Image: Frank Khamees
2016 finish: 3rd in NPL (grand final winners against Oakleigh Cannons), FFA Cup Round 7 (defeated by Bentleigh Greens)
Summary: It was a bit of a funny season for South Melbourne in that, despite being crowned NPL champions, there were some periods of discontent including coming third in the league (along with a points deduction) and an exit before the national stage of the FFA Cup, losing to Bentleigh who seemed to have much of South’s measure throughout the year. But the club peaked at the right time to see off a spirited Oakleigh to claim the NPL title.
Ins*: Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens), Jesse Daley (Brisbane Roar), Luke Pavlou (Brisbane City), Carl Piergianni (Boston United), Gavin de Niese (unattached)
* Stefan Zinni (Western Sydney Wanderers) and Francesco Stella (Port Melbourne) were signed before departing, while Ajdin Fetahagic suffered a long-term injury
Outs: Iqi Jawadi (Oakleigh Cannons), Chris Irwin (Kingston City), Matthew Theodore, Amadu Koroma (Altona Magic), Manolo (return from loan), Steve Hatzikostas (Green Gully)
Re-signed: Brad Norton, Leigh Minopoulos, Matthew Millar, Michael Eagar, Tim Mala, Luke Adams, Matthew Foschini, Nick Epifano, Kristian Konstantinidis, Nikola Roganovic, Zaim Zeneli, Marcus Schroen, Milos Lujic, Andy Kecojevic, Giordano Marafioti, Joshua Hodes
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Player Q&A: Nick Epifano
How’s pre-season going? Where have you been with the team?
Pre-season we travelled to Albury to face Murray United and Canberra Olympic. Both were good hitouts and gave us a chance to try out different formations with our new signings and learn how each other played. Was a great chance to bond with the new players and really gel on and off the pitch.
What have the club’s pre-season results been?
We have had a fantastic pre-season in terms of results. We were undefeated throughout pre-season (besides the community shield loss) and faced a few teams with new faces that gave us a real test. Obviously you don’t look too much into being undefeated during pre-season because it’s mainly about getting the miles in the legs and making sure your touch is up to scratch. But it was a huge positive and gives us a lot of confidence going into round 1.
How are the new signings settling in?
The new signings have settled in perfectly and are all great additions to the team. I think what we have lacked over the years is depth, and with the new signings putting pressure on the starting 11 to be in the best form they can, it’s always healthy to have competition amongst positions.
Who are the South Melbourne players to watch in 2017 (new or existing) and why?
My player to watch for this year would have to be Brad Norton. Brad and I have an amazing understanding on the field and he is easily the best fullback in the league and he proves that week after week. Now he has the captain’s armband this year so I’m sure he is going to have an even bigger year.
Who are the some of the bigger characters off the pitch and why?
We have a great leadership group and every player is always there to help on and off the pitch. Matthew Foschini would have to be one of the biggest characters off the field and is always there when you need advice or even when things aren’t going your way. He is a leader on and off the field and has been rewarded as vice captain, which is greatly deserved.
How’s Chris Taylor been preparing the squad?
CT always does an exceptional job each year making sure we are ready for the upcoming season. He has brought in a lot of new faces to help complement our existing team and we are looking the strongest we ever have in my opinion. His methods can’t really be scrutinised considering all the trophies we have won.
Which team/player are you most looking forward to facing this year?
I enjoy playing against most teams but obviously Bentleigh is always a special match considering the newly formed rivalry between us. A lot of old teammates play for them so it’s always exciting to come up against them.
Which opposition club(s) have impressed you most in pre-season?
We had a few decent hitouts during pre-season and I was impressed by a lot of the teams. What impressed me the most was the quality from the teams in NPL 2. Usually the gap between the leagues is huge but they really gave us a good fight.
What are the expectations/objectives in 2017?
My objective this year is obviously to win every trophy that is out in front of us. The league and championship would be amazing to win again and obviously to progress as far as possible in the FFA Cup and put south Melbourne back on the big stage where it belongs.
What’s one headline we may see about South Melbourne this season?
Hopefully a headline we see during the year is South winning the treble, but as long as we aren’t in the headlines for the wrong reasons I’ll be happy.