Filopoulos hails success as Football Victoria sets broadcast audience record

Liam Watson

The 2019 Senol Grand Final Triple Header at AAMI Park last Sunday drew record audience numbers for a National Premier Leagues Victoria live-stream event.

A statement from the Football Victoria can be found here:

The showpiece of Victorian men’s and women’s football attracted a milestone reach of 111,122 people and 78,515 views across the NPL and NPLW Victoria’s Facebook and YouTube platforms. This compares to a total reach of 96,357 and 53,079 from 2018, up 13.2 per cent and 32.4 per cent respectively.

2019 Broadcast Numbers

 

Engagement was an impressive 58 per cent for the NPL Promotion/Relegation Playoff match between Dandenong Thunder FC and FC Bulleen Lions (reach 39,753 / views 22,860), a commanding 77.3% for the NPL senior men’s Grand Final between Avondale FC and Bentleigh Greens SC (reach 62,086 / views 47,973) and a remarkable 83% for the NPLW Grand Final between Calder United SC and FC Bulleen Lions (reach 9,283 / views 7,682).

This year, the broadcast was hosted by Michael Zappone and featured NPL coaches and players Scott Miller, Moreland Zebras skipper Cam Watson, former Socceroos Sasa Ognenovski and Goran Lozanovski and former Matildas Melissa Barbieri and Kate Gill.

Match commentators featured emerging callers from Football Victoria’s media network such as Chris Gleeson, Joey Lynch, Bryce Ruthven, Katie Lambeski, Brandon Galgano, Damir Kulas, Josh Parish and Steve Curtain.

Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos said all NPL, NPLW and selected NPL2 matches were broadcast weekly in 2019, promoting many clubs across the state. He said the Senol Grand Final Triple Header broadcast was a high-quality production, backed by a high-quality line-up and well supported by SBS’ promotion on its The World Game platform.

“To see so many viewers tune in throughout the day was a fantastic endorsement for football in Victoria. We have clearly struck a chord with fans across the NPL and NPLW competitions in this state and the fan base continues to grow,” Mr Filopoulos said.

“The quality of Victorian football, week in and week out, is well worth watching and it was also very satisfying to see comments from fans tuning in from as far away as Scotland. We very much thank SBS for their support in promoting it as well,” he said.

“We’re also working hard to grow crowd attendance on the day as we keep building on this marquee event on an annual basis. There’s no doubt AAMI Park is the showcase venue for football in Victoria and it’s a huge opportunity and honour to showcase the best of our state’s NPL and NPLW competitions each year.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

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