Calls grow louder for major A-League move after historic triumph
South Melbourne’s historic Australian Cup triumph has only increased the conversation around whether the club is ready for the A-League.
Whether or not this eventually does occur, South Melbourne for now are focused on defending their Australian Championship title.
South Melbourne celebrate the Australian Cup win. Getty
Despite the short turnaround from their Australian Cup triumph over Melbourne Victory last weekend, they defeated a tough Sutherland Sharks outfit 1-0 courtesy of a Yuki Uchida touch from a free kick in their opening group game.
The victory highlighted a club determined to show its credentials as the calls for the club to be involved in the highest level of football in Australia grow louder.
The away support on show at a sunny Seymour Shaw Stadium in Sydney’s south showcased both the size of the football club and its strong Greek ethnic roots.
Talking to nine.com.au post-game, South Melbourne captain Marco Jankovic reflected on this amazing support.
“It’s special to be honest, wasn’t really expecting it after last week I thought everyone would enjoy a weekend at home, it just shows you what this club is and what it is becoming,” Jankovic said.
These ties though may prove a sticking point for South Melbourne and its ambition to be once again dining out at the top table of Australian football.
The creation of the A-League was in part to rid the game of these ethnic ties as itlooked to make football more mainstream and commercially viable.
The A-League’s struggles have been well advertised as financial pressures and dwindling crowds continue to create headlines on a product which is struggling to find its place in Australia’s competitive sporting landscape.
A disappointing Sydney Derby to kick off the 22nd season only emphasised the identity struggle of the league and its inability to truly connect with fans.
In contrast, South Melbourne’s strength comes from its deep-rooted connection to both its fans and historical cultural links.
The passion shown on Saturday afternoon would have had A-League clubs looking on with envy as the true essence of football was captured.
The noise around South Melbourne will continue to get louder, with Jankovic confident the club is ready for the step up if the opportunity arises.
“I think we have shown it in the Australian Cup and today again the quality of the 20 players is just as good for the A-League and for me that is the most important thing,” Jankovic added.
South Melbourne in the A-League? Who knows, but the future is looking bright forthis historic club.
