Soccerscene

In this edition of Soccerscene: Unfiltered, Melbourne Victory founding chairman Geoff Lord sits down with Mihaila Kilibarda for an honest appraisal of where he feels the A-League has lost its way.

Geoff recalls his experiences working across Hawthorn Football Club (AFL) and Victory at their respective zeniths, his push to welcome Celtic to the Australian market, and his belief sport continues to remain essential in combating the challenges facing Australian society.

Presently Chairman and CEO Belgravia Group, Geoff retains a strong interest in the leadership and direction of both Victory and Australian football - and doesn't hold back in his assessment of what needs to be done.

In this episode of Unfiltered by Soccerscene, CIty of Monash Councillor, Paul Klisaris and Merri-Bek Councillor, Oscar Yildiz sit down with Mihaila Kilibarda for a raw and uncompromising conversation on the state of Australian football.

This is not a rehearsed press conference - it’s an honest exchange that goes beyond the surface to confront the deeper structural challenges facing the game.

From the sharp drop-off in participation after junior levels to criticism of the A-League’s closed model and lack of promotion and relegation, the discussion explores why ambition across the pyramid feels increasingly limited.

With strong views on governance, transparency, and the disconnect between decision-makers and grassroots communities, this is an unfiltered look at the issues holding the sport back - and the urgent need for change.

No spin. No scripts. Just the truths Australian football has been waiting to hear.

In the powerful debut of Unfiltered by Soccerscene, Bill Papastergiadis sits down with Managing Editor Mihaila Kilibarda for a raw, uncompromising conversation that goes far beyond club politics. This is not a rehearsed press conference - it’s an honest exchange about identity, heritage, governance, and the cultural weight carried by South Melbourne FC.

From his upbringing in the Greek diaspora to the realities of the A-League divide, Papastergiadis speaks candidly about responsibility, reform, and what he believes the custodians of the game must confront.

No spin. No scripts. Just the truths Australian football has been waiting to hear.

Host Theo Athans also speaks with Elissia Carnavas, a former Young Matilda and A-League Women player, who shares her journey through the elite football pathway, the realities of transitioning through youth and professional environments, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest level. The discussion touches on player development, resilience, identity beyond football, and how lived experience can help shape better support systems for the next generation of female footballers.

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800

Host Theo Athans chats with Dr. Mike Walsh from the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), drawing on more than two decades of experience across academy, semi-professional and professional football, with a deep focus on player development across the Foundation, Youth and Professional Development phases.

The conversation explores coach education through UEFA B and Levels 1 and 2, the evolution of modern coaching frameworks, and Dr. Walsh’s extensive academic leadership across GIS campuses in Manchester, Wembley, Miami and Melbourne, underpinned by a UEFA A Licence, a Master’s in Sports Coaching and doctoral research at Liverpool John Moores University examining tactical knowledge and its application in elite football.

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800

Host Theo Athans chats with Michael Reid from the Technical Sales Team at PILA Goals. The discussion covers the technology behind goalposts, innovations for the future, and essential factors to consider within the goalpost manufacturing industry.

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800

In Episode 17 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, host Theo Athans goes behind the scenes with Gemma Smallfield, Head of Sales and Marketing at Veto Sports, to unpack how the brand has evolved from a growing supplier into a serious national contender.

From scaling operations to navigating the Australian sports market and setting bold ambitions for the future, Smallfield reveals the strategy, challenges, and momentum driving Veto Sports’ next phase of growth.

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800

Host Theo Athans chats with FQ CEO Rob Cavallucci on the eve of a big 2025 Queensland Football Convention to discuss its importance on the sport. 

The discussion also touches on the topics of low player registration fees, growing futsal at record levels in the state, and the importance of the FQ x Brisbane Roar partnership for promoting the A-Leagues. 

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800

In this episode, Host Theo Athans discusses everything Shepparton Cup with two great guests on the eve of the fantastic event. 

Discussing its origins and growth into becoming the largest weekend junior football tournament in Australia & the impact this event has on the local community. 

Guests: Shane Sali - Mayor of Greater Shepparton & Rolando Navas - director of Australian Footbool Skool

Host Theo Athans sits down with sports psychologist and martial arts master Chris Shen to discuss the mental battles faced by professional footballers, strategies for building resilience under pressure, and how his martial arts background has shaped his approach to performance and wellbeing.

Deals, data and dollars!

Presented by Faraday West, Off the Pitch is Soccerscene’s podcast, diving deep into the Australian and international football industry. Featuring engaging conversations with key figures from local clubs, leagues, and organisations, the podcast explores the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the beautiful game.

Faraday West Residential & Commercial Mortgages is your one-stop low-doc financial solution, visit faradaywest.com.au or call +61 (03) 8862 3800