Durakovic Returns to South: Meanwhile, 1999/2000 club captain, Mehmed Durakovic, has returned to South Melbourne. The former Socceroo cites family reasons for the move and the club has not stood in his way, despite a year remaining on his contract. Durakovic will reunite with a former junior, NSL and Socceroo teammate, Mike Petersen, the new South Melbourne coach.

July 21, 2000: Falcons change name to Eastern Pride. (story from www.theworldgame.com.au)

The Gippsland Falcons have been re-invented, staking a claim in the process to Melbourne’s strongest growth corridor.
In a strategic push to broaden their appeal, the National Soccer League club based in Morwell, 200 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, will now be known as the ‘Eastern Pride’.
The Eastern Pride’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Quirk believes there’s an untapped reservoir of strong supporter and business interest, extending from Melbourne’s east and south-eastern corridor, through Waverley, Dandenong, Cranbourne and Pakenham.
"Eastern Pride intends to ensure that its future is cemented in any reformed league under any criteria set by Soccer Australia."
He said the club believes that preserving the tradition and the history of the club are essential to a smooth transition, and that it may be ‘make or break’ this season for many NSL clubs.
"We want our clients and supporters to get behind the brand", which features stylised city buildings alongside the ranges of Gippsland, as well as a bold sun signifying a new dawn.
"The Eastern Pride logo is modern, and sets the scene for a vibrant new club, ready to take on all-comers," he said.

July 15, 2000: Members Meeting. The club is holding a general meeting on Thursday 20th July at 7.30pm in the Falcons Function Room. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed name change and associated information. Further announcements regarding sponsorships and other initiatives will be outlined to members in attendance.

July 6, 2000: Falcons target Awaritefe. The Latrobe Valley Express reports today that Gippsland Falcons are talking to Marconi striker, Francis Awaritefe with a view to signing the former Socceroo for the 2000/2001 season. Jeff Hopkins is keen to bring the veteran to Mobil Park and told reporters he would bring experience and "physical presence" to the Falcons' forward line. Hopkins is keen to also sign an unnamed former Reading team-mate to further bolster the attack. The player is reportedly quick and a good finisher, and is keen to move to Australia. The coach has been busy on the phone since returning from the UK last week and is talking to a number of other out of contract NSL players, including Marconi's Vlado Zoric and Tony Perinich from Northern Spirit.

June 8th 2000:Gippsland Falcons announced today that star midfielder John Hutchinson has signed a new 2 year contract with the club. Hutchy had been the subject of enquiry for a number of other NSL clubs but the local player decided to pledge a further period with the Falcons. Meanwhile five of the 1999/2000 squad have been released, being Simon Miotto, Doug Marcina, Igor Mandic, Peter Kakos and Sandy Robertson. Mehemed Durakovic has been signed for a further year while Robbie Puca will soon be heading to Italy for trials. Puca has a year remaining on his current contract but will be trying his luck over the off-season with the likes of Inter, Lazio, Foggia and Pescara.

May 13^th 2000: The Gippsland Falcons annual presentation function was held tonight in the main auditorium at Falcons Park. The Annual Awards were announced and it was no surprise to anyone in attendance that Dean Fak was named Player Of The Year. The "Players' Player" award went to Mehmed Durakovic, and Robbie Puca was awarded the "Tony Caprara Achievement Award" for his on-field achievements and off-field development work.

Ross Duckworth was named Youth Team Player of the Year, and Denis Mustac the Youth Team 'Players Player'.