Former Swinburne FC senior men’s coach Harry Arhondis has made an immediate impact at his new club, Old Melburnians, by securing the services of Hayden Smith for their State 5 campaign.

Smith, who was named the Thirds Player of the Season in 2024, will take up a goalkeeping role under Arhondis’ leadership.

“Love the club [Swinburne FC] and the boys hopefully when schedule changes in the future I can make a return” Hayden said.

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Arhondis, who recently signed with Old Melburnians after a year away from coaching, is well known to Swinburne FC.

He led the Burners’ senior men’s side to a historic double in 2023, winning both the Metro 4 South-East Premiership and the Metro 4 Championship.

However, his tenure ended abruptly after just one match in the 2024 season when he sensationally resigned after our Round 1 Australia Cup loss to Fortuna 60.

Sources tell this masthead that panic is setting in amongst Burners higher-ups, with crisis meetings happening as Arhondis looks to poach all of the club’s players.

“When will the nightmare stop? By the end of the month we’ll have no players left,” One Swinburne insider told us.

Rumours are also swirling that Swinburne FC star player Matt Gleeson has been approached by Old Melburnians as Arhondis looks to strengthen his squad.

Gleeson, a key figure for the Burners, has yet to comment on the speculation.