fees involved.
• The amateur clubs - that is State League 2 and below - will sort themselves out first, with the semi-professional clubs - State League 1 and the VPL coming in at stage 2.
• The competition will include Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory, who will come in at the quarter final stage.
• It has half decent prizemoney - $50,000 apparently, though I'm not sure how that will be divided.
• It's not the return of the Dockerty Cup - it will be something that 'builds on the traditions of the Dockerty Cup', whatever that means.
• Apparently Mirabella International, global leaders in the manufacturing of light bulbs, have committed to support the competition for ten years.

And now for my complaints.

• Short notice much?
• Where are these games going to be held?
• When are these games going to be held? 
• What happens with postponements? 
• Why couldn't they keep the name Dockerty Cup with the sponsor's name attached at the front?
• If Victory fans screw up, will the fines go towards the FFV coffers or FFA ones?
• Gate money? Security? Referees?
• Will members of the amateur VicSoccer system, which is not affiliated with the FFV, be allowed to compete?
• Why couldn't this have been organised before the fixtures came out?
• Seeing as every club in the FFV system is being asked to pay a fee for participating, are the two A-League outfits also being asked to contribute?

There are people out there that are saying we should be glad that this sort of thing is back at all, and I suppose they have a point. I just wish it had been done in such a manner that all the details could have been made available on announcing this initiative, and not have people scratching their heads as to how it was going to work.

That, and keeping the Dockerty Cup name and trophy. Oh, well.

Hellenic Cup 2011 final highlights

2011 squad lists released

As seen here on the FFV's site. Some interesting names on and not on the South list - and that of several other clubs. The big surprise is seeing Trent Waterson's name on our list - yes, that Trent Waterson. Some may recall Waterson having a sort of breakout season in 2006 for Sunshine in the VPL, including scoring the winning goal against us from an unmarked header in the six yard box at Chaplin Reserve. He joined us the following season, but was never really able to on a consistent basis recapture the form that brought him across in the first place. Then as several players have done in recent times, he went from South to SouthLite - aka Oakleigh - and had their relevance disappear off the face of the earth, and in Waterson's case, even had him being asked - let's just say politely, for what it's worth - by a fan to give back the trophy he was awarded by Clarendon Corner. With so many midfielders in the squad, you have to wonder what people are thinking in bringing him back.

The big story player wise this off-season has been the Ramazan Tavsancioglu saga. Not wishing to revisit the gory details - you can do that elsewhere on this blog - he's found his way to Oakleigh. But in a surprise, Peter Zois, who left us hanging prior to our Singapore Cup quarter final, is not on their list. As aren't Joe Keenan and Yianni Galanos on our lists. Keenan perhaps is still technically regarded as an Adelaide United player, and rumours have circulated that Zois will be a permanent number two at Heart, although as their still current number two he may still be registered there. There's also no Nathan Caldwell - is this the final admission that his playing career, which was halted by a stray Robbie Wynne tackle during the 2009 Hellenic Cup, is never to resume? If so, it's a sad end to what should have been a tidy career at this level - here's hoping I'm wrong.

But what of Galanos? Is his injury so severe that he won't be available for the entire season, as previously rumoured but quickly quashed by the South media machine? Is this why Watersin has been brought back into the fold? And what of the several rumoured super signings waiting in the wings at several clubs? What's the point of putting up a list if there's going to be more added to it and the people you thought were going to be on it aren't on there? Once again, I just don't know how this is all meant to work - but that's part of the fun I suppose.

Buy a membership and stuff

Hellenic Cup Final - South Melbourne 2 Heidelberg 1

We had to come from behind, rode our luck and needed extra time, but we got there in the end, winning our third Hellenic Cup in five years. Osagie Ederaro shook off several defenders on our left hand side to slot the ball past Stefaan Sardelic to give the Bergers the lead, before late in the first half some great work by Kyle Joryeff saw him win a contested ball and send in the perfect cross for Jesse Krncevic to score from point blank range. Both sides had their chances to take the lead in the second half, though as the game wore on I felt we were the more dominant of the two sides, after a slow start. In the first half of extra time, Marinos Gasparis ripped out a wonderful goal which have Griffin McMaster no chance - you could tell it was going to go over his head almost immediately - and we did enough to hold on to win the cup.

The crowd seemed smaller than last year, perhaps due to the absence of one of the south-east based sides in the final. Jesse Krncevic was one of several players to receive some heavy tackles - he was subbed off late in the match, but will hopefully be right to play against Green Gully in round one. Defensively we looked shaky at times, mostly through trying to be too smart with the ball, but nothing dramatically different to last year as of yet, except for the now apparent lack of depth. Sardelic had a good game with some excellent saves, but needs to work on his clearances, and when we're in the lead, not look to rush to get rid of the ball.

It's still very early days having yet to meet the full force of grinding, results oriented, VPL football, but we moved the ball well, and played with some style, in complete contrast to almost everything we presented last year. Joryeff has seemed a more complete player over this pre-season period than all of last season, and we all hope he can take that sort of attitude and form into the real stuff. Jesse Krncevic looks like he will be that class striker that we've lacked for years, with the exception of an aging Vaughan Coveny. Sebastian Petrovic, criminally ignored last season, looked like he hadn't missed a beat. All in all, more positive signs than negative ones but the real test of course starts from next week.

Fuck. Yeah. (and a really dodgy photo)

Or,

Possibly the worst entry ever submitted here.

I had an FFV media pass back in 2009, due to helping Ian 'The Big Fella' Syson out with various streams of research during his stnt as writer in residence at the Federation. It was great fun as you'd expect, helping me get into several games for nothing including the 2009 grand final and Altona Magic - Green Gully 3-3 super classic, but I never saw myself pursuing a media pass beyond that year. After all, my eyes were so bad it was all I could do to remember to cheer on the blue team (in most cases), let alone write frequent match reports.

After a persistent eye infection I got new glasses late last year, which improved that situation a great deal, but not nearly enough to become a fully fledged match reporter. And even though I'd had offers of having a form signed by the club to get a media pass, I preferred, in an atypical bout of hubris/misplace morality to maintain my independence from outside entities and pay for my concession ticket, which I'm glad to do, partly because it's the right thing to do.

For some reason though during this off-season, I got it into my head that three years and over 1000 entries later (mostly by me, but also with nice contributions by Cliff and the Kiss of Death),that it might be worthwhile to very tentatively try and branch out and see if all this work was enough to merit a media pass. After overcoming my customary trepidation, doubt and self-loathing long enough to submit an application, it turns out that yes, good things sometimes come to those willing to commit to the task of spilling somewhat disturbingly soothing bile across the interwebs.

Thanks to Mia Hayes from the FFV for answering my questions, such as this absolute pearler - should I bother applying?. It's either a great and timely acknowledgment of the increasing relevance of the blogosphere, or obviously undeserved reward for three solid years of writing crap, but whatever the case, it's time to once more cop greasy looks from the guys at the Altona East ticket stand when I get in for free, possibly vote in the media's player of the year award, the Bill Fleming Medal, and hell, maybe even attend a press conference or two this time around.