Golden Boot winner. A-League champion. South Melbourne mean business

South Melbourne have underlined their ambitions for the remainder of the season by signing reigning NPL VIC Golden Boot winner Bul Juach and A-League champion Paulo Retre.

In a statement signing, the prolific forward joins Hellas for the remainder of 2026 campaign, strengthening a squad preparing to compete across the NPL Victoria, Australia Cup, Australian Championship and next season's OFC Pro League.

Retre, meanwhile, has signed a two-year deal with South Melbourne following his departure from Wellington Phoenix.

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Bul arrives at Lakeside Stadium with a reputation as one of Australia's most dangerous attacking players after claiming last season's NPL Victoria Golden Boot.

He topped the goalscoring charts with champions Heidelberg United before earning a move to Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Blessed with blistering pace, power and a clinical eye for goal, the striker adds another major weapon to South Melbourne's attack as the club continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.

Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis said Bul had been on the club's radar for some time.

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“Bul is a player we have admired for a long time and we are delighted to welcome him to South Melbourne,” he said.

"With a crucial eight weeks ahead across the NPL, Australia Cup and Australian Championship, it was important for us to add proven quality to the squad.

"Bul has already shown he can be one of the most dangerous forwards in Australian football, and we believe his qualities are a perfect fit for what we are building."

Retre's arrival continues what has become one of the most ambitious transfer windows in Australian state league football.

The former Wellington Phoenix, Sydney FC and Melbourne City midfielder arrives with a winning pedigree few players in the competition can match.

Across more than a decade in the A-League, Retre lifted multiple Championships and Australia Cup titles while becoming renowned for his versatility, composure and leadership.

"Paulo is a player whose quality speaks for itself. To bring someone with his experience, professionalism and winning mentality to South Melbourne is a significant signing for our football club,” said Kokotis.

"He has consistently performed at the highest level for many years, winning trophies and competing in some of the biggest matches in Australian football. Just as importantly, he is the type of person who will lift the standards around our group every day.

"We have a massive few months ahead across four competitions, and Paulo's leadership, versatility and quality on the ball will be invaluable. His ambitions match ours as a football club, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Hellas family."

South Melbourne are eighth in NPL VIC after 18 rounds, a point adrift of the top six.