Across social media this past week, news of South Melbourne FC winning the Australian Cup spread like wildfire throughout football’s followers. What made the images of this spectacle spread so quickly were the scenes of the South Melbourne faithful.
The images which showed the alleviation of the National Premier League side winning the trophy painted a familiar picture to fans on this side of the equator. Orchestrated by an ultra with his back turned to the pitch, holding a megaphone in one hand, the other in the air conducting his leading vocal orders. Stood on his podium above the draping banners representing the club’s casual culture. The crowd of all standing fans swamped into a sea of blue and white flags with the words “Forza Hellas” waved high above their heads. Camouflaging into the rows of similarly coloured scarf bearing support proudly displaying the Greek national flag.
The emotion, passion and support for their club was clearly seen. But what was not apparent, was that this club was Australian. An understandable misconception with all the Greek representation but more so due to the European football atmosphere. It was the type of support which would belong to a Bavarian team in the Bundesliga rather than the sun-kissed shores of South Melbourne.
So what made this event so significant and how did South Melbourne create such a footballing identity in a country which prefers sports played with hands.
The modern edition of the Australian Cup began in 2014, with this year’s competition hosting a record of 777 clubs entering the cup tournament. The competition begins with the preliminary rounds involving amateur and semi-professional sides from Regional Leagues and National Premier League. Once this is completed the round of 32 includes all of the A-League clubs and the winner of the National Premier League. Until this year no team outside of the top flight of Australian football has ever won the competition. As well, what made South Melbourne’s cup run even more impressive is that they have come from behind in each and every one of their cup games.
This never die attitude continued into the final itself. The match took place in the wonderful AAMI Park Stadium, a fantastically unique looking ground which looks like it has been shaped by giant golfballs. The opening 90 minutes of the match was a close and contained affair however during extra time the game opened up to produce a nailbiting finale. Extra time produced two goals and three shots hitting the woodwork with Melbourne Victory scoring first in the 95th and South Melbourne equalising in the 117th minute. South Melbourne won on penalties scoring all four of their spot kicks to bring the blue and white army into scenes of delirium.
Those two colours proudly represent Greece. Sixty-seven years ago Greek migrants created the originally named South Melbourne Hellas, to seek their place as equals amongst their new foundland. The concept being that they wanted to have their place in Australian sport whilst providing a home for other travellers to meet. This idea allowed Hellas to adapt and respect local cultures as well allowing migrants to bring a piece of home to them. Hence the European style of support which has been a core community asset to the large traveller population of Melbourne. Attracting not just Greek migrants but others from similar football loving countries. A formula which has proven to be a highly successful mix.
Winning the Australian Cup has not been the only major trophy for the club. They were part of the 2000 FIFA Club World Cup Championships qualifying by winning the Oceania Club Championship in 1999. They have also won the National Soccer League, the top flight before the formation of the A-League, on four separate occasions. Causing current fans to push for the club to be accepted into Australia’s top flight now.
It is a remarkable and unlikely story of a Greek inspired football club, 9,500 miles away from where its founding members arrived from. Which reflects these migrants’ successful journey into and succeeding within Australian culture. An unique club at the far end of the world, whose fan culture resonates globally. Another example of why the beautiful game will always be beautiful.
