By Takis Triadafillou
On Saturday, January 18, at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, the highly anticipated second meeting of The Greek Herald Cup will take place between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC. This historic rivalry harks back to the National Soccer League (NSL) era, bringing together two clubs with rich legacies and cultural significance.
In the lead-up to this event, South Melbourne legends Manny Anezakis and Alan Davidson shared their reflections and memories of their time with the club, particularly their pivotal role in the 1984 NSL Championship team.
When asked by The Greek Herald about their fondest memories of the NSL, Alan Davidson described, “My fondest memory of the NSL is playing for South Melbourne and then getting the opportunity to play in the NSL with them. Obviously, winning is important, so we won trophies. But the NSL final, when we played Sydney Olympic, was a big win for us in 1984, winning the Australian Championship.”
Manny Anezakis echoed this sentiment, emphasising the strength and youthfulness of South Melbourne’s squad during that time.
“In 1984, it was a massive, massive victory for us,” he said. “And with the Greek community, whether it was South Melbourne playing Sydney Olympic or Heidelberg, the passion from all teams was immense.”
On the topic of South Melbourne’s potential return to national prominence in the upcoming National Second Division, Davidson was unequivocal, “Oh, they deserve to be there. It’s as simple as that. They’re one of the biggest clubs in the country, in history. And it just goes without saying. I look at them and Marconi as the two big clubs of Sydney and Melbourne.”
Discussing the proposed B League further, Davidson expressed cautious optimism: “It would be great if it goes ahead. I’m not too sure what stage it’s at, but I’ve heard different things. It would be good to have promotion and relegation, which would make it more competitive, even with the current A-League. That’s what happens all over the world. Eventually, I hope we can have this A and B League, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later.”
Davidson also spoke passionately about his personal connection to South Melbourne FC and the Greek community, elaborating on how these relationships shaped his life and career.
“My story is a bit different, too, because I have a lot of history with the Greek community. The Greeks have always been a major part of my life since I was young. That’s why I played football—because of the Greek boys I played with. The Greeks were the ones who allowed me to be their friend. I grew up with them, and they were like family to me,” Davidson shared.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he added, “When I was younger, I didn’t have many friends because of my background. The Australian kids didn’t accept me, but the Greek boys did. From kindergarten, my best friends were Greek, and that friendship has lasted over 60 years. I even met my wife through South Melbourne; she was a supporter. It was destiny for me to be part of this club and this community.”
Davidson also spoke about the passion and loyalty that defined the Greek supporters of South Melbourne.
“I remember the crowds, the stadiums were full, and the fans were so vocal and patriotic. That’s what the Greeks are—passionate and proud. It was incredible to be part of that,” he said.
The 1984 Championship Final remains a highlight in South Melbourne’s history. The first game, held on October 24, 1984, at Olympic Park in Melbourne, saw South Melbourne defeat Sydney Olympic 2–1 in front of 10,000 spectators. Egon scored twice for South Melbourne, while Koussas scored for Sydney Olympic.
The second game, held on October 28, 1984, at St. George Stadium in Sydney, was equally intense. South Melbourne again triumphed with a 2–1 victory, with goals from Crino and Vzendoorn, while Theodorakopoulos scored for Sydney Olympic. This victory secured South Melbourne’s status as Australian champions and solidified their place in the hearts of fans.
Fans attending The Greek Herald Cup will have a unique opportunity to meet the legends in person. Following the match, South Melbourne FC will host an exclusive VIP “Legends” dinner at Lakeside Stadium. This special event will take place on Saturday night at 8:30 PM.
The evening will honour the rich history of both South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic while celebrating the 40th anniversary of South Melbourne’s NSL Championship win. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Tickets are $160, and bookings can be made via the link here. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with the legends themselves and be part of a moment that bridges the legacy of the past with the promise of the future.
Event Details:
- Event Name: Greek Herald Cup – Main Event
- Date: Saturday, 18 January
- Venue: Lakeside Stadium
- 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Mini Matches and Family Day
- 6:30 PM: The Greek Herald Cup
- Entry: Free (registration is essential)
Legends Dinner Details:
- Date: Saturday, 18 January
- Place: Lakeside Stadium (Upstairs)
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Tickets: $160 – Includes food, drinks, and entertainment
- Secure your place now: Buy tickets here
Join us at Lakeside Stadium on January 18 to witness history in the making and honour the legends who helped shape the legacy of these iconic clubs. Let’s come together to celebrate the enduring spirit of Greek football in Australia.
