1981 South Melbourne FC season

The 1981 season was the fifth in the National Soccer League for South Melbourne Football Club. In addition to the domestic league, they also participated in the NSL Cup. South Melbourne finished 2nd in their National Soccer League season, and were eliminated in the first round of the NSL Cup.

Appearances and goals
''Includes all competitions. Players with no appearances not included in the list.''

Disciplinary record
''Includes all competitions. The list is sorted by squad number when total cards are equal. Players with no cards not included in the list.''

Clean sheets
''Includes all competitions. The list is sorted by squad number when total clean sheets are equal. Numbers in parentheses represent games where both goalkeepers participated and both kept a clean sheet; the number in parentheses is awarded to the goalkeeper who was substituted on, whilst a full clean sheet is awarded to the goalkeeper who was on the field at the start of play. Goalkeepers with no clean sheets not included in the list.''