Sydney Olympic to take on South Melbourne in exhibition match in December

The forthcoming Exhibition Match marks a special occasion as the refurbished Lakeside Stadium will be unveiled to all that are in attendance. Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC last met at the Lakeside Stadium on the 10th of December 2003 in which the home side, South Melbourne FC defeated Sydney Olympic 4-2.
Both Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC have shared a rich history and possessed a long time rivalry throughout the National State League (NSL), as both clubs battled to obtain recognition as the most dominant Greek football club in Australia.  Nevertheless, both Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC obtained great success in the NSL and achieved various honours and titles.
Sydney Olympic FC were twice crowned NSL Champions and were NSL Runners-Up on 4 occasions in 1984, 1986, 1989 and 2002/2003. South Melbourne FC were crowned NSL Champions on 4 occasions in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 1999 and also obtained the NSL Minor Premiership on 5 occasions in 1984, 1985, 1993, 1998 and 2001. Furthermore, South Melbourne FC also obtained several International Honours which include being crowned the Oceania Club Cup Winners in 1999, the FIFA World Club Cup Finalists in 2000 and the FIFA Oceania Club of the 20th Century 2010.
With the demise of the NSL, both Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC entered their respective State Leagues. Sydney Olympic FC joined the NSW Premier League (NSWPL) in 2004 whilst South Melbourne FC entered the Victorian Premier League (VPL) a year after in 2005.
Sydney Olympic FC encountered many difficult seasons in the NSW Premier League yet preserved with the loyal support of the Sydney Olympic FC supporters to achieve several notable titles and honours. In the 2011 season, Sydney Olympic FC dominated their opposition and were deemed to be a force to be reckoned with. The ?Blues? were in 1st position on the NSW Premier League table since Round 7 of the Competition and remained at the top of the table to be crowned the 2011 NSW Premier League Minor Premiers at the completion of the scheduled 2011 season.
Sydney Olympic continued to demonstrate their dominance during a friendly match with the Inaugural A-League Champions, Sydney FC and defeated the A-League side 1 nil to be crowned the Inaugural Brett Emerton Cup Champions. Sydney Olympic FC topped off their sensational 2011 season by making their first ever NSW Premier League Grand Final appearance. Sydney Olympic FC defeated rival club Sydney United 2 nil in the 2011 Grand Final and were crowned the NSW Premier League Champions in front of their passionate supporters at Belmore Sports Ground.
Upon their return to the VPL South Melbourne FC under the guidance of former player and coach John Anastasiadis reached the Preliminary Final yet were unfortunately defeated by rival club Heidelberg United. In 2006, South Melbourne FC celebrated their 8th Victorian Championship after defeating Altona Magic 1 nil. In the years that followed the Club struggled to finish at the top of the table yet were able to stay clear from the relegation zone. In the 2011 season, South Melbourne FC finished in fourth position on the VPL table and were defeated by Oakleigh Cannons 1 nil in the Minor Semi Final.
The upcoming Exhibition Match has attracted much attention and hype with many fans from both clubs eager to witness the epic clash between two proud Greek founded clubs. Sydney Olympic FC is proud to participate in the December 11th Exhibition Match and would like to thank the South Melbourne Football Club for allowing us to take part in the festivities and participate in the celebration of the unveiling of the Lakeside Stadium.
To kick off the festivities the South Melbourne FC junior sides will participate in small matches before the must see encounter between the Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC 1st Grade sides kick off at 6 pm.
Sydney Olympic FC hope to see many of their supporters at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 11th December 2011 to witness what has been dubbed as the ?Interstate Greek Derby?.
Please be aware that Entry on the day is FREE
-Sydney Olympic Press Release