recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Hellenic Cup

The **Hellenic Cup**is an off-season soccer tournament held variously as a post-season or pre-season cup for teams of Greek heritage, primarily from Melbourne.

First played in 1983, the Hellenic Cup was successor to several similar and smaller tournaments. It was last held in 2012. It is unclear whether the tournament has ceased, or is merely in recess.

Though South Melbourne won the Hellenic Cup in 1984, it rarely participated in the tournament during the club's time in the National Soccer League, except when fielding youth teams in the competition.

Upon South's return to Victorian competition in 2005, it resumed playing its senior sides in the Hellenic Cup.

## References

1. ↑ After extra time. 1-1 after 90 minutes.
2. ↑ South Melbourne field a youth team in the competition
3. ↑ ↑ South win 4-2 on penalties
4. ↑ South lost 5-4 on penalties
5. ↑ After extra time. 1-1 after 90 minutes
James Karvelis

**James Karvelis** is a defender who spent two seasons at South Melbourne Hellas.

A long-time South Melbourne youth team player, Karvelis made his South debut in the final round of the 2012 season.

Added to the senior roster for 2013, Karvelis was unable to break into the side on a regular basis, and was released at the end of the season.

Karvelis went to play for Kingston City, and Port Melbourne.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: South Melbourne youth

**Departed to**: Kingston City

**Debut:** VPL Round 22, 2012, against Heidelberg United, Olympic Village

**Last game**: 2013 Dockerty Cup, Semi Final, against Green Gully, SS Anderson Reserve

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-juniors-triumph-in-summer-league/
2. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/young-boys-shine-as-south-bury-the-bergers/
3. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/2013-smfc-senior-squad-announced/
4. ↑ www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2014NL1R.html
5. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2016NPLR.html
Lawton Reserve

**Lawton Reserve** in Langwarrin is the home ground of Langwarrin.
While South Melbourne's senior men's teams have played friendly matches there, they have not played a competitive fixture at Lawton Reserve.

South Melbourne's senior women's team however have played at Lawton Reserve,, in its guise as as one of the home grounds by NPLW Victoria team Southern United.
Friendly 21/03/1971 vs Melbourne Hakoah

The week before the start of the 1971 league season saw South Melbourne Hellas play against Hakoah in a charity match. Funds raised from the game were to be directed to Montefiore Homes (a Jewish aged care facility), and the establishment of a Chair of Modern Greek at Melbourne University. The event schedule also included a youth match between the two clubs, and displays by junior Jewish athletes, and Greek marching girls. The charity match was poorly attended.

## Lineups (incomplete)

**South Melbourne Hellas**: unknown

**Hakoah**: Lineup included Dennis Boland, Pieter Mur (sub keeper), Terry Lane, Peter Kurta, Mike Clarey, Bobby Robertson. **Coach**: ???. **Goals**: Clarey (x2), Kurta, Robertson (pen)

## Match Reports

The Australian Jewish News - Tough Start For Hakoah

## References

1. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262473159
2. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262473360
Fawkner Blues

**Fawkner Blues**, also known as *Fawkner Azzurri,* is a defunct Victorian soccer club.

Formed by members of the Italian community in either 1965 or 1967, the club played in the Victorian leagues up until it merged with Manningham United in 2015 to form the Manningham United Blues.

In 2005 and 2006, the senior wing of the club amalgamated with Whittlesea Stallions to form Fawkner-Whittlesea, before the partnership was dissolved. The junior wing of the club, known simply as *Fawkner*, split off from the senior wing several years prior to Fawkner's merger with Manningham, and eventually started their own club called *Fawkner,* which they consider to be a continuation of the original club; for the purposes of this record, the Fawkner Blues are considered to have become defunct when the original senior wing of the club merged with Manningham.

South Melbourne Hellas first played Fawkner Azzurri in the fifth round of the 1976 Dockerty Cup, but the two sides would not meet again for 31 years. Fawkner Blues' home ground was CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner.

## Record by venue

 Lakeside Stadium | 2
 Middle Park Stadium | 1

## References

1. ↑ http://www.manninghamunitedfc.com/page\_aboutus.php
2. ↑ The Fawkner juniors which split from the senior wing claim this date.
3. ↑ http://www.manninghamunitedfc.com/page\_aboutus.php
4. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2007PLR.html
Jim Shirra

**James "Jim" Shirra** is a retired Scottish midfielder who played for South Melbourne in the 1981 and 1982 seasons.

The veteran Shirra arrived at South (flying out of Scotland on the same plane as Robert Stewart) after having made over 300 league appearances in Scotland for Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Dundee.

Upon the arrival of Tommy Docherty, Shirra fell out of favour along with a host of other veterans. Shirra returned to Scotland after the conclusion of the 1982 season.

In the Round 23, 1982 match against Newcastle KB United, Shirra memorably took over in goals after keeper Lou Tsigaras broke his leg, leading Hellas to a 2-1 come-from-behind win.

## Milestones

**Arrived from:** Dundee (Scotland)

**Departed to:** Stirling Albion (Scotland)

**Debut:** NSL Round 1, 1981, against Marconi at Middle Park Stadium

**Last game:**  NSL Round 27, 1982, against Marconi, Middle Park Stadium

## References

1. ↑ Schwab, L, 1981, 'There's a touch of home Down Under for Shirra', *Soccer Action,* 28 January, p.5
2. ↑ 1982, 'Stevenson, Shirra, joins Evans on the outer', *Soccer Action,* 21 June, p.7
3. ↑ Desira, P, 1982, 'Shirra shines as stand-in keeper', *Soccer Action,* 21 July, p.11
Jonathan Munoz

**Jonathan Sebastian Munoz**wasa forward who played for South Melbourne in the Victorian Premier League in 2013.

Joining the club midway through the season after a stint in Germany, Munoz played four games for South during his short time at Lakeside.

A Victorian soccer veteran, prior to joining South Munoz had won championships with Preston Lions and Green Gully.

After leaving South at the end of 2013, Munoz joined Northcote City.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Rotenburger SV (Germany]]

**Departed to**: Northcote City

**Debut:** VPL Round 18, 2013, against Oakleigh Cannons, Jack Edwards Reserve

**Last game**: VPL Round 22, 2013, against Port Melbourne, SS Anderson Reserve

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/munoz-and-hopper-sign-for-the-rest-of-2013/
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2007PLR.html
3. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2010PLR.html
4. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011PLR.html
5. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/northcote-hold-unlucky-south-on-terrible-pitch/
Leo Athanasakis

**Leo Athanasakis** was a president of South Melbourne Hellas, holding that position from November 2007 until  October 2018. He succeeded Paul Dimarelos, and was replaced by Nick Maikousis.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/south-announce-new-president/
2. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-board-elects-new-president-vice-president/
Honours

This page, focusing only on the men's team at this point,  is very much a work in progress.

## Club honours

### Continental

* Oceania Club Championship winners - 1999

### National

* National Soccer League champions - (4) 1984, 1990-1991, 1997-1998, 1998-1999
* National Soccer League runners-up - (1) 2000-2001
* NSL Cup winners - (2) 1989-1990, 1995-1996
* NSL Cup runners-up - (1) 1987
* NSL Charity Cup winners - (1) 1990
* National Youth League champions - (3) 1984, 1990-1991, 1993-1994
* National Youth League runners-up - (2) 1991-1992, 2003-2004

### Victoria

* Victorian league champions - (10) 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1974, 1976, 2006, 2014, 2016
* Victorian league runners-up - (3) 1971, 1975, 2015, 2022, 2023
* Dockerty Cup winners - (8) 1974, 1975, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995. 2015
* Dockerty Cup runners-up - (4) 1967, 1968, 1970, 1992
* Summer Cup (Ampol Cup, Buffalo cup) winner - (7) 1969, 1970, 1976, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1989
* Pre-season (Crazy John's Cup) winner - (1) 2006

### Other

* Hellenic Cup winner - (4) 1984, 2007, 2009, 2011
* Tynan-Eyre Cup -

## Player awards

### Club

* Theo Marmaras Medal -  club best and fairest/MVP
* Leading goalscorers by season

### National

* Johnny Warren Medal - player of the year in national competition
* Goalkeeper of the Year (National)
* Joe Marston Medal - best afield in national league grand final
* Coach of the Year (National)

### Victoria

* Gold Medal - player of the year in Victoria
* Bill Fleming Medal - player of the year in Victoria, as judged by the media
* Coach of the Year (Victoria)
* Goalkeeper of the Year (Victoria)
* Jimmy Rooney Medal - best afield in Victorian grand final
* Jimmy Mackay Medal - best afield in Dockerty Cup final
* Weinstein Medal  - young player of the year in Victoria
Goran Zoric

**Goran Zoric**is a forward who played with South Melbourne in the Victorian Premier League in 2008 and 2009.

Zoric was the stand-out player in the 2007 Springvale White Eagles side which was relegated from the VPL that season, and was signed by South for 2008.

Scoring on debut against Heidelberg, Zoric played in every league match during his two year stint with the club, and won the club's goal scoring award in 2009 with ten goals.

Typifying the inconsistent nature of the side at the time though, eight of those ten goals were scored against Preston Lions and Whittlesea Zebras, the two clubs that were relegated that season.

Zoric signed for Police United in Thailand in 2010, but was released from that club midway through the year.

Upon returning to Australia, Zoric re-joined Springvale White Eagles in 2011, and later played for Oakleigh Cannons.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Springvale White Eagles

**Departed to**: Police United (Thailand)

**Debut:** VPL Round 1, 2008, against Heidelberg United, at Olympic Village

**Last game**: VPL Elimination Final, 2009, against Hume City, at Epping Stadium

## Hat-tricks

* VPL Round 3, 2009, vs Preston Lions (four goals)

## Stats

 2008 | 26
 2009 | 23

## References

1. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/petrovic-wins-the-2009-theo-marmaras-medal/
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2009PLR.html
3. ↑ http://southmelbournefc.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/goran-zoric-released-from-police-united.html
4. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011PLR.html
5. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2012PLR.html
6. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/south-announce-2010-senior-squad/
Eugene Galekovic

**Eugene** **Galekovic** is a retired goalkeeper who played for South Melbourne during the National Soccer League.

Though on the senior list in season 2001-2002, it was not until early in the following season that Galekovic managed to make his South Melbourne debut, supplanting Dean Anastasiadis.

Thereafter the starting goalkeeper's role was largely Galekovic's, except for a brief period where Michael Theoklitos had the role late in the 2003-2004 regular season.

After the NSL ended, Galekovic had an extensive career in the A-League, the majority of which was spent at Adelaide United.

While at South Melbourne, Galekovic represented the Olyroos. During his time in the A-League, Galekovic represented the Socceroos.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Eastern Pride

**Departed to**: Beira-Mar (Portugal)

**Debut:** NSL Round 9, 2002-2003, against Melbourne Knights, Lakeside Stadium

**Last game:** NSL Semi-Final, 2003-2004, against Adelaide United, Hindmarsh Stadium

## Stats

 2002-2003 | 15
 2003-2004 | 22

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/GAB.html
Liam McCormick

**Liam McCormick** (also sometimes misspelled *McCormack)*is a midfielder and utility player who played with South Melbourne in 2017, after joining from Bentleigh Greens, where he had been involved in both league and cup successes.

The short-statured McCormick played in a variety of positions during his South stint. He started in each of his first six-league games for the club, but gradually fell out of favour, with his remaining six league appearances all coming off the bench. He left South during the mid-season transfer window, joining Dandenong City in NPL2.

There were hints at the time that McCormick's departure was an acrimonious one; this was seemingly confirmed a year later when South Melbourne was accused in an article by journalist Clement Tito of wage theft, with McCormick claiming the club owed him six weeks wages. His release form - posted online pseudonymously - showed that officially at least, he had agreed that he was not owed any money by South Melbourne.

Several years prior to joining South Melbourne, McCormick was the winner of the third and final season of the reality TV show Football Superstar, though after winning a contract with Brisbane Roar, he did not make any senior appearances for the A-League outfit.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Bentleigh Greens

**Departed to**: Dandenong City

**Debut:** 2017 Community Shield, against Bentleigh Greens, at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

**Last game**: NPL Victoria Round 14, 2017 against Port Melboune Sharks, at Lakeside Stadium

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/mccormick-switches-green-blue-2017-season/
2. ↑ https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/exclusive-a-league-hopefuls-accused-of-wage-theft-513875/page0
3. ↑ https://twitter.com/MrAusFootball/status/1050687841691303937
4. ↑ https://www.cornerflag.com.au/former-football-superstars-in-npl-victoria/
Michael Theo

**Michael Theo** is a goalkeeper who had two stints with South Melbourne during the late National Soccer League era.

While playing for South Melbourne, Theo went by the name *Michael Theoklitos*. He changed his surname to its current version in 2012.

in his initial stint, during the 2000-2001 season, he made no appearances for the senior side. During the 2003-2004 season, he played five matches, keeping three clean sheets.

Theo spent his state league career predominantly at Bulleen Zebras. During his lengthy Australian top-flight career, Theo played for Football Kingz in the NSL, and was the main goalkeeper during Melbourne Victory's first seasons in the A-League. Later, Theo spent several seasons at Brisbane Roar. Across his A-League career, Theo was a member of five championship winning teams, and was A-League goalkeeper of the year on three occasions.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Bulleen Zebras (first stint), Blackpool (UK) (second stint)

**Departed to**: Bulleen Zebras (first stint), Bulleen Zebras (second stint)

**Debut:** NSL Round 19, 2003-2004, against Sydney United, Lakeside Stadium

**Last game**: NSL Round 24, 2003-2004, against Football Kingz, Mount Smart Stadium

## Stats

 2001-2002 | 0
 2003-2004 | 5

## References

1. ↑ https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/veteran-brisbane-roar-goalkeeper-changes-his-name-by-deed-poll-to-michael-theo/news-story/dc86519bc8765c0f2ba95b20c7344ca1?device=DESKTOP&editiondata=none&fromakamai=true&pt=none&wpa=BB44D82C3D7223D393F2AE47579FB5EA6791ABE4#.Ud1lKfnLqSo
John Anastasiadis

**John Anastasiadis** is a coach and retired player, who both played and coached South Melbourne Hellas. He is currently the coach of Heidelberg United.

He is the older brother of former South Melbourne goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis. The two brothers never played together for South Melbourne, but John coached Dean during the former's coaching reign at South Melbourne.

A forward, John Anastasiadis began his senior playing career at Heidelberg United in the mid 1980s, before embarking on a decade-long stint with PAOK in Greece. Returning to Australia, Anastasiadis became a vital element of South's formidable attack in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Initially as a starter and later as an impact player off the bench, Anastasiadis had a knack of scoring goals at the biggest moments and the biggest stages.

He opened the scoring against Carlton (and his brother Dean in goal) in the 1997-1998 grand final; he also finished as the club's leading scorer for that season, with a total of 12 goals. In the following season's grand final, he scored two goals after coming on as a substitute against Sydney United.

Anastasiadis became the first Australian player to score at a Club World Championship, when he scored South's only goal of the tournament, against Necaxa. In his final game for South Melbourne, he scored the team's only goal in the 2000-2001 grand final against Wollongong Wolves, once more scoring past his brother, Dean.

After coaching Yarraville Glory in the lower tiers of Victorian soccer, Anastasiadis returned to South at its lowest ebb in early 2005, assembling a squad comprised to a large extent of NSL veterans, Victorian soccer journeymen, and assorted youngsters, defying preseason expectations of relegation and instead reaching the preliminary final.

In 2006, Anastasiadis and his team put together another good campaign, and took advantage of Oakleigh Cannons' finals failure, to win South's first league championship since 1999. In 2007 Anastasiadis' squad failed to put together a consistent run of form, and missed the finals. In 2008, the team opened the season losing five of its first seven matches, and Anastasiadis resigned as coach.

He later took up the Oakleigh Cannons coaching job, achieving little success; but he then found the most success of his coaching career at Bentleigh Greens, winning several trophies, including defeating South Melbourne in the 2015 grand final; during this time he also won the National Premier Leagues Victoria coach of the year on two occasions.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Edessaikos (Greece)

**Departed to**: Yarraville Glory

**Debut:** NSL Round 1, 1997-1998, against Brisbane Strikers at Lang Park

**Last game**: NSL Grand Final, 2000-2001, against Wollongong Wolves at Parramatta Stadium

## Hat-tricks

* NSL Round 11, 1997-1998, vs Sydney United

## Honours

*Playing*

* National Soccer League championship: 1998, 1999
* Oceania Club Championship 1999
* Club leading scorer: 1997-1998

*Coaching*

* Victorian Premier League: 2006

## Playing career stats

1. ↑ Except when John guested for South in a friendly against Aris of Greece in 1994
Keysborough

**Keysborough** is a Victorian soccer club.

Founded in 1970, Keysborough have been a Victorian lower tier staple, having never risen above the Victorian fourth tier.

South Melbourne and Keysborough have met on one occasion, an FFA Cup match in 2016.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Clubs/VIC/Vic\_Active\_K.html#Keysborough
Moreland City

**Moreland City**is a Victorian soccer club.

The club is the product of a series of mergers - initially Moreland merging with Kew Park Rangers in 1986 to form *Moreland Park Rangers,* and then Moreland Park Rangers merging with Coburg in 1990 to form *Moreland-Coburg United,*with the name *Moreland City*being adopted in 1995.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Clubs/VIC/Vic\_Active\_M.html#MorelandCity
Graham French

**Graham French** is a retired forward who played with South Melbourne Hellas during the 1977 season.

French was signed from Mooroolbark, where he had won the Victorian State League golden boot in 1976.

1977 would be the only season French would play for South Melbourne, and in the national league. In 1978 he dropped back down to the Victorian top-flight, playing with St Kilda Hakoah, which was followed by stints at Brunswick Juventus, Croydon City (where in 1985 he won his second State League golden boot), and eventually Mooroolbark once more.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Mooroolbark

**Departed to**: St Kilda Hakoah

**Debut:** NSL Round 21, 1977, against Sydney Olympic, at Sydney Sports Ground

**Last game**: NSL Round 25, 1977, against Canberra City, at Middle Park

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/Scorer.html
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1978SLR.html
James Burgess

**James Burgess** is a goalkeeper who played with South Melbourne in 2021.

A former South Melbourne junior, Burgess signed with South for the 2021 season after senior stints with Springvale White Eagles and Langwarrin. Burgess made two appearances for South in 2021, but spent most of the season serving as backup to Pierce Clark

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Langwarrin

**Departed to:**

**Debut:** 2021 FFA Cup, Round 4, against Werribee City, at Grange Reserve, Hoppers Crossing

**Last game:** NPL Victoria Round 10, 2021, against Hume City at Lakeside Stadium

## References

1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/smfc59/posts/10158616823348617?\_\_cft\_\_%5B0%5D=AZU5XqxKntKduZ6cfhpk1jpw4MlU-nnmFKcCOtQ66n0-vAfDk48iwUphX1G16IhRXZ6DIh6mssk-3ir8DZcC\_9F5-gvB40N2-uprHaOip5yuNl8fnHIy0UJGq84CnQbpNVLXnri1yjnPOQfs\_mafcYDhT\_7OsGCVZ-6qJEcizaUZ9g&\_\_tn\_\_=%2CO%2CP-R
List of South Melbourne Hellas coaches

This is a list of people who have been coaches of South Melbourne Hellas' senior men's team, including caretaker coaches, in roughly chronological order.

## 1960s

* Chris Georgousis (1960)
* Len Young (1961)
* Manny Poulakakis (1961-1964)
* Paddy Sloan (1964)
* Ron Sawecki (1965-66)
* Con Nestoridis (1966)
* John Anderson (1967)
* Con Nestoridis (1967)
* Lou Brocic (1967)
* Ron Sawecki (1968-69)
* Manny Poulakakis (1969)

## 1970s

* Lou Brocic (1970)
* Vic Jancsyk (1970)
* Lou Brocic (1971)
* Bill Curran (1971)
* Manny Poulakakis (1972-73)
* Jim Pyrgolios (1973)
* John Margaritis (1974-75)
* Brian Edgley (1976)
* Manny Poulakakis (1976-1977)
* Con Xanthopoulos (1977)
* Dave MacLaren (1978-1979)
* Ted Smith (1978)
* Duncan Mackay (1979)
* John Margaritis (1979-82)

## 1980s

* Tommy Docherty (1982)
* Mick Watson (1982)
* Rale Rasic (1983)
* Len McKendry (1983-1985)
* John Margaritis (1986)
* Brian Garvey (1987-1989)
* Bobby Russell (1988)
* Ferenc Puskas (1989-1992)

## 1990s

* Jim Pyrgolios (1992-1994)
* Frank Arok (1994-1996)
* Ange Postecoglou (1996-2000)

## 2000s

* Mike Petersen (2000-2001)
* Eddie Krncevic (2001-2002)
* Danny Wright (2002-2003)
* Peter Tsolakis (2003)
* Stuart Munro (2003-2004)
* John Anastasiadis (2005-2008)
* John Gabrielson (2005)
* Michael Michalakopoulos (2008-2009)

## 2010s

* Vaughan Coveny (2010)
* Eddie Krncevic (2010-2011)
* Peter Tsolakis (2012-2013)
* Joe Montemurro (2012)
* Chris Taylor (2013-2018)
* Chris Marshall (2016)
* Sasa Kolman (2018)
* Stratos Xynas (2018)
* Con Tangalakis (2018-2019)
* Esteban Quintas (2019-)

## Notes

1. ↑ Caretaker while the club awaited Con Nestoridis' return from Greece.
2. ↑ Caretaker for the final portion of the 1971 season.
3. ↑ Caretaker one game in 1978, while Dave MacLaren was absent due to illness.
4. ↑ Caretaker for four games during 1982, while Docherty was away in England taking care of personal matters.
5. ↑ Caretaker during Dockerty Cup at the end of the season.
6. ↑ Caretaker final two games of the 2002-2003 season
7. ↑ Caretaker for one match in 2005, while John Anastasiadis was absent.
8. ↑ Caretaker for two games in 2012 while Peter Tsolakis served a touchline ban.
9. ↑ Caretaker in two non-consecutive matches in 2016, while Chris Taylor was serving touchline bans suspended or absent.
10. ↑ Caretaker for two games while Sasa Kolman was serving touchline bans.
11. ↑ Caretaker in two non-consecutive matches in 2023 while Esteban Quintas was serving touchline bans.
Jason Ricciuti

**Jason Ricciuti** is a forward who played for South Melbourne in 2010.

A South Melbourne youth team player, each of Ricciuti's five appearances for the club came off the bench.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: South Melbourne under 21s

**Departed to**: Victorian Training Centre

**Debut:** VPL Round 12, 2010, against Altona Magic, John Cain Memorial Park

**Last game**: VPL Round 20, 2010, against Richmond, John Cain Memorial Park
James Stefanou

**James Stefanou** is a defender who played with South Melbourne in two different stints in the Victorian Premier League.

Stefanou joined the club in 2005, after having spent the previous season with Keilor Park.

After making just two appearances in 2005, Stefanou increased his output to 13 games in 2006, though he did not play in any of the club's finals matches that year. In 2007, Stefanou joined Western Suburbs.

After three seasons away from Lakeside, Stefanou was brought back to the club, where he would make 16 further appearances for South before once again departing the club, this time for Melbourne Knights.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Keilor Park (first stint), Heidelberg United (second stint)

**Departed to**: Western Suburbs (first stint), Melbourne Knights (second stint)

**Debut:** VPL Round 15, 2005, against St Albans Saints, Churchill Reserve

**Last game**: VPL Round 21, 2010, against Oakleigh Cannons, Jack Edwards Reserve

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2004D2NWR.html
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2007PLR.html
3. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011PLR.html
Hamlet Armenian

**Hamlet Armenian** is an attacking midfielder and forward who played for South Melbourne in 2008.

Armenian was recruited from 2007 VPL grand finalist Whittlesea Zebras, where he had formed a fruitful partnership with Tex Apostolikas.

Unfortunately, despite playing every game in 2008 (in a mixture of starting and substitute appearances), Armenian struggled to recapture the form that saw him headhunted by South.

He managed only one goal, at home against Oakleigh, and was released at the end of the season. From there, Armenian would go on to play with several local clubs, with varying degrees of success.

## MIlestones

**Arrived from**: Whittlesea Zebras

**Departed to**: Dandenong Thunder

**Debut:** VPL Round 1, 2008, against Heidelberg United, Olympic Village

**Last game**: VPL Round 26, 2008, against Frankston Pines, Monterey Reserve

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2008PLR.html
George Hannah

**George Hannah** is a retired defender who played for South Melbourne in the 1983 Ampol Cup.

Prior to joining South Melbourne Hellas in early 1983, Hannah had played for Hellas-Hakoah in 1982, and for St Kilda Hakoah in 1981. Playing in two Ampol Cup matches for South Melbourne in 1983, Hannah was soon transferred to Melbourne Croatia, for whom he made well over 200 senior appearances over the ensuing decade. Hannah finished his National Soccer League career with a season at Morwell Falcons.

## Milestones

**Arrived from:**Hellas-Hakoah

**Departed to:** Melbourne Croatia

**Debut:**1983 Ampol Cup Group Game vs Morwell Falcons, at Olympic Park

**Last game:** 1983 Ampol Cup, Semi Final, against Green Gully, Olympic Park

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1982SLR.html
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1981SLR.html
3. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/HAD.html
Melbourne City

**Melbourne City** is an A-League team, founded in 2009 as *Melbourne Heart.*

Melbourne Heart won the race for Melbourne's second A-League licence at the expense of the South Melbourne backed Southern Cross bid, having been favoured throughout the bidding process by Football Federation Australia. Later, when Melbourne Heart were struggling financially, South Melbourne made two unsuccessful attempts at buying out Heart's A-League licence. Heart were eventually bought out by the City Football Group, who re-branded the team into its current iteration.

South Melbourne and Melbourne City have met in one competitive fixture, in the 2021 FFA Cup, Round of 32.

## Record by venue

1. ↑ https://archive.today/20121208185721/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25629397-5000940,00.html?from=public\_rss
2. ↑ http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/sidwell-bid-tipped-to-win-second-franchise/2008/07/24/1216492641488.html
3. ↑ https://www.a-league.com.au/news/heart-reject-south-melbourne-bid
4. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/23/manchester-city-buy-melbourne-heart
Josh Dorron

**Josh Dorron**is a goalkeeper who played for South Melbourne in the second half of the 2019 season.

Dorron had kept for Doveton against South Melbourne during the two sides' FFA Cup match up, and he was signed by South Melbourne during the subsequent mid-season transfer window. Dorron managed six starts during the second half of the season, winning and losing the starting goalkeeper's role to Nikola Roganovic on several occasions.

Dorron was retained on the senior list for 2020, but fell behind in the pecking order to third-choice behind Pierce Clark and Nikola Roganovic

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Doveton

**Departed to:**

**Debut:** NPL Victoria Round 16, 2019, against Port Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium

**Last game:** NPL Victoria Round 24, 2019, against Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve
Graham Hockless

**Graham Hockless** is a retired English footballer, who in 2014 was the assistant coach to South Melbourne Hellas coach Chris Taylor.

Prior to undertaking the assistant coach role at Lakeside, Hockless had played for several clubs in the Victorian Premier League from 2006-2013, including winning back to back championships with Green Gully, and winning the Gold Medal while playing for Heidelberg United in 2008.

Hockless was also listed as part of South Melbourne's 20 man senior squad at the start of the 2014 season, but made no appearances for the club.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/graham-hockless-joins-coaching-staff/
2. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/assistant-coach-graham-hockless-departs-south/
3. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/GoldMed.html
4. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/season-preview-south-announce-squad-2014
Jake Vandermey

**Jake Vandermey** is a defender who played three matches for South Melbourne during 2011, in late April and early May when the side was in the middle of an injury and suspension crisis.

In May 2011, along with Josh Colosimo, Vandermey was loaned to Olympia Warriors, who were then plying their trade in Tasmania's Southern Premier League.

Vandermey was not retained by South following the close of the 2011 season. In 2012 Vandermey joined Pascoe Vale, who were then in State League 1, and was a part of the squad which won promotion to the Victorian Premier League.

After the 2013 season, he signed for Olympia Warriors, who were now part of the Tasmanian National Premier League competition. In 2014, he won Olympia's best and fairest award, and finished third in the Tasmanian NPL's best and fairest race behind South Hobart's Brayden Mann and Andy Brennan.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: ???

**Departed to**: Pascoe Vale

**Debut:** 2011 Mirabella Cup, Round 4, against Yarraville Glory, John Cain Memorial Park

**Last game**: VPL Round 11, 2011, against Northcote City, John Cain Memorial Park

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011PLR.html
2. ↑ http://www.thebackpost.net/?p=1514
3. ↑ http://www.walterpless.com.au/2014/october/jake-vandermey-the-top-warrior.html
4. ↑ http://www.footballfedtas.com.au/index.php?id=15&tx\_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2014&tx\_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=09&tx\_ttnews%5Btt\_news%5D=1086&cHash=104d644b5cfe4a91d6b3a107bf7113ff
5. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011MiraCup.html
Friendly 3/3/1982 vs Melbourne Celtic XI

This was a charity match played early in the season against a local select, raising money for the family of Steve Blair, following the sudden passing of his father Bill the previous week.

The match, played in good spirits, raised $2,000. South was awarded the William Blair Memorial Trophy for winning the match, as well as a commemorative plaque from the Melbourne branch of the Glasgow Celtic Supporters Club.

## Lineups

**South Melbourne Hellas**: Peter Laumets (Lou Tsigaras 46'), Socrates Nicolaidis, Steve Blair, David Jones, Jim Shirra, Arthur Xanthopoulos, Alan Davidson, John Stevenson, Charlie Egan, Alun Evans, Branko Buljevic. **Coach:** John Margaritis **Goals**: Egan (x2), Evans, Stevenson

**Melbourne Celtic XI**: Dennis Boland, Vince Bannon, F. Macleod, D. Macleod, Nisbet (Wark '75), Ged Bannon, McElhinney (McGorian '46), Pat Bannon (D'Sylva '46), Noel Mitten, Macleaod. **Coach**: ???. **Goal:** Mitten, Macleod.

## References

1. ↑ Mackenzie, C, 1982, 'Memorial game raises $2,000 for Blair family', *Soccer Action,* 10 March, p.10
Ethan Gage

**Ethan Gage**is a Canadian defensive midfielder who played for South Melbourne in 2019.

Signed from Bentleigh Greens, where he had made a positive impression in the second half of 2018, Gage struggled at South Melbourne, and eventually transferred to Caroline Springs George Cross.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Oakleigh Cannons

**Departed to:** Caroline Springs George Cross

**Debut:** NPL Victoria Round 1, 2019, against Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

**Last game:** NPL Victoria Round 13, 2019 against Heidelberg United at Olympic Village

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-bolster-squad-by-signing-greek-midfielder-stratomitros/
2. ↑ http://websites.sportstg.com/team\_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&client=1-8746-124138-514466-26408177&pID=204604476&pname=Ethan%20Gage&news\_task=DETAIL
Francesco Stella

**Francesco Stella** is a winger and attacking midfielder who played for South Melbourne in the Victorian Premier League.

Stella's South Melbourne stint will likely be best remembered for two things. First, his penchant for stepovers; secondly, his signing for Siena in Italy, which netted South a tidy sum in training compensation fees. While at South, Stella most often came off the bench, though in the second half of 2009 he was increasingly used as a starting player.

After leaving South, Stella's career took a peripatetic route, including stints in Scotland with the then bottom division Rangers, in Thailand with Sisaket, and back in Australia with Melbourne Victory, Avondale, and Port Melbourne

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Chievo Verona youth (Italy)

**Departed to**: Siena (Italy)

**Debut:** VPL Round 23, 2008, against Altona Magic, Lakeside Stadium

**Last game**: VPL Elimination Final, 2009, against Hume City, Epping Stadium

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2008PLR.html
2. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2009PLR.html
Jason Saldaris

**Jason Saldaris** is a Westen Australian goalkeeper who had two stints at South Melbourne.

In 2012, Saldaris was understudy to Peter Gavalas, and made just two appearances.

In 2014, Saldaris was brought back to South, and spent the majority of the season as first choice keeper, before losing his starting spot to Chris Maynard toward the end of the season, after struggling with the high ball.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Perth SC (first stint) Perth SC (second stint)

**Departed to**:

**Debut:** 2012 Dockerty Cup, Round 4, against Malvern City, John Cain Memorial Park

**Last game**: NPL Victoria Round 20, 2014, against Bentleigh Greens, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/perths-saldaris-joins-smfc/
2. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-capture-saldaris-ahead-of-the-2014-season/
3. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/late-holmes-strike-not-enough-as-south-defeated-by-greens/
History of South Melbourne bids for an A-League licence

This is an article-in-progress about **attempts by South Melbourne Hellas to secure an A-League franchise licence**.

## Melbourne Heart

In May 2013, South Melbourne acknowledged that it had made an offer of $3.5 million for Melbourne Heart's A-League licence. In August 2013, Melbourne Heart rejected a $7 million bid from South Melbourne for the licence, with South refusing to increase their bid to $9 million. Eventually Heart were sold to the City Football Group, who re-branded the team as Melbourne City.

## Central Coast Mariners

In 2013, South Melbourne attempted to buy out all or part of Central Coast Mariners' A-Licence, with rumours suggesting that the arrangement may have included splitting games between Melbourne and Gosford.

There was no information made available at the time about who would fund the takeover of the Mariners. In the end, the Mariners were bought out entirely by Mike Charlesworth, one of the Mariners then part-owners.

In August 2020, when Charleswoth put up the Mariners' licence up for sale, South made it known  tthrough the press that it would not be seeking to purchase the licence, due to the uncertainty surrounding much of the A-League's business model, as well as because the club preferred to focus on helpin establish the National Second Division.

## References

1. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20140208083145/http://www.smfc.com.au/news/1296/south-melbourne-fc-media-release/
2. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20131017060052/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/278656,heart-turn-down-smfcs-7m-buy-out.aspx
3. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/23/manchester-city-buy-melbourne-heart
4. ↑ https://southmelbournefc.blogspot.com/2013/03/where-hell-did-that-come-from.html
5. ↑ https://southmelbournefc.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-you-missed-last-night-at.html
6. ↑ https://southmelbournefc.blogspot.com/2020/08/during-this-pandemic-i-demand.html
Ken Drakeford

**Ken Drakeford** is a retired English midfielder who played with South Melbourne in 1979.

An attacking midfielder, Drakeford arrived in Melbourne in late 1978, in time for the friendly against Olympiakos, Drakeford had most recently played for Bromsgrove Rovers in the First Division North of the Southern Football League. He had also had an unsuccessful trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Drakeford was described by South coach Dave MacLaren as being not physically strong enough to play in the English First Division, but "ideally suited" to playing in the National Soccer League  Typical however of South's disastrous 1979 season, Drakeford would only make 13 appearances, all in the first half of the season before eventually moving to New Zealand.

While in New Zealand, Drakeford made a handful of appearances in 'B' internationals and regional selections. Drakeford would return to Australia in the mid 1980s, playing for Green Gully - and Morwell Falcons.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Bromsgrove Rovers

**Departed to**: ???

**Debut:** NSL Round 1, 1979, against Newcastle KB United at International Sports Centre

**Last game:** NSL Round 13, 1979, against APIA Leichhardt at Middle Park

## References

1. ↑ 1978, 'Hellas' new star on show Sunday?', *Soccer Action,* November 1, p.3
2. ↑ Schwab, L, 1986, 'Drakeford signs for Gully', *The Age,* January 31, p.23
3. ↑ http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nz-b-intres.html
4. ↑ http://www.rsssf.com/tablesq/qpr-oceania83.html
5. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1986BuffaloCup.html
6. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1988SLR.html
Erdem Ozcagli

**Erdem Ozcagli** was a defender from South Melbourne's under 21s who made three senior appearances with South Melbourne during the 2013 season during the early part of Chris Taylor's reign as South coach.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: South Melbourne youth

**Departed to**: ???

**Debut:** VPL Round 12, 2013, against Green Gully, Lakeside Stadium

**Last game**: 2013 Dockerty Cup, Quarter-Final, against Preston Lions, Lakeside Stadium

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-juniors-triumph-in-summer-league/
Juventus

**Juventus** is the name of a famous football club from Turin, Italy.

In an Australian context, the Juventus name has been used by two prominent clubs and rivals of South Melbourne Hellas.

* Adelaide City, a South Australian club which has also been known as Adelaide Juventus
* Brunswick Juventus, a Melbourne club which went solely by the name Juventus for the first few decades of its existence.
Giuseppe Marafioti

**Giuseppe "Pep" Marafioti**is a forward who played for South Melbourne in 2018 and 2019.

A South Melbourne junior and the elder brother of Giordano Marafioti, Giuseppe Marafioti was signed midway through the 2018 season from Oakleigh Cannons, where he had established himself as a regular senior player.

In 2019 Marafioti finished as the club's leading scorer, scoring seven goals (all in the league). However disciplinary issues - topped - off by an incident during the round 25 match against Altona Magic, where Marafioti and stand-in skipper Marcus Schroen almost came to blows over who got to take a penalty - saw Marafioti omitted from the squad for the final game of the season.

After some doubts about whether he be retained on the senior roster in 2020, Marafioti was signed by Dandenong Thunder.

## Milestones

**Arrived from:**Oakleigh Cannons

**Departed to:** Dandenong Thunder

**Debut:** NPL Victoria Round 14, 2018, against Bulleen Lions at Lakeside Stadium

**Last game:**NPL Victoria 25, 2019, against Altona Magic, at Lakeside Stadium

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/giuseppe-marafioti-signs-at-smfc/
Kamal Ibrahim

**Kamal Ibrahim**is an attacking midfielder and winger who played with South Melbourne Hellas during the first half of the 2011 season.

Ibrahim joined South on loan from Melbourne Heart (along with Kliment Taseski), and returned to Heart after his loan ended midway through the season.

After being released from Melbourne Heart, Ibrahim would later play for Heidelberg United, and then later played for Port Melbourne, where he won the Gold Medal in 2015..

Prior to joining South Melbourne, Ibrahim had played for both the Joeys and Young Socceroos.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Melbourne Heart (loan)

**Departed to**: Melbourne Heart

**Debut:** VPL Round 2, 2011, against Springvale White Eagles, White Eagles Stadium. Keysborough

**Last game**: VPL Round 12, 2011, against Green Gully, Green Gully Reserve

## References

1. ↑ http://au.fourfourtwo.com/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=50312
2. ↑ http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/ffv-gold-medal-night-2015-wrap/
3. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/2011PLR.html
Melbourne Victory

**Melbourne Victory** is an A-League team from Melbourne.

While South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory have never played in a competitive fixture, the two sides played in a highly publicised friendly match in 2007.

In addition to that, South Melbourne has played competitive fixtures against Melbourne Victory's NPL side in 2016
Keegan Coulter

**Keegan Coulter** is a goalkeeper who had a brief stint at South Melbourne during the early part of the 2018 season.

in 2017 Coulter was the starting goalkeeper at Box Hill United in NPL2, and was signed by South to be the backup to Alastair Bray. When Bray suffered a season-ending injury in the opening league game of the season against Bulleen, Coulter became the club's new first choice goalkeeper.

Unfortunately for both Coulter and South, Coulter had a poor run of form - especially in dealing with crosses - and his tenure at South did not last beyond the mid-season transfer window, Coulter signed for Oakleigh Cannons for the remainder of 2018.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Box Hill United

**Departed to**: Oakleigh Cannons

**Debut:** NPL Victoria Round 1, 2018, against Bulleen Lions at David Barro Stadium

**Last game**: NPL Victoria Round 7, 2018, against Bentleigh Greens at Lakeside Stadium.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/coulter-signs-2018-season/
Jason Giccominato

**Jason Giccominato** was a South Melbourne under 20s goalkeeper, who was on South Melbourne's senior roster in 2015.

Giccominato made no senior appearances for the club, and would later go on to play with Frankston Pines and Peninsula Strikers.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/news/lucky-south-melbourne-draws-first-blood-against-rivals
Luke Byles

**Luke Byles** was an English centre-back who played for South Melbourne during 2012 and 2013, including being appointed captain in the latter season.

Signed from from Heidelberg United, Byles was one of five players - along with Tom Matthews, Joe Keenan, Sebastian Mattei and Rhodri Payne - dumped from the team midway through the 2013 season.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Heidelberg United

**Departed to**: Heidelberg United

**Debut:** VPL Round 1, 2012, against Moreland Zebras, Lakeside Stadium

**Last game**: VPL Round 10, 2013, against Northcote City, John Cain Memorial Reserve

## References

1. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/byles-named-smfc-captain-for-the-2013-season/
2. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/south-snares-former-southampton-defender-luke-byles/
3. ↑ http://www.smfc.com.au/media-release-five-players-released/
4. ↑ Though several rumours circulated, no official explanation was given as to the reason for Byles' exit from the club.
1973

**1973** was South Melbourne Hellas 14th season of senior men's competition.

## Overview

**League:** Victorian State League

**Finishing Position:**3rd of 12

**Dockerty Cup**: Quarter Final

**Coach:**John Margaritis (until round 12), Jim Pyrgolios (from round 13)

**Captain:** Steve Walker

**Leading goal scorer:**

**President**: Sam Papasavas

**Reserves:** 1973

## Summary

The top four teams qualified for the end of season State League finals tournament.

Box Hill were relegated.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/1973SLT.html
Milan Udvaracz

**Milan Udvaracz** is a retired Hungarian goalkeeper, who played with South Melbourne during the 1999-2000 season.

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Ferencvaros (Hungary)

**Departed to**: Honved (Hungary)

**Debut:** 1999 Oceania Club Championships, Group Stage, vs Malaita Eagles, at Churchill Park

**Last game**: NSL Round 25, 1999-2000, vs Adelaide City at Lakeside Stadium
Massimo Pesce

**Massimo Pesce** was a defender at South Melbourne.

A South Melbourne youth player, Pesce won the under 20s MVP award in 2015, a season in which he also made his senior South Melbourne debut against Frankston Pines in the FFA Cup.

That game was to be Pesce's onlygame for South's senior team; despite being a part of the senior roster, he made no appearances in 2016.

## Milestones

**Arrived from:** South Melbourne under 20s

**Departed to:** unknown

**Debut:** 2015 FFA Cup. Round 7, against Frankston Pines at Lakeside Stadium

**Last game:** 2015 FFA Cup, Round 7, against Frankston Pines at Lakeside Stadium

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/south-u20s-draw-with-port-melbourne-in-wet-conditions-at-lakeside/
2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/smfc59/photos/a.10153611799173617/10153611799813617/?type=1&theater
Essendon Royals

**Essendon Royals** is a Victorian soccer club.

Founded in 1959 as *Triestina,*the Royals have gone under a number of names, and have seen their senior men's side merge and unmerge with several clubs over the course of their history; these mergers at one point led to the Royals not fielding a senior men's team, and having to start again from the bottom of the Victorian soccer pyramid.

For the purposes of this record, the wiki will be treating the mainline Triestina/Essendon City/Essendon Royals history as a continuum.

## Season by season record

### 1960s

 1964 | Victorian State League
 1965 | Victorian State League
 1965 | Victorian State League

## Win/draw/loss record

 Victorian Premier League | 6
 Victorian State League | 4

## Record by venue

 Middle Park Stadium | 2
 Olympic Park | 2
 Veneto Club | 3

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Clubs/VIC/Vic\_Active\_E.html#EssendonRoyals
Hakoah

**Hakoah** (Hebrew for *The Strength*) was the name of two Jewish-backed soccer clubs, one from Melbourne, and one from Sydney.

* Melbourne Hakoah, a Victorian soccer and sport club founded in 1927, also known by the name St Kilda Hakoah. The club's soccer wing eventually merged with South Melbourne Hellas' reserve team in 1982, forming South Melbourne Hellas-Hakoah.
* Sydney Hakoah, a Sydney soccer club formed in 1939, known also by the names *Eastern Suburbs Hakoah,* and Sydney City.
Max Mikkola

**Max Mikkola** is a forward and winger currently signed to South Melbourne.

A Queenslander, Mikolla joined South from Lions FC,

## Milestones

**Arrived from**: Lions FC (Queensland)

**Debut:** NPL Victoria Round 1, 2022, against Heidelberg United at Lakeside Stadium

## Honours

* Club leading goalscorer 2023 (tied with Ajak Riak)

## References

1. ↑ https://www.smfc.com.au/2021/11/17/south-sign-exciting-queenslander-max-mikkola/