After an eight year drought, the state trophy returned to Lakeside Stadium. South Melbourne were finally named NPL Victorian champions on Sunday, sharing the experience with hundreds of fans and members of the Greek community.
It was a momentous occasion for the team, who narrowly avoided a loss the same night against fellow Greek team Oakleigh Cannons. Although dominating the match from the start, it was 1-2 to the Cannons after a few mistakes proved costly for South.
It was top goalscorer Milos Lujic that helped the team avoid disappointment, scoring a whopping goal in the dying minutes of the game, causing mayhem in the stands.
The match was always going to be overshadowed by what was to come. It was finally a chance for the team to celebrate with their fans on home soil.
The mathematical win last Wednesday came without fuss or fanfare, the team wasn’t even playing. Oakleigh’s title campaign ended when they lost to Melbourne Knights, giving South Melbourne enough points to take out the title in the games left.
The team couldn’t contain their delight, getting handed their medals and finally hoisting up the inaugural NPLV cup.
It was a rare moment to see coach Chris Taylor shed some praise, always keeping tight lipped during the season to keep his boys modest.
Hoisting his son on his shoulders, Taylor took the time to thank South Melbourne’s management for trusting him with the team.
The coach must be congratulated for not just creating a championship winning team, but changing the culture at South Melbourne. He nurtured a group of youngsters, deleting any sign of ego and promoting an atmosphere of professionalism that you see in the A-League.
In an almost faultless season, South Melbourne rightfully earned their top spot, carving a whopping 20 wins, three draws and two losses out of 25 games.
They hit the ground running thanks to a strong preseason, amassing a huge 11 match winning streak. The league soon became a desperate fight to steal points off South Melbourne, with every coach firing up his team for that purpose.
Chris Taylor knew the pressure, and always instilled on his players that each game had to be played to their strengths. With a flurry of new fans signing on to support the team, the challenge now will be keeping the title on home soil.
One match remains for South Melbourne in the NPLV, where they must travel to Shepparton to take on Gouldburn Valley Suns.
The game won’t be taken lightly. Taylor will be using the game to set up a strong team to take on South Hobart next week for the NPL finals series.
He says the club has a good chance to make it as national champions once again.
“If we focus on it we’ve got a good chance on going all the way,” he told Neos Kosmos last week.
He hasn’t made it a secret that he won’t be content with just the sate title.
South Melbourne has four national championships to its name, and nine state titles. Taylor wants to make it two for to this season.