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.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Papamichail advanced to second round in Australian Open 2023 qualifiers

Despina Papamichail and Valentini Grammatikopoulou went to battle in the Australian Open qualifiers in Melbourne, Victoria on Tuesday.

Brisbane’s Greek community enjoys inaugural ‘Christmas Carols by Candlelight’

The Holy Diocese of Brisbane hosted its first-ever "Christmas Carols by Candlelight" on Sunday, December 8, at the Church of Saint George.

Eirini Alligiannis: Capturing the essence of street art in her new book and exhibition

Eirini Alligiannis, a Greek Australian artist celebrated for her work in photography and filmmaking, is set to showcase her latest project.