Australia’s Favourite Football Fanzine www.goalweekly.com $4 FOOTBALL FEATURE ON FELIX ROSMAN FOOTBALL FOCUS ON TONY OULIARIS LONDON CALLING Season 5: Issue 4 Monday 16th March 2009

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MY Photo: Peter Kakalias JOSH! 10 MAN KNIGHTS PUT CANNONS TO THE SWORD FOR A SECOND WEEK IN A ROW

SL SE2 FIXTURES / LES SHORROCK / TSIGAN’S BACK! FOOTBALL FEATURE Oakleigh Cannons’ Felix Rosman CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS Rosman Reigns As Cannons’ King FELIX Rosman is the rock that Oakleigh ping 12-point margin but fl opped once more in Cannons build their defence around. the fi nals. He’s also one of the most loyal servants The club kept building a reputation as one of the ever to wear the club’s colours and is in Premier League powerhouses with a fi fth-placed his 10th straight season at Jack Edwards fi nish in 2007 but its fi nals hoodoo continued to Reserve, a remarkable achievement in haunt it. modern football. “We lost Pelikan to Melbourne Knights that sea- It’s testament to the high regard in which the son and we had some younger players come into central defender is held that even leading lights the side. I think we ran out of steam heading into at other clubs readily acknowledge his prowess. the fi nals. We just didn’t have fresh legs at the Take his former coach Stuart Munro, now the end of that year. boss at Dandenong Thunder, for example. “Last year was a really tough year for us. We had “When I took over as (Oakleigh) coach Felix the second best defence in the league but if you was the captain and I didn’t know much about look at goals scored then we were down there him. I was happy to let him continue as captain with the relegation teams. We missed out on the and as time went by he impressed me greatly and fi nals by two points but we really weren’t good I gained great respect for him,” said Munro. enough.” “His commitment to the team and to the club John Anastasiadis, who took over the coaching is unbelievable and he’s clearly one of the best reins from Munro at the end of last season, hasn’t central defenders in Premier League. Frankly made the best of starts this season but Rosman is I’m surprised that he never played in the national confi dent that, given time, things will improve. league. He’d be one of the fi rst players you’d “John’s brought in a few new ideas and brought sign if you were at another club. in new players and we’re still getting used to “He’s a terrifi c big lad, a lovely person. He’s each other. just happy to play for the jersey and he’s never “Our minimum aim is to make the fi nals and then chased the money.” take it from there but we’ve got to start taking Oakleigh will honour Rosman’s service but there maximum points from our home games. We’ve will be no razzmatazz about the event, no adver- lost our last two at home and I honestly can’t re- tising, and it will likely be by invitation only, a member the last time that happened here.” quiet affair in keeping with their captain’s de- Rosman is in the fi nal year of a two-year con- meanour. tract and while Oakleigh remains ambitious he’ll Rosman set out on his journey to Jack Edwards want to be involved. Reserve as a 10-year-old in the East Richmond “The club keeps moving forward and that’s an juniors where he was coached by Tom Harrison, important thing for me. We’ve got a fi nals series who assembled a talented group of players that to make and anything’s possible once you get included goalkeeper Peter Zois. there. From my experience I believe a good fi - Ange Koutos was player–coach of East Rich- nals campaign comes down to a number of vari- mond’s seniors and Rosman made his debut as ables, things like injuries and sharpness and how a 17-year-old. fresh you are.” The following season Koutos was gone, replaced And it also comes down to the quality of the by Len McKendry who had a profound effect playing surface. upon the young defender. “The quality of the grounds is a big thing for me “Len’s probably the best coach I’ve ever had. I A player you can bank on - Felix Rosman prior to taking the fi eld against the and it’s getting harder and harder to keep going. was just 18 then and I count myself very lucky Melbourne Knights on Friday night. Photo: PETER KAKALIAS I started off with studs but even with the blades to have been coached by him at that age,” said my feet are blistered the next day. Maybe I’m jarred my knee and was out for six weeks. I just and suddenly clubs were falling over each other Rosman. just getting older.” didn’t go back.” in the race to sign up the available talent. By the “He taught all of us good habits and he’s the Is that a hint that retirement may be on the agen- In 2001, Oakleigh fi nished third in First Division middle of the 2004 season Rosman was one of most organised coach I’ve ever worked under. da? behind Whittlesea and Fitzroy City. The Can- only three or four players still at the club who Everyone knew exactly what their job was. He “If I couldn’t get into the fi rst team at my age nons were keen to reclaim Premier League status had won the title the previous year. turned average players into good players.” then I wouldn’t be content to sit on the bench. but off-fi eld turmoil in 2002 led to three different Although the Cannons bowed out of the fi nals in But injury struck when Rosman was 19. He tore And I don’t want to leave the club on bad terms. coaches and an eighth-placed fi nish. straight sets, they had cemented their return to a medial ligament and was out of action for six You’d like to leave before you get booted out. I “We had McKendry for four games, Jimmy Pyr- Victoria’s elite with a second-placed fi nish be- months. guess every player would like it that way.” golios for three games then George Slifkas took hind Green Gully. By now the central defender had decided that he But there’s another factor that could infl uence over as player–coach for the rest of the season. More coaching turmoil followed in 2005 when needed to test himself at a higher level. Trials Rosman’s longevity as an Oakleigh player – his That was the year we lost seven games in a row. Chatzitrifonas was sacked after a 2–1 loss to with Heidelberg and Bentleigh Greens were ar- wife Kylie is expecting their fi rst child. That’s never happened before or since.” Altona Magic and replaced by Munro. Oakleigh ranged but nothing came of them. That’s when Rosman will sit down at the end of the season But the club’s fortunes changed dramatically fi nished fi fth that year but the following season the Cannons stepped in. The club had heard and weigh up what is in his and his family’s best with the appointment of Michael Chatzitrifonas must go down as one of the fi nest in the club’s about Rosman and player-coach Aki Alagiozidis interests. for the 2003 season. Newcomers to the squad in- history. gave him a chance. But you can bank on one thing. If loyalty and cluded Alex Kiratzoglou and Jim Latinopoulos “That 06 team was the best team I’ve been in- “It was a huge jump going from Second Division ability can be passed on genetically, Oakleigh and Oakleigh clinched the Division One cham- volved with at Oakleigh. We had Pelikan, Gout- to Premier League and to be honest I was think- Football Operations Manager Aki Ionnas will pionship by a margin of fi ve points. zioulis, Kovacic … we had a lot of good players ing that maybe I wasn’t good enough but I was soon be standing outside a hospital birth suite “That was the closest knit group of players I’ve in that side and we were so mentally strong. I involved in most of the games. with a pre-contract agreement in his hand. ever played with. Other teams may have had bet- think we were 1–0 down in something like 14 “That was the year we got relegated and at the ter players but we had a great team spirit. It was or 15 games but came back and won. I think we end of the season Melbourne Knights called me By Craig MacKenzie special.” only lost two league games that season.” up for a trial. I trained there for a month then I The following year the national league disbanded Oakleigh fi nished on top of the table by a whop- Finger On The Pulse Dept.

p2 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 WHEELS AND DEALS DEPT. FOOTBALL INSIGHT THIS WEEK’S LINE UP TRANSFER TRIBULATION Football Insight 3

Errea Scoreboard Page 4 State Clubs Left To Slug It Out If you were fortunate enough to catch Magic v Eagles 5 The World Game on SBS the previous Lions v South 6 Sunday afternoon, you would have stumbled upon a feature on the Austra- Hume v Zebras 7 lian state leagues and their place in the national football hierarchy. Monday Night Football 9 To be honest, the four minutes dedicated to the topic barely scratched the surface on some Blast From The Past 11 of the burning issues prevalent in this level of competition. However, one topic sparked de- Gully v Thunder 14 bate more than any other, the issue of transfer fees between Australian clubs. Cannons v Knights 15 It is important that some clarity is offered when it comes to two key terms which are of- MacKenzie At Large 16 ten circulated at the heart of this discussion. Football Focus 27 Transfer Fees: In simple terms, transfer fees only ever apply to the movement of pro- James Robinson, Sash Ognesovski and Rodrigo Vargas are just a few Front Cover fessional players between clubs. However, as with every regulation, there are some impor- players who have risen from the ranks of the VPL to the A-league. Knights’ Josh Groenwald reels away But are our local clubs making the most of the current transfer system? after scoring a super 25yard free- tant caveats. Firstly, and with great reference to the Bosman kick against the Cannons on Friday cashed up and are determined to secure the With every club involved in their development ruling of 1995, no club can seek a transfer fee night. Photo: Peter Kakalias. state’s best talent to avoid relegation. sharing the spoils, everything would seem to for a professional player who is out-of-con- Unless clubs can convince players to sign paint a perfect picture. However, it’s at domes- tract. In other words, as a professional player, long-term deals (3 to 5 years), the likelihood tic level where those benefi ts are inconsistent you reach the end of your contract term, and of signifi cant transfer fees exchanged between with the regulations that are in place. you have the freedom to sign with another Australian clubs is unlikely at best. In large Given the structure of Victoria’s highest club. part, the movement of much of the nation’s competition, it is the VPL clubs who are actu- Secondly, and with reference to the National domestic talent to the A-League has occurred ally bearing much of the burden in paying out Registration Regulations issued by FFA in when contracts have lapsed, and in effect, training compensation, as more often than not, Goal! Weekly is available every Monday from 2007, a club can seek a transfer fee for a pro- transfer fees are not relevant. the fi rst contract that a player signs is invari- all good newsagents. fessional player anywhere up to a maximum In order to make the most of the domestic ably with a VPL club. In the event that a VPL of 50% of their base salary for the remaining Publisher transfer system, clubs must ensure that they club has poached a young striker from another Alimental Enterprises Pty Ltd term of their contract. Confused? Here is an tie up their best talent to substantial long-term club, then they are parting with $3,000 before PO Box 142 example. contracts. The Skoko example is simplifi ed to the player has even set foot on the park. Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Let’s assume Josip Skoko returns to Victo- provide a clear illustration, yet the likelihood This encourages VPL clubs to nurture their Tel 9645 1440 ria and signs with Dandenong Thunder for a is that the best paid player in the VPL would own talent (as they would basically see a full total salary of $100,000 over 2 years. If at the Printer be lucky to earn half that much in reality. In return of that $3,000), and those with success- Streamline Press end of the fi rst year of his contract, Skoko and Australia, the maximum contract term a player ful youth development systems will reap the 155 Johstone St Thunder agree to part ways, Thunder can de- and club can commit to is 5 years. Given the rewards not only for players that have come Fitzroy VIC 3065 mand $25,000 as a transfer fee (i.e. 50% of his fi gures on offer, the best domestic transfer a through to their own senior ranks, but have Tel 9417 2766 total salary owing, which would naturally be VPL club can target would be in the vicinity moved on to join other clubs. However, it also $50,000 with half of his contract term remain- Distributer of $30,000 at best, assuming they can secure a encourages clubs to ship their young talent All Day Distribution Pty Ltd ing). If you’re still confused, then I suggest player to a long term deal. offshore, as the benefi ts on offer are far greater PO Box 42 that becoming a player agent is a career choice than anything that a move to the VPL or A- North Carlton VIC 3054 you would best avoid. ‘To ensure their long term vi- League will provide. Tel 9482 1145 Training Compensation: A FIFA directive, Conversely, the return of overseas based adopted by FFA in 2007, training compensa- 03 9645 1440 ability, VPL clubs must seriously Australian players to their homeland can often News Room tion is due when a player signs a professional Advertising 03 9645 1440 target their resources towards ac- result in training compensation amounts in the contract for the fi rst time or transfers to a pro- tens of thousands, hardly the sort of funds that Email [email protected] fessional club overseas (all before the age of quiring the benefi ts of training VPL and A-League clubs are prepared to out- Letters [email protected] 23). Training compensation is paid by the club lay for the procurement of established profes- Web www.goalweekly.com compensation’ who signs the player, and is distributed to all sionals, yet alone aspiring young talent look- clubs who have had a hand in the player’s de- Editor Costa Koutropoulos ing to re-establish their careers in a growing Art Director Carlos Ibarra velopment since the age of 12. Of course, the stipulation regarding maxi- domestic league. Design/Creative Ivan Andreevski If a player’s fi rst contract is in the Premier mum transfer fees does not apply when play- The respective amounts of $5,000 (A- Production MJ Ali. League, the amount payable is $3,000. If a ers move abroad, and it may explain why sev- League) and $3,000 (State League) are hardly player’s fi rst contract is in the A-League, the Regular Contributors eral A-League clubs have tasted success with enough to encourage youth development at Nat Adamopoulos, Mark Boric, Bruce amount payable is $5,000. Furthermore, if a the European and Asian transfer markets. Con clubs who have previously opted for the trans- Darnell, Andrew Fisher, Roy Hay, Markian player’s second contract involves a move up Constantine, inaugural owner of Newcastle fer market as a roadmap to success. Those fi g- Jaworsky, George Katsamboukas, Eddie the chain from the Premier League to the A- United, has benefi ted signifi cantly from ship- ures alone suggest that VPL clubs are at 60% Krncevic, Bart Hulley, John Kyrou, Sebastian League, another $3,000 is payable. If a player ping players abroad in recent months, estimat- of the fi scal capacity of the A-League, which is Kipman,George Kouroumalis, Michael Lilika- moves overseas, the training compensation ed to have pocketed over $1 million in transfer a complete misinterpretation of the viability of kis, Josip Loncaric, Craig MacKenzie, Jeremy will refl ect the standard of competition they O’Neil, Teo Pellizzeri, Walter Pless, Tony fees from a market which is not confi ned by the nation’s domestic state leagues. FFA must Persoglia, Julius Ross, Roger Sleeman, Mike are playing in. For instance, if moving to a domestic regulations. However, to expect re-examine the amount which A-League clubs Salter, George Stogiannou, Reuben Schem- top tier league in Europe, the amount payable that state league clubs could exploit the over- are forced to contribute – a simple increase to bri, Lachlan Taylor, Elias Simopoulos, Michal could be in the hundreds of thousands of dol- seas transfer market given their lack of com- $10,000 would be far more consistent with the Skrodsky, Addy Wetzler, Bruno Zovko, Leroy lars. Jerome Robinson (UK), Adam North (UK). mercial exposure, is signifi cantly overstating model that is currently in place. Where the respective state league clubs have the local game. The best talent at Melbourne To ensure their long term viability, VPL clubs Photographers been most critical of the national governing Victory will always have more opportunity of must seriously target their resources towards Adam Butler, Therese Duffy, Daniel Flis, Dean body is in their assertion that A-League clubs getting spotted by international scouts than the acquiring the benefi ts of training compensa- Grant, Geoff Jones, Peter Kakalias, Darryl are poaching their talented players for nothing, best talent at Green Gully. tion, particularly if FFA reviews its current Kennedy, Lee McCormick, Mark McGeady, which is far from the truth in most instances. The impact of young talent moving abroad ceiling for the distribution of compensation John Punshon, Brett Robson, Steve Starek, The effect of the Bosman ruling has es- George Stogiannou. has been complimented by the introduction of for domestic player movements. This will go sentially placed much of the power of player training compensation, now in its third year of a long way to assisting in the development of Goal! Weekly endeavours to be as accurate movement back into the hands of the indi- operation at domestic level. The movement of the missing link in the all important player de- as possible with everything it publishes. vidual. In essence, when a player reaches the players such as Matthew Spiranovic (Nurn- velopment pathway. The Fair Trading Act 1999 requires Goal! end of their contract, they are no longer bound berg, Germany) and Matthew Park (Hearts, Weekly to disclaim any belief in the truth or to that club. In part, this explains the amount falsity of information which is supplied to it Scotland) would attract signifi cant payouts giv- By Tony Persoglia and which is published in other than editorial of movement at VPL level in recent sea- en the status of the competitions they play in. content. sons, particularly to promoted clubs who are Football Insight

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p3 ERREA SCOREBOARD VPL Round 3

Richmond Eagles P W D L F A PT v 1. Richmond 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Sunshine Georgies Kevin Bartlett Res 2. Green Gully Cavaliers 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Fri 20 Mar KO8:30PM 3. Dandenong Thunder 3 2 1 0 2 0 7 4. Melbourne Knights 3 2 0 1 3 2 6 Hume City 5. Altona Magic 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 v Heidelberg Utd 6. South Melbourne 3 1 0 2 7 3 3 Brdmdws Valley Park 7. Oakleigh Cannons 3 1 0 2 4 3 3 Sat 21 Mar KO 4PM 8. Hume City 3 1 0 2 3 2 3 Dandenong Thunder 9. Heidelberg Utd 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 v 10. Sunshine Georgies 2 1 0 1 1 3 3 Altona Magic 11. Preston Lions 2 0 0 2 2 9 0 George Andrews Res Sat 21 Mar KO 6PM 12. Whittlesea Zebras 3 0 0 3 0 7 0 Preston Lions Oakleigh Cannons 0 Melbourne Knights 1, Green Gully Cava- liers 3 Dandenong Thunder 1, Altona Magic 0 Richmond 2, v P W D L F A PT Oakleigh Cannons 0 Melbourne Knights 1 Melbourne Knights 4 3 0 1 4 3 9 V.I.S 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Green Gully Green Gully Cavaliers 0 Dandenong Thunder 0 Richmond 3 2 0 1 4 2 6 Altona Magic 3 2 0 1 3 2 6 Heidelberg Utd 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 BT Connor Reserve Altona Magic 0 Richmond 0 Oakleigh Cannons 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Green Gully Cavaliers 3 1 1 1 3 4 4 Sun 22 Mar KO 5PM Hume City 3 Whittlesea Zebras 0 Whittlesea Zebras 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 South Melbourne 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Hume City 2 1 0 1 2 3 3 Preston Lions 1 South Melbourne 7 Sunshine Georgies 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Preston Lions 3 0 0 3 1 5 0 Heidelberg United v Sunshine Georgies (Playing tonight) Dandenong Thunder 3 0 0 3 2 8 0 South Melbourne v Melbourne Knights RICHMOND V SUNSHINE thus far, and a goalless draw is unexpected. a force to be reckoned with defeating the Fri 20th Mar, 8:30pm Kevin Bartlett Res Altona will have a tough task at George Cannons with only ten men. Bob Jane Stdm Richmond will be full of confi dence com- Andrews Reserve, which is bound to be SCORE DRAW Sun 22 Mar KO 6PM ing into this match against Sunshine, not pack to its rafters. I’ll stick my neck out only have they kept three successive clean here and back the Thunder at home. Last 5 Meetings: South 2-2 Knights (08), sheets in a row, they also hold an impres- HOME WIN Knights 2-0 South (08), Knights 0-2 South sive record against the Georgies. Sunshine (07), South 0-3 Knights (07), Knights 0-2 Whittlesea Zebras will have a short four day recovery after Last 5 Meetings: Altona 1-1 Dand (01), South (06) v they play Heidelberg on Monday night. Dand 1-5 Altona (01), Dand 4-2 Altona HOME WIN (99), Altona 5-1 Dand (99), Altona 6-1 WHITTLESEA V OAKLEIGH Oakleigh Cannons Dand (98) Mon 23rd Mar, 8.30pm Epping Stadium Last 5 Meetings: Rich 8-0 Sun (07), Sun A win is vital for both teams in this impor- Epping Soccer Stdm 1-1 Rich (07), Rich 1-0 Sun (06), Sun 2-2 PRESTON V GREEN GULLY tant clash between the Zebras and Cannons. Mon 23 Mar KO 8:30PM Rich (06), Sun 1-3 Rich (04) Sun 22nd Mar, 5:00pm BT Connor Res Despite only being round 4, the Zebra’s Green Gully can get back on the winners have yet to register a single point or goal HUME CITY V HEIDELBERG list when they face the hapless Lions on this season. Things must change rapidly be- TOP Sat 21st Mar, 3:00pm B’dows Valley Park Sunday. The visitors should be to strong for fore they fi nd themselves deep in relegation SHOTS! Hume City recorded their fi rst points in a Lions outfi t that was humiliated in front trouble. The Cannons will be scathing after Calling all sharp-shooters! Get your convincing style. They will be determined of their loyal supporters last week. The less succumbing to consecutive one-nil defeats best shooting boots on because thanks to continue winning ways when they came said about the Lions the better. AWAY WIN at home. AWAY WIN to our friends at Erreà, the Top Scorer up against a tough Heidelberg outfi t. The of this season’s VPL will receive a $500 visitors did the double over Hume last Last 5 Meetings: Prest 3-2 Gully (08), Last 5 Meetings: Whit 1-0 Oak (08), Oak gift voucher. season. SCORE DRAW Gully 4-0 Prest (08), Prest 2-1 Gully (07), 3-0 Whit (08), Whit 3-1 Oak (07), Oak 0-1 Since 1988 Erreà have strived to lead Gully 2-3 Prest (07), Prest 2-1 Gully (06) Whit (07), Oak 0-1 Whit (06) in the creation, development and man- Last 5 Meetings: Heid 2-0 Hume (08), ufacture of the most advanced techni- Hume 0-2 Heid (08), Hume 1-0 Heid (04), SOUTH MELB V MELB KNIGHTS For those who like a fl utter on the English cal sportswear and accessories for Heid 2-1 Hume (04), Heid 1-1 Hume (03) Sun 22nd Mar, 6:00pm Bob Jane Stadium betting sites, my outside bet would be Dan- specialising in football. South Melbourne fi nally found their scor- denong upsetting Altona Magic at home. The company offers quality products DANDENONG V ALTONA MAGIC ing boots scoring an impressive seven This week’s safe bet: Green Gully to beat such as Italian Made football uniforms and accessories, and sponsors clubs Sat 21st Mar, 6:00pm George Andrews goals. They have managed to go from Preston. Remember bet responsibly. of the calibre of Genoa, Middlesbrough, Res bottom of the scorers chart to top in just Parma and many clubs in Australia. Last years reigning champions face what is one game. They now face traditional rivals By Andrew Fisher Good luck to all the punters, and re- expected to be the toughest road trip in the Melbourne Knights in a blockbuster at Bob member ‘keepers, you have been league. Neither side has conceded a goal Jane. The Knights showed they are still Kiss of Death warned!

p4 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 VPL Round 3 The Premiership RECORDS INTACT Heavywieghts Avoid Defeat At Paisley Park

ALTONA RICHMOND MAGIC 0 - 0 EAGLES Altona Magic hosted Richmond in a Kalambokis with well-timed slide tackle as soon as it left his boot. vki to run onto. His drive nearly beat Zois, clash of unbeaten teams at Paisley after Tsiaras had played him in behind the In the sixtieth minute a wayward back- the keeper having to dive over the ball as Park on Saturday. defender. Coming up to the half hour mark pass from Doug Mladenovic saw Robinson it headed for the line after his fi rst effort to The reigning champions had defeated Recchia started another dangerous counter, pick-up the ball and round Nik Roganovic stop it took the sting out of it. Hume City to start the season and were combining with Michael Cucija to shift the before the keeper pulled him down. To the The fi nal whistle came with the game level when the lights went out against Pres- ball from right to left, hitting Cergovski at suprise of many the referee only booked still scoreless, leaving both sides with their ton Lions a week earlier. Concerns about the top of the penalty area.Cergovski laid Roganovic, and Richmond were left with unbeaten records intact. Altona will be- the lighting saw the game with Richmond the ball wider to Adam Fadljevic who had a nothing from the almost certain goalcor- come the fi rst side to travel to George An- brought forward to a 5.00 p.m. kick-off. shot saved by Peter Zois. ing opportunity when Cardozo’s free-kick drews Reserve this season for a clash with The Eagles were fl ying high after wins over There was a curious incident when from the edge of the box fl ew just over the Dandenong Thunder. Richmond will next Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Knights. Steve Laurie went to ground after an aeriel crossbar. host Sunshine Georgies on Friday night. With the Magic defending the Refi n- challenge with Robinson, ending up on his A cross from Robinson saw Cata- ery End, the game got off to a tepid start. knees and trying to headbutt the Richmond lano also appeal for a handball as he was Altona Magic: N.Roganovic, S.Laurie, New Richmond striker Nick Robinson player in the buttocks. With ten minutes blocked when trying to shoot, before Dan- C.Recchia, M.Curcija, P.Siveski, was booked after nine minutes, making his left in the half a Robinson header into the ny Black was forced to clear a threatening K.Taseski (D.Mladenovic 45’), A.Fadljevic presence known with some physical chal- box was chipped over from the left by cross from Kalmar. Miffi t Bojku shot wide (M.Bojku 45’), P.Cergovski, P.Riccobene, lenges. Dimitri Tsiaras shot well wide when Kalambokis to Cardozo who took a little from twelve yards at a corner as Altona S.Bozinovski, N.Kalmar. picking up the ball after a Richie Cardozo too long to shoot from seven yards allow- began to lift. Riccobene crossed to Cer- free-kick had been headed away from the ing Riccobene to clear off the line. A shot govski at the far post, the shot missing the Yellow Cards: Siveski 48’ Roganovic 60’ penalty area. Pece Cergovski shot high on the run from Cardozo from thirty yards mark with Zois in trouble. A corner from Bozinovski and wide after eighteen minutes from just took a defl ection and bounced just wide of Mladenovic fell to Cucija who shot wide. Red Cards: None inside the penalty area after Carl Recchia the post, leaving the game still scoreless at Catalano shot wide from thirty yards after initiated a swift counter attack following the break. a run across the middle and then Recchia Richmond: P.Zois, D.Black, E.Karahan, a corner kick. A good run from Recchia Pece Siveski went into the book shortly chipped up a cleared corner and volleyed T.Antoniadis, S.McCluskey, D.Tsiaras, down the right saw his cross fl icked on to after play resumed, fouling Tsiaras on the well over the goal from forty yards out. R.Cardozo, N.Kalambokis (E.Sivic 91’), the far post where Andrew Viola cleared halfway line. A foul by Laurie on Robinson The rain of earlier in the day returned, M.Catalano, N.Robinson, A.Viola. the danger for the Eagles. gave Richmond a free-kick which ended but it was the increasingly heavy winds After twenty minutes Michael Catalano up bouncing across the goalmouth, Erhan that were making play diffi cult in the latter Yellow Cards: Robinson 9’ broke free in the middle of the park and Karahan just missing it with a dive and stages. Zois saved a header from Cergov- Red Cards: None released Robinson on his right. Robinson Catalano unable to keep it in play at the ski. It was the Eagles keeper who shone in got past a defender and crossed the ball far post. A high ball from Kalambokis saw the fading light in the fi nal fi ve minutes, Man of the Match: Peter Zois (Richmond) square across goal, Nick Kalambokis just Robinson slip in between defenders and blocking a shot from Mladenovic who had Venue: Paisley Park failing to meet it. A foul on Robinson saw keeper, appealing for a handball by Recchia made a great run into the box before a de- Crowd: 350 Tsiaras also miss connecting with the ball, as his shot was blocked and then cleared. fender cleared. In the eighty-ninth minute a By Mark Boric as he dived to get on the end of a Car- At a corner the ball to the feet of Nick Kal- ball from Slave Bozinosvki was fl icked on dozo free-kick. Phillip Riccobene denied mar ten yards out, but his shot was blocked at the top of the box by Cucija for Cergos- Photos by Daniel Flis

Magic’s Steve Laurie gets close up Richmond’s Michael Catalano eludes the Magic’s Pece Siveski and weaves his way through the midfi eld. with Richmond’s Nick Robinson ISSUE #4 The Premiership VPL Round 3 SOUTH IN SEVENTH HEAVEN Lions Mauled In Own Den

PRESTON SOUTH LIONS 1 - 7 MELBOURNE Preston started the great the best contain a rampant Sth Melb outfi t as they riority it took Preston 38 minutes from the 18. possible way by scoring in the 1st chased shadows trying to get a hold of the time they scored to their next meaningful Things got from bad to worse for minute when Dolevski latched onto ball, and the few occasions that they won shot on goal. the Lions as Sth Melb kept up the pressure a loose ball in the penalty to sent BT it had problems keeping it for any length Sth made their superiority count when in and were awarded a penalty which Zoric Connor Reserve in raptures, unfor- of time which in itself was a frustration the 45th minute they scored their second blasted into Salcin but the rebound fell tunately this was all the celebrating not helping them. through Youssef from a great 20 metre straight to Zoric for his 3rd. that the home team and fans were The inevitable happened in the shot giving Salcin no chance. Salcin kept Zoric then completed his Man going to do. 27th minute when O’Dor converted the Preston in the game in injury time as he of the Match performance by scoring the Sth Melb then took total control constant pressure applied by Sth Melb to saved bravely to save Miskas’s blushes as goal of the game with a scorcher from 25 of the game with some strong work ethic equalise. The goal knocked the stuffi ng he lost the ball in the penalty area. metres out in the 88th minute. from defence all the way to attack. out of the Lions and Nunes should have Da Moraes couldn’t fi nish an Preston tried valiantly to hold Sth made the score in favour of Sth but he exquisite move which saw some great in- Sth Melb Demolish Preston Lions 7-1 Melb off but it was inevitable and a matter blasted well over the bar. terpassing by Sth Melb, but his effort was of time before the Lions cracked as Sth’s Sth Melb pressure on Preston was just wide of the goal. Crowd: 1,500 unoffi cial domination was going to yield dividends. now relentless and it is quite amazing how Sth Melb then lifted a gear and Dolevski (PL) Damir Salcin was the only thing they failed to score in the 37th minute as in particular Zoric who curled a great shot O’Dor (Sth) between Sth Melb and the goal as he cou- Preston was in total disarray but somehow over Salcin in the 55th to give Sth a 2 goal Zoric 4 (Sth) rageously saved a 10 metre shot from managed to clear the ball when it looked buffer. Youseff (Sth) Youssef. like Sth Melb would score. Zoric got his 2nd in the 63rd min- 18 (Sth) O’dor should have done better 15 Zoric was the next culprit to miss ute after some greater interpassing by the minutes in when he headed over the bar a glorious chance from only 12 metres out Sth Melb midfi eld and forward line. from a free kick from the right with only as he blasted his shot well over the bar Zoric then turned provider in the By Nome Risteski the keeper to beat. with only Salcin to beat. 78th minute when his cross from the right Photos by Nome Risteski Preston was fi nding it very hard to To clearly show Sth Melb’s supe- was blasted past a helpless Salcin by Sth #

Soth Melbourne’s Goran Zoric completes his hat trick in the 7-1 drubbing at Connor Reserve. Inset: Steven O’Dor gets on the scoresheet. p6 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 VPL Round 3 The Premiership HUME NAVIGATES FIRST WIN Zebras Yet To Kick Start Their Season HUME WHITTLESEA CITY 3 - 0 ZEBRAS After two disappointing weeks in the portunity to punish Hume City for wasting After only scoring one goal in the L.Acevski, T.Baser, J.Davidson, S.Pir, Victorian Premier League Hume City FC their chances as a defl ected through ball came Victorian Premier League last season Zoran A.Vlahos (N.Harrhy 72’), I.Erdogan, A.Apozo, have won their fi rst game of the season straight to his feet, but then failed to get the ball Petrovski was still goalless for the 2009 season B.Beni, T.Sterjovski (J.Munoz 67’), R.Savran with a comfortable 3 nil win over Whittle- past Lou Acevski as he pulled of a good save. but 10 minutes into the 2nd half a trademark (C.Ucarli 61’), Z.Petrevski sea Zebras, who continue to struggle. Hume City were continuing to control header found the back of the net. Coming into this game both teams the play but were still failing to fi nd the fi nish- Andy Vlahos received a hopeful cross then Yellow Cards: Tansel Baser 37’, Brendan Beni were winless and another loss for either team ing touch as Brendan Beni had two opportuni- turned provider as he found Zoran Petrovski all 45+1’ would’ve been a major disappointment. With ties to give Hume the lead in the fi rst half. alone and he easily headed the ball in. Red Cards: None Hume City having big expectations after signing Lou Acevski was called into the ac- Hume City put the icing on the cake Goals: Andy Vlahos 41’, Zoran Petrevski 54’, key fi gures such as Isyan Erdogan, Toni Ster- tion again as Josip Kozic’s free kick got over the on the 65th minute mark. Caner Ucarli 65’) jovski, Jonathon Munoz and Zoran Petrevski wall and forced a full stretched Lou into a great Substitute Caner Ucarli played a one two with another loss would’ve made a lot of people save. Andy Vlahos and from a slight angle placed the Whittlesea Zebras: around the club disappointed. With minutes remaining before the ball into the back of the net. K. Gerohristodoulou, H.D’Agostino, Andy Vlahos saved those blushes by fi rst half ended Andy Vlahos fi nally got the ball Zoran Petrevski had an oppurtuntiy to S.Kovacevic, R.Antoniadis, S.Martin, assuring Hume City fans with a man of match into the back of the net. get his double after Jonathon Munoz provided M.Vazzocchi (E.Garcia 57’), S.Piorkowski performance after he scored the opener and as- Jason Davidson provided a long diagonal ball, a pin point cross along the fl oor to Zoran who (G.Lombardo 63’), J.Kozic (N.Sarbin 90’), sisted the other two goals. found Zoran Petrevski on the 18 yard box who hit it fi rst time but a good save from Kenny B.Vassallo, T.Apostolikas, M.Kuna During the fi rst 15 minutes of play the headed it backwards were it was met by Gerohristodoulou forced it into a corner. Andy Vlahos and Toni Sterjovski were causing Ramazan Savran and he provided the short cross With minutes remaining Hume City Yellow Cards: Hayden D’Agostino 42’ Whittlesea issues on the wings as they were and found Andy Vlahos who volleyed the ball in were still looking for goals but thanks to Kenny Red Cards: None continuously fi nding room and providing leaving Kenny Gerohristodoulou with no hope. the fi nal score was left at 3 nil with a convincing Goals: None crosses but Hume City were failing to capital- It was the same story in the 2nd half win to Hume City F.C ize. with Hume controlling the play and Whittlesea By Tugrul Ozdemir Tex Apostolikas had a great op- failing to complete a passage of play. Hume City: Photos by John Punshon

Zebras keeper Kenny Gerohristodoulou gets his hands to the ball Marko Kuna (Zebras) tackles Brendan Beni, while Brandon Vassallo under pressure from Zoran Pterevski (Hume City) follows up BAYSWATER INDOOR SOCCER CENTRE AUSTRALIA’S 5-A-SIDE SATURDAY MORNING COURTS AVAILABLE No 1 INDOOR SOCCER SOCCER CLINICS SCHOOL : YOUTH : CENTRE JUNIORS, MIXED & MEN’S SKILLZ (6-12) CORPORATE GROUPS TINY TOTS (3-5) IDEAL FOR END OF 13 BURTON COURT, BAYSWATER PHONE 9729 1999 Email: [email protected] SEASON BREAK-UPS

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Orders not available from Nike Australia direct to public and must go through a registered Nike Stockist. p8 Monday 16th March ISSUE #4 VPL Round 3 - Monday Night Football The Premiership

HEIDELBERG UNITED GOING BACK V TO BACK! SUNSHINE GEORGIES Tonight at Olympic Village, KO 8.30pm Monday Night sees Round 3 of the VPL completed at the Olympic Vil- lage where fans can expect to be treated to very interesting clash be- tween two sides eager to pull back -to-back victories. Both teams come into the contest hav- ing been soundly beaten in week one of the season but both bounced back with victo- ries by one goal to nil in the second round of the season. Both will be looking for a positive result to begin positioning them- selves within the league at this stage. The start of the season has seen the home side Heidelberg take on two of its fellow Greek backed clubs in Oakleigh and South Melbourne respectively, on the road in the fi rst weeks of the season. The fi rst week saw one of the championship favourites in Oakleigh clinically dismantle the Bergers who had no answer to John Anastasiadis’ men and they left Jack Edwards reserve the wrong side of a 4-1 score line. This left coach George Katsakis with much to think about going into what is one of the traditional Derby games in Victoria against South Melbourne at Bob Jane stadium. The one goal to nil victory was a triumph for Katsakis and his men, who had endured some tough pre-season clashes already in the Hellenic Cup, but when the chips were on the line and points were to be had he found something and they recorded what is sure to be a moral boosting victory. The Georgies visit Olympic Village tonight and hope to continue its promising return to the VPL against Heidelberg have quality laced through- Heidelberg Warriors. out their team with the likes of Anthony and bitter rivals Green Gully. For seventy The Georgies have made many changes The game is at Olympic Village Catalina Magnacca, Eric Vassilliadis, Bobby Petta odd minutes they had matched Gully and from the side which dominated the 2008 Street, Heidelberg West Melways 19 D11 and Marino Gasparis to name but a few, clawed and fought for parity though nei- State League Division One and this was with the reserves kicking off at 6:30pm and the surprise packet of the season however ther team had really dominated the other. necessary to inject some top fl ight experi- the main game at 8:30pm. so far has to be Osagie Ederaro who has However in the top fl ight you make mis- ence into the side. Andy O’Dell recruited Following this game the Georgies have a scored both of the Bergers two goals to date takes, you get punished and Green Gully well bring in some English imports as well quick turnaround because they visit Rich- and who has started the season off with a were able to exploit a number of ‘Cross er- as picking up players like Nick Schwal, mond just four days later on Friday night bang. Katsakis and his men will be look- rors. In the second week Sunshine bought John Sapasovski and Campbell Banks all the 20th March, whilst the Bergers travel to ing to continue their momentum at home Victorian Premier League football back to who had top fl ight experience. There were Broadmeadows Valley Park to lock horns against the new boys from Sunshine way. Chaplin reserve and they clawed and fought signs during the Hume game, and to a with Hume City on the Saturday the 21st For the Sunshine Georgies they received and absorbed a lot of pressure from Hume lesser degree the Gully game, that the side March. a harsh welcome back to the top fl ight in City themselves chasing their fi rst win but is beginning to gel and that the Georgies the fi rst week with a three nil beating at thanks to a Kris Konstas strike the Geor- could be a reasonable chance to avoid the By Reuben Schembri the hands of last season’s minor premiers gies opened their account for the season. drop in 2008. Photos by Daniel Flis

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p9 BLAST FROM THE PAST National Soccer Photo of the Year - 1982

Les Shorrock’s award winning picture of Peter Blasby. Les Shorrock collection, Deakin University Library p10 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 Les Shorrock BLAST FROM THE PAST CHARMING THE FAITHFUL The Prince of Football Photography Virtually every Blast from the Past is contributes to Goal Weekly. Les’s photo- enlivened by some of the best action graphing skill improved to the point where and still photographs of Australian he won the National Soccer Photographer football taken by a real icon of the of the Year award in 1982 for a brilliant sport, Les Shorrock. picture of Peter Blasby making a fl ying Now living happily in retirement, Les save. He also won the same award in 1984 arrived from England in January 1958 to and 1985. Though Australia did not make be greeted by a Melbourne heatwave. He it to the World Cup in Spain in 1982, Les and wife Eileen and son Brian, and with did and was the offi cial photographer for another baby on the way, went through the the New Zealand Herald as a result of work migrant camp in Brooklyn. He worked as a he had done during the qualifying competi- manual labour like many skilled migrants, tion. When the Age decided to close Soccer and then had a variety of occupations. After Action in 1987, Les was determined to couple of years the Shorrocks returned to launch a paper of his own. Taking great England, but by May 1961 they realised risks and against the best advice of many they had made a mistake and came back to of his friends he and three colleagues Melbourne. launched Soccer Star, which ran for two Having played football in England and years and gave an opportunity for Rob followed Stoke City, it was perhaps surpris- Nelson and myself among others to write ing, but quite typical of English migrants, on the game in Victoria. Needless to say, that he did not initially become involved Rob’s piece was called Nelson’s Column. in the game in Australia. In 1970 a friend Les continued to work for the Age, both persuaded him to go to the World Cup in doing the real estate pictures and copy and Mexico, which rekindled his interest and producing a series of superb football pho- on his return another mate, Scott Frew, tographs every week. His tartan bonnet and persuaded him to join the committee of tall, slightly stooped fi gure was a fi xture at Sunshine City. In 1974 City won promotion football matches until his knees gave out to the State League, but the Shorrocks then and he retired in 1995. moved to Brighton which was closer to A feisty and independent spirit he their home in St Kilda. Very soon he took survived at least three bad car accidents, up writing about the game and ‘Shorrock’s including an encounter with the Geelong Soccer Snippets’ kept the fans informed. fl yer in which he was seriously inured. His He then took over from Jim Barker as the contribution to the game as a photographer soccer correspondent for the Sunday Press. and journalist is second to none and the He also did work on radio and was for a collection of his work which he has depos- while on the Victorian Soccer Federation’s ited at Deakin University’s Special Collec- Board of Management. In 1976 the indefat- tions at its Waterfront campus in Geelong igable Laurie Schwab recruited him to be is an unrivalled source for the history of his offsider on Soccer Action. Because the the game. Virtually every player who has photographs they were getting for the paper turned out for the leading clubs in Vic- were very poor, Les began experimenting toria and Australia will have a Les Shor- himself and eventually learned to develop rock picture in his photograph album. His and print his own work. autobiography, My Charmed Life, gives a As a casual on Soccer Action, Les held wonderful account of the sheer range of down a variety of other jobs to pay the activities in which he was involved in the bills, despite the fact that the paper took United Kingdom and Australia. up a huge proportion of his week. Craig McKenzie, whom Les rates as one of the Words by Roy Hay best journalists he has come across, joined Les Shorrock, as the fans and players saw him, eyes on the ball, camera at the Photos sourced by Roy Hay the paper in 1979 and now, of course, still ready. Photo: Les Shorrock collection, Deakin University Library

Elias Denoudis (Neos Kosmos), Laurie Schwab (The Age), Leo Anezakis, Craig MacK- Les Shorrock, John McKinnon, Bobby McLachlan. enzie (Soccer Action). Photo: Les Shorrock collection, Deakin University Library Photo: Les Shorrock collection, Deakin University Library ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p11 SOCCER SIDESHOW A Little Bit Of This That and The Other Dept. WIN A PLACE AT THE COUCH AS ROMA ACADEMY WEEK POTATO Thanks to our friends at the professional level This week’s football Genova International School of - To create a bridge for Australian television & radio listings. Soccer (GISS) here’s your chance soccer players to access European to score a free pass to the AS teams Roma Academy Week. - To place players in professional or Valued at $450 one lucky Goal! semi-professional teams throughout READER FOXTEL CUP Weekly reader can win a place at Europe The Victorian Football Show Every Wednesday C31 8pm the upcoming 4 day clinic as well as COMPETITION a AS Roma playing kit. So, what are you waiting for? The Green Gully Football Show The Genova International School Every Saturday C31 10.30am of Soccer provides opportunities for To register your interest and be in outstanding young soccer players in the running to win this top prize, Europe, North and South America, simply answer the following ques- Which Serie A team does super- and Australia to develop a soccer tion: star Francesco Totti pay for? career to international standard. EPL The aims of GISS include: Email your answer to: Sat Mar 21 Portsmouth v Everton 11.40 pm Fox Sports 2 - To provide a professional approach [email protected] Sun Mar 22 Tottenham v Chelsea to training 1.55 am Fox Sports 2 - To provide a professional standard Sun Mar 22 Blackburn v West Ham 1.55 am Viewers Choice of technical knowledge Sun Mar 22 West Brom v Bolton - To raise the standards of players 1.55 am Viewers Choice who strive to compete at an elite or Sun Mar 22 Stoke v Middlesbrough 1.55 am Viewers Choice Sun Mar 22 Fulham v Manchester United 1.55 am Viewers Choice Sun Mar 22 Newcastle v Arsenal FOOTBALL 4.25 am Fox Sports 2 WAG OF THE WEEK Mon Mar 23 Wigan v Hull 12.25 am Fox Sports 1 QUOTES Mon Mar 23 Liverpool v Aston Villa ‘If you can’t stand the heat in the dress- 2.55 am Fox Sports 1 ing room, get out of the kitchen ‘ - TERRY VENABLES ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Matchday 2 ‘The spirit he has shown has been sec- Tues Mar 17 Newcastle v Ulsan Hyundai ond to none.’ - TERRY VENABLES on 7.30 pm Fox Sports 1 Terry Fenwick’s drink-driving charge

Wed Mar 18 Tianjai Teda v Central Coast ‘No-one hands you cups on a plate’ 10.55 pm Fox Sports 1 - TERRY MCDERMOTT

‘Last night,we were the best team on the day.’ - ROY AITKEN

‘Hoddle hasn’t been the Hoddle we know. Neither has Robson.’ - RON GREENWOOD

Monday 16th March ‘I do want to play the short ball and I do 3:30pm Serie A Siena vs AC Milan want to play the long ball. I think long Tuesday 17th March and short balls is what football is all 1:30am MUTV: EPL Man Utd vs Liverpool about’ - BOBBY ROBSON 5:30am EPL Reserves Tottenham Reserves vs Chelsea Reserves LIVE 12:30pm Serie A Sampdoria vs Roma ‘Our fi rst goal was pure textile.’ 4:15pm Russia Spartak Moscow vs Zenit St. Peters - JOHN LAMBIE

Wednesday 18th March ‘A lot of hard work went into this defeat.’ 6:00am FA Cup QF Arsenal vs Hull City LIVE - MALCOLM ALLISON Thursday 19th March 1:15am Barca TV: La Liga Almeira vs Barcelona ‘It was a game we should have won. 6:45am Scottish FA Cup Qtr Final Replay Aberdeen vs We lost it because we thought we were Dunfermline LIVE 12:00pm Copa Libertad Guarani vs Boca Jun LIVE going to win it. But then again, I thought that there was no way we were going to Friday 20th March get a result there.’ - JACK CHARLTON 2:00am Chelsea TV: EPL Chelsea vs Man City 6:30am UEFA Cup Galatasaray vs Hamburg LIVE Kira Eggers Age: 33 11:00am UEFA Cup Aalborg vs Man City Insignificant other: Everton Midfielder, Thomas Gravesen ‘The fi rst 90 minutes are the most im- 4:15pm Blue Square Kettering Town vs Oxford Utd portant.’ - BOBBY ROBSON

Saturday 21st March 4:45am Bundesliga B Monch vs Bochum LIVE 2:00pm FA Youth Cup Semi-Final TBC 10:00pm Russian Dinamo Moscow vs Khimki LIVE

Sunday 22nd March 5:15pm SPL Kilmarnock vs Motherwell 7:00pm SPL Rangers vs Hearts PEDRO’SAuthentic Italian PizzaPIT Monday 23rd March 00:00am SPL Dundee Utd vs Celtic LIVE 327 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Tel: 9646 4110 4:45am Serie A Chievo vs Palermo 6:30am Serie A Napoli vs AC Milan LIVE 2 LARGE TRADITIONAL SUPER TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 3:30pm Eredivisie AZ vs Feyenoord PIZZAS DELIVERED $24 LARGE TRADITIONAL PICK UP $10 p12 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 ISSUE #4 STATE LEAGUE SE2 - SEASON 2009 Round 1 Round 9 Fri 27 Mar KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Knox City Anderson Park Fri 29 May KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Diamond Valley Utd Anderson Park Round 17 Sat 28 Mar KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Malvern City Frank Holohan Res Sat 30 May KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Casey Comets Ronald Res Fri 31 Jul KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Port Melbourne Anderson Park Sat 28 Mar KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Diamond Valley Utd Gardiners Creek Res Sat 30 May KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v South Springvale Bosnia & Herzeg Cntr Sat 1 Aug KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Eastern Lions Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 28 Mar KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Heatherton Utd Comets Stdm Sat 30 May KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Port Melbourne Gardiners Creek Res Sat 1 Aug KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Knox City Partington Flats Sat 28 Mar KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Kingston City Ronald Res Sat 30 May KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Knox City Frank Holohan Res Sat 1 Aug KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v South Springvale Ronald Res Sat 28 Mar KO 7:00PM Port Melbourne v South Springvale SS Anderson Res Mon 1 Jun KO 8:30PM Kingston City v Malvern City The Grange Res Sat 1 Aug KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Malvern City Comets Stdm Sat 1 Aug KO 5:00PM Kingston City v Dandenong City The Grange Res Round 2 Round 10 Fri 3 Apr KO 8:30PM Port Melbourne v Malvern City SS Anderson Res Fri 12 Jun KO 8:30PM Port Melbourne v Dandenong City SS Anderson Res Round 18 Sat 4 Apr KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Morwell Pegasus Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 13 Jun KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Knox City Ronald Res Sat 8 Aug KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Casey Comets Partington Flats Sat 4 Apr KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Casey Comets Gardiners Creek Res Sat 13 Jun KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Malvern City Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 8 Aug KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Morwell Pegasus Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 4 Apr KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Diamond Valley Utd Frank Holohan Res Sat 13 Jun KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Kingston City Partington Flats Sat 8 Aug KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Doncaster Rovers Warner Res Sat 4 Apr KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Knox City Warner Res Sat 13 Jun KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Doncaster Rovers Comets Stdm Sat 8 Aug KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Heatherton Utd Frank Holohan Res Mon 6 Apr KO 8:30PM Kingston City v Doncaster Rovers The Grange Res Sat 13 Jun KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Eastern Lions Warner Res Sat 8 Aug KO 3:00PM Knox City v Eastern Lions Egan Lee Res Sat 8 Aug KO 5:00PM Port Melbourne v Kingston City SS Anderson Res Round 3 Round 11 Fri 17 Apr KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Heatherton Utd Anderson Park Fri 19 Jun KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Morwell Pegasus Anderson Park Round 19 Sat 18 Apr KO 3:00PM Malvern City v South Springvale Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 20 Jun KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Diamond Valley Utd Bosnia & Herzeg Ct r Fri 14 Aug KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Malvern City Anderson Park Sat 18 Apr KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Port Melbourne DISC Sat 20 Jun KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Malvern City Gardiners Creek Res Sat 15 Aug KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Dandenong City Gardiners Creek Res Sat 18 Apr KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Dandenong City Comets Stdm Sat 20 Jun KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v South Springvale Frank Holohan Res Sat 15 Aug KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Knox City Comets Stdm Sat 18 Apr KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Eastern Lions Ronald Res Sat 20 Jun KO 3:00PM Knox City v Port Melbourne Egan Lee Res Sat 15 Aug KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Port Melbourne Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Mon 20 Apr KO 8:30PM Kingston City v Knox City The Grange Res Sat 20 Jun KO 5:00PM Kingston City v Casey Comets The Grange Res Sat 15 Aug KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Diamond Valley Utd Ronald Res Sat 15 Aug KO 5:00PM Kingston City v South Springvale The Grange Res Round 4 Round 12 Fri 24 Apr KO 8:30PM Port Melbourne v Casey Comets SS Anderson Res Sat 27 Jun KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Port Melbourne Warner Res Round 20 Sat 25 Apr KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Kingston City Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 27 Jun KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Diamond Valley Utd Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 22 Aug KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Morwell Pegasus Comets Stdm Sat 25 Apr KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Doncaster Rovers Gardiners Creek Res Sat 27 Jun KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Eastern Lions Partington Flats Sat 22 Aug KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Doncaster Rovers Partington Flats Sat 25 Apr KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Morwell Pegasus Frank Holohan Res Sat 27 Jun KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Casey Comets Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 22 Aug KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Kingston City Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 25 Apr KO 3:00PM Knox City v Malvern City Egan Lee Res Sat 27 Jun KO 3:00PM Knox City v Doncaster Rovers Egan Lee Res Sat 22 Aug KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Heatherton Utd Warner Res Sat 25 Apr KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Diamond Valley Utd Warner Res Sat 27 Jun KO 5:00PM Kingston City v Morwell Pegasus The Grange Res Sat 22 Aug KO 3:00PM Knox City v Dandenong City Egan Lee Res Sat 22 Aug KO 6:00PM Port Melbourne v Eastern Lions SS Anderson Res Round 5 Round 13 Fri 1 May KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Dandenong City Anderson Park Fri 3 Jul KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Kingston City Anderson Park Round 21 Sat 2 May KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Diamond Valley Utd Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 4 Jul KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Heatherton Utd Ronald Res Fri 28 Aug KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Casey Comets Anderson Park Sat 2 May KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v South Springvale Comets Stdm Sat 4 Jul KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Eastern Lions Comets Stdm Sat 29 Aug KO 3:00PM Knox City v Morwell Pegasus Egan Lee Res Sat 2 May KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Port Melbourne Ronald Res Sat 4 Jul KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Dandenong City Partington Flats Sat 29 Aug KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Port Melbourne Frank Holohan Res Sat 2 May KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Knox City Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 4 Jul KO 3:00PM Knox City v South Springvale Egan Lee Res Sat 29 Aug KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Heatherton Utd Kooyong Res No. 3 Mon 4 May KO 8:30PM Kingston City v Eastern Lions The Grange Res Sat 4 Jul KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Port Melbourne Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 29 Aug KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v South Springvale Gardiners Creek Res Sat 29 Aug KO 5:00PM Kingston City v Diamond Valley Utd The Grange Res Round 6 Round 14 Fri 8 May KO 8:30PM Port Melbourne v Doncaster Rovers SS Anderson Res Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Malvern City Warner Res Round 22 Sat 9 May KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Heatherton Utd Gardiners Creek Res Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM Port Melbourne v Diamond Valley Utd SS Anderson Res Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Doncaster Rovers Ronald Res Sat 9 May KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Kingston City Frank Holohan Res Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Casey Comets Frank Holohan Res Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Kingston City Comets Stdm Sat 9 May KO 3:00PM Knox City v Diamond Valley Utd Egan Lee Res Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Morwell Pegasus Gardiners Creek Res Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Heatherton Utd Partington Flats Sat 9 May KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Morwell Pegasus Warner Res Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Doncaster Rovers Bosnia & Herzeg Ctr Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Eastern Lions Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 9 May KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Casey Comets Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 11 Jul KO 3:00PM Knox City v Kingston City Egan Lee Res Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Dandenong City Warner Res Sat 5 Sep KO 3:00PM Port Melbourne v Knox City SS Anderson Res Round 7 Round 15 Fri 15 May KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v South Springvale Anderson Park Fri 17 Jul KO 8:30PM Doncaster Rovers v Eastern Lions Anderson Park Draw Notes: Sat 16 May KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Diamond Valley Utd Comets Stdm Sat 18 Jul KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Dandenong City Ronald Res CATCH-UP ROUNDS - 6th June 20KO & 12 September 20KO - Clubs will be noti- Sat 16 May KO 3:00PM Morwell Pegasus v Malvern City Ronald Res Sat 18 Jul KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Knox City Kooyong Res No. 3 fi ed by FFV of matches to be played on this weekend during the course of the ody1t ac 09 p13 Monday 16th March 2009 Sat 16 May KO 3:00PM Heatherton Utd v Dandenong City Bosnia & Herzeg Centre Sat 18 Jul KO 3:00PM Casey Comets v Port Melbourne Comets Stdm season. Sat 16 May KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Knox City Gardiners Creek Res Sat 18 Jul KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v South Springvale Partington Flats Mon 18 May KO 8:30PM Kingston City v Port Melbourne The Grange Res Sat 18 Jul KO 5:00PM Kingston City v Heatherton Utd The Grange Res CLUBS ARE ADVISED TO VERIFY THEIR FIXTURES REGULARLY VIA RESULTS VAULT AND THE FFV WEBSITE FOR ANY CHANGES THROUGHOUT THE Round 8 Round 16 COURSE OF THE SEASON. Fri 22 May KO 8:30PM Port Melbourne v Heatherton Utd SS Anderson Res Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Malvern City Partington Flats Sat 23 May KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Eastern Lions Frank Holohan Res Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Casey Comets Warner Res Sat 23 May KO 3:00PM Knox City v Casey Comets Egan Lee Res Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM Port Melbourne v Morwell Pegasus SS Anderson Res Sat 23 May KO 3:00PM South Springvale v Kingston City Warner Res Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM Dandenong City v Doncaster Rovers Frank Holohan Res Action from last season’s State League SE2 match between Knox City and Sat 23 May KO 3:00PM Malvern City v Doncaster Rovers Kooyong Res No. 3 Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM Eastern Lions v Kingston City Gardiners Creek Res Peninsula Strikers. PHOTO: Joseph Sirucka Sat 23 May KO 3:00PM Diamond Valley Utd v Morwell Pegasus Partington Flats Sat 25 Jul KO 3:00PM Knox City v Heatherton Utd Egan Lee Res The Premiership VPL Round 3 GULLY HALT DANDY’S THUNDER Injuries Mount As Vargas Joins List

GREEN GULLY DANDENONG CAVALIERS 0 - 0 THUNDER

Green Gully have retained their wallpass with Daniel White, and White’s David Winton rued his current injury woes, #1 Stuart Webster, #2 Jack Hingert, #14 share in the lead position of the point blank shot on goal, was saved by the and re-iterated his call that every senior Alon Wilford, #6 Levent Osman, 2009 Victorian Premier League after advancing Thunder keeper Stuart Webster. squad member would play their part in #17 Fatim Ibrahim, #7 Hamlet Armenian, a scoreless draw with Dandenong Much like the game away to 2009. #8 Sam Bailey, #4 Marcus Stergiopoulos, Thunder. Whittlesea last weekend, the Green Gully’s The under 21’s got their fi rst win #16 Ryan Davidson, #9 Veton Korcaleski, Having gone into the game against opponents played much more spirited 2nd of the season, an impressive 3-1 scoreline #22 Colin Quirk a full-strength Dandenong Thunder outfi t, half. Dandenong striker Hamlet Armenian was much appreciated by coach Tom Cuta- Subs: without Steven Burton and Joel Nikolic, gave Matthew Sanders the run around all jar. #10 Joey Diorio, #26 Yeha Dimasi, #5 The Cavaliers were further handicapped 2nd half, and Steven Tilovski was made to Noel Bahnsen, #12 Mohamed Alkasaram, when after 25 minutes of play Andy Vargas work for his 3 game running clean sheet Match Details: #16 Shane Reschepi had to be substituted for the home team’s record this season. Late on in the match, 3rd casualty in as many weeks. Gully coach David Winton had to think Green Gully: Best: Despite the setbacks, and the mighty chal- outside the box, with his limited resources, #23 Steven Tilovski, #9 Daniel White, #8 3. John Adam lenge from a Dandenong Thunder team and opted to play defender Kole Delev up Aziz Behich, #4 Dean Fak, #7 Jeffrey 2. Hamlet Armenian on a complete roll, Green Gully managed forward as target man with the ability to Fleming, #10 John Adam, #11 Pablo 1. Stuart Webster to stay undefeated and goalkeeper Steven control, hold and setup attacking moves for Cardozo, #12 Matthew Sanders, #16 Mile Crowd: 1000 Tilovski held a 3rd successive clean sheet. the home team. Kristijan Ivesic also came Medjedovic, #17 Andy Vargas, #14 Ryan venue: Green Gully Reserve It was the Cavaliers who started on late in the game, and had the chance to Ollerton the match with more opportunities, John steal a late winner, his shot saved by Stuart Subs: Highlights: Green Gully Show - Saturday Adam blasted a shot from just outside the Webster, from the rebound, Aziz Behich #00 Patric Ndongo, #6 Kole Delev, #19 March 21 10:30am Channel 31 Thunder penalty box against the Dande- look like he would score, but referee Perry Diogo Ferreira, #2 Kristijan Ivesic, #5 nong crossbar, later in the fi rst half, substi- Mur ignored the apparent trip up of Aziz Cameron Drake By Markian Jaworsky tute Diogo Ferreira, playing his fi rst offi cial Behich in the penalty box, just before league match for Green Gully, played a shot could be made. After the match, Dandenong Thunder: Photos by Steve Starek

Ryan Ollerton wins the aerial dual.

Colin Quirk puts the Gully defence Green Gully’s John Adam and a cast of Thunder fans watch in anticipation as Levent Osman gets a leg up. under pressure. p14 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 VPL Round 3 - Match of the Day The Premiership OH MY JOSH! 10 Man Knights Silence Cannons OAKLEIGH MELBOURNE CANNONS 0 - 1 KNIGHTS Joshua Groenewald made himself vantage, immediately went onto the front It was the Knights however that Oakleigh Cannons: Cagalj, Rosman, S. an instant hero, after his twenty-fi ve foot and were denied a penalty in the 36th looked the more dangerous on the break, Drakos, A. Drakos (Mur 80’), I. Franjic, yard free-kick was blasted into the minute for what looked like a hand ball in Mate Dugandzic was taking on defend- Matkovic (Kioussis 62’), Obdarovic, Rojas, top corner of the goal, to secure a vi- the box. A minute later Cannon’s midfi elder ers at will and won a free-kick in the 62nd Waterson, Damianos, Karpeh (Gasparina- tal 1-0 win for the Melbourne Knights Bonnie Obradovic tried his luck from dis- minute that would ultimately turn the game tos 44’). against Oakleigh Cannons, at Jack tance forcing a good save from Savas Oz- on its head. With free-kick specialist Wat- Edwards Reserve on Friday night. demir. Trent Waterson unleased a powerful son injured, up stepped Joshua Groenewald Not Used: Anastasiadis, Wynne. The win was made all the more drive from outside the box, managing to unleashing a rocket from twenty-fi ve yards impressive considering that the visitors only fi nd the side-netting as the Knights de- into the top corner for an early goal of the Yellow Cards: Karpeh 21’ were down to 10 men for the majority of the fence restricted the Cannons to long shots at season contender. Red Cards: None match, after Frank Lagana was sent off on goal. From there on in, the Knights com- the half hour mark. The Knights looked dangerous on fortably held on to their advantage despite Melbourne Knights: Ozdemir, Cumming Both sides had injury headaches the counter attack, fl amboyant playmaker their man disadvantage, and at times could (P. Franjic 87’), Fitzgerald, Grbesa, Elvin, coming into this match, with Oakleigh Mate Dugandzic skipped past his marker have even extended the lead. Kiratzoglou, Lagana, Dugandzic, Sher- spearhead Ricky Diaco and Knights mid- and set up James Sherman who forced a Knights captain Craig Elvin was man, Groenewald (Hatzimouratis 89’), fi elder Cameron Watson both unavailable. good save from Cagalj in the Oakleigh all smiles after the game; ‘At half time Chris Draper (Beckit 80’). However the Cannons were able to hand goal. Taylor told us we still could win this, we Ivan Franjic his full debut, ironically against Oakleigh suffered a major blow came out with real belief and got the result Not Used: Loncaric, La Verde. the side he left last season. just minutes from half time when Jerry we deserved, we have one of the youngest A healthy crowd witnessed a ca- Karpeh was forced from the fi eld with in- squads in the league, but the character and Goal Scorers: J. Groenewald 62’. gey start from both sides, with the only real jury and replaced with Billy Gasparinatos. team spirit really showed tonight’ chances coming from set pieces. Knights’ The substitute almost made an immediate Next week the Knights take on old Yellow Cards: Sherman 11’, Kiratzoglou right back Jamie Cumming caused the Can- impact, Billy Damianos set up the chance foe’s South Melbourne at Bob Jane Stadi- 83’, Hatzimouratis 90’. nons some early scares with some long that saw Gasparinatos effort kept out by the um, Kick off is Sunday 6:00pm. Whilst the Red Cards: Lagana 30’. throw’s that would have impressed Rory busy Ozdemir. The visitors were relieved to Cannons will enjoy a nine day break before Delap. Whilst at the other end the height go into half time holding onto a nil-nil score taking on Whittlesea Zebra’s at Epping Sta- Man of Match: J. Groenewald (MK) and strength of Jerry Karpeh was keeping line. dium on next Monday night, Kick off is at the Knights defence very busy. The Cannon’s began the second 8:30pm. Crowd: Approx 1500 @ Jack Edwards The game took an unexpected half as they fi nished the fi rst, but once again Reserve. twist on the half-hour mark. Frank Lagana they were met with a resilient Knights de- MATCH STATS and Ivan Franjic were involved in an off the fence. Clearly frustrated at not being able to SHOTS: OAK 7 MK 10 ball incident which led to Lagana receiving fi nd an avenue to goal the home side were TARGET: OAK 4 MK 4 By Andrew Fisher his marching orders. again restricted to long shots that rarely CORNERS: OAK 3 MK 4 Oakleigh with the extra man ad- troubled Ozdemir in the Knights goal. Photos by Peter Kakalias

The Knights are ecstatic Lagana’s a goner!

The Knights hit the high notes in the dressing rooms lead by chairman Matt Tomas.

Josh Groenewald’s superbly taken free-kick hits the top corner and leaves Cannons keeper Adrian Cagalj well and truly beaten. ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p15 THE BIG MAC THE REGULARS MacKenzie At Large An Occasional Offering from Craig MacKenzie

Play-offs back on agenda? Stars, goalkeeper Adam Asanovski who has FOOTBALL Federation Victoria compe- switched to South Springvale, midfi elder titions manager Mariela Dos Santos has Damien Nadjer who is rumoured to be joining hinted at the possible return of the play- Doveton, fellow midfi elder Chaz Di Petta off system involving the third-last State who has retired and Brownlie and Vernon One side fi ghting for its status against the have joined the Comets. winner of a play-off between State Two Strikers are keen to sign ex-National League runners-up in the North-West and South- star Brian MacNicol and plan to tap in to his East leagues. experience and leadership qualities. “We decided not to do it this year but it’s “We’ve got a fairly young squad and we need something we’ll reconsider later on in the a good talker out on the park. Brian’s been season. It’s certainly not dead and buried,” great with the younger players and we hope said Dos Santos. that we can reach agreement with him,” said “We’re always looking to improve the com- Hughes. petition and now that the two-up, two-down Another on the club’s radar is midfi elder Ste- promotion–relegation issue has been resolved fan Rudski, who was reported in this column in Premier League we’ll have a good look at last week as having joined Division Three the (play-off) situation down the track.” rival Berwick City. But Strikers have other Let’s hope Dos Santos and her co-workers ideas and were chasing his signature as we look long and hard at re-introducing what went to press. adds great interest to the State Leagues given that unlike their Premier League cousins they A few Heart murmurs don’t have the glitz and glamour of a fi nals WHAT’S in a name? Just a lazy $73 mil if series. you’re Peter Sidwell who heads the Mel- Over the years I’ve gone to these play-off bourne Heart consortium expected to soon games at the home grounds of Eastern Lions, Seaford teenager Craig Locke (left) and Peninsula Strikers newcomer be granted an A-League licence. Port Melbourne and Bulleen and while the Nagus Henry. Photo: DARRYL KENNEDY. That’s the wealth guesstimate published ear- football often isn’t pretty it’s certainly gritty. lier this year in FourFourTwo magazine which With so much at stake the intensity of the Colin Stewart who has switched codes and Baliston Essex Olympian League. ranked the successful businessman and racing contest can make for gripping viewing and now puts his oval ball skills to use at a local And judging by Kingsley’s pen portrait on the identity in 16th spot in its 2009 Australian there have been some good crowd attendances footy club. Westhamians website he’s a bit of a character Football Rich List. at these games. The bulk of the senior and reserves squads so he should have no problem fi tting in with And for those of you (obviously not Tommy I’ve long thought it unfair that only State and some of the club’s under-18s travelled to the Strikers. Mitchell at the Pines) troubled by the club’s Two champions are given the opportunity to Rawson Village in Gippsland on Friday for a His most memorable moment at Westhamians proposed name possible legal issues make advance to State One and when the play-off training camp, returning on Sunday night. was when he asked the whole team to call him it likely that another name for the new outfi t system was introduced some years back it Saunders was guarded about the club’s “Chico” because his mum calls him it and he will emerge. gave clubs at that level of competition added prospects this season knowing that the word describes himself as “a great dancer, a young Thanks to Michael Lynch and The Age news- incentive to have a crack at promotion. around the traps is that Doncaster Rovers are Patrick Swayze”. paper we know some of the men in Sidwell’s Finishing second in your league is a grand the team to beat in the championship race. Okay, now that we’ve done a number on corner and they make for impressive reading. achievement but the current set-up does not But despite trying to downplay expectations Kingsley let’s move on to the other newcom- There’s a heady mix of business, entertain- acknowledge that at State Two level. he nevertheless has his eyes fi xed fi rmly on a ers. ment and football acumen with the football position well up the ladder. Seb Lorenzo can play sweeper or in central side taken care of via Michael Catalano, Comets target top four “If we can get into a top four position by June midfi eld. He’s recovered from a bad knee former Melbourne Victory shareholder and CASEY Comets boss Tony Saunders is then we can take it from there,” was all that injury that threatened to put him out of the ex-chairman of Essendon Royals; Manny still in the hunt for a striker and a central could be prized from him. game and is an ex-Springvale White Eagles Galanos, former FFV president and chairman; defender but is quietly pleased with the And you can read into that that if the club is a player. and Michael Lynn, who played and coached pre-season progress of his senior squad. title challenger at that time it will look to fur- at the highest level in this state and is highly “We started off our preparation a bit slowly ther strengthen the squad in an effort to mount regarded as a business administrator. as we had six or seven injuries but we had a a fi rm promotion push. Sidwell has had meetings with City of Casey few guys back the other week and we beat chief executive offi cer Mike Tyler and it’s no Knox 4–1. Granted, they had a few guys out www.howluckyarewe.com.au secret that the consortium is keen to have an but it was a good hit-out for our lads,” said GEORGE HUGHES and Dougie Chish- administrative and training base in Victoria’s Saunders. olm were in pensive moods last week after largest and one of Australia’s fastest-growing The senior coach of the State Two South-East training as they sat back in the comfort of municipalities. outfi t pinpointed former Parkmore, Oakleigh Peninsula Strikers social rooms refl ecting The word on the street is that the consortium Cannons, Richmond and Springvale White on the wonders of modern technology. isn’t cooling its heels waiting for Football Eagles player Arndt Balint as an important The coaches of the State Three South-East Federation Australia’s nod of approval. signing and the hard-working central mid- outfi t were thinking how lucky they were to Names such as Maclean, Macleod, Kalitzki fi elder looks very composed on the ball. sign two good English players thanks to the and Laverty have been bandied about in rela- Comets have also snapped up central defender club’s website and the miracle that is email. tion to roles with the newcomer. Daniel Motta; right-sided midfi elder Mar- And a third English newcomer was training That’s aside from the playing angle where cus Brownlie and striker Steve Vernon from with Strikers’ Bayside team when Hughes was Viduka, Skoko, Bresciano and Grella are the Peninsula Strikers; and goalkeeper Phil Wiess, alerted to his talents and strolled over to have names still on some people’s lips. who has returned to the club after winning a look, shortly after inviting him to train with It’s been put to me that a primary focus of Berwick Kings’ best and fairest award last the fi rst team squad. assembling the club’s fi rst ever squad will season. The duo that contacted the club by email were be to sign Victorian-bred players and we can “Daniel is a hard-working, strong defender Nagus Henry and Steve Baxter who both only hope that’s what transpires. If it does it’s Reiss “Chico” Kingsley. and we’re hoping for big things from Marcus played non-league football in England and going to be a potent marketing tool. who is quick and looks really good on the their clearances have been arranged. And if Lynn has any say in it put your money ball. Stevie has been impressive during pre- Baxter, who already has been nicknamed “Pe- Kamil Szwed is a striker signed from Provi- on the Elland Road tragic pushing for a for- season games and his work rate off the ball ter Crouch”, looms as a near perfect foil up sional League club Dandenong White Star mer Leeds United manager to be named head is phenomenal while the club is delighted to front for Henry who is a fl ying machine as a (no doubt hoping to put last year’s relega- coach. welcome back Phil,” Saunders added. couple of Frankston Pines defenders discov- tion nightmare behind him) and goalkeeper Okay, I’m teasing but it conjures up an inter- Delighted indeed after the gaping hole left ered in a recent practice match that Strikers Ash Hupe is back after a couple of seasons esting image. It’s not hard to imagine Lynn by the departure of Robbie Acs to Bentleigh won 2–1. overseas. bouncing a football and humming “One, Two, Greens reportedly for double the money he The other Englishman is 22-year-old midfi eld- The main losses from last year’s squad have Three O’Leary …” or the old Everton chant got at Comets Stadium. er Reiss “Chico” Kingsley, who played with been captain and star striker Murat Demirkol “He’s fat, he’s round, he’s worth a million Another loss is that of former Pines striker Westhamians FC in the 2007–08 season in the who has joined Turkish outfi t Southern pound, Peter Reid … Peter Reid …”

p16 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 Gas Bagging Dept. THE REGULARS

With Mark Boric It’s always a good week when you game was what you would expect from were seven or eight years old, that is not an don’t have to watch Pim Verbeek’s wooden spooners appearing in a “Champi- excuse. Only kids of a suffi cient standard A-League Socceroos attempt to play ons” League, Beijing winning 2-0. should be for such a showpiece. football. Defenders and goalkeepers are having The say the AFL’s NAB Cup competi- When local football makes the news the upper hand in the VPL so far this sea- tion is a glorifi ed practise match but the pages of the Herald-Sun, it is usually for son. Like water in the Thompson Dam, the fans who staged a massive brawl must the wrong reasons. As was the case during goals are drying up. Could this be a year have been taking it pretty seriously. What the week when articles appeared link- the Top Goalscorer fails to reach double will happen when the “real stuff” kicks- ing the Altona Magic president, Melissa fi gures? off? Fischer-Massa, to alleged neglect of clients From the FFA press release regarding Was anyone else concerned by the and misuse of Commonwealth funds in Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory image of Stevie Gerrard running up the tv her nursing homes. There is nothing funny being fi ned for melees during the Grand camera and kissing it whilst celebrating a about the elderly being mistreated, I spent Final: “The FFA ruled Adelaide assistant goal against Manchester United? Was he half an hout trying to think of something coach Phil Stubbins had not breached the trying to kiss the viewers at home? I was but everything is in pretty poor taste. Pos- code of conduct in relation to statements worried he was going to plant a Liverpool sibly like the cheap food they may have he made towards referee Matthew Breeze Kiss, like the kind given to uncoperative been served up in order to save costs to at halftime.” Is that because you can’t be DJ’s in pubs. fund A-League license bids. punished for calling someone a disgrace Welcome rain once again during the Asian Champions League football was if indeed they are a disgrace? Well done week will hopefully improve the state of back during the week, Newcastle Jets play- Stubbsy on exploiting this loophole. some of the grounds. It shows how severe ing against a Chinese team with more Grif- Whilst back on the Grand Final, the the drought has been that we get excited fi ths brothers than they had themselves. half-time kids game I was witness to by a bit of rain nowadays as if we were No jacket required? No encores please either. Did Steve Gerrard really play The Chinese fans can spot a donkey a mile contained some players who thought it was Sydneysiders who had just discovered it Phil Collins in the dressing room to away, and made plenty of noise whenever acceptable to stop the ball with your hands was raining men. pump himself up before the match before playing on. I doesn’t matter if they Nikolai Topor Stanley was on the ball. The against Man U?

With George Katsamboukas

Up and coming Coaches and those after a game, what punishment did they that - rumours. Seems that Match 28th is the punter answered “no”. But he did say are not so up and coming, but have dish out to Super Coach Verbeek? still the start date for the 2009 Season. his girlfriend thought what he did with the been around the traps longer that I The answer to that was zero, as Club Powerbrokers are now busily dolls that night was “pretty funny really”. have been smoking W N Fields… these powerbrokers are intimidated by Ver- completing their squad lists for season ‘09, “She knows me and knows I’m a just a Are you lost for words before a beek because of his overseas credentials, and their biggest challenge is to agree to normal person and that this is something I big match as to how to get the best from but it’s the opposite case with local coach’s terms with their players. These negotiations wouldn’t normally do,” “But I had quite a your players? who are the FFA’s Soft Targets. remind me of a scene from Scarface, where few drugs that day: hallucinogens, amphet- Look no further for help, as our National With the A-League we will stay the players’ demands start high, the Club amines. “I was at a mate’s birthday cel- Coach, Pim Verbeek has found the solution. and with Verbeek’s criticism of it. Unfor- Powerbrokers start Low, and after a few ebration. Ever since this I haven’t touched tunately I tend to agree with him, as its hours later, they both agree on the amount a single thing.” Right before the Asia Cup Qualifying standard is below par. to be paid. It gets better. The court heard he stole three match against Kuwait, who by the way Unless we get in overseas coach- If the Club Powerbrokers re- rubber dolls from the adult shop as well as were 96 positions lower than the Soc- es, this situation will not improve, as the ceived a bottle of J Walker for every time bottles of lubricant, magazines and other ceroos in the World Rankings, Super Coach guys in charge of the A-League teams at they heard from Pop Star Players that they items, taking the dolls outside where he Verbeek came out in the media and labelled the moment do not poses any real overseas always give 100% week in week out, and ripped holes in them with his teeth. Unfor- the A-League, and it’ s players as being sub coaching experience. therefore deserve more money, they would tunately this punter has broken the golden standard. Their experience has been ob- need to hire out a large warehouse to store rule of “if it breathes and has a pulse, its To add to this master stroke, tained here at local level, and when their these bottles in. fair game!” pardon the pun, he labelled Ernie’s dy- players then step up to World Stage, they The “I always give 100% week namic duo, Thompson and Alsopp’s recent are not up to scratch! in week out” is beginning to sound like Till next week….. performance at International Level as being a scratched record, because “100% each “absolutely hopeless” Back to the local scene, where the Scorer week” would have their teams stats at the This is Katsa – Just as you’ve known him. has sensed that he will soon be posting end of the season reading 22 wins 0 Draws But wait, there’s more… the fi rst and maybe second wicket for the 0 Loss. And remember - Always check for a pulse! He then picked the team to play against year, as a few clubs starts to the Season has Kuwait exclusively with A-League Players. been about as successful as my attempts to Over to this week’s odd spot we go, End result, and one that reminds me of the replace J Walker with Ice Tea. where…. dark years of the 80’s and 90’s was a very The natives are starting to get rest- A MAN who broke into an adult sad end with a 1-0 loss at Home against less, and one thing that Club Powerbrokers shop and had sex with blow-up dolls said Kuwait. do not cope with very well, is when punters he had a “pretty healthy” sex life yester- Coach Toll begin to ask questions as to why their day. After receiving 15 months’ probation It then begs the following question; team’s are not getting results. for his bizarre sex crimes, the punter, told The powerbrokers who run the FFA and the Over to the House of Darebin The Cairns Post he had not been in need of Last Year This Year A-League, who dish out fi nes to Players we go, where it has been confi rmed that sex. “I have a girlfriend and our sex life is and Coach’s’ for the most insignifi cant rumours about a possible delay to the kick pretty good, pretty healthy,” he said. 0 - 3 0 - 3 comments that may be made before and of the State and Provisional League’s is just Asked if it ever involved blow-up dolls, Outs Weeks Outs Weeks

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p17 THE REGULARS Gas Bagging Dept.

With Mike Lilikakis

....And Now For Something Completely since 1990. Different....NOT! Thankfully there are no saltwater croc’s, G’day Goal!Weekly minions, Tsigan ‘ere. although the sharks are a tad unsavory to us It was a fandabidozi experience, a’la Jimmy plebians. Hendrix style, to be involved with y’all these One ought to prefer a bite from a sharp- past 2 years. ened toothed, voracious marine fi sh who ex- And so, therefore, not to put a dampener on torts delicate nyum nyums. He is a right ol’ your spirits, I’m here to EXEGETE a little or swindler, a Diamantaris of Whitman’s sort, an lot on the trappings of society in General, or expert in devouring the remnants of any and Major, or Corporal, depending how your fl a- all who perform at the lowest level. vour in military terms dictates. Again one ought to be preferential in the way Bob Dylan coined the phrase, (or did he they are eaten, neigh Mr. Ed, to be bitten in pass the buck?) when he said, “The Times, half rather than get crunched and stored away They are a Changin’”....and t’be shure, t’be for an apertif at a later Pedro’s Pizza hour, shure, we can’t have anyone try and stop the hey? Cows eat hay, and they are a plenty round future, change the past, or freak the funk on a these parts, depending on your pronunciation. nasty dunk in the present, even when it’s snot Christmas or a Birthday. COWS, SHARKS AND CROC’S. Progress is a myriad of wonder...bit meine What has any of this to do with football? eine kleine symptomaniac, (empahasis on ma- Angles. niac) with crackers and cheese, boobies and Angles meine feine friends und deviant frau- clackers. lions. However, we can learn from the past, mis- Angles. The tribe that bonked the Saxons into takes and all to whit, providing we WANT to submission, then merged to make the as we learn from past mistakes. know it, Le Whinging Pom. Living in the past and rocking the Kazbar, They went forth and multiplied, settled in counting sheep and cows will fi t a bracket pro- Frankston and caused such havoc in Mel- viding screws can hold that bracket up. bourne’s South East. On the subject of Animalia, where the heck do RESOLUTION Danes fi t in seeing as they are called Great? Enough gay banter. Alexander was great, but he was a Macedo- Hath anyone fulfi lleth thine own personal nian. Status Quo, as per New Years Resolucion, as Can open, worms EVERWHERE. per stated in the humanitarium memo dated Worms have their place in society too or 02/01/09, section 14(b).03? also, depending whether or not you enjoy a I have. Here I is, up up up and a wee in gor- good laugh, banter or Jolly Roger. They have geous Lake Macquarie NSW, the largest salt wrecked Moore than any wouldst see fi t, but water lake in Australia, fending off mosquitoes Sean’s Connery has Moore that placated a the size of your golf balls, and cockroaches the match for his hairplugs. Never say never again, length, breadth and depth of Gondor. unless you really want to say never again. Tsigan feeling Savage not Randy Thanks Dean fak, for the heads up on that one. If there’s nay but ONE persona to have a yarn SHAKE DA ROOM. tough times, though. Their faces, words, kind- ery individual is the envy of all plebians in ol’ about concerning cockroaches, speak to the Boom boom shakalakalaka boom, and nesses and plethora of resources which sus- Melbourne town. The walks of life, range and Ubersturmfuhrer Fakmeister, who has seen, let’s walk like an Egyptian, or go back to my tained my battered soul and body throughout diversity who come together as ONE, to fi ght experienced and fended off yonder varmants room. many a Dire Strait (Thou knowest who thou the good fi ght for the same goal is more than Since we’re on the topic as such, where have art) were more than words could say in Ex- remarkable. the real current affairer’s disappeared to? treme. Those who know me inately or intimately also However, since the discovery of of sacred JESUS is cool, if you actually take the time to know, not knew, that I have a lovely bunch of truths which have been presented to me over know Him. He knows you, you know. coconuts and I drink them and bang them as I the last year, the taste for more of the good If a football manager wanted to get tips how see fi t. Since I’m not fi t for anything other than stuff has been more than what I could possibly to hold a team together, they could do little eating and sleeping, lets continue. put in jargon. Getting your head around them worse than to spend a week here to witness the Sunday nights were a time where families is quite the arduous, yet satisfying task, con- unity, drive and focus of like minded individu- would get together and stab each other with sidering my brain is infantile as a result of bat- als. No prima donna’s, backstabbing heroes or forks whilst watching 60 Minutes. tering it through booze banging and binging. ball hogs. True Muskateer stuff. All for one Bombs, Brisques, Bobbies and Brahma Bulls In case you weren’t wondering the letter of the and one for all running the great race, NOT to facing off in a squared circle where Bob was day is B, and the lucky number is too low for win, but to FINISH and ACCOMPLISH the your uncle, and Fanny was your aunt. Zero. Sir Elton John would be proud but since race. A healthy debate about the Orange people he’s a miserable fart, and not that gay, unless You only get relegated if your desire is rel- betwixt family and friends, the members of you change the term of said word, what could egation. which would then lick wounds and suck down be classifi ed as happy these days? A Gilmour? So as Louie Armstrong tooted in black and copious amaount of Baclava in Balaklava. We On the fl ipside, there’s more than meets the white a long time ago, “What a Wonderful need more Wild Westerns dammit, as opposed eye, the rumour of my departure to the land World.” I’ll be here till I inevitably get kicked to Soft Eastern sitcoms. Drag the kids off the of Cornucopia, plenty, Dixie, the fi elds of cot- out for yelling “OFFSIDE REF!!!” during a chatrooms and the mindless C YA L8TRZ ton not forgotten, look away...there’s a barrel sermon in church. guffaw, and back into the kitchen to slap ‘em with my name on it and man, the surf is up around with the 3 foot spoons which hang just pal. Keanu and Swayze should’ve come here Till the cows come home and the roosters above the stove. fi rst. Yea verily, I is studying to be a pastor, cock a doodle do, I remain invariably, and as nay pasta depending how left of centre your always; PINING FOR THE F’JORD’S right wing might be. SPQR No, I can’t say I miss Melbourne much. Silly Dean Martin once crooned, “Everybody NRC roadworks, crazy cops and a gangajang of im- Love’s Somebody Sometime”....well, how NO TV migrants who take the American way of life apt to this place of paradise. There’s more Tsigan United FC. Tsigan on his way to school to a new extrreme. I do miss my close friends love here, than at a Nimbin pow-wow. The who loved, supported and held me through the scope of character and personality within ev- p18 Monday 2 March 2009 ISSUE #4 South Australia INTERSTATE SUPER STRIKERS IN DREAM DEBUT Villani Leads Club To Historical Victory! Newly promoted Western Strikers took to the park for their fi rst ever match in the FFSA Super League and the club’s history, marking it with a strong 3:2 win over Camp- belltown City Red Devils. In what were very blustery conditions at their home ground Carnegie Reserve, Charlie Villani’s lads stood up the test of playing top level football and did their home fans proud!

Coming off their Fairmont Homes Sum- mer Series Cup win a fortnight earlier, Rocky Aloisi’s Red Devils started the game at a pace that allowed the home side to match them play for play. The debutantes held Campbelltown well in the fi rst 15-20 minutes of the match, led from the back by club veteran defender Chris McNichol assisted by newcomer Andy Thorpe (UK), successfully hold- ing off any advances from the Devils two prong strike force of Jason Trimboli and Michael Paleka (ex Raiders). Just before the 20th minute mark of the game against the run of play, Daniele Lastella scored the Strikers fi rst ever Super League goal, volleying a ball that found the top left corner of the net and beating Devils Charlie Villani’s jubilant Western Strikers are off to a super start in the FFSA Super League. keeper Les Pogliacomis sending the large home crowd into raptures. As the game Toure menacing up front was denied young Raiders side led by newly ap- hard during the pre-season to get things unravelled, Trimboli was becoming vis- by Picca who now took charge of his pointed and fi rst time Senior coach John rights with a very young side. It was an ibly frustrated with the lack of supply goal. The run of play by the Red Devils’ Duthie. In a classic game of two halves, even match where they took their chanc- from his usually reliant midfi elders Na- seemed to inspire the Strikers to step up a the Knights took charge in the fi rst with es in the fi rst half. We played better in the than Fleetwood and Simon Catanzaro, gear, young Michael Russo giving his all, Matthew Muscroft breaking the deadlock second half and had opportunities to take who were being cleverly nullifi ed by Vil- as did seasoned Frank Tibaldi (ex White on the half hour, his strike beating keeper the game against 10 men. All in all, I’m lani’s chargers, forcing the Devils to play City) with the Brazilian Garcia featuring Cody Larkin (Adel Utd Youth). Knights very happy with the way the side played a long ball game to bypass the midfi eld heavily, dancing his way around the park defender Michael Cartwright found him- in a good entertaining game”. dominance. Strikers new signing Brazil- with his silky skills leaving Aloisi’s boys self opposing his former side but held the ian Felipe Garcia was showing his wares, to do all the chasing. Garcia’s hard work backline strongly. Raiders took charge At Marden Sports Complex Zoran Kara- commanding the midfi eld with his bril- paid off when Campbelltown’s Menechel- in the second half, with backmen Todd jdzic’s Adelaide Blue Eagles were put liant display of pace and vision, creating la erred for the second time, an easy ball McSorley putting in a solid performance, through their paces with a determined chances for his men up front. Red Devils given to him on the edge of the 18 yard returning to the local competition after Modbury Jets taking the game right up to Stanko Zilic and Domenic Signoriello box as he cleverly dummied the keeper his stint last year with Altona Magic VPL them, the fi nal result being a 3:2 win to worked overtime as did youngster Ste- committing him to one side of the goal winners, along with Carl Cook after his the Eagles. In a game where the Jets took phen Piotto, but being dispossessed too and slotting the ball past him on the other. year away in England. In a team made up the lead twice, the result was decided af- many times at crucial moments by the With Menechella subsequently being tak- of predominantly new signings, veteran ter a late penalty was given to the Eagles zealous Western Strikers and unable to en off and the scoreline at 3-1, the home and Captain Richie Alagich led by exam- for a handball in the box by Jet Brad Mc- score an equalizer before the half time side fans couldn’t believe their eyes, their ple, equalizing in the 73rd minute with a Kay. New coach Jason Hayhurst taking break. debut in the Super League resembling a ‘Beckham-like’ free kick that curled in over from long time coach Duane Gray fairy tale they could only have dreamt of, past Knights keeper James McKee. Min- was philosophical after the match. “De- At the 58th minute mark of the match while Campbelltown were left scratching utes after, the Knights were down to ten spite the result I am really proud of the Campbelltown faltered yet again, Strik- their heads as to what they could do to men, Mullen being sent off with his sec- way the team played. We were unlucky ers scoring their second after a headed stop this run. With only minutes left in ond yellow card. Raiders had settled into not to take a point home. Keeper Paul mistake by defender Michael Menechella the match, three times Sergio Melta Win- the latter part of the second half and were Reilly had an exceptional game between gave the Strikers imposing forward Alor ner and Devils Captain Simon Catanzaro playing some good quality football. New the sticks. In the end we were beaten by Boulabek the opportunity to score from took the matter into his own hands, scor- signing Paul Mackie and Daniel Scordo a penalty.” inside the box, Pogliacomis beaten for ing a beautiful header, putting his side were dominant, creating more chances to the second time. Villani’s men were now back into the game but too late too late, score from the midfi eld with their effec- The other result from Saturday night was sending out a message load and clear they referee Nelson’s fi nal whistle giving the tive passing and great runs, coupled with Adelaide Galaxy going down 1:3 in their were here to do business not just making Western Strikers their fi rst win in their Alagich and his pinpoint accurate free fi rst home game to front runners Metro- up the numbers. Now 2-0 down, Devils fi rst ever game of the Super League. kicks and corners made for exciting foot- Stars. Adelaide City will host Premier coach Aloisi made a timely change, sub- ball. Both substitutes Rhys Townsend and League Champions Adelaide Hills on stituting striker Paleka, man-marked bril- Saturday night Para Hills Knights played Craig Goodwin also had their chance so Monday night 7.30pm at Oakden. liantly by Joseph Ciarla, with ex Raider host to the Raiders, the game ending in get on the scoreboard, lack of experience Ali Toure, the change bearing fruit as a 1:1 draw at the Paddocks. In what was only getting the better of them. Raiders Tore scored with his fi rst touch slipping a very entertaining game of football, the coach Duthie spoke of how nervous it By Nat Adamopoulos the ball past keeper Picca. Campbelltown home side were put to the test by the was leading up to the game. “We worked now looked to get a hold on the match, Photos by George Manos

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p19 INTERSTATE New South Wales THREE FROM THREE FOR MILICIC’S MEN Weather Plays Havoc And Two Games Postponed Ante Milicic’s Sydney United made wide of Nathan Denham’s goal. termined outfi t. On 51 minutes, Salameh it three from three with a 1-0 win at Sutherland regained their ascendancy scored a splendid goal to give his side a FNSW RD 3 RESULTS Wollongong on Sunday evening to go in the succeeding minutes, however, with two-goal cushion; sweetly exchanging G W D L F A GD P two points clear in the NSW Premier Nathan Ralph and Boardman both going passes with Haydar on the left, he nipped 1 Sydney United 3 3 0 0 5 0 5 9 League. Marconi, impressive 3-0 winners close. The away side were gradually in- into the area and glided a right-footed shot 2 Marconi Stallions 3 2 1 0 6 1 5 7 over Blacktown City, are United’s closest creasing their territorial dominance, and beyond an advancing Denham. 3-1 to the 3 Bankstown City 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6 4 West Sydney Berrie 2 1 1 0 5 3 2 4 challengers. Elsewhere, the Sydney Tigers were unlucky not to go further in front on hosts. 5 Penrith Nepean Utd 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4 suffered another loss, this time at the hands the half-hour, when confusion in the Bank- Katz’s long pass found Sutherland’s 6 Sydney Tigers 3 1 0 2 6 4 2 3 of Penrith-Nepean, despite the return of stown penalty area led to a Neil Jablonski substitute striker on 55 minutes, but Bazi 7 Wollongong FC 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3 8 Sydney Olympic 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3 striking hero Robbie Younis on loan from shot being luckily defl ected onto the bar by saved expertly. On the hour, the visitors’ 9 Manly United FC 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 2 Adelaide United. Bankstown keeper Andrew Bazi. night took another turn for the worse when 10 Sutherland Sharks 3 0 2 1 2 4 -2 2 Two of Saturday’s matches, Bonnyrigg- Although much of the running was now left-winger Chris Price was dismissed for a 11 Blacktown City 3 0 1 2 0 6 -6 1 Sydney Olympic and Manly-West Sydney coming from the visiting side, Bankstown second bookable offence. Berries, were postponed due to the heavy drew level on 37 minutes. Ameti’s free Yet, strangely, Bankstown began to go TELECHOICE PREMIER LEAGUE: rainstorm which lashed Sydney on Satur- kick from the right was met by Ibrahim into their shells following the sendoff, and ROUND 3: FIRST GRADE: Penrith day evening. Haydar at the far post, and the Sydney FC Sutherland, making good use of the fl anks, Nepean United 1 (Tayfun Buyukkopru youngster sent a clever header across the began to rally. Eleven minutes from the 53m) Sydney Tigers 0, Manly United FC Bankstown City 4-2 Sutherland Sharks goalkeeper and in at the far post. end, they ensured a tense fi nish when an West Sydney Berries Postponed, Bon- Bankstown City moved into the top fi ve Sutherland had a chance only a minute excellent cross from Katz was thumped nyrigg White Eagles Sydney Olympic Washed Out. with a thrilling 4-2 win at Jensen Park over later, Jim Bakis’s right-footed thunderbolt in at the far post by another substitute, last season’s premiers Sutherland. going just wide, but Bankstown then took Matthew Villazon. Bakis missed a golden GRADE 20: Penrith Nepean United 1 Although the home side started the game an unexpected lead. James Monie’s neat chance for the equalizer six minutes later, Sydney Tigers 2, Manly United FC 2 brightly, with midfi elder Shane Webb fi ring overhead kick was dummied by Salameh, when he sent a free kick from just outside West Sydney Berries 2, Bonnyrigg White the fi rst shot in anger after only three min- and Webb rushed onto the ball from mid- the box well over the bar. Eagles Sydney Olympic Postponed. utes, it was Sutherland who took the lead in fi eld; surging into the area, he was impeded Hussein Akil, Bankstown’s substitute the tenth minute. Ben Spruce’s cross from by Michael Katz…penalty. for the excellent Salameh, forced Denham GRADE 18: Penrith Nepean United deep on the left was deftly fl icked on at the Salameh tucked it neatly away to the into a save on 86 minutes, as Bankstown 1 Sydney Tigers 1, Manly United FC near post by last season’s top-scorer Brad keeper’s right. Richard Luksic should have began to pull themselves together. And 1 West Sydney Berries 1, Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2 Sydney Olympic 0. Boardman, and Panagiotis Nikas was there sent Bankstown into the sheds 3-1 ahead, sure enough, two minutes into added time, to fi re the ball home with his left foot. but he blazed over from point-blank range the muscular Luksic tore through an ex- Bankstown were stirred into action, and with the fi nal kick of the half, following a hausted Sutherland midfi eld and released an eye-catching move on the right involv- set-piece. Akil in the inside-left channel: the young ing Suad Ameti, Steve Liavas and Leba- Boardman limped off at the interval, sub made no mistake, and ensured that the By Mike Salter nese international Husseyn Salameh ended to be replaced by young Matthew Hall, points would stay in the south-west. with the latter sending a cross-shot just and Bankstown looked an ever more de- In Sydney

It is a requirement of the FFV that all balls and apparel used in FFV matches at any level are offi cially licensed FFV merchandise.

p20 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 Queensland INTERSTATE STRIKERS POUNCE ON COUGARS With fi ve sides locked at the top of allow the Miners back into the game, grab- one they encountered last weekend against Sunday 15th March 5pm – Logan United the Hyundai QSL table on three points bing a goal in the 63rd minute but never truly the Strikers, whilst Olympic will go into the FC vs FNQ Bulls after Round One, every team in Round threatening to steal the points. game confi dent after the opening round 4-0 Logan United and FNQ Bulls clash on Sun- Two will be eager to produce a win to win over Redlands City Devils. day afternoon and are both hoping for a win break away from the crowd. Capricorn Cougars 1 (Roy Bob 11’) - Bris- Olympic will also be boosted by midweek after losing 2-1 in Round 1 to NQ Razorbacks Miners take on Redlands in their fi rst bane Strikers 4 (Luke Morley 41’, Gareth news that former Queensland Roar player and Capricorn Cougars respectively. Logan game of the season, Strikers travelled to Musson 53’, 66’, 75’) Hyuk-Su Seo will be joining the club. Coach will hope Reggie Davani will continue his Rockhampton to play the Cougars and Logan The match in Rockhampton saw both sides Bobby Hamilton viewed the signing as excel- form after scoring just four minutes into last United host the FNQ Bulls late Sunday. attempting to take maximum points from the lent news for his team. week’s clash and the Bulls will be keen to Olympic were boosted by an impressive fi rst two games of the season after impressive “We’re quite a young team across the park, register their fi rst ever Hyundai QSL victory. midweek signing of a former Queensland wins in Round One. Capricorn took the lead and that’s one thing we’re probably lacking, Roar player, whilst the big match of the round in only the 11th minute with an upset look- just a bit of experience.” BYE – Bundaberg Spirit sees a rematch of last year’s Preliminary ing likely as the home side managed to keep Final between Sunshine Coast FC and NQ Brisbane pinned back for the early stages. It Sunday 15th March 5pm – Sunshine Coast By Jarrod Ellis Razorbacks. was a sign of things to come however when FC vs NQ Razorbacks Luke Morley managed to sneak a goal for NQ Razorbacks face Sunshine Coast FC In Brisbane Redlands City Devils 2 (Daniel Byrne 15’, the strikers just before half-time, the disap- for the fi rst time these two sides have met Russell Woodruffe 55’) - Whitsunday Miners pointment clear on the Cougars players. Both since the Coast side prevailed 7-0 in the 1 (Andy Cygan 63’) sides returned after the half with Brisbane 2008 Hyundai QSL Preliminary Final. A NQ QSL STANDINGS The Miners took on Redlands in their fi rst immediately looking more dangerous. Gareth Razorbacks spokesperson commented that it game of the season who were keen to show Musson was the benefi ciary of Brisbane’s would be different this time around. G W D L F A GD P that a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Olympic improved play striking a hat-trick by the “The disappointment of losing to Sun- 1 Brisbane Strikers 2 2 0 0 9 2 7 6 2 Olympic FC 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3 FC last weekend was an aberration. The home 75th minute to give Brisbane a comfortable shine Coast in the Preliminary Final is still 3 Sunshine Coast FC 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3 side came out and established a high tempo victory. there and with all respect to them, we are 4 NQ Razorbacks 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 which payed off when Daniel Byrne scored hoping we can get our pride back and Satur- 5 Capricorn Cougars 2 1 0 1 3 5 -2 3 Sunday 15th March 5pm – Queensland day is the perfect opportunity. The boys have 6 Redlands C Devils 2 1 0 1 2 5 -3 3 from a good effort in the 15th minute. Red- 7 FNQ Bulls 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 lands continued to press and were rewarded Academy of Sport vs Olympic FC trained really hard since December and we’re 8 Logan United FC 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 with a penalty in the 55th minute which Queensland Academy of Sport face Olym- buoyed by our fi rst win last week against 9 Whitsunday Miners 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 Woodruffe coolly converted. The second pic FC on Sunday evening. The youngsters good opposition in Logan United.” 10 Queensland AIS 1 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0 11 Bundaberg Spirit 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0 half saw the tempo reduced which seemed to will be hoping for a more evenly fought out clash against Bobby Hamilton’s side than the

Tasmania INTERSTATE ZEBRAS RETAIN SUMMER CUP Tilford Defeat Clarence In Southern Tassie Showpiece Tilford Zebras retained the Summer Cup in southern Tasmania after beating Clar- ence United 4-3 in extra-time in a nail-bit- ing soccer fi nal played before a large crowd at KGV Park. It was the third year in a row that Zebras have won the cup. A goal in the dying seconds of the second period of extra-time by Aaron Brazendale - from Ben Crosswell’s pass - settled the issue. Luke Cripps had given Clarence the lead with a penalty in the 21st minute, but Brazen- dale made it 1-1 on the hour after goalkeeper Michael Moschogianis did well to keep out Dwayne Walsh’s shot. Clarence restored their lead in the 70th min- ute when Zebras’ keeper Troy Kaden fumbled Ben Hamlett’s shot and Chris Hunt struck home the loose ball. Fabian Lapolla equalised 10 minutes from the end, after good play inside the box by for- mer Clarence player Walsh, to take the match into extra-time. A poor back-pass early in the second period The Tilford Zebras squad which captured a third successive Southern Tasmania Summer Cup on the weekend. of extra-time gifted Daniel Lapolla a goal to put the Zebras ahead for the fi rst time, but visitors a 1-0 lead at the break, while Hugh hitting the woodwork three times - twice Kavanagh’s spot-kick, referee Craig Phillips Julian McMahon made it 3-3 when he turned Ludford and Greg Downes completed the through Jacob Kavanagh and once through ordered the penalty to be re-taken because of home Hunt’s cross from the left a minute scoring in the second half. Chris Wass - and also conceding an own- encroachment by Mynonge Kamba. later. Hobart Olympic and Clarence United drew goal, which ultimately cost Eagles the match. Substitute James Hope restored the Knights’ With virtually the last action of the match, 0-0 at South Hobart in a match of few real The Knights appeared to be cruising at half- lead a minute later with a superb long-range Crosswell played Brazendale through on the chances, the start of which was delayed for 10 time when they led 2-0 through goals by Josh strike, which took a slight defl ection as it left left with a clever back-heel and he scored minutes because of lightning. Fielding and Amadu Koroma. his boot. with a low drive inside the far corner. Mo- Clarence’s Luke Cripps and Ben Parker both But, when Eagles brought on substitutes When Matthew Rybak headed past his own schogianis got a hand to the ball but was shot wide, while Olympic’s goalkeeper, Dmi- Cormac Collins, Alex Leszczynski and Jacob goalkeeper, Andrew Savage, four minutes unable to keep it out. tri Nester was fortunate to foil Ben Hamlett, Malakoff, the balance of the game changed. from the end to make it 4-2 for the Knights, Reigning southern Forestry Tasmania whose close-range shot rebounded off the Collins pulled a goal back seven minutes the game seemed over, but a header by Chris Premier League champions South Hobart keeper’s head. after the interval, while a re-taken penalty by Wass in injury time made the scoreline 4-3 resumed where they left off last season by Michael Bulis, Carl Larzabal and Danijel Leszczynski in the 66th minute made it 2-2. and much more respectable for Eagles. winning their opening league match 3-0 away Djekanovic squandered chances for Olympic. Ben Whitehall had initially won the penalty to University at Olinda Grove. Glenorchy Knights scraped home 4-3 against when he was pushed by Knights goalkeeper By Walter Pless A free-kick by Jonathon Ladic gave the New Town Eagles at KGV Park, the latter Ben Peter at a corner, but when Peter saved Photos by Walter Pless

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p21 WOMEN’S PAGE SUMMER LEAGUE CENTRAL FC CLAIMS INAUGURAL SUMMER LEAGUE PFA Australia Boys Still To Fight It Out Easter Clinics Central FC claimed the inaugural mi- one over Eastern 3-0. Of the clash with second placed Join UK Academy Coach (UFEA recog- nised) and development specialist Lee nor premiership in the Summer League In the Youth Under 18 Boys Sum- Goulburn North East he said “we are Waddington for our Easter clinics. Open Women’s competition last week mer League competition Southern FC looking forward to playing them (Goul- Dates: April 6th & 7th thrashing Western FC 7-0, and edging will be fi ghting for the inaugural Summer burn North East) tomorrow…and fi nish it Venue: Glenroy, Melbourne out North Eastern FC. League minor premiership when it takes off with a nice clean sweep.” ONLY OPEN TO PFAA ACADEMY PLAY- ERS North Eastern also had a big win on Goulburn North East FC today. “The bulk of our players are all in the second last round of the competition The two teams only separated by fi t and ready to go and we are looking for- Dates: April 8th & 9th Venue: Glenroy, Melbourne defeating Southern FC 6-0, with Katrina the slimmest margin of one point top of ward to it,” he said. Open to all players aged between 7 –17 Smith starring for North East bagging a the table Northern FC and Central FC years old hatrick, including two from corner kicks. It has been stellar season by the round out the top four of the Boys compe- Dates: April 14th & 15th With only one round to play this Southern FC with 12 wins, one draw and tition. Venue: Cranbourne, Melbourne Availability: bookings being taken now weekend and neither Central FC or North no losses so far while Goulburn North The ordinary round of Summer Open to all players aged between 13-17 Eastern having a scheduled game, Central East has also been impressive with 12 League will conclude this weekend and years old will fi nish on top of the premiership table wins and two losses. the FFV have announced two rounds of Dates: April 16th & 17th just nudging out North East by one soli- Southern FC coach, Ian William- fi nals will be played next weekend for the Venue: Brighton, Melbourne Open to players aged between 7-17 years tary point. son said he was pleased with his boys top four teams in each league. old In the other Open Women’s Sum- season and particularly their commitment Register for all camps by emailing pfaa@ mer League matches last week Eastern and the commitment of their paretns and pfaauastralia.com FC bounced back to beat South-East FC the clubs which has seen his team fi eld a Check out www.pfaaustralia.com for more 3-0, Goullburn North-East FC notched up strong team in each week of the competi- By Emma Field details or call 03 9525 5844 two wins, one over South East FC 3-0 and tion. Photos by John Punshon

CLUB CALL [email protected]

EASTERN LIONS DONCASTER ROVERS NEWS THE PORT MELBOURNE SOCCER CLUB PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT “SHARKS” Celebrating 40 years SATURDAY 21st MARCH Play The World Game 11.00 AMPITCH 1 BERWICK (RES) v @ SANDRINGHAM (RES) The Best Club In Melbourne 1.00 PM PITCH 2 EASTERN LIONS (RES) v SOUTHERN STARS (RES) We are looking for players of all ages 1.00 PM PITCH 1 BERWICK v SAN- DRINGHAM Small Sided Football – 5 to 8 Year Old – 3.00 PM PITCH 1 EASTERN LIONS v “Shark Bites” SOUTHERN STARS Across the club team fi nalisations Just Fun, Fun, Fun Starts Wednesday 4th are taking place as pre-season March 6pm This is a Fair Play tournament. All players starts to get serious in the lead up to and spectators are expected to enter into the fi rst competition games of 2009. Girls, Girls, Girls – Ages 11 to 16 the spirit of the event. There is no entry fee It’s Not Just For Boys for this tournament. Training schedules are updated The Fastest Growing Sport For Girls And Women Brand New Facilities Just for Fe- Womens Coach Wanted regularly on the club website so Eastern Lions SC will have food and males - Wednesdays 6pm drink available at reasonable prices dur- please check as circumstances may ing the day. The bar will also be open. change from day to day. Boys U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 South Yarra SC are Come And Play On The Best ground In seeking an enthusiastic Eastern Lions Junior Soccer club is open Most age groups are now at Melbourne coach for again for the junior registrations until the capacity so please All Teams Have Payed Qualifi ed Coaches its senior womens re- end of April! email [email protected] or call 0408 686 272 U10- Wednesdays 6pm serves team. JUNIORS REQUIRED if you are yet to register. U12 – Thursdays 5.30pm U14 – Tuesday – Thursdays 6pm

Club is looking for more boys and girls in: U16 – Thursdays 6pm - Great opportunity to Under 11’s Under 14’s The season for Small Sided Foot- U 18 – Tuesday – Thursdays 6.30pm coach a senior team Under 15’s Under 16’s ball players is very close. SSF are - Excellent club culture our U10 and younger players and “We will always fi ght on” If you feel like to try us out, don’t hesitate begin their season with the offi cial and support and call the club, we will give everyone a launch on Saturday 21st March from CLUB PHONE – 96451408 - Will work closely with fair go! 10.00am - 11.30am senior coaches All enquiries for Juniors are to go through For further enquiries, please contact: Vicki Matzakof – 0401556953 - Costs only provided Vlad Merkin (Junior President) on: Vic2005optusnet.com.au In an update to our junior girls T: 0413300297 Contact E: [email protected] teams for 2009, we will fi eld an Nicki Zapantis – 0402237408 U14 , U15, U16 & U18 side. [email protected] efi eld@southyar- rasc.com.au or call A few spots remain so please call Proudly Sponsored by 0439974490 0408 686 272 or ASM Commercial Eastern Lions S.C., Gardiners Reserve, email [email protected] 1 Macquarie St, Prahran Sixth Avenue, Burwood 3125 with any enquiries. T: 9510 3366 Melway Ref: 60 J8 ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p23 Beam Me Up Scotty Dept. FANTASY FOOTBALL TECHNOLOGY – A GIFT FOR ALL TO BE SEEN OR A RIFT IN BETWEEN? Football’s Future Foray In The Name Of Fair Game The ‘good old days’ of football may tiful game is healthy and hearty. just be when decisions were made The other reason why I feel that goal-line by referees, contested by players and technology would not work is that very state- discussed by fans. ment – HOW will it work? Let’s take a sce- Indeed, it is that very latter point that points nario. Team A has a corner against Team B. to the pointless inclusion of technology in The ball is delivered into the box and it is football. If all decisions are to be viewed and loose; players from both teams scramble to then reviewed, surely the poignant pleasure get the ball. Team A strikes a loose ball amidst of discussing the ‘match last night’ with fel- the chaos and it canons off the underside of low fans will take a hit to the heart. Given, the bar. Appeals aloud from Team A. But the technology’s inclusion may be frustrating, but ball goes straight back to Team A from the re- surely some of the forms of technology to be bounded crossbar, they surely look to hit the included do have some ‘point’. net now, it’s a great chance... they... [SCENE When referees began wearing earpieces PAUSES]. it became apparent that football is heading If goal-line technology is to be used, the down the road of innovation. That is not to question is ‘At what point does the referee sound disparaging but is to merely point out stop play?’ Should he have blown or referred the fact that the game was changing, or rather to the technology on video when the ball the ‘running’ of a game was. There was little came down from the underside of the bar? resilience over the earpiece as compared to If so, and the ball did not cross the line then other options on the table. he would have made a mistake in not allow- The main reason for this was that other ing the advantage had Team A ‘... scored from sports’ offi cials were already using it, and the rebound’. Or he could have waited and let more importantly, were benefi ting from doing play have carried on which was when Team so. Football is forever told to take a page out Exterminate! Exterminate! The Daleks give chase in a local derby clash. A ‘... missed from the rebound’. However, of Rugby’s book, for it behaves well and is the replay later might have shown the initial run well on the fi eld. Why not? If it can help ‘new technology’ that was there to be played perhaps the Germans would not be so bitter strike did cross the line - huge error. This is an in some decisions, and was blindingly obvi- with -nonsensical. about the 1966 World Cup fi nal. The cor- obvious and quite unhelpful fl aw of goal-line ous to begin with, then of course such a minor Last but not least it is the big one, and it rect decision would have been made. More- video replays and the big question it adverse- thing should be prevalent. Referees can now directly involves the game. Goal-line technol- over, Chesterfi eld’s Jonathon Howard would ly poses is as aforementioned, ‘When does the communicate with their assistants for... assis- ogy; will they, won’t they? Aptly, can they or have been celebrating the possibility of one referee stop play?’ However, the emphasis tance (a whole different topic I know!). can’t they? Should they? of the greatest ever giant killings after his ef- now, thankfully, is more on in-ball technol- Moreover, whatever is said in the earpiece Many goals that were, perhaps should not fort would have probably put Middlesbrough ogy for goal-line decisions whereby a chip of is recorded and can later be reviewed, which have been allowed as the ball did not cross the out of the F.A. Cup semi fi nal. His shot was some sort will be placed inside the ball which is a very decent reason for its presence - if line and many that weren’t, perhaps should clearly over the line. Therefore, the most im- will be read by some device which will in turn of course such discretions are adhered to. have (point to be noted - Roy Carroll con- portant thing here is that goal-line technology clearly indicate a ball’s position in relation to Earpieces are similar to black-boxes in aero- ceded from Spur’s halfway line effort. Tech- should make correct VITAL decisions. Had the line. A mouthful I know, but imagine what planes whereby the verbal is recorded. How- nology was not an issue here. Offi cials’ sanity the above two examples been given correctly, ‘full’ the referee will get if this malfunctions ever, unlike the aeroplane’s, the referee’s was). Moving on to other examples; did the then great tales would have ensued. Or is it during a game. There is that possibility. Also, earpiece when reviewed may just disclose the ball really cross the line in the 1966 World the other way round? With all due respect to just how accurate will it be? If the grey area reasons why thousands of fans’ hopes came Cup fi nal? Was lowly Chesterfi eld denied a Chesterfi eld’s viewpoint, is this not a better can be made black and white, and it is MORE crashing down to earth – bad decisions were 1997 F.A. Cup fi nal? It is the ‘question’ which tale? The type of tale you recount with fans than one hundred percent if possible AND it in the air! And they still are. So just how ef- goal-line technology serves to answer. around football campfi res; stuff of legend; is rapid and clear, then why not? But this list fective is an earpiece to the improvement of a There was a time when the only the poignant football folklore. Surely it is the of demands is surely too extensive to be fully referee’s ability in making the right call? Not technology I would be in support of was goal- juxtaposition of the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ that form satisfi ed, which is why goal-line technology very. But are they useful? Perhaps, for logisti- line technology. However, the more I think of the body of what we affectionately call the is perhaps best left alone. cal reasons only. Let’s be honest, there cannot it, the more I think. Let’s look at the advan- ‘beautiful game’. Paradoxically, this ugliness Even when Hawkeye (who still cannot get it really be much difference in the amount of tage (s?) and the disadvantages. is what makes our game so beautiful. I agree, right, and they are the daddies of it all) is used correct decisions made pre and post earpiece For one, had goal-line technology been a this is a stance of a romantic, a dreamer, but in tennis, there is still that subconscious mind era. So to conclude, an earpiece is acceptable common method of referral for referees then sometimes dreaming about wooing the beau- that challenges its competence. In such an en- and to its credit, it has a become a necessity. vironment, when the ball is out of play after a When trying to keep pace with the mov- shot and there is a one on one level, technolo- ing world, FIFA seeks further technological gy has its place. Moreover, cricket has unfor- aid. What can improve the game further? tunately gone to referrals, which is a massive And here comes the most ridiculous ‘allow- put off for the implementation of technology. ance’ which clubs could have taken up if The referee and his position, which FIFA desired - the screens in dugouts for manag- holds in such high esteem (remember the re- ers to ‘review’ parts of play. It was a case of cent ‘Get on with it’ campaign) will have his ‘show the prosecutor the evidence, and hope integrity questioned if football is seduced by he doesn’t retaliate’. All will recall the infa- technology. No doubt, when making a deci- mous incident where Jose Mourinho smashed sion with technology’s aid, the referee will ei- the screen in his plight to the referee’s inepti- ther be complimented or pilloried, but either tude. He saw what the referee did not, or he which way, he WILL be undermined. did not see what the referee did. Mourinho Technology therefore is a gift which will perhaps had the best view, but he did not have cause a rift between ‘what we know and the ‘actual’ view where the referee went on a love’ and ‘what is out there waiting’. Botox split second moment which appeared to have and facelifts are simply the same face, only happened. Referee’s do not have it easy, there shinier! They may think the same and appear is no doubt, but such inclusions only makes the same, but when they talk, we can see the it easier to point this out – hence the screen effort! is now not allowed in dugouts. As if Sir Alex For me, football needs to treat technology ten- needed anymore excuse to abuse. “Here Sir tatively. Alex”, say the football governing body, “take this bat and knock us out if you wish.” Evi- The debate rages whether technology has a role to play in game chang- By Sukhi Randhawa dently, the dugout screens were not meant to ing football decisions on the fi eld. The 1966 World Cup Final is a classic infl uence the game per se, but they were just a example where the camera and the referee didn’t quite see eye to eye. Photos by Archive

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p23 THE WORLD GAME Creme De La Creme Dept. UNITED LEFT RED FACED Quattro Basta For Juve, Hertha Hones In ENGLAND blocked by his marker’s arms in a manner that brace saw them come back from a goal down to Liverpool breathed fresh life into almost certainly merited a penalty. stun Bologna. EPL STANDINGS the Premier League title race on Referee Alan Wiley declined but he Inter Milan can re-establish a seven- P GD PTS Saturday after coming from a goal down to was left with no option four minutes before point advantage on Sunday when they entertain 1 Manchester United 28 +33 65 complete a stunning 4-1 defeat of Manchester the break when Patrice Evra clipped Gerrard’s Fiorentina. 2 Liverpool 29 +28 61 United in front of a disbelieving Old Trafford ankle. In the day’s other game, Ruben Oli- 3 Chelsea 28 +32 58 crowd. Van der Sar was booked for his vera scored the only goal six minutes from time 4 Arsenal 29 +19 52 Knowing victory would effectively diversionary antics before the penalty could be as Genoa won 1-0 at Cagliari, for whom Andrea 5 Aston Villa 28 +13 52 wrap up a third straight title, United looked to taken but Gerrard was not unnerved, fi nding the Cossu was sent off in the fi rst half. 6 Everton 29 +10 48 be fi rmly on track when Cristiano Ronaldo fi red bottom corner before celebrating by kissing the The win moved Genoa up to fourth 7 West Ham United 28 +0 39 them ahead from the penalty spot. lens of a television camera. place in the fi nal Champions League qualifying 8 Wigan Athletic 29 +1 38 But a rare mistake by Nemanja Vidic, In between the Liverpool goals, position, although Fiorentina and AS Roma can 9 Fulham 29 +2 37 whose miserable afternoon ended with a straight United had been in the ascendant, with Reina both leapfrog them on Sunday. 10 Manchester City 28 +9 35 red card 15 minutes from time, gifted Fernando needing two attempts to smother a Ronaldo 11 Bolton Wanderers 29 -12 33 Torres an equaliser. free-kick and Michael Carrick going close with GERMANY 12 Hull City 29 -16 33 A Steven Gerrard penalty ensured a 25-yarder. Hot-shot striker Andrei Voronin 13 Tottenham Hotspur 28 +0 32 Liverpool were ahead at the break and Fabio Ferguson’s side re-established their scored his eighth goal in six 14 Sunderland 29 -9 32 Aurelio’s perfectly free-kick ended the contest territorial dominance after the break but an hour games to keep Hertha Berlin four 15 Blackburn Rovers 29 -16 30 after Vidic’s professional foul on Gerrard. had elapsed before they generated a real chance, points clear at the top of the Bundesliga on 16 Newcastle United 29 -11 29 Substitute Andrea Dossena then courtesy of a Michael Carrick chip that found Saturday and seal their 1-0 win over Bayer 17 Portsmouth 28 -15 29 rubbed salt into the wounds in stoppage time, Tevez deep in the box, albeit with his back to Leverkusen. 18 Stoke City 29 -19 29 running on to a Jose Reina punt upfi eld before goal. The 29-year-old is on loan from 19 Middlesbrough 29 -20 27 beating Edwin van der Sar with a deft lob. The fl ag stayed down, Tevez’s control Premier League side Liverpool, but Hertha will 20 West Bromwich Albion 28 -29 22 Liverpool’s performance was all the with his chest and turn were exemplary but the be in no hurry to give the Ukrainian back after more remarkable for the handicaps they carried shot that followed was scuffed wide. he followed up last week’s hat-trick against En- into the match. A calf strain deprived Benitez Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Berba- ergie Cottbus with the goal which claimed three BUNDESLIGA tov were all thrown into the fray but United’s points. of Xabi Alonso and a warm-up injury to Alvaro P GD PTS hopes of a comeback when Vidic, having of- There was a battle royal at Hanover as Arbeloa necessitated a last-minute defensive re- 1 Hertha BSC 24 +12 49 fered Gerrard a clear run at goal, grappled the the home side drew 4-4 with Borussia Dort- shuffl e, Sami Hyypia starting at centreback with 2 Bayern München 24 +21 45 Liverpool captain to the turf. mund while Borussia Moechengladbach picked Jamie Carragher shunted into Arbeloa’s berth at 3 Vf Wolfsburg 24 +19 45 A straight red card was the only option up their third win in four games to ease their right-back. 4 Hoffenheim 24 +18 43 for Wiley and Aurelio ensured the maximum relegation worries with a 4-2 win at Cologne. As anticipated, Ferguson inserted 5 Hamburger SV 23 +0 42 sanction was applied by dipping the resulting And Karlsruhe are now three points Anderson’s combativeness and Park Ji-Sung’s 6 VfB Stuttgart 23 +10 39 free-kick into the corner. off the pace at the foot of the table after they pace into his midfi eld. Less expected was the 7 Bayer Leverkusen 24 +13 37 There was still time for Gerrard to were beaten 1-0 at home by Arminia Bielefeld. promotion of Carlos Tevez at the expense of 8 Schalke 04 24 +8 37 blast high into the Stretford End from 12 yards On Friday, Brazilian striker Grafi te Dimitar Berbatov but the Argentinian justi- 9 Borussia Dortmund 24 +5 34 but Liverpool were not to be denied their fourth. scored a hat-trick to help VfL Wolfsburg beat fi ed his selection by instigating the move that 10 Werder Bremen 23 +8 29 Four days after dishing out a 4-0 Schalke 04 4-3 to put his side up to third as the enabled United to take the lead after 22 minutes 11 1. FC Köln 24 -8 29 thrashing of Real Madrid, the Reds came from hosts remain unbeaten this season. of scrappy preliminaries. 12 Eintracht Frankfurt 24 -9 25 behind to complete their biggest win at United On Sunday, midtable Werder Bremen Tevez played Park in behind the Finn- 13 Hannover 96 24 -17 25 since 1936. host VfB Stuttgart while Hamburg at home to ish centre-back and the midfi elder was also too 14 Arminia Bieefe 24 -12 24 With a four-point lead and a game in Energie Cottbus. quick for Reina, whose mistimed dive upended 15 Vf Bochum 24 -12 22 hand, United still look likely to go on to claim After their Champions League heroics the Korean. 16 Borussia M’gladbach 24 -14 22 the title, but Liverpool fans will savour the con- in midweek, when they sealed a 12-1 aggregate Ronaldo’s spot-kick was dispatched 17 Energie Cottbus 23 -19 20 siderable bragging rights attached to this win. win over Sporting Lisbon, Bayern Munich are into the goalkeeper’s right-hand corner with 18 Karsruherl SC 24 -23 17 such ferocity that even Reina, a specialist in the Meanwhile in London, Andrey second as they had few problems beating ten- art of stopping penalties, was unable to get a Arshavin repaid a hefty chunk of his transfer man Bochum 3-0 away from home. glove on it. fee as the Russian inspired Arsenal to an im- SPL STANDINGS The degree of comfort with which pressive 4-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday. SCOTLAND Arshavin capped a dazzling individual P GD PTS United’s back four had initially neutralised the Hibernian manager Mixu Paate- display with two goals - his fi rst since his high- 1 Celtic FC 28 +35 63 threat posed by Gerrard and Torres, and the lainen savoured his fi rst taste of profi le 15 million-pound move from Zenit St 2 Rangers FC 28 +37 60 Spaniard’s grimaces at the pain emanating from victory in the Edinburgh derby Petersburg in the winter transfer window - to 3 Heart of Midlothian 29 +1 48 his heavily strapped right ankle, also augured as Steven Fletcher’s goal clinched a 1-0 suc- kill off Rovers at the Emirates Stadium. 4 Aberdeen FC 29 +4 43 badly for Liverpool. cess against Hearts on Saturday. Arshavin’s clinical edge was sorely 5 Dundee United FC 29 +2 43 Yet within fi ve minutes they were Fletcher turned in Alan O’Brien’s needed for Arsenal and two late goals from level, courtesy of a double lapse from Vidic, cross before both sides were reduced to 10 men Emmanuel Eboue - a close-range fi nish and a who misjudged Reina’s punt, allowing it to fl y during more than seven minutes of fi rst-half SERIE A STANDINGS cool penalty - gave the scoreline some deserved over his shoulder, then allowed Torres to nip in injury-time at Easter Road. polish. from behind and steal the ball away. David Clarkson came off the bench to P GD PTS A convincing win lifted Arsenal - who Vidic then slipped, ensuring Torres score the decisive goal in Motherwell’s 2-1 win 1 Inter Milan 27 +28 63 have not lost in the league since the end of No- was unchallenged as he tapped the ball past van at home to Dundee United. 2 Juventus 28 +25 59 vember - back into the top four for the fi rst time der Sar. Chris Maguire gave Aberdeen their 3 AC Milan 27 +19 51 in over two months. WTorres’s ability to unnerve the fi rst league win since January with a 1-0 victory 4 Genoa 28 +10 48 Across town at Craven Cottage, An- very best defenders was in evidence again four over a Hamilton side. 5 Fiorentina 27 +11 46 drew Johnson, Simon Davies and Diomansy minutes later. Having nodded the ball past Vidic Inverness claimed a crucial 2-1 vic- 6 AS Roma 27 +6 45 Kamara scored for Fulham in a 3-1 victory in the area, the Spaniard found his progress tory over Kilmarnock which took them four 7 Lazio Roma 27 +2 41 over Bolton to notch up their fi rst away Pre- points clear of bottom spot and hauled Killie 8 Cagliari 28 +4 39 miership win of the season and stop the rot of into the relegation mire. 9 Palermo 27 -1 39 two consecutive defeats. Rngers and Celtic were to meet in the Scottish 10 Atalanta 27 +0 36 league Cup fi nal overnight. 11 Napoli 27 +0 35 12 Udinese 27 -1 35 ITALY 13 Catania 27 -5 33 14 Sampdoria 27 -7 32 Juventus showed no hangover from SPAIN their midweek Champions League 15 Siena 27 -4 31 Real Madrid bounced back from exit as they closed the gap on leaders Inter 16 Bologna 28 -15 26 their Champions League heart- Milan to four points with a 4-1 home win 17 Torino 27 -15 24 break by crushing 10-man Athletic over Bologna on Saturday. 18 Chievo Verona 27 -15 24 Bilbao 5-2 on Saturday to cut Barcelona’s Claudio Ranieri’s team were knocked 19 Lecce 27 -19 23 lead at the top in Spain to just three points. out of Europe after drawing 2-2 at home to 20 Reggina 27 -23 19 Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, top of the table for Chelsea on Tuesday, seeing them beaten 3-2 on most of the season, can restore their lead to six aggregate. points with victory over Almeria on Sunday. By Julius Ross Liverpool midfi elder Steven Gerrard But goals from Hasan Salihamidzic, (left) scores a penalty against Man- Sebastian Giovinco and an Alessandro Del Piero Photos by Soccer Way chester United.

p24 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 The Cream Of Manchester LONDON CALLING Sir Alex Ferguson The Greatest British Manager Of All Time? A mistake by Ryan Taylor lets in had three main United squads; the early to Manchester United to score their mid-nineties, the late nineties to early two forty-eighth goal of this years cam- thousands, and his current squad. Two of paign. which have won the European Cup, and all United hold on to beat Newcastle by two of which have won both the League and goals to one, putting themselves seven the FA Cup. His only true comparison in points clear of both Liverpool and Chelsea the League at the moment, Arsene Wenger, with a game in hand over both. The league has achieved similar in that he has won the looks very much like it will be heading League with two different squads. Howev- to Manchester again this season, for an er, Wenger has been unable to win back to eleventh time since the Premier League’s back titles, and has no European success. beginnings in 1992. And one man has Jose Mourinho did at Chelsea, yet he has masterminded them all. Sir Alex Ferguson. not been able to rebuild a squad in the way So is he the greatest manager Britain has Ferguson has. ever seen? With no parallels in this age, one should Already this season Manchester United look back to older managers. Take away have won both the FIFA Club World Cup the emotion surrounding Sir Matt Busby and the English League Cup, are among and one can see that he simply did not the favourites in both the UEFA Cham- achieve what Ferguson has. Brian Clough pions League and the FA Cup, and are managed to take a smaller club to become leading the English Premiership by seven European Champions, but he has not sus- points. It is possible that at the end of tained success. Bob Paisley had more Eu- this season Sir Alex Ferguson will have ropean success, yet he took over an already fi ve more trophies to add to his already Another bit of silverware to add to the collection: Sir Alex holds aloft great team, and he also found it diffi cult to crowded mantelpiece. trophy number 43 in a long and illustrious managerial career. compete on all fronts in the same way Sir Quite simply Ferguson is the most suc- Alex has been able to. cessful manager in British football history. shape. And then they started to win. The forced absence of English teams from And so this is my case for Sir Alex to be He has won over forty trophies during his It is under Ferguson’s tutelage than Unit- the European Cup competition meant that considered the greatest. No other manager career including ten Premier League titles, ed have become a winning machine. After when Ferguson (along with teams like has had the same sustained success that he fi ve FA cups and two Champions League winning their fi rst League title there was Blackburn) forayed into the Champions has. No other manager has been able to titles. That is more than other greats such simply no stopping them. Since the early League for the fi rst time they were some- rebuild his squad again and again to renew as Herbert Chapman, Bill Shankly, Brian nineties, United have not only challenged times embarrassingly outclassed. However their, at times, relentless attack on silver- Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby. for, but have been among the favourites Ferguson, with perhaps the strongest squad ware. Considerably more. However it is not for, every major honour in English club he has ever had, fi nally won the trophy in Of course, it could be said that United just his unerring eye for titles which leads football. 1999. He has since added to this success have been able to buy the players to make many people to believe he is the greatest In Champions League terms, much like by beating Chelsea in the 2008 fi nal. them successful. And that is true. But the ever. in the League, United struggled at fi rst. During his time at United Ferguson has point is that it is through their own suc- Ferguson fi rst came onto the world radar cesses that they have been able to become whilst managing Aberdeen. The successes Manchester United arguably the biggest and richest club in the world. And also one would be forgetting of Aberdeen provided perhaps the most Sir Fergie’s Premier League: 1993, 1994, obvious and undisputable evidence of about the players like Butt, Giggs, Scholes, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, Ferguson’s greatness. Whilst at the club Honours the Neville’s and of course the future Sir he won ten trophies including three league 2003, 2007, 2008 David Beckham, all of which were coaxed FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, titles and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup. He St Mirran through the youth teams at United into the 2004 successfully broke Glasgow’s (via Rangers Scottish First Division: 1977 fi rst team by Ferguson. and Celtic) fi fteen year hold on the title; League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009 Ultimately, there is no fi eld by which we a feat which has yet to be repeated since. FA Community Shield: 1990*, can judge a football manager in which Sir Aberdeen After his continuing success at the club 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, Alex Ferguson has not excelled himself. Scottish Premier Division: 1980, Ferguson was offered the job at Man- 2007, 2008 At this moment United are League Cham- 1984, 1985 chester United. UEFA Champions League: 1999, pions, they are European Champions, and Scottish Cup: 1982, 1983, 1984, The fi rst few years at United were not 2008 they are World Champions. And sitting on among Ferguson’s greatest; in fact he came 1986 top of all this success is one man, viciously UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1991 within a game of being sacked (or so the Scottish League Cup: 1986 chewing his chewing gum with his face UEFA Super Cup: 1991 story goes). However after some astute UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1983 getting redder and redder by the minute. Intercontinental Cup: 1999 signings such as Steve Bruce, Paul Ince UEFA Super Cup: 1983 and Gary Pallister, as well as the welcom- FIFA Club World Cup: 2008 By Adam North ing back of Mark Hughes from abroad, the Photo by MUFC early nineties United team began to take

ISSUE #4 Monday 16th March 2009 p25 LONDON CALLING Breaking the Drought Dept. FACING THE CONSEQUENCES Anfi eld’s Yearn For Title Return Continues... Football is like life. There are laws. Not in England. just of the red and yellow card type but For his part Benitez, not one to miss a media natural laws. opportunity to big himself up when he has the The law of gravity applies to football. What upper hand, used the superb win over Real goes up comes down. West Bromwich Albion’s Madrid to call for stability at Liverpool. His inevitable slide back from whence they came words were a warning to the owners to preserve after just one season in the EPL is testimony to his as manager and give him the contract he that law. wants. Like most things he does, this is a calcu- Then there is the law that governs all football lated move by Benitez, coming when his stock fans. The law of expectation. This law dictates amongst the fans is at its highest. that a fan’s happiness is in direct correlation to He hasn’t been shy in using his infl uence on whether our team surpasses or dips below our the co-owners, George Gillette and Tom Hicks, expectations. to help oust Rick Parry from his job as chief In the case of Liverpool Football Club the executive at the end of this season. Parry is in expectations are clear. Win their fi rst champion- essence Benitez’s boss, overseeing transfers. It ship since 1989-90. In the light of Saturday’s was Parry who was reported to have not been 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United, Liverpool willing to pay in excess of £17m for Gareth lie 4 points adrift of the reigning champions. Barry. The question is, after their fantastic week, Parry had good cause to interject. In Benitez’s how close are the Anfi eld faithful to seeing their reign there has been a revolving door of players 18th title under Rafael Benitez? he has bought and discarded. It hardly inspired Their points tally is greater now than at this confi dence in Parry that Benitez was desperate stage last year and they have lost only twice to sign then Manchester United left-back Ga- in the league all season, remaining unbeaten briel Heinze, whose form for Real Madrid over against clubs in the top six. Yet this probably the two legs must have had the Liverpool boss won’t be enough. The problem is that despite breathing a sigh of relief that the coup failed. Super against Madrid one week, frustrating aginst Stoke the next. their fi rst home loss of the season Manchester His transfer policy has contributed to the lack United can open up a 7 point lead if they win of a title challenge. If Benitez so badly wants Rafa’s Reds draw bores might ultimately prove costly in the quest to their game in hand, nipping the challenge of stability at Liverpool perhaps he should start end Liverpool’s 18 year EPL title drought. Liverpool in the bud. with buying players he wants to keep for more against Real Madrid was almost unrecognisable gone unbeaten in the UCL. Yet the league is a On December 28th it all looked so different. than a season or two. for such a huge club. different animal. The smaller teams in England Liverpool crushed Newcastle 5-1 to open up a During his reign Liverpool has one European Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Sami Hypia, sit back and defend against Liverpool so they 3-point gap on Chelsea, with a 10 point cushion cup and an FA cup (I’m not counting charity Martin Kelly, Lucas Leiva, David Ngog, Jay cannot play their favoured counter-attacking on Man Utd having played three games more. shield and European super cup wins as they are Spearing game. Fast forward 2 ½ months and though the not in my eyes major trophies) – both won on The empathic win over Real last Wednesday past week has put a smile back on the red half penalties – to show from his four full seasons. Just as well they were winning when Benitez is in contrast to their home form in the league of Merseyside is anyone willing to bet that So given two major trophies in four years made his substitutions. Can you imagine any which has seen them drop points to Stoke, Ful- United’s defeat – aided by Nemanja Vidic’s red why has Rafa got seemingly bullet-proof job of those guys making a difference in the game? ham, West Ham (all 0-0 bore draws), Everton, card – was nothing more than a blip? security? No matter how much he disliked Robbie Keane, Man City (both 1-1) and Hull City (2-2). This That leaves Liverpool with only the UCL as In two words boardroom politics. The surely he was a better attacking option than is the real reason they won’t win the league this their one realistic goal this season. Perhaps be- unpopularity of the owners amongst fans and Ngog and Spearing? season. cause of this Benitez hasn’t been immune from Benitez’s own status are polar opposites. Both As for injuries, I didn’t hear the injury excuse criticism this season, with open questioning of co-owners would gladly sell their stake to the when Liverpool beat Manchester United at So what does the future hold for Liverpool? his transfer policy. Kuwaiti businessmen they are currently in talks Anfi eld in September sans their two best play- More of the same unless they: The Daily Mail writer James Lawton reported with. ers, who were on the bench. It is true that Torres a strong rumour that Benitez didn’t really want has been missing for signifi cant portions of the 1) Change the formation, the 4-4-1-1 forma- summer arrival Robbie Keane, that he was al- ‘He was well known at Valencia for season but in the six games in which they have tion is great in Europe and away from home in legedly forced upon him by Rick Parry. Given fostering a defensive culture. If they dropped points at home Gerrard and Torres England but lacks dynamism at home. the role call of discarded strikers at Liverpool went 1-0 ahead the game was over. missed only 2 games each. However, a telling under Benitez the theory is shaky at best. For But England is not Spain and Liver- fi gure is that they started only two of those to- 2) Change personnel by acquiring creative play- every Fernando Torres that Benitez has signed pool isn’t Valencia’ gether, against Everton and Stoke. Given Torres ers that can change a game and turn draws into there is a Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy, Robbie injury concerns maybe Rafa should strengthen wins, ones that add depth to the squad. Fowler, Fernando Morientes and Robbie Keane. the squad next season with a striker that he’ll Strikers are his playthings and Torres aside he The ownership issue does not distract the fans stick with for longer than six months. 3) Change manager. Some say he has he taken seems to get bored with them. from Liverpool’s failure to sustain a title chal- That’s if he’ll be there. To date he hasn’t them as far as he can. There are also doubts about his ability to lenge. Next year Arsenal will surely improve signed a new contract. One of his concerns was manage the team to a 38 game league title in a and perhaps have fewer injuries to contend with, the role of Rick Parry in transfer affairs. Now None of these is likely until the off season so foreign country. He was well known at Valencia making it even harder for the reds. The question the only sticking point appears to be getting the though Liverpool are closer to Man Utd than for fostering a defensive culture. If they went remains why are Liverpool trailing United when American owners to agree that he should have last year in terms of points they still haven’t met 1-0 ahead the game was over. But England is they perform so well against the big clubs. full control over transfer policy. the great expectations of league success and one not Spain and Liverpool isn’t Valencia, where Rafa will point to the injuries to Gerrard and My money is on Rafa getting his way. He still wonders if under Benitez they ever will. he at least had the playmaking skills of Pablo Torres but injuries are like rain in England, you enjoys the bulk of support from fans and while Aimar to create something in tight games. know it’s going to happen you just don’t know they are in the UCL they remain a tough team to STATS FROM LIVERPOOLFC.TV At Liverpool he’s increasingly had to defend when. Champions ride out adversity, becoming beat. Yet it is this very success that sheds light himself against a hostile media corps, made up stronger for it. That is why top four clubs like on why I feel Liverpool won’t win the league mainly of ex-players who act as pundits on TV Liverpool are supposed to have a deep squad to under Benitez. shows. Paul Merson, the ex-Arsenal player, was call on, to replace injured stars. By Leroy Jerome Robinson True, they are hard to beat having lost just one of those a few weeks ago expressing doubts Herein lays Liverpool’s problem. The squad twice this season in the domestic league and that Benitez ‘has what it takes’ to win the league lack quality in depth. The Liverpool bench Photo by Soccer Way

p26 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 TONY OULIARIS HEIDELBERG UNITED WARRIORS FC FOOTBALL FOCUS FULL NAME: Anthony Ouliaris BIRTHPLACE: Australia BIRTH DATE: 7/7/80 HEIGHT: 181 cm WEIGHT: 78 kg MARRIED: Don’t be silly CAR: 1991 Mercedes OCCUPATION OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL: Panel beater…… Oh, outside of football. Concreter NICKNAME: Ouliari PREVIOUS CLUBS: Whittlesea Stallions, Carlton REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS: State team 2006-2008 CHILDHOOD FOOTBALL HERO: Paulo Di Canio FAVOURITE O/S PLAYER: Cesc Fabrigas FAVOURITE VPL PLAYER: Andy Vlahos FAVOURITE FORMER SOCCEROO: Charlie Yankos FAVOURITE CURRENT SOCCEROO: Matt Simon MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A PLAYER: Last year don’t remember who we played but on that day I landed a 350/1 multi. BANG! MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A FAN: Heidelberg V Richmond (got sent off in the 3rd minute) MOST MEMORABLE GOAL YOU’VE SCORED: Too many to mention EARLIEST FOOTBALL MEMORY: Watching Dean Fak play in the VPL when I was 4 (give a young kid a go!) FUNNIEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Andy Vargas’ wig BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Not making an appearance for the national team (every- one else has) WORST INJURY: Knee reconstruction, Osteitis pubis MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT: Amir Armeti FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND: Epping Stadium SUPERSTITIONS: None TYPICAL MATCH DAY MEAL: Subway WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS: Blistering speed WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES: Everything else FAVOURITE TEAM WHEN GROWING UP: Arsenal FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTS: Love all sports FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTSPERSON: John Daley (legend) FAVOURITE FOODS: All foods FAVOURITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Jim Carey HOBBIES: Surfi ng FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT: Anywhere there is surf and sun FAVOURITE NIGHTSPOT: Lady Lux (Sydney) IDEAL DATE: Lara Bingle FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Acropolis Now FAVOURITE MUSIC: Electro House Photo by Daniel Flis FAVOURITE FILM: Ace Ventura Pet Detective LAST SOCCER SHIRT YOU BOUGHT: Arsenal FUNNIEST RUMOUR YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT YOURSELF: None BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON CAREER: Nick Marinos (it went downhill once I met him) BIGGEST DRAG IN SOCCER: Getting injured FOOTBALL AMBITION: Ambition is just an excuse for not having the guts to be lazy WHICH PERSON IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET? : The fl ea papoutsi YOUR TIP FOR THIS YEAR’S VPL: Bergers v Gully fi nal

p27 Monday 16th March 2009 ISSUE #4 PO Box 142 Port Melbourne Vic 3207 p. (03) 9645 1440 m. 0428 291 897 e. [email protected] www.goalweekly.com