Just for Kicks: A 1993 NSL Cup throwback with Doug Hodgson and Brian Macnicol

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Image Credit: Soccerscene

In Episode 2 of Soccerscene’s Just for Kicks Podcast, which released this past Saturday, two former Heidelberg United greats shared their memories of the club’s famous 1993 NSL Cup triumph ahead of a massive Australia Cup final between Newcastle Jets and Heidelberg United.

Host Theo Athans sat down with Dougie Hodgson and Brian MacNicol to revisit a golden era of Australian football and preview Heidelberg’s huge Australia Cup final clash with the Newcastle Jets at Lakeside Stadium this Saturday.

Hodgson and MacNicol recalled joining Heidelberg in the early 1990s when the NSL was fiercely competitive and derby clashes with South Melbourne and Melbourne Croatia drew massive crowds on live SBS coverage.

(Left) Doug Hodgson and (Right) Brian Macnicol. Image Credit: Soccerscene

However it was the 1993 NSL Cup win, which was the club’s first at the time, that was the main topic of the discussion.

Both Macnicol and Hodgson were asked about seven fellow 1993 NSL Cup teammates and late former president Peter Tsaklis where they gave an insight on how each of their personalities played a part in a crazy year for the club and also revealed some funny stories about their playing days including the fun they had off the pitch.

The historic run in 1993 started against South Melbourne over two legs where they won 7-4 on aggregate. Hodgson and Macnicol discussed how it was facing the ‘super team’ at the time with the likes of Durakovic, Trimboli, Boutsianis and Steve Blair just to name a few. Wins against Adelaide City and Parramatta Eagles sealed the club’s first national trophy.

Both former champions also discussed their predictions of the huge Australia Cup finals clash coming up this weekend with both predicting Heidelberg to continue what has been an extraordinary run and secure the cup.

Click hear the full interview with Brian Macnicol & Doug Hodgson, on Episode 2 of Soccerscene’s Just for Kicks Podcast – available on all major podcasting platforms.

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Arsenal Secures Exciting New Deal with Paramount+

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Image credit: Maciej Rogowski / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal FC has unveiled a global partnership with Paramount+, drawing the major streaming service further into top-tier football as the race for fan engagement intensifies across sport and entertainment.

The deal makes Paramount+ an Official Partner of the club, embedding the platform’s branding and content across Arsenal’s matchday experience and digital channels throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The agreement highlights a broader industry shift, with major entertainment platforms turning to leading football clubs to expand global visibility, drive subscriber growth and place their brands at the centre of highly engaged fan communities.

The collaboration will see Paramount+ integrated throughout matchdays, including in-stadium branding, big-screen presence, programme features and themed activations at both men’s and women’s games. The platform will also be showcased across select retail and digital fan-experience channels.

Executive Vice President and International General Manager of Paramount+, Marco Nobili emphasised the shared global reach and enthusiasm behind the collaboration.

“We’re beyond excited to unite Paramount+ and Arsenal– two global iconic brands with supporters that live and breathe passion,” he said via Official Club media release.

Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juliet Slot underscored how the strategic collaboration enhances the club’s commercial strength and fan experience.

“We’re delighted to welcome Paramount+ into our Arsenal family. They’re a world-class, global entertainment brand, and we’re so excited to work together and create new ways for our supporters to feel even closer to the club. Their expertise, creativity and investment strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding experiences for our supporters and supports our ambition to compete for major trophies,” she said via Official Club media release.

Paramount+ will tap into Arsenal’s strong social media presence, especially on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to share content aligned with key releases during the 2025/26 season. The initial activation, centred on the new season of Landman, will showcase first-team players alongside influencer Sharky, Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Shake2Go by Optislim Named Major Sponsor of Oakleigh Cannons

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Image credit: Oakleigh Cannons FC

Shake2Go, by Optislim, has been named major partner of the Oakleigh Cannons for the 2026 season, with the brand to feature prominently on the front of the club’s playing shirt. The sponsorship brings together a fast-growing Australian nutrition brand and one of the country’s most respected grassroots football clubs.

Meet Shake2Go – Australia’s first high protein + vitamins shake packed into a can . Each ready-to-drink can delivers 30g of premium protein, essential vitamins and minerals, is low in sugar, gluten-free, and packaged in eco-friendly cans. No mixing. No mess. No compromise. Just grab, shake, and go. With its smooth, milkshake-like taste, it delivers proper nutrition without slowing anyone down.

“We’re proud to welcome Shake2Go by Optislim as our major sponsor for the 2026 season,” said Aki Ionnas, General Manager of the Oakleigh Cannons. “To have such an innovative brand on the front of our shirt is a major endorsement of our club. This sponsorship is about more than logos  it’s a real investment into our players, our programs, and our wider community. At a grassroots level, that kind of support makes a genuine difference.”

The sponsorship will directly support player development, community programs, and the ongoing operations of the club. Shake2Go will have a strong presence across matchdays, community events, and player initiatives throughout the season.

At its core, this sponsorship reflects shared values of performance, wellbeing, and giving back to the football community that helps shape the future of the game.

For more information on Shake2Go, click here.

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