Network 10’s commentator, Simon Hill, speaks with aleagues.com.au as he prepares for his 16th and final commentary of an Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, returning to the UK following 22 years dedicated to Australian football.
When the Isuzu UTE A-League kicks off for its 21st season, it will do so without the voice that has chronicled so many memorable moments from the league’s first two decades.
After two decades in Australia, Simon Hill has announced that Saturday night’s Grand Final will mark his farewell to commentary in the country, as he gets ready to head back to the UK.
From his beginnings at SBS to periods with Fox Sports and now Network 10, Hill’s voice has become synonymous with the game’s biggest highlights in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
It’s fitting that as Hill takes his place in the commentary box at AAMI Park for his final match on Australian soil, he will be part of a historic A-Leagues moment: a Melbourne Derby Grand Final between City and Victory, the first of its kind in the league’s history.
“What a way to finish,” Hill shared with aleagues.com.au.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better match-up for my final A-League commentary. I’ve covered many Melbourne Derbies before, but never in a Grand Final. It promises to be an exhilarating game.”
“Right now, it feels a bit surreal and slightly strange,” he continued. “The A-League has been a monumental part of my life for nearly 20 years. I’ll undoubtedly miss the competitiveness, but more than anything, I will miss the people involved. The camaraderie at the venues and my fantastic colleagues at Network 10 have made the experience truly rewarding.”
“It feels odd knowing I won’t be part of it next season. Although I’m sad to leave, I feel it’s the right time for a change.”
“Let me clarify, I’m not retiring or leaving for good. I’m simply relocating. There are many exciting things ahead for me in the UK, not just football. I intend to maintain my connection to the game by continuing my commentary career. So, while it’s the end of one chapter, I hope it’s not the conclusion of my story.”
“This league has occupied so much of my life over the past decades, through both highs and lows. I’ve poured my best years into this competition, if you will, with different employers.”
“More than that, it has given me some of my career’s most memorable moments, alongside the national teams. I’ve shared incredible experiences with the Socceroos and Matildas, along with remarkable journeys overseas, blending superb football moments with unforgettable life experiences.”
“It’s been everything to me, really. I never expected this when I first arrived here. I wasn’t certain that this would be my path, but I’m grateful it turned out this way, as it’s been an amazing journey.”
“While my A-League chapter may be coming to an end, I hope my football story is far from over. Thank you to all who provided opportunities and shared this journey with me.”
“It is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. I truly look forward to what lies ahead.”
On Tuesday evening, Hill confirmed his return to the UK, and he has been overwhelmed by the response from the Australian football community since the announcement.
His phone has been flooded with messages from colleagues, friends, and even fans, all expressing gratitude and reminiscing about the moments tied to his voice.
“It’s quite been an emotional experience, in the best possible way,” Hill commented.
“It’s heartwarming to realise that I’ve had a considerable impact on many through football, accompanying them through significant moments. As fans, we all remember where we were during those pivotal occasions, and I’ve had the privilege of being the soundtrack for many of those memories.”
“A heartfelt thanks to the football community. The support and well wishes I have received have exceeded my expectations.”
“It’s been incredibly humbling to receive such a generous outpouring of goodwill. Knowing that some will miss me when I leave is deeply appreciated, and I will surely miss this vibrant environment.”
Hill never imagined he’d spend so many years in Australia when he first arrived.
In 2001, Hill transitioned from the BBC, where he had spent nearly a decade, to a role at ITV Digital. However, less than a year later, ITV’s platform collapsed, leaving Hill searching for new prospects.
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After attending the 2002 World Cup as a fan, he tacked on an Australian leg to his journey. Unbeknownst to him, that decision would alter the trajectory of his life.
“A friend of mine, Rob Mitchell from SBS radio, suggested I consider a commentary position there. At first, I brushed it off, thinking they wouldn’t want someone from so far away. However, after much encouragement, I agreed to send a cover letter and CV upon returning to the UK, not expecting anything to come of it.”
“To my surprise, Ken Shipp from SBS reached out weeks later, asking if I would be interested in moving to Australia. It was unexpected, but as I had few commitments, I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s try something new’, believing I’d be here for two or three years – and here I am, 22 years later.”
“Sometimes, you have to step outside your comfort zone and embrace risks. Otherwise, I would never have experienced these wonderful opportunities over the past two decades.”
Hill began his career in Australia with SBS, where he primarily focused on European football. However, the inception of the Isuzu UTE A-League in 2005 ignited his enthusiasm as he witnessed the competition take off during its inaugural season.
“It was evident from the outset that this league had the potential to resonate,” Hill remarked.
“I recall watching it on Fox Sports, captivated by the crowds and the coverage. I yearned to be part of it, as this was my passion, and I knew something new was unfolding.”
“After attending the 2006 World Cup, I was fortunate that Fox showed interest in bringing me on board, which was thrilling. It was a magical time to be involved.”
Hill’s first A-League commentary with Fox came in Round 1 of the 2006-07 season, where a buzzing Olympic Park witnessed Melbourne Victory face off against Adelaide United. Those memories remain vividly etched in his mind, along with the sight of 50,000 supporters at Docklands for a mid-week Big Blue match just months later.
He called his first A-League Grand Final at the end of that season, another Victory versus Adelaide clash in front of 56,000 fans, where Melbourne triumphed with a 6-0 victory, featuring Archie Thompson’s remarkable five-goal haul.
“The 2007 Grand Final is one of my all-time favourite memories,” he reminisced. “That night at Docklands, with 56,000 people present and John Howard, the Prime Minister, in attendance, I thought, ‘We’ve truly made it. We’ve become mainstream’. Although there have been plenty of ups and downs since, those were exhilarating times.”
“Watching Ange’s ‘Roarcelona’ was a highlight; they were the pinnacle of A-League teams I’ve seen.”
“The 2011 Grand Final featuring the famous comeback against the Mariners—sorry, Mariners fans—stands out with all its drama and its unpredictability, which is what this competition is about.”
“Players like Thomas Broich remain my all-time favourite A-League player; he was simply stellar. Then there’s Besart Berisha, who cultivated a love/hate dynamic among fans, and Diego Castro, an absolute gem, and Milos Ninkovic, who was equally talented. So many remarkable players graced the league.”
“The 2015 Grand Final had an atmosphere that was likely unparalleled. Perhaps we’ll surpass it this Saturday. Who knows?”
“I remember the 2019 Grand Final with 56,000 fans in Perth, along with Isaías’ breathtaking free-kick in 2016 that became a memorable highlight, as my call of ‘Si, señor, si!’ has been replayed countless times.”
The goal and the accompanying commentary have forged an enduring connection for Adelaide supporters. The phrase has become iconic, reminding Hill of its impact every time he visits Hindmarsh Stadium.
“I didn’t plan that line until he struck the free-kick. His Spanish background came to me in the moment.”
“Another memorable moment was when Alessandro Del Piero scored his first goal for Sydney. My commentary, ‘Del Piero! That’s what they came to see. That’s the reason Sydney FC paid the money. That exemplifies the man!’ thankfully worked out as it was his stunning strike, not a fluke.”
“Sydney fans might not thank me for this one, but Terry Antonis’ goal for Victory in the Semi-Final became quite the talking point. They even printed T-shirts of my comment, ‘giving chase forlornly’, which I received text messages about later.”
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“In the 2006 World Cup, Tim Cahill’s goals and Andrew Redmayne’s save in 2022 stand out to me. My line, ‘Redmayne makes the save! It’s a save that means the world to Australia!’ feels like a career highlight.”
“There are plenty more moments, some of which I may have forgotten, but they are all cherished memories.”
On Saturday, Hill has the chance to create one last unforgettable memory as he provides commentary for the historic Melbourne Derby Grand Final – his 16th and final match as part of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Then, it’s back to the UK, where he looks forward to continuing his commentary journey. Hill is excited about spending Christmas with his parents, both in their 90s, for the first time in over three decades, and returning to the football culture that ignited his passion for the game.
As the A-League steps into its third decade, it will do so without the distinctive voice that has become a part of its fabric.
But not just yet. There’s one more night to relish.
“I expect the enormity of it will dawn on me when I set down the microphone after the Grand Final on Saturday,” he shared.
“Regardless of what unfolds, a piece of me will always identify as Australian and be inherently linked to this league. For that, I am immensely thankful.”
“I approach this with excitement. Ending with the first-ever Melbourne Derby Grand Final is a fitting conclusion. I’m thrilled to see it sold out; it’s fantastic. It promises to be an electrifying atmosphere on Saturday night, and I hope for a match worthy of the occasion.”
“And here’s hoping I end on a high note with the right lines for one last time.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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