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PO Box 142 COPACABANA Port 3207 INTERNATIONAL p (03) 9645 1440 e [email protected] Bar I Restaurant I Entertainment I Dancing www.goalweekly.com 139 SMITH STREET FITZROY 3065 T: 9417 7099 BOOK FOR VALENTINES DAY - Complimentary Champagne on arrival - Candle-Lit Dinner - Live Latin Band - $45pp Goal! Weekly THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES DEPT. Goal! Weekly 31 By Craig MacKenzie THREEPEATS FOR HELLAS, GULLY, MAGIC, RUNAWAY WIN FOR PORT South Melbourne Hellas, Green Gully Ajax Green Gully’s title threepeat started drove back home and Altona Magic are the only clubs in 50 in 1981. Bobby McLachlan had taken over the later I didn’t even years of Victorian State League and Premier coaching reins for the previous season in unusual notice Cameron League football to win championships three circumstances. next to me in the years in a row while the greatest winning “I wasn’t even interested in the job,” said car because I had Flis Daniel by Photo margin belongs to Port Melbourne Sharks McLachlan. “But (club president) Guy Spiteri that many thoughts who won the 1995 ‘minor kept at me and eventually I agreed to a meeting. I going through my premiership’ by a staggering 22 points. took my young son Cameron with me and drove head about signing In 1963 Hellas recruited Tommy from Blackburn to Green Gully on a cold, wet, this player and that Anderson from George Cross, the same Tommy wintry day and when I got there the fi rst thing player.” Anderson that bobs up now and then on SBS TV. Guy said to me was ‘we’re stuffed and you’re And sign A further recruiting drive in 1964 yielded former the man that can get us out of this’. When I he did. During Manchester United apprentice Ernie Ackerley, McLachlan’s Jim Pyrgolios from Panathinaikos, Sam Service tenure at Gully and Jim Adam. These recruits played an integral (Len McKendry role in kickstarting a run of three consecutive took over for titles in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Winger Leo the successful Damianakos from Kalamata was added to the 1983 season after squad in 1965 after waiting a full year for his McLachlan had left clearance, but one of the club’s greatest ever to join Footcsray imports was to arrive and have a spectacular JUST) he coached impact on its fortunes for the 1966 season. an Australian The runaway Port Melbourne Sharks side of 1995. Kostas Nestorides was already a international household name in Greece when Hellas snared (Billy Vojtek), a solitary loss throughout the Premier League his signature. Born in in 1930, his senior Maltese international (Willie Vassallo), an season. Although the side didn’t reach the Grand career started at Panionios where he played Irish international (Jimmy Dunne) and a Welsh Final that year, the 22-point margin to second- until 1955. An illustrious spell at AEK began in international (David Smallman). placed Altona Magic (who beat Bulleen 3-2 in 1957 after the star striker was forced to sit out He also lured Gus Macleod, Peter Lewis, that Grand Final) remains the greatest winning the 1956 season because of a dispute between Paul Lewis, John Gardiner, Peter Boyle, Peter margin in the history of the game at the elite Panionios and AEK over his pending transfer. Dickson, Bill Morrey, Alan Bennett and a host level in Victoria. But the wait was well worth it for AEK as of others during Gully’s most successful ever The mainstays of what must rate as Nestorides won top scorer honours in Greece era (for fans that remember Morrey, next time one of the best ever squads in Port’s history for fi ve consecutive seasons between 1958 and you see his nephew on TV you’ll understand included Con Argyriou, Dean Fak, George 1963. which side of the family Manchester United and Svigos, John Dimitrelos, Leo Kyriakopoulos, Less than three years later he was England superstar gets his power Michael Lilikakis, Nick Papadopoulos, Nick playing for Hellas and his presence immediately and aggression from, and a fair bit of ability too). Tsaltas and Sava Rusmir. doubled attendances. He certainly played his part The Takis Zvigos-coached Port Due to space restrictions we’ll take a look back on the fi eld by ending the 1966 season as leading Kostas Nestorides Melbourne left their rivals fl oundering in 1995 on the all conquering Magic side of the 1990’s in State League scorer. as they amassed 22 wins, three draws and one next week’s GW.

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Issue # 1 Monday 11 February 2008 Goal! Weekly LET’S GET THISSOCCER PARTY HOTLINES STARTED RIGHT DEPT. 3 [email protected] A message from the FFV’s CEO... This week’s line-up The 2008 season looks set to be a big exciting 26 rounds of the Foxtel Cup. year and we at FFV are very excited The Women’s Premier League Soccer Hotlines 3 about the up and coming Foxtel also looks set for an enthralling 2008 Thanks For The Memories 4 Cup and Women’s Premier League season after Heidelberg’s close victory Foxtel Cup Previews 5-21 seasons. in last year’s grand fi nal. Exciting changes to the We wish all the clubs the very Football Focus 16 competition this year include the best for the coming season and hope Foxtel Cup 2008 Fixtures 17-18 promotion of Frankston Pines and that this year the competition is played Coburg United into the Men’s Premier with excitement and enthusiasm and Tsigan’s Tsigar 22 League with South Melbourne and in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Boo’s World 23 Gippsland Soccer League joining the Katsa’s Korner 23 Women’s. With competition set to kick Mark Rendell Newsagents List 24 The FFV’s CEO, Mark Rendell (right) with off this week, we look with anticipation Chief Executive Offi cer Foxtel Cup coach Mike Chatzitrifonas at last Football West 25 to what we are confi dent will be a very Football Federation Australia year’s Gold Medal presentation night. New South Wales Preview 26 Football Tasmania 27 GW Classifi eds 28 THE BIG KICK-OFF! Soccer Sideshow 29 To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of many a great player grace the stage of the and look forward to enjoying the football the Victorian State/Premier League and State/VPL, including ex-Socceroos and that lays ahead. A-League 30 the commencement of Season 2008 lucky legends such as , Billy Vojtek, Remember, if you want to keep up Socceroo Poster 31 football fans across the state will be able Jimmy Armstrong and Branko Buljevic, just to date with all the action from the Foxtel to receive a complimentary copy of Goal! to name a few. But, in recent times the Foxtel Cup then don’t forget to grab your copy of Goal! Weekly is published every Monday by Weekly upon entry to any Foxtel Cup Cup has become a genuine stepping stone Goal! Weekly every Monday and support Alimental Enterprises Pty Ltd game this weekend. for players who aspire to reach the greater grass-roots football. Enjoy! PO Box 142 Over the next 9 months comprising heights in their respective football careers. Port Melbourne, VIC, 3207 26 rounds of competition, 182 games and a Phone: 9645-1440 Players of the calibre of Josip FOXTEL CUP Top Six Final Series, 14 of the state’s best Skoko (originally North Geelong), Sash ROUND 1 FIXTURES Printed by teams will embark on a quest to be crowned Ognenovski (Fawkner to Qld Roar), Daniel Streamline Press champions of Victoria. Come 5pm on Grand Vasilevski (Altona Magic to Melb Victory), 155 Johstone St Richmond v Preston Lions Fitzroy, VIC, 3065 Final day in October only one team will Daniel Piorkowski (Knights to Victory) and Fri 15 Feb 8:15PM remain standing having earned the right to Steven Pace (Lions to Victory), again, just Distributed by have its name inscribed on an honours board to name a few, have gone on to fulfi l their Frankston Pines v Oakleigh Cannons All Day Distribution Pty Ltd alongside many great champions of previous higher footballing ambitions after originally Monterey Reserve Sat 16 Feb 6:00PM PO Box 42 North Carlton, VIC, 3054 campaigns. turning out for a VPL side. Rest assured readers, Goal! Weekly Although the A-League generally comprises Western Suburbs v Coburg Utd News Room: (03) 9645-1440 will be upholding its commitment to Victorian the best players in Australia, the beauty of Ralph Reserve Sat 16 Feb 6:00PM Advertising: (03) 9645-1440 football and we’ll be there at every match the Foxtel Cup is that is provides fans the [email protected] following every kick in order to bring you opportunity to witness some of the country’s Altona Magic v Green Gully Cavaliers [email protected] all the ecstasy and agony of all the weekend future stars before the rest of the nation gets Paisley Park Sat 16 Feb 7:30PM www.goalweekly.com action every Monday at a newsagent near a glimpse. you. No doubt, competition will be fi erce this year Fawkner Blues v Melbourne Knights Costa Koutropoulos Editor: CB Smith Reserve Sat 17 Feb 6:00PM Art Director: Carlos Ibarra An exciting year of Jubilee football as clubs prepare to wrestle the Preston Lions Production: Gagandeep Singh, MJ Ali. lays ahead, and like you, we hold great for its Foxtel Cup crown. Major transfer anticipation of what promises to be a truly activity taken place over the summer months Heidelberg Utd v South Melbourne Contributors: enthralling season, adding to the rich history Olympic Village Sat 17 Feb 6:00PM Nat Adamopoulos, Mark Boric, Richard Bartolo, is testimony to that, and you can read all Adrian Ceddia, Bruce Darnell, George Egonidis, of Victoria’s elite competition. about it in the inside pages of this mag. Andrew Fisher, Jason Gillick, Steven Gray, In bygone years fans have seen No doubt, we’re in for a real feast Whittlesea Zebras v A.I.S Epping Markian Jaworsky, Paul Jefferies, Soccer Stadium Sat 18 Feb 8:15PM George Katsamboukas, Eddie Krncevic, John Kyrou, Sebastian Kipman, George Kouroumalis, Michael Lilikakis, PREMIER LEAGUE COMPETITION CELEBRATES 50! Josip Loncaric, Craig MacKenzie, Nino Napoli, Joe Novella,Jeremy O’Neil, Teo Pellizzeri, 3. David Hogben of Green Gully scoring Vassallo, Bobby Toal, Paul Lewis, Peter Chris Priftis, Walter Pless, Mike Salter, The Front Cover the winner against George Cross in the Boyle, David Hogben, Danny Beranic, George Stogiannou, Reuben Schembri, Goal! Weekly celebrates the Victorian Maltese derby in the State League in Kit Greechan. Photo: Les Shorrock. Richard Sucksmith,Lachlan Taylor, www.goalweekly.comwww.goalweekly.com 1983. Photo: Les Shorrock INSIDE THIS WEEK... www.goalweekly.com $3$3 Nick Townsend, Elias Simopoulos, State/Premier League turning 50 this VPL 2008 Preview Michal Skrodsky, Addy Wetzler, Bruno Zovko, 4. Winger Jimmy Malloy holds his head Boo, Katsa & Tsigan year. The photos from top left to World Cup Showdown after missing an open goal for Juventus SeasonSeason 4:4: IssueIssue 021 Monday Monday 20th 11th February February 2008 2008 1 bottom right are as follows: 2 Photographers: at in January 1968. Daniel Flis, Darryl Kennedy, 1. Cassar, Eddy Sacco and ‘keeper John Punshon, Steve Starek. Hobson watch the ball go past for a Les Shorrock collection. Therese Duffy, George Stogiannou. corner kick in an early State League 5. Green Gully Ajax, State League VPL match. Photo: Uwe Kuessner. Les Champions in 1983. Back row, left to right: Goal! Weekly endeavours to be Mario Borg (Manager), Steve McLelland, as accurate as possible with Shorrock collection. TURNS 3 everything it publishes. 2. Full strecth save by John Scholton of David Smallman (Player-coach), Ronnie Sunshine City against South Melbourne Kremers, Peter Lewis (Captain), Stuart 50! The Fair Trading Act 1999 Hellas in the mid-seventies. From Cannell, Jim Williams (Assistant Player- requires Goal! Weekly to 4 5 coach), Lou Denys, Steve Short, Steve PLUS► BLAST FROM THE PAST, SUCCEROO, FOOTBALL FOCUS, disclaim any belief in the truth or falsity of left Steve Kokoska, Dave Anderson, EDDIE KRNCEVIC, SOCEROO POSTER & MUCH MORE! McKenna, John Borg (Masser). COPACABANA information which is supplied to it and Scholten and Jim Armstrong of Hellas. INTERNATIONAL Bar I Restaurant I Entertainment I Dancing which is published in other than editorial content. Front row: Fabio Mansinelli, Willie 139 SMITH STREET FITZROY 3065 T: 9417 7099 Les Shorrock collection. 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Monday 11 February 2008  THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES DEPT. Goal! Weekly By Craig MacKenzie VPL COMES OF AGE With stars that graced the stage Great players, great rivalries and great cousin of Rangers legend Jim Baxter. tingle to this day. characters were the hallmarks of Victoria’s Hungarian-backed Melbourne won its Cumming, playing State League from its inception in 1958 to its only State League title in 1967. Atti Abonyi (89 on the left wing transformation into the Premier League for Socceroo appearances), Steve Bleskany and Joe for Victoria, was the 1991 season. Palinkas were stars at Melbourne over the years dispossessed by In some respects, when the State as was Scottish import Alistair Scott, who also Eskandarian who then League became the Premier League, a chapter played for Victoria. motored forward, of the game’s history in Victoria was closed. But And there was never any dearth of completely oblivious it’s a chapter that remains dear to the hearts of characters in the State League. One of the most to the fact that his many. controversial was Hakoah goalkeeper Mike diminutive opponent As a teenager in the 1960s my first O’Hara. He was part of a 1966 side that included had taken it upon impression of a State League game at Olympic Hugh Murney, Dick van Alphen (10 Socceroo himself to track back Park was to be a lasting one. It was a clash appearances), Jim Armstrong (four Socceroo at the rate of knots to between George Cross and Polonia and although appearances and all-time leading State League retrieve the situation. my parents and I were guests of George Cross scorer), Alan Stenhouse, Keith Fry, Ted Smith What started as a low that day (we knew the parents of the recently and Ian Monan. roar as Cumming imported Scottish striker Nicol McCallum, who O’Hara had a book published in closed on Eskandarian would go on to be an inductee to the Western 2006. Entitled “Friends: An Autobiography of a became a deafening Australian Football Hall of Fame) it was a Polish Former Serving Officer of Her Majesty’s Secret crescendo as spectators Three pillars of the State League Jimmy Dunne, Bob- player that caught my eye. Intelligence Service – MI6” it describes that in the main Olympic by McLachlan and Billy Vojtek share a light moment. His name was Ziggy Gadecki, one Hakoah side as being “the scourge” of the league Park grandstand took of many quality Polonia imports of that era and that it could have “held its own with most to their feet to urge other for the full 90 minutes. Mind you, I don’t who had represented Poland at Olympic level. of the teams in the ”. Cumming on. When Cumming slid in and think we worried too much about religious Gadecki bamboozled his opponents who That may well have been so but unfortunately tackled Eskandarian the explosion of approval vilification back then. struggled to get the ball off him and although the for Hakoah in 1966 it couldn’t hold its own from that grandstand could have registered on It’s difficult to talk about the history passionate George Cross fans were roaring their with South Melbourne Hellas, Slavia and the Richter scale. It was Melbourne Victory-level of the Victorian State League without making approval whenever Archie Campbell strutted his Melbourne which all finished above the Jewish- support and then some. It was awesome. mention of the late great Jim Mackay. The stuff out wide, it was the Polish star that shone backed outfit. The sad fact of the matter is that Hands up who knows who the guest midfield maestro, best known for scoring the brightest for me. despite the quality of players that turned out of honour was that year at Green Gully’s goal against South Korea in Hong Kong that Although Polonia as an entity would for Hakoah, the club never won a State League presentation night? Prior to the Victoria–Cosmos took Australia into the 1974 World Cup Finals in drift in and out of view over later years, players championship, a feat it aspired to for many years clash, the New York visitors had requested West Germany, was an amazingly unassuming such as classy sweeper Stefan Mila and striker until its deathknell sounded at the end of the a practice game and that was duly organised man. I once asked him how he was able to play Janusz Przybyla flew the Polish flag high. 1981 season when it amalgamated with Hellas. against Green Gully, then coached by Bobby the first-time ball “blind”, intrigued by watching Former JUST fans still talk about What is it about goalkeepers? Former MacLachlan. his head over the ball as he received it before Frank Micic, Branko Buljevic, and Tommy Heidelberg and Croatia custodian Peter Blasby “Showing Beckenbaur, Chinaglia, Bogicevic and unleashing a defence-splitting first-time pass, Stankovic in reverential fashion. Micic, who still holds the Big Mac eating record (trust me, Neeskens into the Gully dressing room was hard head still bowed. “It’s easy,” said Mackay. “You won two Argus Medals and a Bill Fleming not many teeth marks on the burgers) at the to believe. Harder still was when just 17 minutes know you’re going to get the ball so you have a Medal (the major press awards of that era) Cheltenham outlet of McDonald’s and some into the game scored and we were wee keek before you get it and by the time you was all elegance and control and it remains of his end-of-season exploits have gone down leading 1-0!” said MacLachlan with a chuckle. get it you know what to do with it.” For Mackay a mystery to many that he only made nine in folklore. Blasby’s pranks in the kitchen of Beckenbauer later honoured a commitment it was that simple. a hotel in Tasmania one year made at that warm-up game to attend Gully’s When the late are still talked about as is his presentation night. arrived back in Melbourne after covering the impersonation of John Cleese Indicative of the fierce rivalries of 1974 World Cup Finals, he sought and gained in that famous Ministry of Silly the State League was McLachlan’s pivotal Mackay’s approval to have THE BOOT, the one Walks skit. Oh, and Blasby signing of Gardiner during that era. Many that scored THAT goal against South Korea, also is planning to have a book on the Gully committee were opposed to the mounted and presented as a soccer press award published. We wait with baited move as Gardiner had a long association with to the best young player in Victoria. From breath. rival Maltese club George Cross. Indeed, memory it was only presented a couple of times When Blasby played with clashes between these two outfits were akin to before it went missing but Schwab went to Heidelberg, Croatia and Morwell internecine warfare. As were clashes between his grave never knowing that the boot on the Falcons he was in illustrious Hellas and Heidelberg Alexander, and Croatia trophy was not the one that Mackay wore as company. Players of the quality of and JUST. he struck his historic thunderbolt. Mackay and , Jim O’Reilly, Arthur The great McMillan, George Gillan, Pat characters of the and Vince Bannon, Ian Gibson game were not and Andy Bozikas were some confined to the of his Heidelberg teammates; playing field though. “Chalky” Adams, Steve Short, Photographer Les John Gardiner, Ante Bilaver, Shorrock was Alan Kerr, Grant Smart, “Butch” synonymous with Kokoska, Carl Gilder, Davie the State League. Brogan, Tommy Cumming, Noel Fiesty was a Mitten, Joe Tront and Josip Biskic sometime soft were some of his Croatia cohorts; epithet for the big and at Morwell he played in the Englishman, who same side as Jim Maclean whom was commonly he rates as “the best midfielder I mistaken for a Scot ever played with”. due to his penchant South Melbourne lines up before a match at Cumming was a great for wearing a tartan Olympic Park in 1964 and on its way to clinching three 1980 Gold Medal winner Bobby McGuinness character and a great drawcard. bonnet. If the big Victorian championships in a row . A pocket battleship discarded man had an opinion of Morwell Falcons gives chase to Polonia’s by Rangers for being he was never Stefan Mila during a State League match in “vertically challenged”, his backward in offering it. One day at Middle Park his teammates flew back to Australia after their determination – and no mean he was shoehorned into the announcer’s booth at the 80’s. Not to be outdone, the classy Polish Hong Kong triumph to be greeted by a rousing ability – made him a star in the end of the press box. He’d been grumbling midfielder also won the award in 1983. reception at airport. Mackay spied a Victoria. One memorable moment for some time about the dwindling attendances youngster overcome with the emotion of the came when Cumming was playing at Hellas-Hakoah games and finally he could occasion and handed him the famous boot. Socceroo appearances. Buljevic (30 Socceroo for the state team against visiting New York take it no longer. As the players lined up before There are hundreds of names worthy appearances) had great close control and the Cosmos on 21 October, 1979. the kick-off he refused to announce the line-ups. of mention in this article. For goodness sake, ability to glide past defenders, both hallmarks of Cosmos had arguably one of the most Instead he decided to announce the spectators how can the great not have many JUST players of that time. Stankovic was star studded line-ups ever to grace our shores. to the dumbfounded players. It went along the been mentioned before? But a space restriction a former OFK Belgrade and Red Star player who The legendary Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio lines of “and just two rows in front of me sits Joe is a powerful enemy. What needs was still playing at State League level as a 44- Chinaglia, Vladislav Bogicevic, Carlos Alberto, Bloggs from Altona who, like me, is wondering to be said is that it’s difficult to think of many year-old (Croatia legend and 44-time Socceroo, Johan Neeskens, Julio Cesar Romero and what the hell we’re all doing here”. players who left the State League poorer for Billy Vojtek, always wanted to break Stankovic’s goalkeeper Hubert Birkenmeier were coached Danny McCluskey and Nat Little their involvement. The great players and great age record. Vojtek failed but it wasn’t for the by Brazilian mentor, Professor Julio Mazzei were great combatants. The fans at Kim Reserve characters of yesteryear provided a platform for lack of trying). (he really was a professor). Cosmos’ right back one day, when Altona City hosted Frankston today’s stars, akin to passing on a legacy, one In the late 1960s, Juventus imported 19 players was Andranik Eskandarian, an Armenian by City, were treated to a précis of the history of that is well worth nurturing. Let the new season in just two seasons! Its most famous signing birth who was an Iranian international. What sectarianism in a land some 12,000 miles away begin. was former Sunderland captain George Kinnell, transpired during that clash still makes the spine as the pair elbowed, kicked and slagged each

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 5 Preston Lions LIONS PREPARE TO DEFEND CROWN Lozanovski means business Without six starting players (and one season’s custodian Savas Ozdemir departs and Coburg Utd in the opening fi ve rounds, Preston Lions Fast Facts goalscoring substitute) from their 3-1 the club. Preston will certainly have their work cut Grand Final triumph over Whittlesea Other notable signings include out for them. Preston Lions Fast Facts just over four months ago, a new look the former Essendon trio of Victor Pititto, Off the fi eld the club remains in Preston side will be desperate to emulate Nicholas Schwal and Frank Catalano, who serious fi nancial diffi culty, with ongoing Formed: 1947 their 2007 success despite the loss of star will add some depth and experience to the calls to their loyal supporter base for players such as Zoran Petrevski, Steven depleted Lions’ outfi t. assistance. But come February 15th, this President: Miro Josevski Pace and Pece Siveski. Despite the signifi cant changes in will all be forgotten as the Lions’ tackle Without Petrevski, who scored personnel, coach Goran Lozanovski will Richmond at Kevin Bartlett Reserve in the Captain: John Sapazovski more than a quarter of the Lions’ Foxtel remain confi dent in his ability to structure much anticipated season opener. Cup goals last year, Preston will no doubt a lineup which will be able to challenge Coach: Goran Lozanovski fi nd themselves increasingly reliant on for September action. But with the mouth- veteran striker Blaze Georgiovski. At the watering Grand Final rematch against a By Addy Wetzler Ground address: other end of the fi eld, goalkeeper Ljupco determined Whittlesea outfi t coming as BT Connor Reserve Mel: 18-B2 Acevski returns from a spell with Czech early as the second round, and tricky away Photos by John Punshon top division side FK Most Siad while last fi xtures to newly promoted Frankston Pines VPL championships: (4) 2007, 2002, 1994, 1980

Final position in 2007: Minor Premiers

Top Six Series: Champions Defeated Melbourne Knights 1-0 in Qualifying Final Lost 2-1 to Whittlesea Zebras in Major Semi-Final Defeated Whittlesea Zebras 3-1 in Grand Final

Top scorer in 2007: Zoran Petrevski, 11 goals

Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: Pece Siveski, 19 votes

2008 Squad Lupce Acevski (returns from stint in Czech Republic) Aleksandar Stojanovski Goce Gruevski Les Anastasiou Stephen Masalkovski Bill Fleming winner Tony Sterjovski will be pinacle Coach Goran Lozanovski capped off a marvellous season by being Victor Pititto (from Essendon Royals) to the Lions attempts of a consecutive VPL crown. named VPL Coach of the Year. Michael Miskas Nicholas Schwal (from Essendon Royals) Marinos Gasparis Wayne Spiteri (IN) Robert Najdovski Frank Catalano (from Essendon Royals) Ricky Chillico (from Fawkner Blues) Nick Lazarevski John Sapazovski Bale Micovski Nicolas Alvarez (IN) Blaze Georgioski Igor Kolevski (IN)

Preston enjoys the spoils of last year’s campaign. Lions fans will be out in force to cheer their beloved team again in ‘08.

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Monday 11 February 2008 6 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Wittlesea Stallions ZEBRAS READY TO EARN STRIPES New faces replace departures

Expectation can be a cumbersome intended replacement for Rees while the through to the fi nal. WHITTLESEA ZEBRAS FAST FACTS thing. But in its absence, a team and colossal Jerry Karpeh (Perth Glory) will “Last year I think we got a lot individuals benefi t from performances partially off-set the loss of Armenian and further than we should have done; I don’t Formed: 2006 unrestrained by expectancy. This is true Apostilikas. know whether to put that down to good of the Whittlesea Zebras’ 2007 Foxtel Karpeh’s capture is thanks to coaching or bad coaching from opposition, President: Sam Cuteri Cup campaign. Ollerton’s pre-existing relationship with or the lord must like me – I don’t know As a combined footballing Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell and what it is. Captain: Ross Antoniadis entity – of Whittlesea and Bulleen – in its his assistant . Ollerton also “It’s great for the players because embryonic stages, no great achievements attributes the acquisition of midfi elder and they did very well, they worked very Coach: Peter Ollerton were expected of the Zebras in 2007. Glory-trialist Sebastian Petrovich to his hard and in the end we were a little bit By season’s end, however, the side had association with the Glory coaching staff. unfortunate not to go all the way...It’s Ground address: achieved a third placed fi nish on the table Fellow midfi elder Goran something we would have liked to have , Epping, Mel: 182-B4 and ended as eventual runners-up of the Talevski arrives from Altona Magic and built from – and thought we would have competition following defeat to Preston he is accompanied by Brazilian defender, built from – but with this mass exodus VPL championships: None Lions in the grand fi nal. Junior. Talevski is a championship winner of players, it’s now back to the drawing Ex-Socceroo Peter Ollerton with Hajduk Split while Junior arrives board.” Final position in 2007: 3rd assumed control of the side mid-way following an unsuccessful trial at The off-season exodus has left through the 2007 season and guided United. He is said to bring the customary the squad short of depth and experience, Top Six Series: Runners-Up the team’s progression to the season’s Brazilian technical abilities and has the particularly in the attacking department. Defeated Green Gully Cavaliers 2-1 in Elimination Final concluding fi xture. ability to play in the centre or left-side of Though, Jerry Karpeh’s strength and In charge from the outset in defence. ability to hold up the ball and bring others Defeated Preston Lions 2-1 in Major Semi-Final 2008, Ollerton has had to contend with a Ollerton acknowledges that the into play will help counter the side’s dearth Lost 3-1 to Preston Lions in Grand Final mass squad exodus, the events of which transfer turmoil of the off-season has been of forwards. disrupted his off-season plans. “I only a set-back for the club but also provides Despite the disturbance caused by off- Top scorer in 2007: thought we’d need three or four players but a reminder that little was expected of his season departures, the team has the Hamlet Armenian, 9 goals with the dramatic change of players, that club last season. advantage of the vast coaching nous became six, seven, eight, nine players,” he “It’s basically starting from scratch again provided by Peter Ollerton, and the benefi t Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: said. this year, we’ve only been able to maintain of the soon-to-be completed new club Ross Antoniadis, 19 votes Kristian Rees ( a handful of players that were working facilities that act as a demonstration of Phoenix), Hamlet Armenian (South with me last year, the rest are basically the club’s off-fi eld health and are sure to Squad 2008 Melbourne) and Tex Apostilikas (Oakleigh) new players,” he said. benefi t on-fi eld performance. Kenny Gerihristodoulou are the most signifi cant departures from “Our expectations last year were By Sebastian Kipman Mark Pistininzi the 2007 Zebras side. Mark Vazzocchi to survive...nobody expected us to fi nish John Angelovski (Fawkner Blues) has been brought in as third in the league and go all the way Photos by John Punshon Ross Antoniadis Greg Lombardo James Sherman Jerry Karpeh (from Perth Glory, WA) Goran Talevski (from Altona Magic) Mark Vazocchi (from Fawkner Blues) Steve Martin Robbie Simeoni (from Richmond Eagles) Seb Petrovic (from Heidelberg United) Junior Melo (from Brazil) Ryan O’Hare (from Brunswick City) Anthony Colossimo Conner Molan (from Ireland) Anton Vulic (from Kingston City) Simon Colossimo

Jerry Karpeh arrives at Epping Stadium after fi nishing Top Scorer in the WA Premier League and a stint at Perth Glory in the A-League. In its debut season since formation the Zebras went The highly credentialed Goran mighty close to winning the Foxtel Cup and will hope to go Talevski will add strength to the one better this time around. Zebras line-up in ‘08. Valentine Treat!! WHITTLESEA ZEBRAS V MELBOURNE VICTORY The time is nearly upon us!... Come and see a new look Whittlesea Zebras outfi t in their last pre-season game before the start of the new season. Up against a melbourne Victory side that is steaming full of confi dence ahead of its fi rst AFC Champions League campaign Thursday 14th February @ Epping Stadium, 5 Harvest Road Lane, Epping. KO 7pm ENTRY FREE

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW  Melbourne Knights GLORY DAYS SET FOR SOMERS ST Knights ready to challenge Following a successful 2007 season, the to bolster an already impressive squad. Marko Kuna, who has shown potential since MELBOURNE KNIGHTS Melbourne Knights will no doubt be Defender Neven Antic returns from a stint moving from Croatia last year. Kuna will FAST FACTS looking to go one step better in 2008’s in Greece, as does striker Andrew Barisic, compete for a place in a midfield that feature edition of the Foxtel Cup. who returned from a season in German Cameron Watson, Stefan Piorkowski, Formed: 1953 The Knights have signaled their football. Alex Kiratzoglou, Anthony Pelikan and a intentions with several key signings to date, Up front, Taylor will have an rejuvenated Dario Matkovic, who seems to President: Stan Bilic and if pre-season form is anything to go by, abundance of talent with veteran Joe Spiteri, be over the health problems that hampered fans can expect a top six finish at the very new signing Zoran Petrevski, deep lying his form last year. Captain: TBC least from the red, white and blues. attacker Anthony Pelikan and Barisic all Pre season form has been excellent Coach Chris Taylor will be under staking a claim to be part of the first eleven for the Knights, with wins over Preston, Coach: Chris Taylor no illusions from his ambitious Chairman in round one. Green Gully and Whittlesea providing Matt Tomas to bring home a championship, At the other end, former Preston warning alarms for the rest of the 13 teams Ground address: the first in 12 seasons (they last tasted keeper Savaas Ozdemir and former Green in the competition. Goals have been free Knights Stadium, Somers Street, success in 1995/96 in the old NSL). Gully keeper Ante Loncaric will battle flowing and the team is looking settled and Sunshine Mel: 2-A6 With the likes of Adrian Cagalj for the number one jersey following the ready to go, this despite having a late start (Oakleigh) and Hrvoje Matkovic (Preston) departure of experienced custodian Adrian to pre-season training due to board issues. VPL championships: moving to fellow VPL sides, the Knights Cagalj. Both keepers are 20 years old and Behind the scenes, a new pitch (3) 199, 198, 1968 will be looking to some key new signings will be looking to cement their place in the has been laid for the new season, and some senior side this season. renovation work will only add to the cozy Final position in 200: 2nd In midfield, Taylor atmosphere at Knights stadium, which will will be ruing the departure of also be the home of newly promoted club Top Six series: dynamic attacking midfielders Coburg United. Lost 1-0 to Preston Lions in Mate Dugandzic and Daniel Prediction – Expect a top two Qualifying Final Visevic. A successful trial period finish from the Knights, who will be under Defeated Oakleigh Cannons 1-0 in with Croatian first division club no illusions that only a championship win Minor Semi-Final Dinamo Zagreb means that will do for their demanding supporters and Lost 2-1 to Preston Lions in the youngsters will no longer committee. Preliminary Final be available to Taylor, which considering their impact last By Josip Loncaric Top Scorer in 200: year, is a massive loss. Anthony Pelikan, 13 goals Taylor will however be Photos by Steve Starek able to call on the services of Most Gold Medal votes in 200: Stefan Piorkowski, 16 votes

SQUAD 2008 Savas Ozdemir (from Lions) Tommy Milardovic Stev Iosifidis Matt Grbesa Dale Thompson (from youth) Max Cuze (from St Albans) Stefan Piorkowski Anthony Pelikan Craig Elvin Cameron Watson Dario Matkovic Marko Kuni (from Croatia) Alex Kiratzoglou James Tennant (from Ireland) Joe Spiteri Andrew Baresic (returns from Germany) Andrew Zahra (from youth) Zoran Petrevski from Qld Roar In most peoples books the Knights are one of the favourites to be near Mio Mirenkovic (from Nth Geelong) the top of the league come October. However, it will have to get used to The ever reliable Tommy Milardovic will be there for Ante Loncaric (from Green Gully) the Knights punch for punch until October. life without Daniel Visevic who has left for Europe..

Monday 11 February 2008 8 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Oakleigh Cannons CANNONS EQUIP FOR SHOWDOWN Munro recruits new arsenal

Stuart Munro begins his third season drastic revamp at the back with new keeper avoid major injuries to key players, then OAKLEIGH CANNONS FAST FACTS in charge at Jack Edwards which in Jevdjevic arriving from Altona Magic, the I expect to gain a top four or fi ve position Victorian Premier League coaching Drakos brothers from Whittlesea Zebras in the league without a shadow of a doubt. Formed: 1972 terms is roughly the equivalent of Sir and Jonathan Munoz from Preston Lions. I’m confi dent we’ve got a strong enough ’s long reign at Manchester Most of the other recruits are young squad to be competing in the top end of the President: Stan Papayianneris United. It is an achievement matched by players and they include ex-Zebras striker league.” just two other coaches in the Victorian Tex Apostolikas who Cannon fans will be One of Munro’s young charges Captain: Felix Rosman Premier League: Ian Dobson at Gully hoping can forge a successful attacking this season will be ex AIS player Milos and John Anastasiadis at South. partnership with Nilo. Lujic, the son of former Footscray Just star Coach: Stuart Munro Munro has taken the Cannons Trent Waterson and Sam DeVito come Zdravko Lujic. Munro describes Milos as “a into the fi nals in each of his three seasons, across from South, whilst Igor Kraphko terrifi c talent, a tall lad with a lovely touch. Ground address: however a lack of fi nals’ success together from Western Suburbs and Milos Lujic He’s already been training with Melboune , Oakleigh, with budget cuts has prompted an exodus (AIS) add a further injection of youth. Victory.” Mel: 69-H9 of older players and a move towards youth According to Munro, the limited However Munro is realistic about at the club. Defenders Felix Rosman, availability of a full size pitch to train on due the prospect of Lujic seeing out the season VPL championships: None Adam Ewin, midfi elders Scott Webster, to water restrictions has prompted the club with the Cannons. Bill Damianos and Scott MacNicol as well take on a few extra pre-season friendlies. “ I think he’ll be snapped up by Final position in 2007: 5th as striker Juan Nilo are the only players “ It’s been diffi cult, the preseason, but the an A-League club which isn’t good for us. remaining from last season’s squad. guys are coming together quite well.” That’s probably the one negative if you Top Six Series: Munro says of his new squad, Asked about the style of football fans can call it a negative that we’re trying to Defeated Altona Magic 1-0 in “Lots of new faces, a lot younger apart from can expect to see from this side, Munro bring young players into the squad- is the Elimination Final Stelios ( Drakos) and Bojo ( Jevdjevic) replies, fact that if they do well-you’re not going Lost 1-0 to Melbourne Knights in who’ve been signed as key defenders. “How we play will depend on a large part to keep them for very long. The higher Minor Semi-Final Everybody else is fairly young. That’s what on the state of our home pitch. You can’t leagues will snap them up or they’ll go the club wants, that’s the direction we want expect people to be a ball playing team if overseas. Sometimes you’re better off with Top Scorer in 2007: to take it. The move of getting the younger the pitch is absolutely shocking. We still a team of older age players, because they’re Esala Masi, 15 goals players was obviously to fi t the budget want to play the ball and keep possession not going to go anywhere.” (VPL Top Scorer 2007) requirements of this year.” of the ball.” Munro is quick to add that he’s Munro believes his biggest By George Stogiannou Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: comfortable with the squad despite the loss challenge will be to get a consistent Marcus Stergiopoulos, 19 votes of experienced players, including three performance from his younger players. “If Photos by John Punshon key defenders. Fans can expect to see a we can get a consistent performance and SQUAD 2008 ADRIAN CAGALJ (from Knights) FELIX ROSMAN STELIOS DRAKOS (from Zebras) JONATHAN MUNOZ (from Preston) ADAM EWIN ARI DRAKOS (from Zebras) MATTY FOSCHINI SAMMY DE VITO (from South Melb) SCOTT WEBSTER BILL DAMIANOS FRANKIE LAGANA (from Royals) SCOTT MACNICOL STUART KELLY (from Cantebury, NZ) TRENT WATERSON (from South) RAMSEY NASSER (from Doncaster Rovers) JUAN NILO TAXIARHIS APOSTOLIKAS (from Zebras) MILOS LUJIC (from AIS) IHOR KHRAPKO (from Western Suburbs) DEAN PANAGOPOULOS ARTHUR PAPADOPOULOS DAVID BRAY

After impressing with the AIS last year Milos Juan Nilo and Bill Damianos share a joke in the dressing rooms at Jack Edwards Lujic has been snapped up by Oakleigh Can- Reserve. Of course, the Cannons’ Foxtel Cup aspirations will be no laughing nons - a move that would surely put some hair matter once the fun and games begin. on his chest!

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 9 Green Gully Cavaliers GULLY IN MOOD FOR TITLE TILT Dobson prepares troops or the past two seasons the poor form saw the hopes of the Cavaliers sporting visa player, a striker from Brazil. GREEN GULLY CAVALIERS Cavaliers have fi nished Foxtel fi zzle out. The club has parted ways with goalkeeper FCup campaigns in 6th place, Coaching staff, club offi cials and members Thomas Kovar, midfi elder Marcelo Pena FAST FACTS losing in the fi rst elimination week of the will be hoping that in 2008, the Cavaliers and defender Stephen Camilleri. Formed: 1955 fi nals series. can string together their form across the Pre-season results have been up and down, However the two seasons could not be any whole season. In doing so, Green Gully however not much is to be read from the President: Charles Farrugia different. Mid-season 2006, Green Gully has recruited well to increase the depth of practice matches, as coach Ian Dobson has looked to be out of sorts with a premiership talent in its senior team. Steven Tilovski, been keen to give eager trialists as much Captain: Dean Fak hangover, destined for relegation having hit the 2007 Victorian Goalkeeper Of The Year, playing time as possible, nor have pre- rock bottom of the league standings after was a high profi le transfer from Fawkner. season results ever been an indication of a Coach: Ian Dobson losing 4-3 to Richmond in an apparent Next in line, were the Delev brothers (Koce team’s level of success in the season ahead. relegation battle. & Kole) from Altona Magic. First up for the Cavaliers, is an away trip to Ground address: , Green Gully The miracle turn around in fortune saw Further signings include Steve Burton from Altona, the Gully boys should be confi dent Mel: 14-E8 the Cavaliers climb out of trouble and Richmond, aswell as a reserve goalkeeper of a solid start and be wanting to improve snatch a fi nals place on the fi nal day of the from Cameroon. Sporting visa players to the heights of their premiership year in VPL championships: regular season. Mid-season 2007, Green John Adam and Kristijan Ivesic have 2005. (7) 2005, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1983, 1982, Gully looked to be heading for another looked impressive during pre-season, will 1981 premiership. Top of the table, having be looking to get noticed by A-League clubs By Markian Jaworsky demolished the usually competitve Altona in their second season for Green Gully. Final position in 2007: 6th Magic 5-1. Injuries, suspensions and basic The Cavaliers are also in negotiation for new Photos by John Punshon Top Six Series: Lost 2-1 to Whittlesea Zebras in Elimination Final

Top Scorer in 2007: Joel Nikolic, 8 goals

Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: J eff Fleming, 15 votes

Squad 2008 John Adam Campbell Banks Aziz Behic Steve Burton (from Richmond Eagles) Kole Delev (from Altona Magic) Koce Delev (from Altona Magic) Dean Fak Jeffrey Fleming Kristian Ivesic Gully’s new ‘keeper Steve Tilovski Mile Medjedovic Manny Muscat Dragi Nastevski Joel Nikolic Patrick N’Dongo (from Richmond Eagles) Ryan Ollerton Phil Riccobene Matthew Sanders Steven Tilovski (from Fawkner Blues) Andy Vargas

Talented Cavaliers forward Joel Nikolic New Zealand international Campbell Banks

Monday 11 February 2008 10 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Altona Magic TORTEVSKI WAVES MAGIC WAND Paisley Park off-season clearout Altona Magic will be looking to go all the “Obviously we’ve lost a few boys However, goals will still be a major ALTONA MAGIC FAST FACTS way in 2008 as the new Victorian Premier from last season but we’ve signed fi ve or concern for the club. Altona have only two League season kicks off this weekend. six good players as well,” he said. players who scored more than three goals Formed: 1975 Despite fi nishing just two points “They are fi tting in well and in 2007. behind eventual premiers Preston Lions, should be good replacements for the boys Michael Curcija is a proven President: Melissa Fischer-Massa the Magic were knocked out in the fi rst we’ve lost.” goalscorer in the Victorian Premier League, round of the fi nals series by the Oakleigh The Magic scored the least goals having been top scorer in 2005 and second Captain: Steven Mrkela Cannons. of any top six side last year, and Tortevski in 2006 but he cannot do it alone. Coach: Vlado Tortevski Altona suffered from inconsistent has moved to rectify this problem, signing Fa’arodo should provide good performances in the middle of last season, Solomon Islands striker Henry Fa’arodo cover for Becvinovski, but the more goals Ground address: where three consecutive losses, including a from Richmond. will nee to come from midfi eld players like Paisley Park Soccer Complex, Altona 5-1 thumping by Green Gully, threatened to Altona have also strengthened Sash Aleksovski and Carl Recchia if Altona Mel: 55-C5 ruin their fi nals hopes. their midfi eld brigade, signing Nick Kalmar are to go all the way. Coach Vlado Tortevski has rung from Sunshine, former Melbourne Victory VPL championships: (3) 1995,1996, 1997 in the changes in the off season, bringing player Carl Recchia from Fawkner and But Tortevski believes that it will be a more in no less than ten players, although the former Preston Lions captain Pece Siveski. attacking Altona which will challenge for Final position in 2007: 4th club has lost experienced goalkeeper Bojo Defence was the cornerstone of the title this year. Top Six Series: Jevdjevic and 2006 Top Scorer and Gold the Magic’s game last year, with the side “Altona is a club which is always Lost 1-0 to Oakleigh Cannons in Medalist, Sash Becvinovski. conceding just 34 goals for the season. looking to win so that is our aim of course,” Elimination Final Also, Fidell Richards has moved Goalkeeper Peter Zois has been said Tortevski. to newly promoted Coburg United, while signed from Dutch side Willem II to replace “Not much will change from last Top Scorer in 2007: twin brothers Koce and Kole Delev have Jevdjevic, while former Essendon Royals season in terms of our system, but we will Michael Curcija, 12 goals made the switch to Green Gully. captain Con Anthopoulos and Oakleigh’s try to push forward and be more offensive Another big loss for the club will Steve Laurie have been brought in to bolster to create more scoring opportunities,” he Most Gold Medal votes in 2007:Levent be winger Daniel Vasilevski who signed the defensive ranks. said. Osman, 17 votes with the Melbourne Victory and appeared The Magic have been a constant SQUAD 2008 in the latest version of the A-League, but presence in the fi nals over the last few years By Sebastian Kipman Peter Zois (from Holland) Tortevski said the changes won’t affect the and 2008 promises to be no different. Photos by Daniel Flis Kieran McDowell team too much. Con Anthopoulos (from Royals) Steve Laurie (from Oakleigh) Slave Bozinovski Stiven Mrkela Agim Sherifovski Pece Cergovski Todd McSorley (from Modbury, SA) Doug Mladenovic Pece Siveski (from Lions Carl Recchia (from Blues) Henry Fa’arodo (from Eagles) Michael Curcija Miro Velickovski George Lambadaridis Joseph Konyit (from Knights) Chris Raickovski (from Thomastown) Craig Sweeney (from SGX)

Soloman Island international Henry Former Melbourne Victory player Carl Recchia makes the Altona Magic’s dependable servant Levent Osman will once Fa’arodo is another of Tortevski’s switch from Fawkner Blues to Altona for VPL Version X. again be chasing honours with the Paisley Park outfi t. summer recruits .

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 11 South Melbourne SOUTH FANS DEMAND SUCCESS Johhny A celebrates milestone

After the disappointment of missing in the 1992/93 NSL season. Anastasiadis as they both played integral parts in the SOUTH MELBOURNE FAST FACTS the fi nals in 2007, the South Melbourne will have youngster Mladen Tosic as his Victorian State Squad of 2007 and for their Football Club are adamant that season back-up, with the inexperienced young old clubs Whittlesea Zebras and Springvale Formed: 1959 2008 will be a competitive season, goalkeeper impressing during the numerous White Eagles respectively. which will hopefully see the club back friendlies played across the summer break. Up front, South will rely on President: Leo Athanasakis in fi nals action and pushing for another Defensively, South has made a the services of Nathan Caldwell and VPL championship, to satisfy its large concerted effort during the off-season to Ricky Diaco. Both players have a proven Captain: Dean Anastasiadis supporter base. bolster a defensive unit that struggled in goalscoring record in the Foxtel Cup and South has retained coach John 2007. Rejoining the club are former players both have the ablity to torment defences on Coach: John Anastasiadis Anastasiadis for the upcoming season, Steven O’Dor and Sam Poutakidis, who their day. If the midfi elders can combine with the former PAOK and South star will undoubtedly provide experience to a well with the forwards then South fans can Ground address: signing a 1 year contract extension. This defence that leaked 33 goals last season. look forward to some exciting attacking Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park, coming season will be Anastasiadis’ fourth Also joining will be Shane Nunes from football. Mel: 2K-F6 consecutive season in charge at Bob Jane Western Australia, being regarded as the John Anastasiadis was quite Stadium. With all things going well, the best central defenders in the Western optimistic about the upcoming season, with VPL championships: round 16 fi xture at Western Suburbs will Australian Premier League. Combining the South great claiming that “we have all (8) 2006, 1976, 1974, 1972, 1966, 1965, be Anastasiadis’ 100th game in charge with Ramazan Tavcancioglou and Adam the players in place now and we really need 1964, 1962 for the mighty blue and whites, a feat that Van Dommelle, these four signings will be to be switched on from round 1 and get only Manny Poulakakis, John Margaritis a part of what is considered to be a super points on the board early. I feel as though Final position in 2007: 7th and Ange Postecoglou have managed to defensive unit. we have a great blend of experience and achieve in the past. In midfi eld the club will once again youth and can match it with any team in the Top scorer in 2007: In what was a problem area for the rely on Fernando De Moraes and Gianni De competition, so fi ngers crossed we can play Ricky Diaco, 10 goals club in 2007, the goalkeeping position will Nittis, whilst also having the likes of Bill to our potential and give the league a shake be fi lled in 2008 by the experienced Dean Natsioulas and Yusuf Yusuf being able to this year.” Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: Anastasiads, after ’s loan slot into the wing positions comfortably. South opens the season away to Rama Tavsancioglu, 26 votes deal from the Melbourne Victory expired. With the loss of Tansel Baser to Coburg and arch rivals Heidelberg in Round 1, with A former NSL championship winner and Trent Waterson to Oakleigh, the midfi eld their fi rst home game being against Coburg SQUAD 2008 dual VPL keeper of the year in 2005 and quartet will be expected to - and must - step at Bob Jane Stadium in round 2. Dean Anastasiadis 2006, Anastasiadis has recovered from knee up to ensure South sees fi nals action. New Hamlet Armenian (from Zebras) surgery and has once again put his hand up signings Hamlet Armenian and Goran Zoric Andrew Bourakis to be the number one keeper at lakeside. will also be expected to use their speed, By George Kouroumalis Con Blatsis ‘Deano’ as he is affectionately known, endurance and work ethic down the left and Nathan Caldwell will be entering his 9th season with South right hand fl anks. South has done extremely & John Kyrou Nicholas Curtis Melbourne, having begun at the club back well to acquire these two attacking players, Fernando De Moraes Gianni De Nittis Nick Jelic (from Fairfi eld Bulls, NSW) Shane Nunez (from WA) Ricky Diaco Tony Laverde (from Royals) Bill Natsioulas Steven O’dor Rama Tavsancioglu Mladen Tosic Yusef Yusef Adam Van Dommelle Goran Zoric (from SWE)

Ricky Diaco

Hamlet Armenian joins South John Anastasiadis needs to fi nd that winning feeling again with his from the Zebras. troops at Bob Jane. Monday 11 February 2008il 12 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Heidelberg United BERGERS HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS Jubilee year for the Village Heidelberg United come into this year’s When asked if the Heidelberg had Foxtel Cup ready to take up the fi ght for what it takes to win the title he said, “it’s some long overdue silverware. too early to tell, I don’t want to speak so HEIDELBERG UNITED Coinciding with the VPL’s Jubilee early, as you know we could have a few FAST FACTS anniversary, this year marks a major injuries and luck go against us”. milestone for the former National League Though having a strong team on Formed: 1958 club as it also celebrate 50 years of existence paper never guarantees success as seen in President: Nick Katsakis and the Bergers will certainly be looking to season 2007 which saw the Bergers fi nish celebrate their birthday in style. a disappointing 8th. Katsakis believes that Captain: Tony Ouliaris The Bergers will once again fi eld a last season was due to off-fi eld dramas in very competitive squad for the 2008 Foxtel the boardroom and fi nancial issues within Coach: George Katsakis Cup. Their squad on paper looks strong, the club that had a fl ow on effect to the with only a few major losses. They have team on the pitch. Ground address: maintained most of their backline while This leads to the next question Olympic Park (Village), Heidelberg West picking up a few players to add some more - will these same issues pop up again in Mel: 19-D11 fi repower this season. 2008 and disrupt the Bergers season? This VPL championships: Players of the calibre of Josip reporter was already hearing rumours of (4) 2001, 1990, 1988, 1975 Kozic (Zebras), Mark Tsiorlas (Fawkner) off-fi eld issues down at the Village but and former Grimbsy Town and Richmond Katsakis denied any problems and stated Final position in 2007: 8th stalwart Graham Hockless will be wearing that “these rumours have no substance black and yellow in 2008. Eric Vasiiliadis at all...we haven’t been in such a strong Top Scorer in 2007: also returns to his old club whilst former fi nancial position in years”. Nick Marinos, 6 goals NSL player Denis Alilovic joins the Bergers With that said it looks like a from Rockdale City Suns in the NSWPL. big year ahead for the Bergers. Katsakis Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: Robert Liparoti, 9 votes Some would put the Bergers up believes that Alilovich and Tsiorlas will be there as real contenders for this year’s the key to the Bergers prospects this year, Foxtel Cup but their coach George Katsakis stating that poor fi nishing cost them dearly SQUAD 2008 is taking a more cautious approach saying in 2007. Denis Alilovic (from Rockdale City, NSW) that “we are aiming for a top 4 fi nish.” Saso Alexovski Emir Ameti Robert Dolevski So far the pre-season has looked promising with an appearence in the Hellenic Jim Drossos Cup fi nal appearence against Oakleigh last Peter Gavalas Saturday the 9th of February. The Bergers Graham Hockless (from Richmond kick off their season in the traditional derby Eagles) against age old rivals South Melbourne at Josip Kozic (from Whittlesea Zebras) home at Olympic Village. Daniel Jones When asked why the derby has died off the last few years Katsakis believed that Robert Liparoti “the older generation are dying off while the Tony Ouliaris younger generation and more interest in the Tim Paton new A-League”, but he believed that if we Peter Roberts could turn the game into a spectacle then it Marko Sutalo (from Essendon Royals) would bring some of the fans back to support James Stefanou (from South Melb) the once mighty Heidelberg United. Last year saw the Bergers defeat Mark Tsiorlas (from Fawkner Blues) South Melbourne 3-0 at the Village and a Eric Vassiliadis (from Zebras) result like that would surely please its legion of fans, including the fanatic supporter who runs up and down the sideline barking instructions to his boys, - indeed, no one would love to witness a long awaited Berger triumph in 2008 more than him!

TRIUMPH FOR BERGERS Heidelberg United completed a unique double on the weekend when both its Men’s and Women’s teams took out the Hellenic Cup. The boys beat Oakleigh Cannons by 2-0, while the girls conquered South Melbourne in a penalty shoot-out by 7-6 after the scores were locked 00- at full-time. By Michal Skrodsky Photos by John Punshon

Veteran Robert Liparoti (left) prepares for another season of holding the backline to- gether at Olympic Village and will rely on support from the ever present midfi elder Jimmy Drossos (above).

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 13 Western Suburbs ‘BURBS TO PROVE ‘07 WAS NO FLUKE Looking for life after Chatz Exceeding all expectations last season, Anthony Maslic and Daniel Neesham have Altona Magic, before some comprehensive the Western Suburbs Soccer Club will all moved on from the club. Add to this the wins against sub-standard competition in be wary of second season blues after loss of Igor Khrapko, who surprised the the early rounds of the Hellenic Cup. A loss WESTERN SUBURBS comfortably avoiding the drop back to club by opting to sign for Oakleigh midway to Heidelberg in the semi fi nals suggests FAST FACTS State League One football after securing through the pre season campaign. that there is work to be done to compete promotion in 2006. In response, Pappas and the club with the top sides, but Suburbs’ fi ghting Formed: 1965 Under the expert guidance of hard were quick to snap up Arthur Tsonis (South spirit may well be as good as an extra player President: Jim Condilis taskmaster Michael Chatzitrifonas and Melbourne), Evan Karavitis (Fawkner), on the pitch. his assistant Robert Marinkovic, Western Ivan Razov (Altona Magic), Tomi Razov (St. According to Pappas, the Captain: Terry Antoniadis Suburbs provided the fairytale of the season Albans Saints) and Milan Batur (Melbourne challenge is there for himself and his side. by gallantly fi ghting off the dreaded bottom Knights), before adding French midfi elder “We have fi nalized our squad and we are Coach: Con Pappas four and fi nishing in a respectable league Jean Devoreu and experienced former getting closer to having our fi rst eleven position. Perth Glory striker Vas Kalogererakos to sorted for round one. I would like to think Ground address: Season 2008 brings about a their fi nal list this season. that we can have the same success as last Ralph Reserve, Sunshine different proposition for new coach Kon Pappas and Contstantinou will year and fi nish well outside the relegation Mel: 40-A2 Pappas, who takes over from the man no doubt be looking towards experienced zone, maybe even push for the top six”, an VPL championships: None known as Chatz (Chatzitrifonas), who has midfi eld duo Lorenz Kindtner and Terry ambitious Pappas said. moved to the Richmond Eagles for the new Antoniadis to lead a team that has the Prediction – Another tough season Final position in 2007: 9th season. Joining Pappas on the bench will potential to once again be successful in their fi lled with ups and downs, but the players be Theo Constantinou, who retired last year desire to avoid the drop. A tough backline will give that little bit extra, considering Top scorer in 2007: after a distinguished career at the Bentleigh consisting of keeper Stjepan Gal in goal, that club legend Lorenz Kindtner will Leandro Rizzo, 6 goals Greens. Eddie Cetkin, Johnny Cvetanovski, Nikola fi nish his illustrious career at the end of the Pappas’ task wasn’t made easy Raoma and new signings Tsonis and Batur season. Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: as several key departures ensured that will be the key to Suburbs once more, and Terry Antoniadis 30 votes (Winner) recruitment was very much required in order if the clean sheets are regular, then Pappas to re-build a competitive side for another and co. can expect to pinch priceless points, SQUAD 2008 predicted relegation battle. Club captain particularly at their compact Ralph reserve By Josip Loncaric Tom Markovski fi nally decided to hang home pitch. Evan Karavitis (from Blues) up the boots at the tender age of 40, whilst Pre season results have been mixed Photos by Daniel Flis Arthur Tsonis (from South) Billy Daglis, Zoran Cvetkovski, Leandro for Subrubs, with an early win against Rizzo, Ricardo Castro, James Stefanou, Richmond and a creditable draw with Ivan Razov (from Magic) Tommy Ravoz (from Knights) Lorenz Kindter Terry Antniadis Con Tsioukis (from Greece) Nikola Raoma Dimi Hatzimouratis Billy Sianidis Stepjan Gal Vas Kalogeracos (from WA) Jean Javary from (from France) Davo Baresic (from Knights) Eddie Cetkin Craig Brown Reno Damianos Adam Adamitis Goran Petrovski

Chatz has gone as so too has veteran Tommy markovski. New coach Con Pappas Nikola Raoma will hope to inject some new blood at Ralph Reserve and build on last season.

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Monday 11 February 2008 14 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Richmond Eagles EAGLES VOW TO MAKE ‘08 GREAT Chatz won’t tolerate passengers The 2008 season sees Richmond The run of losses was broken with a Bahnsen returns after a spell with Bentleigh compete in the Foxtel Cup for the third scoreless draw at Heidelberg United before Greens and Jesse Krncevic, who scored successive campaign, a highpoint for the Craig McIlwain’s header earned a 1-0 win four goals in fi ve games in 2007, is back for RICHMOND EAGLES club following two single season spells in at home to Altona Magic in the penultimate a full season. Zoran Cvetkovski and Daniel FAST FACTS the old State League during the halcyon round of the season. This meant a draw Neesham have followed the coaching days of the early 1960’s. in the fi nal round against an injury and staff from Western Suburbs to Richmond. Formed: 1954 Also for the third season in succession, a suspension ravaged Sunshine Georgies Exciting youngster Richie Cardozo has new coach will steer the side with Michael would be enough to ensue survival. Xhezair also joined the club as it hopes to form a President: Helmut Kalitzki Chatzitrifonas taking the reins after two Sulemani gave the Eagles an early goal potent strikeforce. successful years with Western Suburbs. He as Joey Di Iorio inspired them to an 8-0 The club’s fi rst VPL season saw the side Captain: Stuart McCluskey has brought in Robert Marinkovic as his romp. sit in the relegation places for much of the assistant as the club looks to improve on a Early off-season departures included season before a rally with the appointment Coach: Michael Chatzitrifonas disappointing effort in 2007. Marco Kuck to Vietnam, Steve Burton to of Stubbins leading to it just missing After a promising start, a 4-1 win over Green Gully, Craig McIlwain to Nuneaton a fi nals berth. In contrast the next year Ground address: Kevin Bartlett the previously unbeaten Oakleigh Cannons Borough, Ben Watson to Casey Comets, saw a reasonable start disintegrate into a Reserve, Richmond, Mel: 59-A1 at the end of April saw the Eagles reach the Henry Fa’arodo to Altona Magic and fl irtation with relegation. What does 2008 unprecedented heights of third place on the Graham Hockless to Heidelberg United. in have in store for the team from Kevin VPL championships: None table. Coach Phil Stubbins soon departed Recently Di Iorio has joined a former club Bartlett Reserve? There is certainly enough for the A-League when appointed assistant in Dandenong Thunder. quality within the squad to be a top half of Final position in 2007: 9th to at Adelaide United and Joining the squad are former NSL the table team. Given past history the club the mid-season upheaval saw patchy form leading goalscorer , George could cover both ends of the spectrum once Top Scorer in 2007: lead to the side slipping outside the Top Six. Goutzioulis, an NSL Champion with South again, but you would suspect consolidating Henry Fa’arodo, 7 goals New mentor Doug Hodgson would have Melbourne, and former New Zealand a place in the league was at the bottom end hoped the 7-0 defeat of Springvale White international Aaran Lines. Antun Kovacic, of their ambitions. Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: Eagles would have heralded a revival, but with NSL and A-League experience was Graham Hockless, 23 votes the resulting fi ve defeats on the trot saw the signed from Oakleigh Cannons. Dimitri By Mark Boric club embroiled in the thick of the relegation Tsiaras and Chris Greechan were picked SQUAD 2008 battle. up from relegated Kingston City. Noel Photos by Daniel Flis Noel Bahnsen Pablo Cardozo (from Oakleigh Cannons) Ritchie Cardozo (from FC Bex, Switzerland) Michael Catalano (from Essendon Royals) Zoran Cvetkovski (from Western Suburbs) George Goutzioulis (from Heidelberg United) Chris Greechan (from Kingston City) Nick Kalambokis James Kalifatidis Antun Kovacic (from Oakleigh Cannons) Jesse Krncevic Aaran Lines (from Rochester Rhinos, USA) Stuart McCluskey Daniel Neesham (from Western Suburbs) Mike Chatzitrifonas worked wonders with Western Shane Rexhepi Suburbs last year and now takes over at the Eagles. Semir Sivic Xhezair Sulemani Dimitri Tsiaras (from Kingston City) Andrew Viola (from Bulleen Zebras) Simon Webster Stuart Webster Former NSL star Pablo Cardozo makes the move from the Cannons to the Richmond Eagles will no doubt be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s fi nal Eagles. day dramas and will be looking to Jesse Krncevic to spearhead the attack.

Issue # 1 18 ISLAND CHILL FOOTBALL FOCUS Goal! Weekly Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 15 ROUND 19 Frankston Pines TONY STERJOVSKI PRESTON LIONS FC PINES BACK IN FULL NAME: Tony Sterjovski BIRTHPLACE: Melbourne VIC BIRTH DATE: 11/12/1977 HEIGHT: 175cm WEIGHT: 72kg THE BIG TIME MARRIED: Yes CAR: Commodore VX OCCUPATION OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL: Des- patch Frankston embarks on new era NICKNAME: British/Sterj PREVIOUS CLUBS: VIS, Fawkner Blues and rankston Pines return to the Off the fi eld Pines are in increasingly good indeed be the bogey side as they were in Frankston Pines Fast Facts Tennis Borussia - Berlin Premier League this week with shape with president Errol Mustafa shaping 2003 when they last entered the Premier REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS: Victorian State one intention, staying there. But a up for his second year at the helm. League and came perilously close to Formed: 1965 Team at Junior and Senior Level F CHILDHOOD FOOTBALL HERO: Pele swag of new signings and a lot of work Rather than celebrating Pines’ return to winning the grand fi nal against Green President: Errol Mustafa FAVOURITE O/S PLAYER: Ronaldo and Rob- off the fi eld may yet see the side surprise the top fl ight Mustafa put his committee Gully. inho a few its northern knockers in 2008. to work on a number of projects, including Captain: Cam Leopold FAVOURITE V-LEAGUE PLAYER: Les Anasta- Football is absolutely booming on the match lighting, which are now bearing By Jason Gillick siou Australian Rules centric Mornington fruit. Coach: Adam Jamieson FAVOURITE FORMER SOCCEROO: John Mar- Peninsula with clubs such as Mornington, Once the lights are up and running Pines Photos by Darryl Kennedy kovski FAVOURITE CURRENT SOCCEROO: Harry and Baxter, who do not have State League will play most if its home games under Ground address: Kewell seniors, fi elding more than 500 juniors lights on a Friday night which will enable Monterey Reserve, Frankston MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A PLAYER: each across dozens of competitions. supporters from Casey, Langwarrin and Mel: 99-K8 2007 Grand Final Being the only Premier League club in the other local clubs with ties to Pines to come MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A FAN: Austra- south east suburbs has obvious benefi ts for along. VPL championships: None lia V’s Uraguay Pines and through its 18s and 21s sides, Love them or hate them, nobody can dispute Final position in 2007: MOST MEMORABLE GOAL YOU’VE SCORED: which they have spent the past two years the strength of Pines’ defence having only Every goal is a memorable one Division One Champions FUNNIEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Last year building, they have began to tap this rich conceded 10 goals in last years competition with Preston we were banned from eating pump- resource. which included sides like Bentleigh Greens, Top scorer in 2007: kin seeds during our warm up. One of the boys Naturally Pines retained division one Coburg and Southern Stars. Cam Leopold, 9 goals placed a handful in his mouth and got caught and winning coach Adam Jamieson and he has Crowd favourite Billy Armour will again almost chocked. put his side through a typically grueling pull on the boots this year as will Michael Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: N/A BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Not winning the pre-season with the onus on running and Anderson, Ross Duckworth and Trent championship in 2002 more running. Malcolm, giving the defence much needed Squad 2008 WORST INJURY: None MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT: Izzy The technically brilliant Willy Raines will consistency. Adam Fadljevic (from Zebras) return as Jamieson’s assistant while Pines And if new signings such as former Joey’s FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND: Epping Stadium Andrew Skeldar SUPERSTITIONS: I always wear the same pair of stalwart Cameron Leopold will remain as striker, Daniel Miller, and his former socks underneath my playing socks captain. Whittlesea teammate, Adam Bajevic, are Boris Ovcin TYPICAL MATCH DAY MEAL: Pasta Goalkeeping coach Peter Blasby has made able to successfully merge into Jamieson’s Brad Zealley WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS: Crossing and a welcome return to the club while Tom squad they will bolster Pines attacking Cameron Jones dribbling O’Halloran, the man largely responsible stocks considerably. WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES: My right Cameron Leopold foot for whipping the 18s and 21s into shape, Pines have also signed goalkeeper Nik Craig Metcalfe FAVOURITE TEAM WHEN GROWING UP: Man- will continue his role with his assistant Roganovic from Springvale White Eagles John Bruce. chester United who is expected to share the position with Last year’s VPL Top Goalscorer, Esala Craig Smart FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTS:. Golf and Table Pines have retained about 90 per cent of its veteran Brad Zealley. Daniel Miller (from Zebras) Tennis 2007 squad but its the quality of the other With a new committee bedded down, the Masi, makes the switched from Danny Black (from Dandenong Thunder) FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTSPERSON: Roger 10 per cent, including the Premier Leagues clubs books in the black and some well Oakleigh Cannons to the peninsula. Federa leading scorer, Esala Masi, that offers the managed strategic signings, Pines could Esala Masi (from Cannons) FAVOURITE FOODS: Seafood, Steak and Na- chos peninsula side much hope for 2008. James Reichwein (from Qld) FAVOURITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Morgan Free- Leo Trebbia man Matt Morris-Thomas HOBBIES: Fishing and Golf 2007 Bill Feming Medalist Tony Sterjovski FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT: Mallorca-Spain of Preston Lions holds off a challenge Michael Anderson FAVOURITE NIGHTSPOT: The local Pub Nick Waite IDEAL DATE: Jessica Alba from Whittlesea Zebras’ Kristian Rees FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Friends during last year’s Foxtel Cup Grand Final. Nikola Roganovic (from White Eagles) FAVOURITE MUSIC: Golden Oldies Ross Duckworth FAVOURITE FILM: The Shawshank Redemption Preston were victorious by 3-1 and were LAST SOCCER SHIRT YOU BOUGHT: Never crowned champions of Victoria. Simon Mur (from Berwick City) bought one Thomas Sadd (from USA) FUNNIEST RUMOUR YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT Trent Malcolm YOURSELF: ...... havent heard one! BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON CAREER: My big- gest infl uence will have to be my Grandfather and my dad. BIGGEST DRAG IN SOCCER: Players who feign injury FOOTBALL AMBITION: To play soccer for as long as I can to the best of my ability WHICH PERSON IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET? : Ronaldo YOUR TIP FOR THIS YEAR’S FOXTEL CUP: Al- Cam Leopold will again captain the Pines Frankston Pines makes a quick return to the Foxtel Cup after clinching tona Magic or Melbourne Knights and like the lad in the background will hope to Division One honours last season. The club will be coached by Adam Jamieson (Back Photo by John Punshon show some cheek to its opponents in 2008. row, far left) and his tactically astute assistant coach, Willie Raynes (back row, far right). Photo by John Punshon

Issue # 1 Monday 11 February 2008 Monday 11 February 2008 FOXTEL CUP

ROUND 1 Friday, 15 February 8:15PM Richmond V Preston Lions Kevin Bartlett Res ROUND 22 Saturday, 16 February 6:00PM Frankston Pines V Oakleigh Cannons Monterey Res 2008 FIXTURE LIST Friday, 25 July 8:15PM Richmond V Heidelberg United Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 16 February 6:00PM Coburg United V Western Suburbs Knights Stdm Saturday, 26 July 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V A.I.S. Green Gully Res Saturday, 16 February 7:30PM Altona Magic V Green Gully Cavaliers Paisley Park Res Saturday, 26 July 6:30PM Altona Magic V Coburg United Paisley Park Res Sunday, 17 February 6:00PM Fawkner Blues V Melbourne Knights C.B Smith Res Sunday, 27 July 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V South Melbourne C.B Smith Res Sunday, 17 February 6:00PM Heidelberg United V South Melbourne Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 27 July 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Oakleigh Cannons Knights Stdm Monday, 18 February 8:15PM Whittlesea Zebras V A.I.S. Epping Stdm Sunday, 27 July 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Preston Lions Ralph Res Sunday, 27 July 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Frankston Pines Epping Stdm ROUND 2 Friday, 22 February 8:15PM Richmond V Green Gully Cavaliers Kevin Bartlett Res ROUND 23 Friday, 22 February 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Heidelberg United Jack Edwards Res Friday, 1 August 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Fawkner Blues Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 24 February 6:00PM South MelMelbourne V Coburg United Bob Jane Stdm Saturday, 2 August 6:00PM Coburg United V Richmond Knights Stdm Sunday, 24 February 6:00PM Melbourne Knights V Altona Magic Knights Stdm Sunday, 3 August 3:00PM Preston Lions V Green Gully Cavaliers BT Connor Res Sunday, 24 February 6:00PM Preston Lions V Whittlesea Zebras BT Connor Res Sunday, 3 August 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Frankston Pines Ralph Res Sunday, 24 February 6:00PM Western Suburbs V Fawkner Blues Ralph Res Sunday, 3 August 3:00PM South Melbourne V Altona Magic Bob Jane Stdm Saturday, 23 or Sunday 24 February A.I.S. V Frankston Pines TBC * Sunday, 3 August 5:00PM Heidelberg United V Whittlesea Zebras Olympic Park (Village) Saturday, 2 or Sunday, 3 August A.I.S. V Melbourne Knights TBC * ROUND 3 Friday, 29 February 8:15PM Richmond V Melbourne Knights Kevin Bartlett Res ROUND 24 Saturday, 29 February 6:00PM Frankston Pines V Preston Lions Monterey Res Friday, 8 August 8:15PM Richmond V South Melbourne Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 1 March 6:00PM Coburg United V Oakleigh Cannons Knights Stdm Friday, 8 August 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Heidelberg United Monterey Res Saturday, 1 March 7:30PM Altona Magic V Fawkner Blues Paisley Park Res Saturday, 9 August 6:30PM Altona Magic V Oakleigh Cannons Paisley Park Res Sunday, 2 March 5:00PM Heidelberg United V A.I.S. Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 10 August 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V A.I.S. C.B Smith Res Sunday, 2 March 6:00PM South Melbourne V Western Suburbs Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 10 August 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Preston Lions Knights Stdm Monday, 3 March 8:15PM Whittlesea Zebras V Green Gully Cavaliers Epping Stdm Sunday, 10 August 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Green Gully Cavaliers Ralph Res Sunday, 10 August 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Coburg United Epping Stdm ROUND 4 Friday, 7 March 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V South Melbourne Jack Edwards Res ROUND 25 Sunday, 9 March 5:00PM Fawkner Blues V Richmond C.B Smith Res Friday, 15 August 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Richmond Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 9 March 5:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Frankston Pines Green Gully Res Saturday, 16 August 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Melbourne Knights Green Gully Res Sunday, 9 March 5:00PM Melbourne Knights V Whittlesea Zebras Knights Stdm : Sunday, 17 August 3:00PM Preston Lions V Fawkner Blues BT Connor Res Sunday, 9 March 5:00PM Preston Lions V Heidelberg United BT Connor Res Sunday, 17 August 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Heidelberg United Ralph Res Sunday, 9 March 5:00PM Western Suburbs V Altona Magic Ralph Res Sunday, 17 August 4:00PM South Melbourne V Whittlesea Zebras Bob Jane Stdm Saturday, 8 or Sunday,9 March A.I.S. V Coburg United TBC * Sunday, 17 August 6:00PM Coburg United V Frankston Pines Knights Stdm Friday, 14 March 8:15PM Richmond V Altona Magic Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 16 or Sunday, 17 August A.I.S. V Altona Magic TBC *

ROUND 5 ROUND 26 Friday, 14 March 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Melbourne Knights Monterey Res Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Altona Magic V Preston Lions Paisley Park Res Friday, 14 March 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Western Suburbs Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Green Gully Cavaliers C.B Smith Res Saturday, 15 March 6:00PM Coburg United V Preston Lions Knights Stdm Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Frankston Pines V South Melbourne Monterey Res Sunday, 16 March 5:00PM Heidelberg United V Green Gully Cavaliers Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Heidelberg United V Coburg United Olympic Park (Village) Monday, 17 March 8:15PM Whittlesea Zebras V Fawkner Blues Epping Stdm Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Western Suburbs Knights Stdm Monday, 24 March (Easter Monday) 4:00PM South Melbourne V A.I.S. Bob Jane Stdm Preston Lions completely dominated last season, taking out the Minor Premiership after starting the campaign with a three Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Richmond V A.I.S. Kevin Bartlett Res point deduction. It then went on to defeat Whittlesea Zebras 3-1 in the Grand Final to capture its 4th VPL title. Sunday, 24 August 3:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Oakleigh Cannons Epping Stdm ROUND 6 Saturday, 29 March 7:30PM Altona Magic V Whittlesea Zebras Paisley Park Res Sunday, 30 March 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Frankston Pines C.B Smith Res ROUND 10 FINALS SERIES Sunday, 30 March 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Heidelberg United Knights Stdm ROUND 16 Friday, 29 & Sunday, 31 August WEEK 1 FRIDAY, 25 APRIL ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION MATCH TBC Friday, 6 June 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Coburg United Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 30 March 3:00PM Preston Lions V South Melbourne BT Connor Res Saturday, 26 April 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Oakleigh Cannons C.B Smith Res Saturday, 6 & Sunday, 7 August WEEK 2 Sunday, 30 March 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Richmond Ralph Res Saturday, 7 June 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Whittlesea Zebras Green Gully Res Saturday, 13 & Sunday, 14 August WEEK 3 Sunday, 27 April 3:00PM Frankston Pines V Western Suburbs Monterey Res Sunday, 8 June 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Altona Magic C.B Smith Res Sunday, 30 March 5:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Coburg United Green Gully Res Sunday, 27 April 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V A.I.S. Knights Stdm Sunday, 21 September GRAND FINAL Saturday, 29 or Sunday, 30 March A.I.S. V Oakleigh Cannons TBC * Sunday, 8 June 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Richmond Knights Stdm Sunday, 27 April 5:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Preston Lions Green Gully Res Sunday, 8 June 3:00PM Preston Lions V Frankston Pines BT Connor Res Monday, 28 April 8:15PM Altona Magic V South Melbourne Paisley Park Res Sunday, 8 June 3:00PM Western Suburbs V South Melbourne Ralph Res Monday, 28 April 8:15PM Richmond V Coburg United Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 7 or Sunday, 8 June A.I.S. V Heidelberg United TBC * Monday, 28 April 8:15PM Whittlesea Zebras V Heidelberg United Epping Stdm ROUND 17 ROUND 11 Friday, 13 June 8:15PM Richmond V Fawkner Blues Kevin Bartlett Res Friday, 2 May 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Altona Magic Jack Edwards Res Friday, 13 June 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Green Gully Cavaliers Monterey Res Saturday, 3 May 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Western Suburbs Green Gully Res Saturday, 14 June 6:00PM Coburg United V A.I.S. Knights Stdm Saturday, 3 May 6:00PM Coburg United V Whittlesea Zebras Knights Stdm Saturday, 14 June 6:30PM Altona Magic V Western Suburbs Paisley Park Res Sunday, 4 May 3:00PM Preston Lions V Melbourne Knights BT Connor Res Sunday, 15 June 4:00PM South Melbourne V Oakleigh Cannons Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 4 May 4:00PM South Melbourne V Richmond Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 15 June 5:00PM Heidelberg United V Preston Lions Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 4 May 5:00PM Heidelberg United V Frankston Pines Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 15 June 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Melbourne Knights Epping Stdm Saturday, 3 or Sunday, 4 May A.I.S. V Fawkner Blues TBC * ROUND 18 ROUND 12 Saturday, 21 June 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Heidelberg United Green Gully Res Friday, 9 May 8:15PM Richmond V Oakleigh Cannons Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 21 June 6:30PM Altona Magic V Richmond Paisley Park Res Friday, 9 May 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Coburg United Monterey Res Sunday, 22 June 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Whittlesea Zebras C.B Smith Res Saturday, 10 May 6:30PM Altona Magic V A.I.S. Paisley Park Res Sunday, 22 June 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Frankston Pines Knights Stdm Dressing room celebrations with the Zebras. Sunday, 11 May 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Preston Lions C.B Smith Res Sunday, 22 June 3:00PM Preston Lions V Coburg United BT Connor Res Sunday, 11 May 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Green Gully Cavaliers Knights Stdm Sunday, 22 June 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Oakleigh Cannons Ralph Res Sunday, 11 May 500PM Heidelberg United V Western Suburbs Olympic Park (Village) Saturday, 21 or Sunday, 22 June A.I.S. V South Melbourne TBC * Sunday, 11 May 500PM Whittlesea Zebras V South Melbourne Epping Stdm : ROUND 7 Friday, 4 April 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Altona Magic Monterey Res ROUND 19 The Knights are holding high expectations this year. ROUND 13 Friday, 28 June 8:15PM Richmond V Western Suburbs Kevin Bartlett Res Saturday, 5 April 6:00PM Coburg United V Melbourne Knights Knights Stdm Friday, 16 May 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Whittlesea Zebras Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 6 April 3:00PM Oakleigh Cannons V Preston Lions Jack Edwards Res Friday, 28 June 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Fawkner Blues Monterey Res * ALL Saturday, 17 May 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Fawkner Blues Green Gully Res Sunday, 29 June 3:00PM Heidelberg United V Melbourne Knights Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 6 April 3:00PM Heidelberg United V Fawkner Blues Olympic Park (Village) Saturday, 17 May 6:00PM Coburg United V Heidelberg United Knights Stdm night fi xtures are subject to change pending the fl oodlighting meeting FFV approval Sunday, 6 April 4:00PM South Melbourne V Green Gully Cavaliers Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 29 June 3:00PM South Melbourne V Preston Lions Bob Jane Stdm ** FFV is assessing the feasibility of hosting AIS home games in Regional Victoria and/or Canberra Sunday, 18 May 3:00PM Preston Lions V Altona Magic BT Connor Res Sunday, 29 June 5:00PM Oakleigh Cannons V A.I.S. Jack Edwards Res Monday, 7 April 8:30PM Whittlesea Zebras V Richmond Epping Stdm Sunday, 18 May 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Melbourne Knights Ralph Res ***When AIS is playing in regional Victoria VIS will play at DISC, time and dates TBC Saturday, 5 or Sunday, 6 April A.I.S. V Western Suburbs TBC * Sunday, 29 June 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Altona Magic Epping Stdm **** Fixtures subject to change depending on Melbourne Victory fi xtures for the AFC Champions Sunday, 18 May 4:00PM South Melbourne V Frankston Pines Bob Jane Stdm Monday, 30 June 8:15PM Coburg United V Green Gully Cavaliers Knights Stdm Saturday, 17 or Sunday, 18 May A.I.S. V Richmond TBC * League ROUND 8 *****Under 21 game to precede main fi xture as a curtain raiser. KO times to commence 2 Friday, 11 April 8:30PM Richmond V Frankston Pines Kevin Bartlett Res ROUND 20 hours before senior game. ROUND 14 Saturday, 12 April 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Oakleigh Cannons Green Gully Res Friday, 11 July 8:30PM Richmond V Whittlesea Zebras Kevin Bartlett Res Friday, 23 May 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Frankston Pines Jack Edwards Res Saturday, 12 July 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V South Melbourne Green Gully Res Saturday, 12 April 6:30PM Altona Magic V Heidelberg United Paisley Park Res Saturday, 24 May 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Altona Magic Green Gully Res : Sunday, 13 April 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Coburg United C.B Smith Res Saturday, 12 July 6:30PM Altona Magic V Frankston Pines Paisley Park Res Sunday, 25 May 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Fawkner Blues Knights Stdm Sunday, 13 July 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Heidelberg United C.B Smith Res Victorian Men’s International Tour Thursday 3 July - Sunday 6 July Sunday, 13 April 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V South Melbourne Knights Stdm Sunday, 25 May 3:00PM Preston Lions V Richmond BT Connor Res Sunday, 13 April 3:00PM Preston Lions V A.I.S. BT Connor Res Sunday, 13 July 3:00PM Melbourne Knights V Coburg United Knights Stdm Sunday, 25 May 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Coburg United Ralph Res Sunday, 13 July 3:00PM Preston Lions V Oakleigh Cannons BT Connor Res Sunday, 13 April 3:00PM Western Suburbs V Whittlesea Zebras Ralph Res THE GROUNDS Sunday, 25 May 4:00PM South Melbourne V Heidelberg United Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 13 July 3:00PM Western Suburbs V A.I.S. Ralph Res Saturday, 24 or Sunday, 25 May A.I.S. V Whittlesea Zebras TBC * Altona Magic: Paisley Park Reserve MEL: 55-C5 Coburg Utd: Knights Stadium MEL: 27-A6 ROUND 9 Fawkner Blues: CB Smith Reserve MEL: 17-J2 Frankston Pines: Monterey Reserve MEL: Friday, 18 April 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Whittlesea Zebras Monterey Res ROUND 21 99-K8 Green Gully: Green Gully Reserve MEL: 14-E8 Heidelberg United: Olympic Village MEL: 19-D11 ROUND 15 Friday, 18 July 8:30PM Frankston Pines V Richmond Monterey Res Melb Knights: Knights Stadium MEL: 27-A6 Oakleigh Cannons: Jack Edwards Res MEL: 69-H9 Friday, 18 April 8:30PM Oakleigh Cannons V Melbourne Knights Jack Edwards Res Saturday, 31 May 4:00PM Green Gully Cavaliers V Richmond Green Gully Res Saturday, 19 April 6:00PM Coburg United V Altona Magic Knights Stdm Saturday, 19 July 6:00PM Coburg United V Fawkner Blues Knights Stdm Preston Lions: BT Connor Res MEL: 18-B2 Richmond Eagles: Kevin Bartlett Res MEL: 59-A1 Saturday, 31 May 6:00PM Coburg United V South Melbourne Knights Stdm South Melbourne: Bob Jane Stadium MEL: 2K F6 Western Suburbs: Ralph Reserve 40-A2 Sunday, 20 April 3:00PM Heidelberg United V Richmond Olympic Park (Village) Sunday, 20 July 3:00PM Heidelberg United V Altona Magic Olympic Park (Village) Saturday, 31 May 6:30PM Altona Magic V Melbourne Knights Paisley Park Res Whittlesea Stallions: Epping Stadium MEL: 182-B4 Sunday, 20 April 3:00PM Preston Lions V Western Suburbs BT Connor Res Sunday, 20 July 3:00PM South Melbourne V Melbourne Knights Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 1 June 3:00PM Fawkner Blues V Western Suburbs C.B Smith Res Sunday, 20 July 5:00PM Oakleigh Cannons V Green Gully Cavaliers Jack Edwards Res Sunday, 20 April 4:00PM South Melbourne V Fawkner Blues Bob Jane Stdm Sunday, 1 June 5:00PM Heidelberg United V Oakleigh Cannons Olympic Park (Village) Saturday, or Sunday, 20 April A.I.S. V Green Gully Cavaliers TBC * Sunday, 20 July 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Western Suburbs Epping Stdm Sunday, 1 June 5:00PM Whittlesea Zebras V Preston Lions Epping Stdm Saturday, or Sunday 20 July A.I.S. V Preston Lions TBC * Saturday, 31 May or Sunday, 1 June Frankston Pines V A.I.S. Monterey Res

Issue # 17 Monday 11 February 2007 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 19 Fawkner Blues OLD HAND VANIS LEADS THE BLUES Fawkner to avoid repeat of ‘07 For the Fawkner Blues, the upcoming winning keeper, Pasi Schwalger, after a quality signings, whether Youseff and season looms as arguably the most crucial disappointing stint at Heidelberg. Schwalger are up to the task of stepping in the club’s long history after the side In addition to this, the arrival of into the admittedly large shoes of the proven FAWKNER BLUES FAST FACTS narrowly managed to avoid what would exciting young midfi elder Yannis Galanos match winner Tsiorlas and the established Formed: 1965 have been the Blues’ fi rst-ever relegation is a genuine cause for optimism at CB Smith match-saver Tilovski, will without doubt from the top fl ight, in 2007. Reserve, while Ralph Napoli has signed determine if the Blues can remain in the President: Santo Rizzo Hopes, not to be confused with from the Sunshine Georgies to bolster the Foxtel Cup beyond this season. expectations, are high as always heading defence. In all likelihoods though, Blues Captain: TBC into their round one clash with the Knights, fans should probably brace themselves for after a preseason of transfer activity. The majority of the members who helped another relegation dogfi ght, which may see Coach: Vlado Vanis However, new coach Vlado Vlanis is in his to form the equal fi fth best defence in the Vlanis under pressure in the latter half of fi rst season at the helm and will undoubtedly league last season have also stayed on the season if he can’t achieve satisfactory Ground address: CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner know he will need to keep the Blues away and, their form permitting, coupled with results. In addition to this, the Blues’ Mel: 17-J2 from the bottom end of the table if he is to a successful striking partnership between faithful can forget their dream of seeing make his tenure a lengthy one. Ricky Chilico and Youseff, could see the their side winning the Foxtel Cup for the VPL championships: None The collective losses of last Blues at best fi nishing just outside of the fi rst time – for this season, at least. season’s top-scorer Mark Tsiorlas, along top four. Throw in a number of young faces Given time, and if the core of Final position in 2007: 10th with best-and-fairest and goalkeeper Steven signed from Division One and Two clubs this group can remain together, there is Tilovski, former Melbourne Victory player and Vlanis is obviously going for a more defi nitely the recipe for success down the Top Scorer in 2007: Carl Recchia, and also Daniel Rocco and youthful team which has the potential to track. It all hinges on the ability of the side Mark Tsiorlas, 9 goals Mark Vazzochi will have certainly been the develop into a feared outfi t with time. to hang in there in the top fl ight, and prevent Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: cause of a few headaches for the coaching However at worst, and probably relegation, a feat also never experienced at Carl Rechia, 17 votes staff though. more realistically, Fawkner may well be CB Smith Reserve. Yet. Vlanis has brought in ex-Essendon facing relegation, a situation most likely to Squad 2008 striker Joseph Youseff to fi ll the void occur if the Blues cannot fi nd a means of Raffaele Napoli (from Sunshine Georgies) created by the departure of Tsiorlas while replacing the valuable goals which Tsiorlas By Jeremy O’Neil Boris Masic (from Bentleigh Greens) the number one jersey vacated by Tilovski provided last season. Photos by John Punshon will be worn by the 2005 championship- While all of the new players are Goran Petrovic (from Croatia) Wes Coles Jason Principato Michael Packovski Metin Alibeyi Vlado Juric (from Melb Knight) Yanni Galanos (from Richmond) Adam Zilic (from Melb Knights) Clifford Tuck (from Bentleigh Greens) Rasario Mancuso Joey Youssef (from Essendon Royals) Fikret Husanovic (from Bentleigh Greens) Zia Younan (from Preston Lions) Leigh Squillacioti Mitch Bosevski Nazir (from Thomastown) Ben Cogger (from Bentleigh Greens) Dejan Pasi Schwazger (from Heidelberg) Boris Radman (from Western Suburbs)

Fawkner coach Vlado Vanis & last sea- son’s top scorer Mark Tsiorlas. Mark has since left for Heidelberg and leaves some big shoes to fi ll at CB Smith Reserve.

Josef Youssef, seen here in action for Essendon Royals against Robert Bresciano of Fawkner early last season, has been recruited to spearhead the Blues attack for the new campaign.

Monday 11 February 2008 20 FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW Goal! Weekly Coburg United NEW BOYS HOLD NO FEARS Coburg set to hit dizzy heights Twenty-seven years ago, a little known the pitch to awake this sleeping giant. players. In come Anthony Magnacca, Andy team called Holland Park clinched the One of these people is their very Vlahos, Serder Pir, Tansel Basar, Fidell 1981 Victorian Central Amateur League proud coach Joe Montemurro, who believes Richards & Tomas Kovar. Mix that with COBURG UNITED FAST FACTS Division Two Title. his side has what it takes to give the league a current players such as, Adam Hrehoreisn, Formed: 1979 Last year the current named Coburg shake up. “Survival has not been mentioned Sime Kovacevic, Daniel Rocco, Mustafa United celebrated reaching the heights of at all, I’ll be looking for our players to gel Mustafa, Alex Josifovski, Ross Thompson President: Sam Isik Victorian football, as they fi nished second well together and get some results”, “Our & Serkan Oksuz - all with experience in State League One. A great tale about a team is ambitious”, said Joe. playing in the Victorian Premier League, Captain: Mustafa Mustafa club which has risen through the ranks, and Montemurro credited last season’s former , A-League now is about to embark on their greatest success to the dedication of his backroom & abroad respectively, you have a team that Coach: Joe Montemurro achievement in their history. staff, as well as the support of a great can strike fear into any opposition. Many people may be surprised to committee. The excitement of a new ground Montemurro will be looking Ground address: Knights stadium, Sunshine see Coburg in the top fl ight, however just being currently built will also help stabilize towards captain Mustafa Mustafa to lead Mel: 27-A6 ask anyone involved in the club, and they the club. his charges again this season. Coburg have will assure you that this success isn’t a one Coburg has bolstered their squad already impressed well with their friendly VPL championships: None off, but due to all the hard work on and off with some impressive and top profi le games recently, defeating Oakleigh Cannons (2-1) & Green Gully (1-0) as well Final position in 2007: as holding 2007 Champions Preston Lions Division One Runners-Up to a 0-0 draw. When asked about his choice for Top scorer in 2007: the 2008 Champion, Montemurro cheekily Serkan Oksuz replied ‘Coburg!’(tongue in cheek), but Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: N/A also admitted the usual suspect will be up there with the Knights looking strong. He hopes that Season 2008 brings out some Squad 2008 Adam Hreheoresn By Andrew Fisher Thomas Kovar (from Gully) Sedar Pir (from Preston) Photos by Daniel Flis Sime Kovacevic (from Wellington Phoenix) Ahmet Gurpinar Peter Tichy John Petridis George Tiolous Ross Thompson Brett Gilmour (from Georgies) Mustafa Mustafa Fidell Richards (from Magic) Anthony Magnacca (from Georgies) Tansel Baser from (South Melb) Alex Josifovski Nick Harrhy Serkan Oksuz Andy Vlahos (from Heidelberg Utd) Edemar Garcia (from Brunswick City) Ahmet Ikiz Leading Coburg United this season with the captain’s armbandwill be Mustafa Mustafa.

Coburg’s top scorer from last season, Serkan Oksuz, makes a return to the VPL after helping his club gain promotion from the First Division. MELBOURNE SPORTS BOOKS 80 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm All Credit Cards, Cheques & Money Orders accepted. Tel: (03) 9662 1085 or (03) 9662 1086 Add $8 for Postage & Packaging anywhere in Australia Fax: (03) 9662 1282

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 2008 PREVIEW 21 Australian Institute of Sport AIS YOUNG GUNS KEEN TO IMPRESS New crop of Canberra whizz kids

The Australian Institute of Sport season included defeating Grand Finalists Founded in 1981, last season was fi nished twelfth in the 2007 Foxtel Whittlesea Zebras 2-0 in March, Oakleigh the programme’s fi rst foray into senior AIS Fast Facts Cup, their fi rst season playing for Cannons by the same scoreline in May, competitive football after previously points in Victoria’s premier football eventual champions Preston Lions 4- competing in the NSL Youth leagues and Formed: 1981 competition. 3 in July and Heidelberg United 4-0 in two years of playing friendlies against Their form fl uctuated during the August. NSW and VPL clubs. Their campaign in President: N/A season and their placing was one spot 2008 could face interruptions with some above the relegation places, but with a players likely to be involved in the AFC Captain: TBC charter of developing players the season Under 17’s Championship in would have to be viewed as a success. in September, with the top four nations Coach: Steve O’Connor Most notable were the exploits of James progressing to the 2009 FIFA Under 17 Holland. Holland took out the Foxtel World Cup in Nigeria. The AFC Youth Ground address: Cup’s Under 21 Player of the Season Championships do not commence until Plays all matches away Award before joining Newcastle Jets in November in Saudi Arabia, which should the A-League and having an immediate have less of an impact on the squad. VPL championships: None impact, soon earning a call-up to the The long line of Australian senior national team training squad. internationals to come through the AIS Final position in 2007: 11th He was not alone in capturing ranks, highlighted again last week against the eye of A-League coaches, with Tahj Qatar when former pupils Josh Kennedy Top scorer in 2007: Minniecon picked up by the Queensland and Marco Besciano were on the Milos Lujic, 6 goals Roar, Mathew Mullen was signed by takes out the Under 21 scoresheet, means it is likely that some Adelaide United and local side Melbourne Player of the Year Award last year. of the boys who take the park for them Most Gold Medal votes in 2007: Victory recruited defender Sebastian in 2008 will go onto bigger and better James Holland, 24 votes Ryall. Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne things. It is unlikely they will be consistent recovered from a terrible start to after The team is sure to benefi t from the enought to push for a fi nals berth, but if departing Kevin Bartlett Reserve in an experience of the 2007 campaign. Whether they could uncover the next , ambulance when landing heavily claiming the new crop of scholarship holders are of or Brett Emerton anything a cross on the opening night to regularly the same quality as their predecessors is could be possible. perform well and then be signed by the something that will only be exposed over Central Coast Mariners. Top goalscorer the course of the season. There can be By Mark Boric Milos Lujic, who notched up six goals, no doubt that the side will be quick and has moved on to Oakleigh Cannons. fi t, and anyone taking them lightly could Photos by John Punshon Notable scalps for the team last learn a harsh lesson.

450 Queen Street, Melbourne Tel: 9326 4100

Monday 11 February 2008 22 REGULARS Goal! Weekly Gas Bagging, News & Views

With Mike Lilikakis

RIPPED. easily fall for a BIG lie, than a small one.” I’ll bring lunch. If I was a Pom, I’d sing abovementioned Or at least ripped off. Great quote from a bloke who had a cricket Well dang, I CAN COOK!!! song. strip for a moustache. I’m a wog. If I was Greek, I’d sing, 2008 How can we be serious unless we twirl the Gee I wish wogs played cricket. “Da da didla da da Here we are again. mo? Kasprowicz is a wog. Ena pousti sto saloni, As the old adage thus sayeth, “Another That’s a cool name. Da da didla da da season, another larf.” Australia has as much chance of winning Me to boutso tou maloni…” How can we expect any thrills, spills, chills the FIFI, I mean….hahahahaha!.FIFA World unless our players are on some pills? Cup, as I have of being Rudolph Nurayev. After every victory… When was the last time anyone dope-tested Pirhoettes? Save that for the fairies. In the clubrooms... out players? I’m much more impartial towards a good With all the old dudes. Blame the FFV. souplex, or bodyslam. For everything. If I was a WWF, yes WWF wrestler, I’d call Spondoolie speaks more to a young mind Unless they want to stop just yakkin’ on myself The Mon Star. these days, more than ever before. Shame on the phone to phoney baloney prospective French, just to piss off the Yanks, and a the Playstation Generation for holding their clients, or check and do emails to anyone Champs de Elysses Mon Blanc Ces C’asses. parents to ransom over schedules, fi xtures, of consequence….don’t expect a straight sessions and BMW’s, just to act as if they answer. Unless you’re www.bigmalakies. And all that Jazz. are superstars. com. Hell, let’s breed and hammer our kids with For shame. QUOL e FIE success in sport for fi nancial gain, so we can More on that next week. I’ve already witnessed the lengths a team So I scammed a ticket to get into the Telstra retire at 45, and buy 3 more houses. will go to achieve some form of mediocratic Dome, yea sneaky sneaky, and spotted I haven’t heard any KAZAA, or WOOHOO infamy. Exploitation and milking are not dirty this summer about anything KAZOO or words. WAHAA pertaining football in this said Och Aye Laddie! VPL. Fancy a VPL being VPL when the only teams Fancy an U13’s team calling up 6 Vic Reps in the League are MPL. (M for Melbourne whom aren’t affi liated with said team, to you git) Fancy the coverage being thrust play in a Final of a Wog (pre-season) Cup, amongst our 4 million odd culturally diverse just to add a phony baloney trophy. throng, and shown up to be what it is. Big This is politics? Malakies. This is democracy? This is Bollocks! Muahahahahaha after a joke about a priest, a rabbi, and a small dog. Mediocrity hasn’t changed. I don’t like ROFL. I experienced much of the same with the He’s gay. argle bargle foo ferra of parental, and club pettiness way back in my day. VPL and FFV are about as gay as a fart after the uber striker maestro, Count Krncevic a lamington. A Fed-Inkum Tru-Blu Dink- Di would glockenshpieling mit ex- Socceroos, and There’s no animosity between clubs surmise and belch out, “Once a wanker, yanked him away for a diatribe. anymore. always a wanker!” I can’t disclose the information, however I There’s no cheap LPG anymore. Maybe a little, “Chewy in yer boot!” will say I’ve never laughed so hard after a There’s no heritage anymore. Perhaps even a,”Havagoyamug!!!” couple of drinky-drinky’s. That’s what lacks in Wogball. A full on Ozzie Spirit. Blood, sweat and tears are though. ALLEGRO MODERATO It was the bestest 30minutes of football “The great masses of the people will more EVER! To wantingly and desperately chase a piece 3 goals of high caliber, and 60 minutes of The Branderies are in snooze mode. of plastic called a “trophy”, and yet be why are we playing tonight? There’s more action in Wandle Bank. CENTURY 21 CUP undermanned at a VPL Final leaves a lot Pimm’s is a great gin, but he’s not Pommie, to be desired. he’s Dutch. It’s time to take a stand. KICKS OFF IN GEELONG 4 Barstaff for 5 thousand paying Take the Cat by the Hat, and snap him fl at. spectators. Yes, the Dutch. Yeah Baby. The Century 21 Cup for 2008 kicked off I’d love to meet the brains trust of that Put him down. at Bell Park Sports Club in Geelong on venture. Where there are more holes than Dykes, Take the Hat. Friday night with a one-nil victory to and orange is a color more Valencio, than Give it to the Emperor. favourite North Geelong over Breakwater QUO VADIS? backyard Wogtree citrus. Be indoctrinated into the Dark Side. Eagles representing the Geelong Regional Yeah I suppose you could declare, “Who You’ve got to hand it to the Dutch, they were Watch the Emperor sing and dance with . The Cup cares, man?” here before the Poms, they would’nt have Hat on. is the successor to the long running and Well pthhhhhh to that crapola Freund! said “Sorry”, because we would’ve have highly successful Geelong Advertiser Cup A team could BUY itself 40 trophies, apartheid…no wait that’s Afrikaans. Go Sith. and involves all the local teams and Hoppers have them engraved to their liking, and Woops I did it again. But Van Diemens Land Crossing from Werribee. This year it is put them on display so philanthropic sounds better than Tasmania, which should Gudenacht. played in two groups of four teams and in the engineers can have a gander whilst secede and declare themselves a country second match on Friday Corio beat newcomer getting pissed, talking and comparing the anyway. With love; Surfcoast by three goals to nil. ‘good ol’ days’. The Tsigan North’s only goal was scored by former This year… Muchly obliged to Ms. N Hayle for NSL player Grgo Saric and came courtesy of Let’s just say, I’m, going to name information pertaining Tassie. defl ection off the keeper, while veterans Dragi names. Sobevski and Stanko Leban gave Corio a two- I’m going to point fi ngers. If I hear “Well it’s a grand ol’ team to play nil half-time lead and Enes Eren added the I’m going to poke, stick and jab. for…” one more time after a wog derby, I’ll third late on. On Sunday night it is the turn shat a brack. If I was Kiwi I’d shut a bruck. of Geelong Rangers to take on host club Bell Catches win matches. Wog Teams MUST bring back the Wog Park at 6 pm, followed by Hoppers Crossing That’s a fact. songs to accommodate the Wogs who make against Geelong. the clubs what they are. Wog teams. Wog Lawyers are going to have a fi eld day money. Wog Wog. - By Roy Hay with me. If oi was Oirish, I’d sing an Oirish dittie.

Issue # 17 Goal! Weekly REGULARS 23 Gas bagging, News & Views

With Mark Boric

Welcome back to another season of the In addition to the fi rm it focuses on being meltdown after their January 3rd piece called defence. Media Manager Tony Ising was longest running weekly column about named after the street that runs alongside “Excitement builds as Foxtel Cup fi xtures given the chop, possibly to send a warning local football in Goal! Weekly. Take that Telstra Dome, actors Ernie Dingo and David released”. The excitement must have been shot to the coaching staff. Ljubo Milcevic Katsa and Tsigan, you Johnnie (in Katsa’s Gulpilil will also join the cast as I’ve been too much, there has not been another update remains on the payroll, they will probably case, Walker) Come Latelys. advised it will be easier to secure hope to get rid of him during Council Hard Australia’s World Cup qualifi cation Government funding with an Waste Collection season. Though at the end campaign began last Wednesday with a 3-0 Aboriginal theme. The catchphrase of it they may still be stuck with him sitting defeat of Qatar. Now we are in Asia we get “jog on, my son!” will be replaced on the nature strip. a proper home and away group qualifi cation with “walkabout on, my son!” The EPL is looking at scheduling an extra path. It’s so much like a coming of age, The VPL season is upon us round, with games to be played overseas. I we should have a 21st Birthday-style party once again, and for some it will expect a media report of Melissa Fischer- to mark the occasion. Get Corey Delaney be a long one. From what I’ve Massa talking of bidding to get one of these to organise it, guaranteed coverage on A heard, the Fawkner lads will have games played at Altona’s Paisley Park any Current Affair and Today Tonight would be terrible memories if they hear day now. assured. the “down, down, down, down, Maybe the refresh button on my browser Advice to : If you are going da down, down, down” part of isn’t working, I’ve just tried it on the Foxtel to try and talk Mark Viduka into being The Stone Roses’ Fool’s Gold in Cup website to check the updates with the available for World Cup qualifying games years to come. “Gold road’s sure season set to kick off but have come up with later in the campaign, don’t mention anything a long road, winds on through the nothing. about the revolutionary new skin-tight kit. hills for fi fteen days” will remind Some of the Socceroo supporters who made it over to See you at Kevin Bartlett Reserve I’m also suprised retired from plenty of players about pre-season on Friday night. I’ll be the bloke looking Corey’s house party. international football after the Qatar game, training. “I’m no clown, I won’t at the construction barriers on the Monash I would have thought he could have played back down, I don’t need you to tell Freeway roadworks wondering how the hell on as his body should be well preserved in me what’s goin’ down” could well be what since. All that anticipation over a fi xture am I meant to get over them to fi nd the match alcohol. a belligerent referee says when confronted containing more To Be Confi rmed’s than a ball on the other side. I’ve made a few amendments in the script by an argumentative player. Music reference Catholic Primary School. of my Australian football hooligan movie. quota met, it’s time to turn on the FFV. Heads have rolled after Melbourne Victory’s Until next week... It will now be called Wurundjeri Way Elite. The FFV Foxtel Cup website went into disappointing A League Championship

With George Katsamboukas

Welcome to Season 2008, and what a BIG Casualties, and the Scorer has agreed to are sitting “Stone Motherless Last” and have hurry. year it promises to be! terms again this year and will ably assist. about as much chance of avoiding the drop, Having won the A-League title last Summer was not very kind to Wickets will fall early, as the pitch as I have of swapping J Walker for water as Season, Ernie’s lads not only failed to make Katsa, with an interstate holiday cut short for 2008 has been described as one suiting my preferred drink. this season’s fi nals, but they at one stage due to poor weather, the highlight of this trip the various Club Administrators Bowlers. Their new gaffer Paul Jewell put looked destined to win the dreaded wooden was watching a group of punters over from Last year saw a signifi cant out the quote of the century - “I have more spoon. England drinking a bevvy or 10 at a Surfers restructure to the various Leagues, with the points on my drivers licence than Derby has Many blamed the absence of Fred as Paradise watering hole, and taking the reduction of the Foxtel Cup competition in the Premiership ladder” being a big factor. Fred or no Fred, they were absolute Mickey out of passers by who tried from 16 teams down to 14, this then had a Great call! simply not good enough, their upcoming to pick up a $5 note from the foot path. fl ow on effect through the lower leagues, Asian Cup campaign will Problem for these passer bys was with more teams being relegated, than in provide them with a chance that the lads from England had super glued previous years. to turn their last poor season the $5 note on to the Foot Path. Vic Roads were forced to open up around. Everyone has been complaining of more lanes on the Westgate to cater for more Speaking of Ernie, seems Interest Rates rises, Katsa’s key economic “Customers” using the Bridge at 5pm on the that the cameras took a indicator is the number of times the price of last round of the season, these “Customers” liking to him this season, J Walker and W N Filedd have increased. were far from satisfi ed with their team’s as they zoomed in on him Thankfully they haven’t. performance, and struggled to cope with the during the Victory live fact that their team was being relegated. broadcasts at least once FOXTEL CUP Just when Vic Roads thought it was every 3 minutes. Over to the Foxtel Cup we go. safe to close down these additional lanes Ernie never showed any This week, the Foxtel Cup matches for Season 2008, thinking that each league emotion be it happy or commence. would revert back to the traditional 2 up, unhappy as the matches Great news for Melbourne’s various 2 down system, a little birdie whispered in unfolded, perhaps if the Night Clubs. Car dealerships, café’s and G- their ear, that more changes to the leagues Victory gig turns a touch Star Raw Outlets as the Foxtel Cup Player’s could possibly take effect in 2009, and that The chips were down for Victory this season, but Ernie still sour on him, he may disposable income will increase over the there would be 4 Teams being relegated to has a “get out of jail free card” and can have another roll of the consider entering the World coming weeks. reduce the number of teams to 12 in Season dice at the Asian Champions League. Poker Tournament stage, And in under 2 months, their State 2009. his lack of facial expression League Counterparts will also be hearing the Even the Derby County FC website would have his opponents guessing. Caching sound as they will commence their Do I also dare to mention the word “V is aware of their team’s woes. Wishing everyone a great Season Season and along with it, their $$ will start League”? Clicking from screen to screen a black page 2008, and remember, to the winners the coming in. Hopefully all will be revealed over the next appears on the screen for over 5 seconds. 3 points, to the losers there’s always J Bad news though for the various month or so! Surely they could not be in mourning Walker! club’s El Supremos, who will have to go out already? and fi nd the $$$$ to pay these Players. Until next week, The Tradition will continue this RAMIN’ IT HOME VICTORY TO DEAL ACES year, I will continue to provide a weekly Over to Derby we go, home of the Rams. The Melbourne Victory would surely want This is Katsa – Just as you’ve known him! Scoreboard of Foxtel Cup Coaching To quote a NSW race caller, they to forget the season that just went past in a

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Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly INTERSTATE 25 NSW & TASMANIA NSW PREMIER LEAGUE 2008 – A PREVIEW North of the border cousins prepare to kick-off the year The 2008 NSW Premier League kicks off side, they have lost their quick striker, Tallan Murray, while promising midfielder Tayfun back home after a spell with Northampton on Friday February 22, with competition Martin, to Marconi. Burukkopru has joined Penrith-Nepean Town in England, has looked an excellent newcomers the West Sydney Berries taking The two other “finalists” from last United. acquisition. on Sydney Olympic at the Homebush season will be very competitive once more. Manly United, who came within Sydney Olympic, APIA Leichhardt Athletic Centre. Marconi have recruited well, snatching the a whisker of spoiling Blacktown’s party in and Wollongong FC all possess individual Once again, there has been plenty prolific Tolgay Ozbey from Blacktown, the last year’s preliminary final, have looked players of high quality, but will probably of transfer activity in the off-season, with speedy Tallan Martin from Bankstown, and impressive in the pre-season; the 2007 Gold not have the depth to challenge for top the one-year contract continuing to play the clever midfielder (and NSL veteran) Medal winner Robbie Cattanach is still honours this year. Sydney United may pose havoc with team stability in NSW’s premier Nahuel Arrarte from Sydney Olympic. In one there, and fellow strikers Dusan Mihajlovic more of a threat, with Luka Glavas back competition. of the most eagerly-anticipated pre-season and Craig Midgley have been amongst the from his unhappy spell in the A-League and The champions, Blacktown City tussles, Marconi overcame Bankstown in the goals in the Cup as well. other key players like Joe Vrkic and Petar Demons, have had the guts ripped out of first round of the Johnny Warren Cup. Of the others, the Sutherland Sharks Markovic still in the fold. Penrith-Nepean their 2007 side. Insiders have suggested United finished bottom last year, and could that loyalty to the previous coach, Aytek cause the odd upset this time, but should not Genc, was not extended to new coach Ken trouble the top sides unduly. Schembri when Genc accepted an assistant’s The competition has been expanded position at Sydney FC (from which he has to 12 teams this season, and the two since been removed). newcomers (included, for political reasons, As a result, there are few instead of the Winter Super League’s recognizable faces in the current Blacktown strongest side, the Bonnyrigg White Eagles) team, although Leo Carle and Jordan are the West Sydney Berries (formerly Simpson have been plucked from the A- Canterbury-Marrickville) and the Macarthur League to lend their quality and experience. Rams. Neither looks likely to do much Pre-season results have been mediocre, and damage in the Premier League. Blacktown could be in for an unusually All set for some fine football and difficult season. enjoyable drama over the next few months! Last season’s beaten finalists, Bankstown Lions, look in far better shape. Player-coach Peter Tsekenis is still there to lend his robust methods in defence, while the Macedonian-backed club has also held on to prized possessions such as midfielder Blacktown City Demons clinched the NSW title in 2007 after beating Bankstown George Nohra, wing-backs Shane Webb and Lions in a gripping Grand Final. The Demons won that day 3-1 and hope to repeat Steve Liavas, and promising striker Robbie Mileski. the dose under new coach Ken Schembri. Recently, they have also obtained the services of classy midfielder Tayfun Unfortunately for the Italian-backed club, could prove an interesting outsider; there Devrimol and ex-Manly striker James they have lost the two major stars of their are few stars in the side, but striker Brad By Mike Salter in Sydney Monie, who had a spell in the A-League outstanding Under 20 side from last year; Boardman has been in superb form during Photos by Carlos Furtado with Newcastle in 2005/06. On the minus striker Nathan Elasi has moved across the the Johnny Warren Cup, and Pedje Bojic, TASSIE GETS THE SHOW ON THE ROAD! First round of Steve Hudson Cup commences The Tasmanian soccer season commenced In pre-season friendlies, South have beaten defender Nathan Robinson, this weekend with the first round of Hobart Olympic 4-1 and New Town Eagles also a police officer, will matches on Sunday in the Steve Hudson 7-0. miss the season after Cup, a pre-season competition played in damaging knee ligaments in Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest the win over Eagles in the city, located in the north of the State. recent friendly. Robinson The southern Tasmanian Summer coached South to a league Cup series commences next Friday evening, title in 2002 before moving while the North-West Coast Summer Cup to University as player- starts on Tuesday, 19 February. coach in 2005, after which Two southern Premier League he returned to South. outfits, South Hobart and Metro-Claremont, The northern will participate in the Steve Hudson Cup as sides contesting the Steve well as in their own southern Summer Cup Hudson Cup are Northern series, which will put a strain on Metro’s Rangers, Prospect Knights player resources. and Launceston United, Tasmanian Summer Cup holders and Metro have a new coach in Ahmed South Hobart’s new coach, Ken Morton. while Ulverstone, from the Abdaltam, but the only new player they have North-West Coast, are also League Champions, Tilford Zebras. signed is goalkeeper Michael McKenna participating. as well as the southern Premier League from Taroona. McKenna has a wrist injury The big absentees are Launceston champions, but they will be hard-pressed to and may not play in the tournament. South Hobart, who finished second City, who are celebrating their 50th retain the pre-season trophy as they are in Metro are unlikely to reach the in the Premier League last year, a point anniversary this year and have decided not the tougher of the two groups and will do Steve Hudson Cup final, a feat which they behind champions Tilford Zebras, have been to compete as they will be conducting their well to finish top. achieved last season. Abdaltam, a former strengthened with the signing of Glenorchy own mini-tournament shortly as part of their professional player in Greece and Egypt, Knights players Jonathon Ladic, Matthew anniversary celebrations. will have to rely on many youngsters this Brown and Shay Hickey. The southern Summer Cup will season. Billy Gasparinatos has rejoined comprise two groups playing in a round- South Hobart, on the other hand, South after a season with Taroona, while robin series, with the winners of each group have a wealth of talent from which to choose Somerset’s Ricky Eaves is also considering meeting in the final on Easter Monday. and, with new coach Ken Morton in charge, playing for South after being accepted into The groups are: Group A: they look the early season favourites for the the Tasmania Police Academy at Rokeby. University, Metro-Claremont, Taroona, league title, as well as for every other trophy Tony Ortuso, a police officer, has South Hobart and Hobart Olympic; Group on offer. resumed training for South, who have also B: Tilford Zebras, New Town Eagles, Morton, who coached in the old acquired Sahm Taheri, an accomplished Glenorchy Knights, Kingborough Lions By Walter Pless NSL and also in Vietnam and Malaysia, has goalscorer from Hobart Olympic. United and Clarence United. just completed a three-year stint in Ethiopia. The bad news for South is that Zebras are the holders of the trophy Photos by Walter Pless

Monday 11 February 2008 26 INTERSTATE Goal! Weekly WESTERN AUSTRALIA NIGHT SERIES STARTS IN WA Perth SC to defend McInerney Ford Cup The McInerney Ford Night Series starts on Friday the 15th of December, with 12 teams battling it out for the first prize of the WA football calendar. The pre-season Series was launched at Perth Soccer Club this week, and having been training since early December, the players are raring to go. The teams will divide into two groups of six for a round robin stage, with the top two in each group going on to the semifinals. In Group I will be Armadale, Cockburn City, Floreat Athena, Fremantle Spirit, Sorrento and Premier League newcomers Mandurah City. In Group II, defending champions Perth will take on ECU Joondalup, Inglewood United, Stirling Lions, Swan IC and the Western Knights. Perth captain Rob Puca said all the players were looking forward to getting on the pitch after a big pre-season. “The Night Series gives you a fantastic chance to be adventurous, try a few things and play some really attractive football,” he said. “The round robin format allows you to make a few mistakes, take a few chances and entertain the crowds. It’d be great to see a big crowd for the kick-off on Friday night - and it’d be even better to win the Series again!” Friday night’s match-ups see Stirling play ECU Joondalup at 6.30pm, followed by Perth and the Western Knights at 8.30pm. Gates at the Perth Soccer Club open at 5.30pm. It will all culminate in the Final, to be held at the Litis Stadium on March 29. The McInerney Ford Night Series then gives way to the Football West State League - a feast of football in the coming months for fans and players alike!

Western Australian captains line up for the McInerney Ford Night Series which starts this Friday. WA MAKES A GRAND STAND! Football West has welcomed the announcement of a brand new major stadium, to be constructed at Kitchener Park. CEO Garry Chandler said that the proposed stadium’s ability to be swung into a rectangular pitch area was a massive boon for football, enabling Western Australia to potentially host major international and domestic matches in a purpose-built arena. “A stadium such as this will become a state-of-the-art landmark for Perth, as well as providing football with a home for our biggest matches.” “If Australia is to host major international tournaments such as the Asian Cup, or even the World Cup, stadia like this are needed to bring ’s international stars to the people of Perth.” Mr Chandler also expressed his hope that the Government would soon be able to implement the remaining findings of the Major Stadia Task Force, and commit funding to upgrade Member’s Equity Stadium as an important rectangular venue. He also urged authorities not to forget the needs of facilities for amateur and junior football, as well as other sports. “Football is now the fastest growing sport in Australia, from the backyard to the playground, from the under-12s to the A-League,” he said. “With over $1 billion being committed to a new showpiece stadium, we must not forget where our sports stars are discovered, trained and developed – the grounds and pitches of amateur clubs and reserves all over the State.”

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly BLAST FROM THE PAST 27 1958 BIRTH OF THE STATE LEAGUE Victorian football embarks on a new era

In the fi rst of a new Goal! Weekly In Victoria, Juventus reached the winner in the second one. I played veterans series, Roy Hay takes us back end of a series of six championships in football with and against Frankie and his in time to reminisce about some seven years since 1952. Wilhelmina who Irish wit was just as likely to reduce you to of the golden days of Australian ran them close in 1958 was to gain the fi rst helpless laughter on the pitch as off it. football. With 2008 being the 50th of its titles in 1959. Anniversary of the Victorian State Ringwood was Wilhelmina’s Sir Stan Visits Victoria League, what better era for BFTP new home under its charismatic leader 1958 was the year that Blackpool toured to makes it debut than that historic John van Hoboken, who was to have a Australia and played two matches in season way back in 1958. major infl uence on the game in the next Victoria. On 25 May it beat Victoria by generation. Wilhelmina beat Juventus eight goals to nil and on 31 May it downed 1958 was the fi rst year of the State three–nil in the fi nal of the Dockerty Cup Australia by seven goals to nil. Both games League in Victoria, started by the and Hakoah won the Armstrong Cup which were at Olympic Park and 25,000 turned Victorian Amateur Soccer Football was the Reserves competition. out for the second one. Association (VASFA) to provide an elite The post-war migration from was the David Beckham of the day in competition for the leading clubs. Europe which was to transform the face terms of crowd appeal and popular interest, It was instituted in part to head off of Australia was at its height and 9 of the but he was anything but the Hollywood a threatened breakaway by the top clubs 12 clubs in the State League represented superstar in manner and behaviour. He was in the state who were dissatisfi ed with immigrant communities. Indeed all 43 when he toured Australia, but went on the distribution of revenue from the main twelve did, for the Scots were infl uential playing until 1965 when he was 50. He was fi xtures each weekend which were played at at Moreland and the English at Box Hill knighted for his services to football. Olympic Park. and Brighton. You might ask what about Blackpool was not a one-man band Geelong? In 1954–5 it renamed itself and the team included internationalists like IAMA, the Italian-Australian George Farm in goal, , born in Migrants Association and the team South Africa but capped by England, Jackie had a nucleus of former Juventus Mudie, Scottish World cup inside forward, players and was sponsored by and a young Jimmy Armfi eld, later captain Nino Borsari, the famous Olympic of England. cyclist, whose sports store was in It was also the year of the Lygon Street, in Carlton. Manchester United air crash at Munich W (?R?) Westerveld which decimated the Busby Babes and the of Wilhelmina won the Argus World Cup in Sweden which introduced a Medal which the paper’s football young Brazilian named Pele to the football correspondent Bill Fleming had fraternity. presented for the fi rst time in 1954. In Victoria we also had a Today the Bill Fleming Medal is (Laidlaw) World Cup but that was a presented to the Premier League tournament between the different groups of player of the year as chosen by the immigrants where players from a range of Victorian media. clubs represented their national teams. George Cross won the Australia sent a team to tour New The front page and opening Ampol Cup, the night competition Zealand in August with four Victorians in story of Soccer News from 1958 sponsored by the petrol company. the squad. welcomes the new State league Below the State League A lighting carnival was arranged and by all accounts it’s off to a there were four divisions of the for the Queen’s Birthday weekend with Metropolitan League, two in the the proceeds of over £400 pounds going smooth start. North and two in the South. There to Anti-Cancer Campaign Committee, was also a Provisional League but Soccer News, the weekly magazine which started in 1954 to help of VASFA carried advertisements for accommodate the growing number tobacco companies with prizes of cartons of Words by Roy Hay of clubs which wished to take part. cigarettes! Photos by Les Shorrock There were six divisions of juniors Then again Soccer News also had lots of Nick Van Egmond of Hakoah picks the from Under–13 to Under–17 and soccer gear. ball out of the air watched by his captain an Under–20 League. Football McIntosh in the game against JUST on 5th was also growing in the regions of All photographs from the Les Shorrock April 1958. This game was in the fi rst round Victoria with strong competitions Collection at Deakin University Library’s of the new State League. Photo: Sam Gold, in the La Trobe Valley, Ballarat, Waterfront Campus Special Collections, Soccer News. Bendigo, Geelong and other by kind permission of Les Shorrock, unless centres. otherwise credited. Victoria travelled to In New South Wales the breakaway Soccer Queensland in 1958 where it won both Federation had already completed its its matches, by 4–1 and 3–2 and regained fi rst year, laying down a challenge to the the Football Association Trophy. Frankie established soccer authorities which was Loughran was the outstanding player for to lead eventually to the formation of the Victoria in the fi rst match, scoring a hat- Australian Soccer Federation. trick and setting up Don Hodgson for the

How it all fi nished in the inaugural State League competition...

Team P W D L F A Pts Juventus 22 15 5 2 51 24 35 Wilhelmina 22 13 5 4 78 24 31 Moreland 22 11 6 5 53 23 28 Hakoah 22 12 4 6 59 30 28 Box Hill 22 10 5 7 46 47 25 Polonia 22 10 4 8 45 36 24 Slavia 22 10 4 8 37 32 24 George Cross 22 7 4 11 31 53 18 Geelong 22 6 5 11 25 53 17 JUST 22 5 5 12 29 47 15 Goalkeeper Hobson of Moreland doing a balancing act with the ball in a Hellenic 22 4 2 16 32 60 10 Brighton 22 4 1 17 22 79 9 match against Juventus under a challenge from Trentini on 12th April 1958. Photo: Sam Gold, Soccer News.

Monday 11 February 2008 28 SOCCER SIDESHOW Goal! Weekly A bit of this, that & the other... ON THE BOX

English Premier League Feb 12 Arsenal v Blackburn 6.55 am Fox Sports 1

Feb 23 Birmingham v Arsenal 11.40 pm Fox Sports 3

Feb 24 Liverpool v Middlesbrough 1.55 am Fox Sports 3

Feb 24 Fulham v West Ham 1.55 am (Viewers Choice)

Feb 24 Portsmouth v Sunderland 1.55 am (Viewers Choice)

WIN YOURSELF A BOOK! Feb 24 Wigan v Derby MELBOURNE 1.55 am (Viewers Choice) Feb 24 Newcastle v Manchester United SPORTS 4.10 am Fox Sports 3 Feb 24 Reading v Aston Villa READER BOOKS 11.25 pm Fox Sports 1 Feb 25 Blackburn v Bolton COMPETITION 80 Flinders Street 1.55 am Fox Sports 1 Melbourne Feb 26 Manchester City v Everton Open Mon-Sat 6.55 am Fox Sports 1 9.30am-5.30pm Mar 2 Manchester City v Wigan Sheilas, Wogs and Poofters 4.10 am Fox Sports 3 RRP: $22.00 Mar 3 Bolton v Liverpool Thanks to our friends at Melbourne All Credit Cards, Synopsis 12.25 am Fox Sports 1 From the days you were called a “sheila”, Sports Books here’s your chance to Cheques & Money win a free football prize. “wog” or “poofter” if you played soccer to Orders accepted. Mar 3 Everton v Portsmouth today when players such as 2.55 am Fox Sports 1 are celebrated as our brightest sporting First correct entry sent to Add $8 for Postage & stars and prized by overseas clubs; from [email protected] Packaging anywhere A-League the curse placed on the Socceroos in wins! in Australia 1969 by an African witch doctor through Feb 17 Preliminary Final 6.00 pm Fox Sports 2 to more than thirty agonising years of try- Q. Which Socceroo announced ing to qualify for soccer’s Holy Grail, the his retirement from international World Cup, Johnny Warren reveals the football after the Qatar match? Tel: (03) 9662 1085 or Feb 24 Grand Final 6.00 pm Fox Sports 1 highs and lows of Australian soccer’s past (03) 9662 1086 . Mark Viduka and present, and how its future success a Fax: (03) 9662 1282 can be achieved. b. Craig Moore c. Coca-Cola Championship Bristol City v Crystal Palace A QUESTION OF SPORT Tuesday 19 February ? ? ? ? ? ? 6.30 am Fox Sports 1 1. As a player, Socceroo coach 6. Can you remember which Pim Verbeek, predominantly played four teams were relegated from his football with which Dutch the Foxtel Cup at the end of last Carling Cup Final side? Ajax, or Sparta season? Chelsea v Tottenham Rotterdam? Monday 25 February ...... 1.55 am ...... Fox Sports 2 7. Which West Ham United star 2. Which former Fawkner Blues wore the captain’s arm band for goal-getter has signed for the Socceroos in its opening World Heidelberg United for the new Cup qualifi er against Qatar? Total Football Foxtel Cup season? Feb 14 7.30 pm Fox Sports 1 ...... Feb 21 7.30 pm Fox Sports 2 ...... A German defender slides in to tackle Feb 28 7.30 pm Fox Sports 1 8. Held in Australia in 1981, Qatar a Qatari player during the fi nal of the 3. Who scored Australia’s fi rst goal fi nished runners-up to Germany in World Youth Championships played in against Qatar the other night? the World Youth Championships. What was the score in the Final? Sydney in 1981......

...... Answers

4. Name the 2007 Foxtel Cup top Juventus. 10.

goalscorer who joined Frankston 9. Do you know who the Socceroos’ Duut, 9.Henk 4-0, 8. Neil, Lucas

Pines during the off season. assistant coach is ? 7. Eagles, White Springvale

Royals, Kingston City and and City Kingston Royals,

...... Essendon Georgies, Sunshine 6.

Esala Masi, 5. Joe Montemurro, Montemurro, Joe 5. Masi, Esala

5. Who is the coach of newly 10. Which team won the fi rst ever 4. Kennedy, Josh 3. Tsiorlas, promoted Coburg United? State League Championship in Mark 2. Rotterdam, Sparta 1. 1958? ......

Issue # 1 Goal! Weekly HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 29 Final Series QUEENSLAND ROAR ROAR ENDS SYDNEY 2 - 0 SYDNEY FC TITLE HOPES

Courtesy FFA Record crowd sees Roar prosper

Queensland Roar has earned a deserved Reinaldo’s seventh of a fruitful season had to be quite well to be honest, And if you look at where Yellow Cards: Andrew Packer 2’, Massimo place in next Sunday’s Hyundai A-League a genuine goal of the season contender. we’ve come from we’ve had a good run. We’ve Murdocca 47’, Liam Reddy 73’. preliminary fi nal against either the Central First, the Brazilian anticipated Craig lost two in 14,” said Kosmina. Red Cards: Nil Coast or Newcastle after beating a 10-man Moore’s diagonal through ball slowing up on the “But it came down to chances. We Sydney FC 2-0 in . sodden pitch. could have fi nished Queensland off two weeks Sydney FC: 1. (gk), 2.Iain The much anticipated semi-fi nal clash Then, after shrugging off Ufuk Talay’s ago.” FYFE, 6. (Captain), 7.Robbie was delayed almost 40 minutes after a vicious challenge, the 23-year-old bore down on Mark Minor Semi-Final – 2nd Leg Details MIDDLEBY, 8.Ruben ZADKOVICH, 10.Steve storm hit Suncorp Stadium just before kick-off. Milligan, effortlessly skipping inside the Qantas CORICA,14. (11.Brendon But a 36,221 record-breaking home Socceroos defender and lofting a delicate fi nish Queensland Roar 2 SANTALAB 68’), 15.Terry McFLYNN, 16 crowd didn’t have to wait much longer to see high over Clint Bolton into the roof of the net. (Reinaldo 12’, Sasa Ognenovski 83’(pen)) (21.Adam BIDDLE 86’), Queensland fi nally open its season’s account Bolton’s sprawling saves Sydney FC 0 23.Ufuk TALAY, 26.Brendan RENAUD (29. against Sydney thanks to Reinaldo’s composed from Marcinho’s skidding drive and Reinaldo’s Mark ROBERTSON. 71’) fi nish. powerful downward header kept Sydney in the Queensland Roar: 1.Liam REDDY (gk), Worse was to come for the visitors when hunt at half-time. 2.Andrew PACKER, 4.Craig MOORE Yellow Cards: Brendan Renaud 14’, Ufuk Talay Robbie Middleby received his marching orders But the Sydney shot-stopper (Captain), 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN, 7.Michael 66’, Tony Popovic 82’. from referee for a professional foul could do nothing to prevent Ognenovski’s ZULLO (12.Tahj MINNIECON 69’), Red Cards: Robbie Middleby 19’ on Matt McKay, leaving Sydney to play a man confi dent late penalty as his side slipped to its 8.Massimo MURDOCCA, 11.REINALDO light for 70 minutes. fi rst away defeat since last year’s semi-fi nal loss (9.Simon LYNCH 12’), 15.Matt McKAY, The Roar hadn’t in Newcastle. 19.Sasa Ognenovski, 22., broken Sydney’s resolute defence in fi ve “It was always going to be tough once 23.MARCINHO. meetings this season, so perhaps it was no surprise Robbie Middleby got sent off but I think we did

A-LEAGUE FINAL STANDINGS

P W D L F A GD Pts MARINERS 1 Central Coast Mariners 21 10 4 7 30 25 5 34 MARINERS 2 Newcastle Jets 21 9 7 5 25 21 4 34 3 - 0 3 Sydney FC 21 8 8 5 28 24 4 32 NEWCASTLE IN GRAND 4 Queensland Roar 21 8 7 6 25 21 4 31 JETS 5 Melbourne Victory 21 6 9 6 29 29 0 27 Courtesy FFA FINAL 6 Adelaide United 21 6 8 7 31 29 2 26 7 Perth Glory 21 4 8 9 27 34 -7 20 Central Coast has qualifi ed for its second semi-fi nal winner in the fi fth minute of Hyundai A-League grand fi nal after a extra-time. 8 Wellington Phoenix 21 5 5 11 25 37 -12 20 thrilling 3-0 extra-time major semi-fi nal After Newcastle won the fi rst win over Newcastle in front of 19,112 leg of the major semi-fi nal 2-0 Central fans at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday Coast went into the second leg needing night. two goals to draw level. PRELIMINARY FINAL The Mariners won the two-leg And they squared the ledger major semi-fi nal 3-2 after scoring three after goals to Adam Kwasnik in the 37th unanswered goals in the second leg on minute and Petrovski in the 73rd. Jets v Roar Sunday. Petrovski’s semi-fi nal winner Sunday 17th Feb KO 6pm scored two came fi ve minutes into the 30-minute goals for the Mariners including the period of extra time.

TOP SCORERS Hyundai A-League 2007/08 – Crowd Figures

12- Joel Griffi ths (NJ) Club Home Games Ave. Low High Total 9- (WP) Adelaide United 10 12,697 10,256 25,039 126,966 8 - Jamie Harnwell (PG), Alex Brosque (SFC) Central Coast Mariners 10 12,738 8,113 19,238 127,382 7- (CCM), Danny Allsopp (MV) Melbourne Victory 10 26,064 20,938 31,884 260,642 6- (MV), (PG), Reinaldo (QR), Sasho Petro- Newcastle Jets 11 13,209 8,112 16,433 145,303 vski (CCM) Perth Glory 11 7,606 6,252 9,614 83,664 5- Adam Kwasnik (CCM), Lucas Pantelis (AU), (AU), (SFC), Queensland Roar 11 16,949 8,815 31,933 186,436 (AU) Sydney FC 11 16,382 10,732 33,458 180,197 4- Billy Celeski (PG), Carlos Hernandez (MV), Daniel (WP), (MV), Wellington Phoenix 10 11,683 8,039 18,345 116,833 (AU), Robbie Kruse (QR) Total 84 14,612 6,252 33,458 1,227,423 3- Adrian Caceres (MV), Felipe (WP), James Holland (NJ), John Hutchinson (CCM), Josh McCloughan (QR), Marcinho (QR), (NJ), Matt McKay (QR), (AU), Ufuk Talay (SFC) BAYSWATER INDOOR SOCCER SHOP 20% SUPPLIERS OF: **COVO**NIKE** MITRE**PATRICK**ONLY SPORT** 20% OFF ALL FFV APPROVED TEAM WEAR AND SOCCERBALLS OFF ALL FOOTWEAR FOR THE BEST CLUB DEALS OF BALLS, GLOVES AND TEAMWEAR FOOTWEAR 13 BURTON COURT, BAYSWATER PHONE 9729 1999 HOURS: MON-FRI 10AM-10PM SAT 9AM TO 1PM

Monday 11 February 2008 30 FOOTBALL DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Goal! Weekly [email protected] THE BALL STOPS HERE! RIVER PLATE FOOTBALL ACADEMY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Offi cial branch of CA River Plate FC MELBOURNE “The Giants of South American Football” For enquiries contact: Daniel Santomil SPORTS BOOKS ELITE GOALKEEPING 0411 517 479 80 Flinders Street Melbourne ACADEMY Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm - Cutting edge program All Credit Cards, Cheques & - One on one intense “By Far The Money Orders accepted. sessions Greatest” - Approved methods Add $8 for Postage & Packaging used by world class www.riverplateaustralia.com anywhere in Australia keepers [email protected] TEL: 0425 766 265 - Gain confi dence in goal School Holiday Camps - School Clinics Tel: (03) 9662 1085 or (03) 9662 1086 All year round Skill Programs - Overseas Trips Fax: (03) 9662 1282 CUTTING EDGE KEEPING Player Management Services - Sports Medicine Support EDDIE KRNCEVIC’S Reservoir Unique world of soccer SOCCER SERVICES Sports & Trophies Specialists in all Soccer Requirements SPORTSPOWER Boots Videos [email protected] 54 Edwardes Street Reservoir VIC 3073 Shirts DVD’s Ph: (03) 9460 9972 Fax: (03) 9460 5879 Shinpads Pins - Private sessions & instruction Email: [email protected] - In depth position trainng Gloves Cones - Coaching clinics Specialising in... Socks Bibs - Refi ning skills Quality Boots Scarves Team Uniforms Caps - Player development Training Gear Posters Books - Complete consulting Soccer Balls Club gear T-shirts - Professional experience Trophies & Medals Merchandise Pennants - Former Socceroo & Full Range of Sports Portable goals Field Equipment European Top Goalscorer Apparel Top Goalkeeper - Offi cial FIFA player agent Shop 1/48 McCrae St Tel: 9794 5860 Equipment Serving Victorian Football Since 1981 When you want to be the best... Competitive Prices All Club Enquiries Welcome Dandenong VIC 3175 Fax: 9795 5950 CARD ZONE IF FOOTBALL BUYERS CAN’T FIND YOU, Australia’s Leading Trading Card Shop YOU’RE OUT OF Trading & collecting has become an BUSINESS! international addiction. So make sure they can’t miss you with an ad in the www.footballtheworldgame.com.au Card Zone stocks the cards you seek... Goal! Weekly Football Directory Classieds. A-league cards - A-League Signature cards To fi nd out how your business can reach customers FFA IF YOU Offi cial A-League Albums - Socceroo cards APPROVED throughout the football community, call for CALL IT CLUB AND 2006 World Cup Germany cards “FOOTBALL” TEAM WEAR information today! THEN WE Non-sport Collector cards SUPPLIER. ARE THE Also stockists of AFL, NFL & Cricket GET YOUR STORE FOR OBLIGATION FREE YOU!! QUOTE TODAY!! www.cardzone.com.au FOOTBALL FOR THE TRUE FANS 262-266 Victoria St 197 Swan St Richmond Vic 3121. Tel:03 9428 3066 North Melbourne 3051 OFFICIAL - LICENSED - EXCLUSIVE Tel: 9326 9588 (03) 9645 1440 ARGUABLY VICTORIA’S #1 FOOTBALL STORE!! Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm / Sun 10am-12pm Support the businesses that support football ARE YOU A FUTURE GET SOME FLYING SPOTLIGHT FOOTBALL STAR? BALLS. At Football Star Academy we PERSONAL TRAINING develop your soccer skills and knowledge to play the GET SOME AUSTRALIAN INSTITUE OF MOBILE game better, tactically and FITNESS ACCREDITED SERVICE technically. Our FFA licenced GOAL! WEEKLY coaches include current A- QUALIFIED CERTIFICATE League palyers and other EVERY MONDAY. III & IV high profi le international players. Register for One on ALL AGES & One & Semi Private training GET IT? or Team Coaching & Clinics. LEVELS WELCOME WE VISIT YOU Tel: 0411 122 152 E: [email protected] Web:www.footballstaracademy.com.au 0402 520 304

Issue # 1