A pre-season with South Melbourne

Tonight South travel North up the CityLink to play Essendon. Essendon Royals' home ground is listed on the VSF website as "Reggio Calabria Club, 29-D9". How fantastic is that - a Melways reference is listed for each home ground on the fixtures. The NSL didn't have Melways reference s in the fixtures - Auckland and Perth are just slightly off the map of Greater Melbourne.

It's difficult to find any info on the club - their web page isn't up - but last I knew, South legend David Clarkson was coach, and some South players played there in the VPL 2004 season. I met Clarky once - I had somehow found myself as South's club photographer, and took some photos as David was presented with a car from sponsors. He was one of my favorite South players to watch - no matter where the ball was, Clarky was chasing after it. The goals he scored were a rare but spectacular treat; long range bullets that came out of nowhere.

My mobile phone said "Telstra - Essendon" just now, as if Telstra Mobilenet are now announcing South fixtures straight to my phone. I actually live in Pascoe Vale South, but I'm not far from 29-D9. Travelling to an away game will never be easier.