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In the latest preview of the FFA Cup round of 32 fixtures, I take a look at the Victorian bracket and a historic Australian club from the past, South Melbourne FC.
The club was founded in 1959 by Greek migrants and has had a very loyal, passionate supporter base ever since.
South Melbourne have too many trophies in the cabinet to list, but a small sampling from their cache includes the NPL ten times, NSL twice and Dockerty Cup eight times as well as playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Besides how successful the club has been from a trophies point of view, individually they have contributed many coaches and players to the NSL, A-League and various national teams over the decades.
Hellas play out of one of the best grounds in Australia, Lakeside Stadium.
Lakeside has been renamed, redeveloped and had multiple tenants over the years. But it is synonymous with South Melbourne FC these days.
(Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
With the current A-League champions coming to visit, a 10,000-plus crowd would not be out of the question. It would also be another feather in the bow of a club that forever has been linked to the national second division.
In terms of the current NPL VIC season, South Melbourne has the second-best defence in the league so far, conceding only a measly 18 goals in 18 matches. By comparison the team leading the league, Avondale, has let in 15 goals.
It is at the other end of the pitch that Hellas are struggling though, having scored only 19 goals, which puts them at number three in lowest goals scored in the league.
They are still comfortably clear of the relegation zone at this stage, but their form will have even the most passionate fan uncomfortable. South Melbourne have won only one game out the last nine they have played in the VIC NPL.
The top scorer has only got four goals so far this campaign, but it’s a name that fans should recognise: Harrison Sawyer.
Sawyer is an absolute man mountain at six foot five, his build is more akin to a basketballer than a footballer, however his deft touch and hold-up play make him the ideal target man.
At 24 years of age Sawyer has already got two A-League clubs as well as experience in the Hong Kong and Philippines leagues on his lengthy resume of clubs he’s played for.
Melbourne City’s centre backs will be in for a bruising encounter from this giant, who has regularly used his size throughout his career to gain an advantage. It will also be a good test for Sawyer, who still believes he is good enough to play at a higher level.
At the other end of the pitch is another towering player who has contributed four goals, centre back Marco Jankovic.
Jankovic has been a mainstay at NPL level for the past few seasons and is a player that several A-League clubs have watched closely over the years.
He has also had to deal with self-doubt and the pressure of coming from football royalty. His dad Milan played for Red Star Belgrade and Real Madrid.
With time running out now for the recently turned 26-year-old, a solid showing against Melbourne City will once again have his name with a question mark next to it on many A-League recruiters’ lists.
Daniel Clark is another player to keep an eye on – the combative midfielder is able to create chances as well as assists and has chipped in with three goals this season.
This clash will pit Australia’s most successful club side against an A-League team that is building a dynasty.
South Melbourne will be no push-overs and with a large parochial crowd screaming out ‘Hellas’ throughout the match, Melbourne City could be in for a rough night if they don’t take this clash seriously.
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