Andrew “Andy” Paschalidis is coming home.
The veteran voice of the world game, who first joined SBS in 1984 and helped introduce Australia to a new era of football broadcasting, will return to the sidelines this weekend for the Greek derby between Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne in the Australian Championship.
For Paschalidis, this is not simply a media gig. It’s a full-circle moment for a man who helped build the foundations of Australian football coverage alongside national icons Les Murray and Johnny Warren.
He earned his stripes covering the National Soccer League, travelling to suburban grounds to capture the colour, ethnic cultures and chaos of a football nation long before it was fashionable, profitable or mainstream.
For those unfamiliar, Murray and Warren weren’t just commentators, they were cultural architects. Murray gave football in this country its most authoritative voice, while Warren dedicated his life to believing, fighting and campaigning for the sport’s future. Together, they legitimised Australian football. Paschalidis was right there with them — part of a trio who lived and breathed the game with missionary zeal.
And now, after decades in the studio, booth, and community trenches, Andy returns to the touchline to do what he does best, capture the raw emotion, energy and feeling of a contest which historically has shaped national second tier football.
“SBS have broadcasted every World up since 1986, isn't it significant?” Paschalidis said.
“We should call them the home of football, to see that the Championship is on SBS, we’ve
come full circle.”
Then, as only Andy can…
“Is there gas in the tank for Andrew Paschalidis!”
A Return to the Grassroots
“Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve been to the revamped ‘Barton Park’.”
“It’s a very emotional feeling.
“I’ve commented on games here.
"My journey started on grounds like this, it's so good to be back.”
It matters that he’s on the sideline.
Because Andy Paschalidis isn’t only reporting on a fixture he has in the past… he’s walking
back into history. He is the personification of Australian football’s migrant-fuelled heart, the storyteller who captured the game’s raw soul long before broadcast rights deals and corporate polish.
In many ways, his return is symbolic of the sport itself rediscovering its roots: community clubs, ethnic rivalries, generational passion - football that belongs to the people.
“It's given those teams, 16 teams, a national platform,” he said, speaking on the Championship’s revival of former NSL heavyweights.
Derby Stakes and Storylines
Round 1 delivered drama: Ali Auglah scored the competition’s first-ever goal, before South Melbourne edged Olympic 3-2 in a thriller - Jordan Lampard curling home the winner. South now chases a quarter-final berth; Olympic face potential elimination.
“It is a traditional derby… the Greek derby, 15-20 years ago you probably weren't allowed to say that,” Paschalidis said.
“I always look forward to any derby… there’s that rivalry, the build-up, the intent. Olympic are the underdogs… This is do or die for them.”
Why It Feels Right
This is more than nostalgia. It’s justice. It’s recognition.
A man who gave football to Australia during its most fragile era now returns to shine a light on the next chapter.
A storyteller of the old world chronicling the rebirth of the game he never abandoned.
Yes, there is gas in the tank.
And for once, football gives something back to one of its truest believers.