South missed out on the national rounds of the inaugural FFA Cup, so in 2015 the club made it a priority to return to the national stage.

In the preliminary rounds, South defeated Whittlesea United 5-0, who had on their side former South player Tansel Baser.

In the next round South defeated North Sunshine 8-0 – it’s worth noting that at the time North Sunshine were playing in State League 1 North West.

In the final preliminary round South faced Melbourne Knights, the team who knocked South out of the cup in 2014.

A large crowd came to Lakeside to watch that game and yet… the Knights scored first! However, Milos Lujic pulled one back from the penalty spot and Epifano gave us the lead with a memorable long-range goal. South then scored a third to seal the win and qualify for the national rounds.

South were now competing in national competition for the first time in over a decade, and their opponent was Palm Beach. The game was played on the Gold Coast, and South played in a unique white kit featuring a red chevron.

South took the lead early, but a mistake from Roganovic led to a penalty which allowed Palm Beach to equalise. Palm Beach would go onto to win the game in a penalty shootout – but overall South’s FFA Cup campaign was a success, as it saw the club finally reach the national stage again.

Fourth Round
South Melbourne	5
Whittlesea United	0
Fifth Round
South Melbourne	8
North Sunshine Eagles	0
Sixth Round
South Melbourne	3
Melbourne Knights	1
Seventh Round
South Melbourne	6
Frankston Pines	1
Round of 32
South Melbourne	1 (7)
Palm Beach	1 (8)