While harking back to the history of the three-time NSL premiers and 1999 Oceania Club of the Century, Postecoglou also believes they can also play a part in the game’s future.

“South Melbourne Football Club played a significant role in laying the foundations for where the sport is today,” said Postecoglou.

“It shaped me as a person and was instrumental in shaping my career as both a player and coach.
“I firmly believe there is a dormant support base that will return to the club if its ambitions to play at the highest levels succeed.

“It is one of the few clubs that can seamlessly compete at a higher level and I am of the belief it can be a competitive force from its initial introduction (into the A-League).

“The club is very close to my heart and I know if given the opportunity it can play a pivotal role in growing the game to even greater heights.”

South have been one of the most vocal of the A-League aspirants in championing their own cause, believing their existing fan base, stadium facilities, financial stability and successful youth systems are testament to their preparedness for A-League entry.

“Initially, it was a club that provided comfort and support to its (largely Greek) community but it was always underpinned by a desire for excellence on the sporting field,” added Postecoglou.

“Exciting football was at its core and it is why it was always strongly supported by its fan base.”

“I’ve known Ange for 30 years since we played together for the Monash University Football team,” added Papastergiadis.

“He was always modest and humble.  He was a man of few words.  Hence, his strong words of support for South’s admission to the A League are so important.

“We have almost 60 years of excellence and passion which cannot be replicated.  It’s a real club with real football output.  It’s a club that deserves to be in the A-League.”

Belgravia Leisure took over day-to-day management of five peninsula sports and leisure centres late last year from Mornington Peninsula Shire council, on a five-year deal with ratepayers set to pay the company more than $5.7 million in management fees.

“Our support’s broader (than the Wolves),” Iemma said.

“The people in Sutherland wouldn’t have much reason to support the Wolves if they were selected.
Do they have the critical mass to maintain an A-League bid?”
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Iemma rose eyebrows in May when he took on the Wolves directly, saying “the criteria and the actual numbers that are required would suggest (the Wolves are) possibly not the best way to achieve A-League status.”

“That would be our next step — W-League, youth league, academy, everything that goes with having an A-League club,” Morton said. “We would be supporting all levels of football.”

Ballymore's fate to be decided by end of year

Queensland sports minister Michael de Brenni has promised an answer on whether the ageing Ballymore Stadium will be granted a long-needed facelift by the end of the year.

The Queensland Rugby Union has submitted a proposal for a redevelopment of the precinct in inner-city Brisbane, which would see it become a national training centre for women's rugby and a secondary headquarters for the Wallabies and Olympic rugby sevens programs.

The QRU is seeking an investment of $15 million from the state government, which would be matched by the federal government.

Under the plans, the eastern stand at Ballymore would be retained, but the decaying McLean Stand replaced by a new wing which would also extend back to the adjacent training field and contain an elite training facility.
The new stand would enable the Queensland Reds to play at least some of their Super Rugby matches at Ballymore.

It could also play host to games as part of a women's World Cup in rugby (2021) or soccer (2023).

Suncorp Stadium is the only rectangular venue in Brisbane currently fit to host professional sport.

De Brenni said the proposal would be considered as part of a wide-ranging review of sporting infrastructure in Queensland, which is currently underway.
"We've got to look at not only how we deliver at your local football club but places like Ballymore and what we need to do at Suncorp to keep it being a world-class stadium," he told reporters.
"We're committed to doing that in 2018 so I expect government to consider the results of that community, sports fan and importantly athlete consultation by the end of this year."
However, an answer may be needed sooner for aspiring A-League club Brisbane City, who intend to play their home games at Ballymore.

A decision on which two new teams will join an expanded A-League is due to be made in October, with City's bid hinging on a renovation of the dilapidated venue.
The QRU's case for a funding injection will be much stronger if a renovated Ballymore could be used by multiple sports.