Football history was made on Thursday, 10 October 2025, at Lakeside Stadium, as South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC went head-to-head in the opening match of the new Australian Championship – the nation’s long-awaited second-tier football competition.
The occasion marked the long-anticipated return of two of Australia’s most storied community clubs to the national stage, a milestone celebrated before kick-off with a pre-game dinner attended by political, sporting and community leaders.
A night of pride and passion
The evening began with a packed dinner reception overlooking the pitch, hosted by emcee Nick Duggal, who paid tribute to the generations of volunteers and supporters who have built South Melbourne into one of Australia’s most enduring football clubs.
Among the special guests were Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Victorian Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece, Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor, former Victorian Opposition Leader and Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto, Consul-General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and His Grace Bishop Evmenios.
They were joined by Football Australia Interim CEO Heather Garriock, Chair Anter Isaac, Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams, and Sydney Olympic President Damon Hanlin.
In a passionate address, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the night as “a significant step forward for Australian football,” noting that the new league would provide “so many more opportunities for young players” and bring “community-based passion” back to the national stage.
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece spoke of South Melbourne’s deep roots in the city’s sporting identity, calling it “a club that represents the beating heart of multicultural Melbourne,” before leading the room in a spirited “Go Hellas!”
Minister Dimopoulos called the competition “long overdue,” adding that clubs such as South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic had “pioneered this game before it was fashionable” and now rightly belonged in a national league.
Acknowledging a legacy
Nina Taylor praised South Melbourne’s proud history and its ongoing contribution to Australian football, noting that the club has “represented Australia on the world stage before, and continues to lead the way for the next generation of players.” She also highlighted South’s upcoming participation in the Oceania Professional League, calling it “another exciting chapter in the club’s international story.”
John Pesutto echoed the sentiment, saying the club’s grit and determination mirrored that of the Greek migrants who founded it in 1959. “You can’t understand Melbourne,” he said, “without understanding this iconic club and this iconic ground.”
Consul-General Dimitra Georgantzoglou commended South Melbourne Hellas as “a reflection of the Greek Australian culture of its founders” and praised the blue-and-white emblem as a lasting symbol of community pride.
Football Australia’s vision
Heather Garriock confirmed the permanence of the competition, “When I stepped in, there were reports this wouldn’t happen. But under the leadership of Anter Isaac, I can tell you – this competition is real. It’s the start of something very special.” Garriock described the Australian Championship as the missing link in Australian football’s pathway, “From grassroots to NPL, from NPL to A-League, to our youth national teams, Socceroos and Matildas – it’s now a seamless pathway for all.”
A defining moment for community football
President Damon Hanlin spoke about the significance of the occasion, describing the competition as “a turning point for Australian football – a step toward restoring a true football free market where legendary community clubs can once again rise based on merit and performance.”
He added, “For too long, the game’s great community clubs were held back. Now, rather than being left to perish, clubs like ours and yours finally have the chance to rise, to compete, and to reign supreme once again on performance and nothing more.”
Leaders united in football
Closing the formal speeches, South Melbourne Co-Presidents Bill Papastergiadis and Andrew Mesourouni stood side-by-side to thank supporters, sponsors, and all levels of government for backing the club’s return to national competition.
Papastergiadis described the moment as “the cusp of a new era,” while Mesourouni reflected that “tonight represents the start of a new chapter built on unity, respect, and shared purpose.”
Both men reaffirmed the club’s belief that “the national and international stage is where South belongs,” with Papastergiadis announcing that South Melbourne will also compete in the upcoming Oceania Professional League in 2026. The club then honoured former player Andy Brennan, recognising his 143 appearances and leadership both on and off the field.
Q&A and kick-off
Before the 7pm kick-off, SBS commentator David Basheer hosted a Q&A session featuring Danny Moulis, former Sydney Olympic player, and Peter Kokotis, Football Director at South Melbourne.
The discussion reflected on the historic rivalry between the two clubs and the significance of their renewed national presence.
As the sun set over Albert Park and fans filled the grandstands, chants of “Hellas!” and “Olympic!” echoed across the stadium – a reminder that, for Greek Australians across the country, this was more than just a football match. It was a renewal of identity for two great footballing institutions – and the beginning of a new chapter for the game in Australia.
