South Melbourne FC Ignites Ambition with New Second Tier Competition

South Melbourne FC is set to reignite its professional ambitions as it launches Australia’s new second tier competition this week. The club, where renowned coach Ange Postecoglou began his managerial career, is gearing up to host Sydney Olympic in the opening match of the Australian Championship on March 15, 2024. After years in the state league, this marks a significant moment for South Melbourne, also known as Hellas, as they aim to reclaim their place in top-flight football.

A crowd of thousands is expected at Albert Park’s Lakeside Stadium for the highly anticipated match, which is the first competitive encounter between the two clubs in over 20 years. For long-time supporters, this game represents more than just a contest; it serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by clubs like South Melbourne, which were left behind when the National Soccer League (NSL) collapsed in 2004. Only a handful of clubs were invited to join the newly formed A-League in 2005, leading to a long period of struggle for many.

South Melbourne has made several attempts to join the A-League but has often been overlooked in favor of expansion clubs such as Melbourne Heart and Western United. While Heart evolved into Melbourne City after being acquired by the City Football Group, Western United recently faced financial difficulties and was removed from the league. Despite these setbacks, South Melbourne’s management remains resolute about elevating the club back to the top tier, although there are currently no plans for promotion from the Australian Championship to the A-League.

“We haven’t shied away from that from day dot,” said Peter Kokotis, Football Director of South Melbourne, in an interview with Reuters. “Two of the clubs they picked ahead of us are no longer here. We’re still here.”

The club’s commitment to professionalism is evident, even with a part-time staff and a roster of players who balance training with regular jobs. Their home ground is a well-maintained boutique stadium with a capacity of over 10,000. The pristine pitch and the impressive trophy cabinet filled with silverware reflect the club’s rich history. Postecoglou, who led the team to back-to-back NSL titles in the 1990s, is immortalized in a mural celebrating club legends.

Reconnecting with Roots

Many of Australia’s prominent soccer clubs, including South Melbourne, have origins in southern European migrant communities. The club’s nickname and colors are a nod to its Greek heritage, and it has long been a focal point for the Hellenic community in Melbourne. This city boasts the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Greece and Cyprus, and the club is eager to reconnect with its roots while embracing a diverse player base.

“It’s something the club really wants to rejuvenate, and get that (Greek) ethnic community back in here,” said Marco Jankovic, the team’s captain. “But it’s not just the Greek community. I’m Serbian. All are welcome at this club; it’s a special place to be.”

The shift in attitude towards cultural identities in soccer has also played a role in this revival. Historically, the sport’s governing bodies sought to remove ethnic symbols from clubs, fearing they might alienate fans. However, this policy was abandoned six years ago, allowing clubs to celebrate their histories openly. Heather Garriock, interim CEO of Football Australia, emphasized the importance of multiculturalism within the sport. “We are a multicultural sport. We’re 100 percent celebrating that, in particular the histories of our clubs and bringing communities together,” she stated.

Aiming for New Heights

With matches in the Australian Championship set to be broadcast on national television, South Melbourne’s players have the opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience, potentially catching the eye of scouts from higher leagues. “Everyone wants to play at a higher level, and the boys deserve it,” said head coach Sinisa Cohadzic. “The opportunity is there.”

As South Melbourne FC prepares to embark on this new chapter, the club’s ambitions are clear. With a rich history behind them and a vibrant community of supporters, they are poised to make their mark in Australian football once again. The excitement surrounding the opening match against Sydney Olympic is not just about the game; it represents a resurgence of hope and aspiration for a club eager to reclaim its place on the national stage.