The atmosphere was electric at the Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne as Olympic FC supporters gathered ahead of their team’s clash with South Melbourne Hellas. The event, organized by Jim Claven with the help of Olympic FC board member Jim Bazianas, saw Bill Papastergiadis warmly welcomed by over 30 enthusiastic Olympic supporters.
Dressed in Olympic’s colors, the fans were in high spirits, showcasing the deep-rooted passion that comes from clubs with decades of investment in the sport. The occasion underscored the significance of connecting all levels of football in Australia, especially those clubs with historical ties to the game.
Olympic FC president Manos Saridakis, upon meeting Papastergiadis, expressed his excitement: “This is a great outcome for our club to be playing South Melbourne Hellas in the round of 16. The match means a lot to our club, and over 100 supporters have made the journey. We want to strengthen our relationship with South Melbourne Hellas, and it would be an honor to have you at our Hellenic Cup in January 2025.”
The conversation soon turned to the status of the National Second Tier, with Papastergiadis noting that while progress was slow, the competition was crucial not just for the eight foundation clubs but for all levels of football in Australia. “A true pyramid of interconnected football, with promotion and relegation from the NPL teams, is essential for the sport to truly progress,” he emphasized.
Saridakis responded by highlighting Olympic’s commitment to its football program and expressed interest in exploring the National Second Tier for the club’s future.
As the discussion shifted to the afternoon’s match, both men anticipated a thrilling contest. Their predictions were correct, as South Melbourne Hellas emerged victorious in extra time. The nail-biting match, witnessed by over 2,500 fans who braved the rain, was filled with scoring opportunities. After the game, Saridakis remarked, “Our team left everything on the pitch. We could not ask for more from our players.”
Papastergiadis added, “Olympic’s supporters were gracious and loud, creating a terrific atmosphere. Their players were only moments from progressing to the next round, save for the equalizer in the 90th minute by Archibald.”
The match exemplified the importance of continued connections across the country’s football community, particularly with heritage clubs that contribute so much to the sport. The evening was a strong testament to the need for a National Second Tier competition, which would further unite and elevate Australian football.
