South Melbourne FC, known as Hellas, held its annual Inner Sanctum event last night, hosted by Ashley Maikousis, to honour the contributions of key members and share significant club updates. Among the highlights was Club President Nick Maikousis’s announcement of the new joint No. 1 ticket holders: Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Victorian Labour MP Nina Taylor.
Speaking at the event, Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac voiced strong support for South Melbourne FC, stating, “South Melbourne should be in the A-League.”
South’s Chair, Bill Papastergiadis, praised Marles as “a loyal supporter,” noting his presence at “many key games,” including the FA Cup semi-final match against Melbourne City and the 2022 season opener against Heidelberg FC. Papastergiadis added, “Marles always makes time for the Club, no matter his commitments. His understanding of our community and our club makes him an ideal choice as No. 1 ticket holder. We are excited that Richard will be part of our story as we head into the new National Second Tier for football in 2025.”
Marles expressed his appreciation for the “honour,” stating, “South is more than a football club. It embodies the true nature of multiculturalism. The club is evidence of the struggles and ultimately the success of immigrants to this country. Melbourne is richer for having South as part of its football and cultural landscape. I am honoured to be a No. 1 ticket holder.”
Nina Taylor shared her excitement about the role, emphasising the Club’s commitment to inclusivity. “South is a club that champions all parts of our society—whether it’s the all-abilities football team, blind football, or women’s programmes—this club continues to deliver at the highest level. I look forward to working with South Melbourne on its initiatives and supporting such a wonderful club in any way I can,” said Taylor.
President Nick Maikousis underscored South Melbourne’s readiness to compete at “the highest level in the country,” affirming that the Club belongs in the top tier, whether in the B League or the A League. “The Club’s destiny is at the top tier, and we belong there. The work the Club has done to ready itself for this new journey needs to be rewarded. We will work with Football Australia on this,” he said.
Maikousis also announced the appointment of former star player David Clarkson as the new General Manager, commenting that “this adds depth to our football offerings across the board.”
Papastergiadis presented awards and noted the presence of former Victorian government ministers, Martin Pakula and Martin Foley, who he said “were there for the club when it was needed.” Papastergiadis added, “A club without a home ground is destined to fail; hence, our negotiations to secure a 40-year lease and license were critical to the Club’s future. Both former ministers played a key role in securing the lease, and as a past No. 1 ticket holder, Martin Foley was a key part of our A-League bid, being present at all of our meetings with Football Australia and featuring heavily in our bid document.”
Martin Foley also addressed the attendees, affirming that “South should be in the A-League.” He stated, “It is a club that has history, success, and support. It is a no-brainer for Football Australia. I spent many hours at this club and witnessed firsthand the strength of the club and its supporters. Football would be the richer for having South at the top tier.”
Pakula then spoke and reflected on his own upbringing, which he said was closely tied to the Club, given that his neighbours and “best friends were the Anastasiadis brothers.” As the current Chair of the Grand Prix Corporation, he hopes to continue a close relationship with South Melbourne FC.
There was also a screening of the documentary on Puskas and Postecoglou, and Paul Trimboli, along with the directors of the film, spoke about the glory days when Puskas led the team to the National title.
In a discussion with Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac, Maikousis noted that the new National Second Tier was a good start but that a standalone competition was necessary. Anter acknowledged that South is a club that “indeed has A-League credentials,” and he was hopeful for a standalone National Second Tier competition in the near future. Maikousis added that this “has to be achieved as a matter of urgency.” Anter agreed, stating that the new competition for the Second Tier will help unite football in this country and provide more football for the public.
