Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Dean Anastasiadis Deano on the South Melbourne final's threat in 2001… Diegos: "You overcame the South Melbourne machine in dramatic fashion last weekend but conceded a dreaded away goal in the process. You travel to the Bob Jane stadium fortress for the second leg this weekend. What's the feeling in the Wolves camp about your chances?" Anastasiadis: "The instructions from Ron Corry before the game was to win. It didn't really matter whether it was 2-1, 2-0 or 1-0. The fact is South is now chasing us and they must win. So they've got it all to do this weekend. It would've been a whole lot better if we hadn't conceded a goal. There is no good time to get a goal scored against you but we tend to concede at the worst times, just before half time or in the dying moments of the game. This is something we have to overcome." Diegos: "In your last encounter with South at home, it was a game that the Wolves dominated with a greater share of the possession and strikes on goal, but you came away with nothing. Last night it seemed that roles were reversed with South having plenty of the ball but the Wolves getting the points. Tactics play an important part in two legged finals. Did both team's play as expected?" Anastasiadis: "We expected South to play a little more defensively than usual and this was confirmed by their team selection. We were instructed to play our usual game but to be a little more aware and tighter at the back. No I think the sides played pretty much as expected." Diegos: "The 83rd minute penalty that led to Stuart Young getting the all important winner for the Wolves is being hotly debated in the Lonsdale street cafes as we speak. Now Deano we know you come from a good family and that you are an honest boy. Was it a penalty?" Anastasiadis: "I had a look at it on the replay after the game and the picture doesn't lie, it was a penalty. Scotty (Chipperfield) did draw the foul but Paddy (Kisnorbo) did take his feet, so I felt it was a good decision." Diegos: "We're all aware of Con Boutsianis' prowess at set piece free kicks. You in particular would've been on the look out for his curling, swirling missiles from downtown. But it seemed like Con fooled us all by heading one past you on the stroke of half time. Deano talk us through it? Who was to blame? Which Wolves player was being slack? Who did you have to slap around during the half time team talk?" Anastasiadis: "I think everybody stopped because every time there was a free kick outside the box we all expected that Con was going to have a strike. That was where we were caught napping. It was a quick free kick that ultimately did the damage. That set Colosimo off on the right and he got a good cross over and Boutsianis met it at height. We were disappointed because a mere split second of complacency and we got punished. I guess we were all to blame." Diegos: "The experts say that Wollongong's weakest link is its defense and that is what South is going to exploit in the return leg in Melbourne. Being the last line of defense, how do you feel about that assessment? Anastasiadis: "That is a reflection of me and my defenders and it's not a great tag to carry. Our style is very attacking and it does leave the back exposed at times. The good thing is that the team seems to become a tighter unit in the big games. We concede more goals when we play the lower teams but are solid for the more important games, so it's not a real concern." Diegos: "Thanks Deano. Let's hope that you won't have to do too much damage to any of your defenders for any errors this weekend. Be gentle with the boys. Adios amigo." Anastasiadis: "Thanks Diegos. No problem, they don't call me the gentle giant for nothing. Adios Diegos." Soft Sombrero Moment May 2001
Diegos: "It's true to say that the wolves at the door of the financially crippled Carlton eventually put the final nail in the it's coffin. Ironically, soon after the wolves of another variety - the Wollongong variety - were at your door to offer you a chance of a lifetime - the possibility of a NSL championship and a once in a lifetime trip to Spain this year for the World Club Championship. The collapse of Carlton was tragic but Deano are you nevertheless feeling pretty good on the inside?" Anastasiadis: "The Carlton situation put me in an uncertain position. It was tragic that such a good, strong squad had to be dismantled for financial reasons. Luckily the Wolves came in to give me such a great opportunity. So yes, I am feeling pretty good on the inside. I feel pretty lucky actually." Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001
Apparently a couple of clubs looking for a ruggedly handsome goalkeeper with big hands and the smile of a hero made inquiries. Was it the whiff of paella, the taste of sangria, the warmth of the Spanish sun and the small matter of a World Club Championship with Wollongong that eventually tempted you to join the Wolves?" Anastasiadis: "I'd be lying if I said the World Club Championship played no part in my decision. The sangria and paella are nice but playing on the world stage is something that every young Aussie dreams of. Don't forget that this team is also in a great position to go back-to-back championships. We had a great win last round, 5-1 against Parramatta and are now on equal points with South Melbourne. The fact that we are successful in Australia gives me the opportunity to be successful for a long time in this country, which is also very important." Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001
Diegos: "The boys have recently returned from a male bonding session of hot, sweaty and malaria - like proportions at the Oceania Club Championships in Papua New Guinea. They won impressively but what's their behaviour been like in the change rooms? Have they adopted any strange tribal rituals? The incessant swatting of imaginary mossies or a new-found admiration for Bougainville rebels?" Anastasiadis: "I suppose there are a few strange things that happen but that's not for the Diegos or the public to know about. Generally the guys don't seem to be affected too much by their Papua New Guinea experience. At the moment they all seem quite stable but who knows, once we feel some real pressure, how they'll react." Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001
Diegos: "Wolves coach, Ron Corry is a legend in the Australian Goalkeeper Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach. This season he has taken on the top job after spending many years behind the scenes. You've played under some highly credentialed coaches in your career. How does Ron compare? Anastasiadis: "I'm very lucky that Ron Corry was a past goalkeeper and a very good goalkeeping coach in his own right. He is the only coach I've had at senior level who has had that type of background. This can only help. Ron brings me in 30 minutes before training starts and works me very hard. This has really sharpened me up. As an all round coach he is certainly up there with all other coaches I've had." Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001
Diegos: "Going to Wollongong must have been a big decision for you. You left behind all that you love - family, friends, the Diegos and perhaps most importantly, your beloved petrol station. How are you coping with not being able to pump petrol on a daily basis? Anastasiadis: "Not having anything to do, even if its just pumping petrol, between games and training is driving me crazy. I have moved up here with my beautiful new wife and we're spending a lot of time furnishing our house. This at least is keeping me busy. I'm very grateful that my family is looking after the business whilst I'm away." Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001 |