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.
“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.”
