Just days after its historic 2–0 victory over Marconi in the inaugural Australian Championship final, South Melbourne FC was honoured with a special reception at the Parliament of Victoria this week – marking the first time in the club’s 65-year history that it has been formally welcomed into the state’s legislature.
The reception celebrated not only the club’s latest national triumph, but also its longstanding cultural and sporting influence across Victoria and the Greek Australian community.
‘Hellas continues to write history’
South Melbourne co-chair Bill Papastergiadis OAM, holding the newly won championship trophy, said the moment represented a milestone for the club.
“It is an honour for Hellas to be invited to a special reception at Parliament House to celebrate its success in winning the inaugural Australian Championship. This is the first visit officially of the Club since its inception in 1959,” Papastergiadis told The Greek Herald.
“The coaches, players and the Board feel honoured to be welcomed by the Deputy Premier and over five ministers and many other parliamentarians at the event.”
Papastergiadis highlighted the significance of defeating Marconi – a historic rival from the former National Soccer League (NSL).
“Hellas and Marconi were the two powerhouse forces of the NSL. To meet in the inaugural Australian Championship was appropriate given they both had four NSL titles respectively. By winning on Saturday, Hellas has now elevated itself to five national titles equivalent to Sydney FC,” he said.
“Hellas stands at the pinnacle of Australian football despite being excluded from the A-League for over 20 years. This reveals the depth of its commitment and professionalism.”
But he stressed Hellas’ broader mission.
“We are more than a football club. It embodies everything that symbolises Australia being a cosmopolitan club with coaches, administrators and players from all over the world,” Papastergiadis said.
He added that the club was now preparing for its next major chapter: representing Australia in the OFC Pro League.
“South being the FIFA Oceania Club of the Century now embarks on the FIFA Oceania Professional League which commences in January in Auckland. This is a huge step for the Club as it plays against the leading teams from all of Oceania…” he said.
“Hellas is bringing to Melbourne a massive carnival of football that will make our city the centre of Oceania for over a week in February.”
Victorian leaders praise South Melbourne FC’s legacy
At the Parliament event, Deputy Premier of Victoria Ben Carroll congratulated the club and acknowledged its national significance.
“Today we’re celebrating the wonderful victory of the South Melbourne Hellas football club in its Parliament. South Melbourne Football Club have done an outstanding effort and made all Victorians proud,” he said.
“We know that round ball is so universal to sport… and to see the local talent being recognised right here in the halls of Parliament is really important. I want to congratulate Bill Papastergiadis and Andrew Mesourouni for their stewardship along with the coaches and players. It doesn’t get bigger than Hellas winning the inaugural Australian Championship.”
MP and former state opposition leader John Pesutto described the occasion as part of a broader push to elevate football’s profile across the state.
“Today’s a great day. We’re celebrating South Melbourne Hellas’ great win over Marconi… It’s obviously a great, iconic club, so it’s great to join with them,” he said.
“It’s part of a broader effort… to really give football an additional platform. It’s obviously a very popular game… and to give it a platform in Parliament is important.”
Pesutto also thanked Papastergiadis, Mesourouni and long-time Football Director Peter Kokotis for their work supporting the club.
Labor MP and long-time Hellas supporter Nina Taylor emphasised the emotional significance of the victory.
“I was at the match. I love the passion of the Club and everything it does for our community. I cried tears of joy when Hellas won. I am committed to the Club and want it to achieve success for not only its supporters but for all Victorians,” she said.
Bronwyn Halfpenny MP echoed that sentiment, saying: “We are here today to celebrate in Parliament a massive achievement. And in this case, we’re celebrating the achievements of the South Melbourne club and the amazing trophy. Hellas football players will be able to hold their heads high for what they achieved. It’s simply extraordinary.”
A symbolic football moment inside Parliament
In one of the most memorable scenes of the day, players, parliamentarians and Papastergiadis gathered in a committee room inside Parliament House to exchange passes in a light-hearted, symbolic kick-around.
For a few minutes, the chamber transformed into an improvised pitch – a playful acknowledgement of football’s power to unite.
Anthony Cianflone, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, said the welcome was long overdue.
“I’m very proud… to welcome them for the first time into the Victorian Parliament. I can’t believe South Melbourne has never been welcomed like this into the Victorian Parliament,” he said.
Calling the Australian Championship “a fantastic concept… long overdue,” he said: “This is a club that’s really woven into the fabric and the being of what it means to be a Victorian… I’m so proud that they’ve won the Australian championship. I’m so proud to be championing them today here in the parliament.”
Coach and players honoured by statewide recognition
South Melbourne coach Sinisha Cohadzic described the invitation as a defining moment.
“We’re honoured to be getting an invitation from the Parliament of Victoria to come and present our trophy and the success we had in the inaugural Australian championship,” he said.
“This is the moment where we really announce ourselves on a national stage, and at the same time looking forward and announcing ourselves on international stage… representing the state of Victoria, and at the same time representing Australia.”
Looking ahead: OFC Pro League begins in January
The January launch of the OFC Pro League – where South Melbourne will compete against the top clubs of Oceania – promises another major chapter for the club.
Government ministers indicated that Parliament House may again host a special welcome in February when international teams arrive in Melbourne for the tournament.
