Steve Rosich to Lead a New Era for the A-League as CEO

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Image credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has confirmed former Victoria Racing Club (VRC) CEO, Steve Rosich, will join the team at the A-Leagues.

A Proven Record 

With over 25 years of leadership and commercial experience within the sport industry, Rosich is an exciting appointment for the A-Leagues as they look to start a new era of growth across the men’s and women’s game. 

After starting out with Deloitte in corporate finance, Rosich transitioned into the sport industry as a business operations manager at AFL team, the West Coast Eagles. It was there that he helped to drive commercial growth, before joining the Fremantle Dockers as CEO throughout a 12-year spell.

His previous role as CEO of Victoria Racing Club and a recent venture leading medical technology start-up, BrainEye, ensures that Rosich has a wealth of experience and expertise in steering organisations in elite sport to success. 

APL Executive Chairman, Stephen Conroy, has noted the appointment as a crucial step in the transformation of the A-Leagues. 

“Steve brings leadership, commercial and major events experience within elite sport, and a passion to grow the A-Leagues to help it reach its full potential,” Conroy said via press release. 

“Steve’s appointment is the final step in our transformation, and with his proven track record of growth, we are well positioned to continue the significant progress made both on and off the field across our leagues.”

It was earlier this year that Rosich was also eyed by Melbourne Football Club to fill their then-vacant CEO position. His credentials within the industry are strong, indicating real ambition and optimism within the APL as they look to strengthen the A-Leagues on and off the pitch. 

Responding to Past and Current Challenges  

Following the recent release of both the A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s Reports about the challenges experienced during the 2024-25 season, it is clear why Rosich was a leading candidate to steer the future of the APL. 

Widespread financial difficulties plagued the men’s and women’s game, amplified by falling attendances, unsuitable infrastructure, and reliance on transfers as a source of revenue, but despite the past challenges within the game across Australia, Rosich remains hopeful for its future. 

“Football in Australia and New Zealand has huge potential,” he said via press release. 

“I know it will take hard work and collective effort from the broader football ecosystem to help realise this opportunity, but it’s an extremely exciting time for football in the region.”

With a wealth of knowledge and experience in steering organisations to commercial growth, Rosich is well-placed to lead a new era of development in the A-Leagues.

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South Melbourne Hellas Strengthens Its Future with Three Key Board Appointments

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Image Credit: South Melbourne FC
South Melbourne Hellas has taken another significant step in shaping its future, announcing the appointment of three highly accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors as the club continues to strengthen its leadership both on and off the field.

The Hon. Philip Dalidakis, John Karantzis and Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris join the club at an important stage, bringing expertise across government, law, healthcare and corporate governance as South Melbourne continues to pursue its long-term ambitions.

Few football clubs in Australia can match South Melbourne’s proud history, but the club’s focus is firmly on the future. The latest appointments reflect a deliberate commitment to building a Board with the experience and strategic capability required to support sustained growth and success.

Dalidakis brings extensive experience across government, business and public policy. A former Victorian Cabinet Minister and C-suite executive, he is the Managing Partner of Orizontas and currently represents Australia on the APEC Business Advisory Council. He also holds board positions across the life sciences, defence and social impact sectors, and has chaired audit and risk committees across a range of organisations.

Karantzis is a Partner and Head of Personal Injury Law and Litigation at Carbone Lawyers, with more than 28 years of experience. Accredited as a Specialist in Personal Injury Law by the Law Institute of Victoria, he has also been recognised by Doyle’s Guide as one of Victoria’s leading plaintiff lawyers and litigators.

Pirpiris is an internationally recognised orthopaedic surgeon, academic and healthcare leader. A consultant surgeon at Epworth and Cabrini Hospitals, he specialises in robotic hip and knee replacement, arthritis management and sports injury care, and is a Fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Co-Presidents Bill Papastergiadis and Andrew Mesourouni said the appointments were about more than adding credentials to the Board.
“Philip, Marinis and John are exactly the kind of people South Melbourne Hellas needs at Board level right now,” they said.
“Each brings exceptional expertise in their respective fields, but just as importantly, they understand what this club represents. Their connection to South Melbourne’s values, history and community makes them a natural fit as we continue building for the future.”

The appointments form part of an ongoing renewal of the club’s leadership, reinforcing South Melbourne’s commitment to strong governance as it builds on its proud football tradition.

ParaMatilda to headline Frankston Pines’ new cerebral palsy program

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Image Credit: Football Victoria

A ParaMatilda will appear at Frankston Pines Soccer Club on Saturday as the club launches Victoria’s newest cerebral palsy football program during Football Victoria’s first dedicated Para Engagement Round.

The event, part of Round 7 of the All Abilities League Junior & Youth divisions, runs at Monterey Reserve, Monterey Boulevard, Frankston North. Children and young people with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke-related symptoms can register for come-and-try sessions and meet current para athletes.

The ParaMatildas are the reigning world champions after winning the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup. The victory made them the first Australian national football side to win a World Cup at any level. Goalkeeper and captain Katelyn Smith scored a hat-trick in the 6-2 final win over the United States.

The round coincides with Frankston Pines’ official launch of its new cerebral palsy football program. The club has organised a day including a Beyond the Limits cerebral palsy football showcase, community market stalls, face painting, a colouring competition, a jumping castle, fairy floss and a free sausage sizzle.

The event also raises awareness of Football Victoria’s upcoming Para Pathways Clinics, which will provide children and young people with neurological conditions an opportunity to explore the para football pathway. Further details about the clinics will be released soon.

The engagement round builds on the growth of Victoria’s All Abilities League, which has expanded from a single division in 2017 to 20 teams across four divisions representing 12 clubs this season.

Football Victoria launched its Disability Football Framework in December 2025, a strategic initiative to strengthen the delivery of disability football programs across the state. The Framework sets direction for FV’s work, guiding the development of new resources, guidance and minimum standards that clubs can use in the future.

FV All Abilities & Inclusion Programs Coordinator Selin Arpaci, named Administrator of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards, said the framework marked a shift from ad hoc delivery to a structured approach.

“We’re no longer doing things just because they’ve always been done that way,” Arpaci said. “Our approach is now intentional, structured, and genuinely supportive for players, clubs and the community”.

Access remains a focus. The 2024-25 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, funded by the Victorian Government, have supported clubs including Mitchell Rangers, Traralgon Olympians and Phillip Island Soccer Club to establish or expand all abilities programs.

Football Victoria has also partnered with Powerchair Sports Victoria to strengthen pathways for people with disabilities, while monthly women and girls cerebral palsy football sessions now run at The Home of the Matildas.

Frankston Pines has been a regular participant in the All Abilities League, with its inclusive program providing opportunities for people with physical, psychosocial or intellectual disabilities to participate in a supportive environment.

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