Australian football enters a new era, with the new national league opening its doors this weekend, bringing 16 teams from across the country into a tournament inspired by the old Champions League format.
Organised by Football Australia, the new national league fills the gap between state championships and the A-League, giving historic clubs the chance to shine again on a national stage. And among the 16 elite participants, three Greek teams – Heidelberg United’s Megalos Alexandros, South Melbourne Hellas, and Sydney Olympic – bring the Greek Australian flame to the centre of attention.
The new national league isn’t just another tournament – it’s a bridge to the past, reminiscent of the golden days of the old National Soccer League (NSL), when Greek teams like South Melbourne and Heidelberg dominated the fields and filled stands with thousands of fans. Featuring 16 teams divided into four groups, the league will be played in a knockout format, with six rounds determining the champion by late November. Every match is a final in itself, with games broadcast live on SBS, bringing football back to the heart of national television.
The curtain rises on Friday 10 October with a blockbuster clash: South Melbourne versus Sydney Olympic at Lakeside Stadium, in a derby loaded with history.
On Sunday 12 October, Alexandros hosts Marconi Stallions at Olympic Park at 1pm, in a match expected to turn into a celebration.
The “yellow-blacks” come off a wild season, where, under John Anastasiadis’s guidance, they reached the finals of every competition they entered. It was a year that made history, with players like Max Bisetto and Bul Juach starring, and a roster showing depth and quality. Now, in Group B of the new national league alongside Marconi, South Hobart, and Wollongong Wolves, Alexandros sees the tournament as a chance to reconnect with the community.
Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis spoke to Neos Kosmos about the significance of the club’s participation.
“As Heidelberg United, we’ve always been particularly passionate about creating a second national division. We may not always agree with the developments in football, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to support this new initiative,” he said.
“The players, the coaching staff, and everyone in the club are looking forward to taking part in these matches. The first game against Marconi will take the form of an unofficial celebration for the magnificent season we just put behind us. You know, we managed to reach the finals of every competition we entered. That’s no small feat.
“I call on everyone to come to our stadium on Sunday at 1pm to watch the match against Marconi Stallions, to see old friends, eat and drink, and celebrate with us the close of a tremendous season.”
From a competitive standpoint, Tsalikidis doesn’t hide the challenges.
“Competitively, the new national league will be a very tough competition. Our players are particularly worn out from the huge season they just put behind them, and they’ll need to make a big effort to appear competitive. Can we win it? I won’t say that. What I know is that our coach, John Anastasiadis, his team, and the players seem excited and ready to fight.”
And indeed, Anastasiadis, a legend in Greek football in Australia, sees the tournament as an opportunity to show the value of his roster. With players like Bul Juach, who scored stunning goals last season, and defenders like Collins, Heidelberg arrives on the new national football stage fresh and determined.
The match with Marconi is expected to turn into a celebration. Tsalikidis called on all fans to fill Olympic Park, not just to watch football, but to celebrate the Greek community.
“The new national league is yet another way for fans to connect with the team. There are many football friends and Alexandros supporters who can’t attend games due to the time of year they’re held,” he said.
“Now, with these matches taking place in spring and summer, it gives them the opportunity to reconnect with the club. It’s very important for our club to find new ways to connect with our community.
“I call on everyone to come to the stadium on Sunday, stand by the players, take photos with them, connect with other community members, and have a great day alongside the great Alexandros.”
Meanwhile in Group A, the derby of South Melbourne versus Sydney Olympic on Friday at Lakeside Stadium is the match everyone’s waiting for. South Melbourne’s “blues,” with a history full of titles and thousands of fans in the diaspora, enter the new league with grit and enthusiasm.
Coach Sinisa Cohadzic spoke of a “new chapter” in Australian football and focused on the big derby between his team and Sydney Olympic.
“It’s a football rivalry that goes back many years. There’s no better way to start this new league, which brings a new era to Australian football. A new big chapter opens for the sport,” he said.
With the curtain rising this weekend, the Australian Championship isn’t just another football tournament – it’s a celebration for the community, a chance to reconnect with our roots and our love for the king of sports.
