With spirit and grit, South Melbourne FC make history

·

It was a week where all fell into place for South Melbourne FC. Dockerty Cup champions, followed by a win against A League Wellington Phoenix and wrapping it up as Premiers for 2024.

Recently retired football director Andrew Mesourouni commented, “It’s always important for a club like South to win trophies. It’s in our DNA. Where it hurts most is when we don’t deliver silverware.”

“We have been competing at the top for the past few years, but this year it feels different. It feels right,” Mr Mesourouni added.

(L-R) Nick Maikousis, Esteban Quintas, Andrew Mesourouni and Bill Papastergiadis. Photo supplied.

“One step at the time. A week ago, we were competing for trophies, we have two in that time. So, the grand final needs to be our next goal to put things right. The past two years has been devastating. Then the big one. To be the first NPL club to win the Australia Cup. For South to win another national trophy.”

Michael Tsoukalis, long-time supporter, said, “this is arguably the best week at South Melbourne Football Club in a very long time. Dockerty Cup winners (last Saturday), progressing to the final 16 in the Australia Cup three days later against a full time professional franchise (Wellington Phoenix) in a match South controlled, and now wrapping up the league with a week to go.”

“Thank you to the board, players, coaching staff, volunteers, and of course the loyal fans who turn up irrespective of the occasion, these moments are for all South fans Australia-wide (and globally), but they no doubt feel extra special for those watching most if not every week,” Mr Tsoukalis added.


Club Chairman, Bill Papastergiadis said, “football transcends our daily lives and brings us closer to a dream state where one feels anything is possible. Hence this last week has locked us in a dream state at South Melbourne Hellas.”

“A week where we dared to dream and our players and coaches brought ultimate satisfaction and elation to the tribe of South supporters. We are proud of their achievements and thank Esteban our coach for his dogmatic approach,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“Third success augurs well for the National Second Tier which is slated for 2025 as aspirational clubs like South Melbourne and fans throughout Australia are desperate for renewed competition. Football Australia must allow these clubs to grow and prosper and allow them to dream big.”

This too is the message of Tom Kalas, the architect of the National Second Tier, in his message to the club.

“Congratulations Bill, to the players, coaching staff and board. Great way to prepare for the new National League,” Mr Kalas said.

Club President Nick Maikousis was simple in his assessment, “Two trophies down, two more to go.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Bouzouki Night 2025: A celebration of youth, culture and Hellenic pride in the Capital

It was a night of kefi in Canberra as 300 guests filled the Hellenic Club of Canberra for the Hellenic Youth Club’s Bouzouki Night 2025.

Cretan and Kalymnian youth in Sydney unite for a night of dance, music and kefi

The spirit of Greece came alive in Sydney as the Cretan Youth Association of Sydney and the Kalymnian Youth Society of NSW hosted Xoro.

Greek language attainment award, from yiayia’s kitchen to the classroom

The Greek Centre in Melbourne filled with pride and applause on Saturday, October 18 as the GCM honoured students of all ages.

Once a year, the future gathers at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial

Once a year, on an October spring morning, the Australian Hellenic War Memorial (AHWM) fills with the laughter of children.

Parliament House to host inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum

The Embassy of Greece in Australia will present the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, an exciting event.

You May Also Like

Star players from Sydney Olympic depart for Greek club, Xanthi FC

Sydney Olympic Football Club today confirmed three of its star players have been granted permission to transfer to Greek club, Xanthi FC.

Antetokounmpo sues artist over alleged ‘Greek Freak’ knockoffs

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2019 National Basketball Association most valuable player, sued a Pennsylvania man on Monday for allegedly selling “Greek Freak”...

Greek migrant hotspot now EU’s ‘worst rights issue’

Almost four years after its launch with great fanfare, the EU's so-called 'hotspots' in Greece have morphed into its worst fundamental rights issue. The head...