Meet your NPL and Football NSW League Commentators for the 2022 Season
Let’s take a closer look at the seventeen commentators all hyped and ready to call our National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s, Women’s and Football NSW League One Men’s matches for the 2022 season.
Name: Tony Tannous (@TonyTannousTRBA)
Age: 47
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
Even when I was playing in the NSW State Leagues, I was already studying journalism with an ambition to follow in the footsteps of the great Martin Tyler, who I started idolising as far back as the 1988 Bicentennial Cup and Italia 90 when he moonlighted for SBS. Locally, I had many football commentators I admired throughout the 80s and 90s in the NSL era including Mike Hill, Les Murray, Johnny Warren, Andy Paschalidis and Paulo Williams. From a non-football perspective, I always respect the statistical preparation and passion that Bruce McAvaney brings to his work (in Athletics, rather than Aussies Rules or horse racing).
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
Whenever I visit any of these NPL or Football NSW Leagues clubs or grounds, I feel at home. Not only did I play for and at a few years back but my first NSL grand final was Marconi vs Sydney Olympic at Parramatta in the 80s and I’ve never looked back. My first steps into football journalism were covering Melita Eagles and then Sydney Olympic for the local papers/radio. The NSL and now NPL is football life in Australia, authentic, diverse, and passionate. One of the things I love most about football is the opportunity it presents, and with promotion and relegation, and the showcase for youth, nothing highlights this better than our leagues.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Covid has really impacted the semi-professional clubs and players and it’s been a very difficult couple of seasons for them, so get behind your local NPL clubs, get down to the games, enjoy some great tucker and VAR-free passion and drama that our leagues invariably produce, you won’t be disappointed. Fingers crossed we can get our first full, uninterrupted season in three and all the best to the coaches, players, supporters, media, and volunteers across all our leagues. Personally, buzzing to be back at these grounds and behind the mic for a sixth season for Football NSW and look forward to seeing you at a ground soon.
Name: Teo Pellizzeri (@teopellizzeri)
Age: 36
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I was always eager to try commentary and in the mid-2000s I started out in Aussie Rules calling the Goulburn Valley Football League in country Victoria. This evolved into setting up web radio broadcasts of W-League and NPL Victoria in the 2010s while juggling commitments in local footy. In recent times I’ve been lucky enough to commentate the A-Leagues and Matildas while also staying versatile in sports like basketball and Aussie Rules.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
I have always enjoyed commentating the NPL NSW men’s teams in FFA Cup or NPL National Finals clashes in years gone by and I’m looking forward to a closer connection to them this season. The Sydney United 58 vs Heidelberg United matches of past FFA Cup campaigns have been a particular highlight. I’ve always been a keen follower of the NPL NSW Women’s competition due to all the connections to both A-League women’s and junior national teams and it’s exciting to be a part of seeing the future of the women’s game up close each week.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Here’s to an entertaining season and a restoration of a complete campaign with no interruptions!
Name: Nikola Pozder (@NikolaPozder)
Age: 31
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I live and breathe the game and have always dreamt of the opportunity to commentate on football. From an Australian perspective, I can’t look beyond the late Mike Cockerill who was a true inspiration for the game as both a journalist and commentator, as well as Simon Hill of course. When it comes to international commentators, the king and greatest of all time, Martin Tyler. I have to also add that the belief Mark Stavroulakis has in every one of his commentators as well as writers have also shaped the way we do things and we all owe a lot to him – he has been the one that has given all of us a chance to show what we’re made of with these leagues.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
Our NPL is the best in the country, both men and women and it has been proven time and time again. The Football NSW Leagues are a place for development and a league that I’m extremely honoured to be a part of.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Tune in on NPL.TV if you cannot make it to the games, support your local club and competition and get amongst the best state competition in the country.
Name: Will Gotsis (@willgots15)
Age: 47
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I always enjoyed the commentary side of things as a kid playing the game. I started off as a Ground Announcer for APIA Leichhardt many years ago, then moved into radio/commentary after a couple of years and have been loving it ever since. Martin Tyler, by far and away the greatest caller in my lifetime. Listening to him describe a game, there’s nothing better. Absolute perfection.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
For me there is none better. They are magnificently run competitions, action packed week in week out with some of the finest footballers and emerging footballers playing in the various competitions in the land. To be able to get out to various grounds every week, chat to the Coaches/Players/Fans and Friends, I am truly living the dream. It’s a blessing.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Make sure you download the NPL.TV app to keep in touch of all the games week in week out. Ensure you get out to the grounds to support your teams and at the same time, capture the atmosphere and excitement that the NPL and Football Leagues brings. Finally, best of luck to all the teams in 2022 and if you see me around the grounds, come up and say Hi.
Name: Nicholas Kutnjak (@nkutnjak)
Age: 30
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I realised at the age of 5 I’d rather call the game instead of goalkeeping and since then became a student of Sports Broadcasting. I looked up to Football callers John Motson, Martin Tyler and Derrick Rae in the UK, while in Australia it was Peter Wilkins, Steve Robilliard and Paul Williams in the NSL days before Simon Hill started with the A-League.
How important is out NPL and Football NSW Leagues to?
I have always said NSW is the home to the best state leagues in the country and the reasons are because we have great development programs from the juniors onwards, we have the most historic teams in Australian Football and have talented players and coaches across all competitions that make every season competitive.
Final words to our audience about the league and yourself?
I’m looking forward to being involved in my sixth season calling the NPL Competitions and my ninth covering the World Game. Let’s hope we get a full season in which we will finish with another magical Grand Final.
Name: Tony Salerno (@TonySalerno2)
Age: 28
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I did a lot of community radio in the Cumberland area in my early years. During that time, we would commentate Blacktown City FC games and from that moment I was hooked. In terms of football commentary inspirations, it would have to be Simon Hill for his ability to perfectly capture a moment in so few words and Les Murray for the work he did to connect migrants with the mainstream media through football.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL and Football NSW Leagues are important to me because they add depth to the player pathways available for Australians to reach higher honours whether that be the A-League or national selection. On a personal note, these leagues allow me to stay connected to the sport I love in a unique way.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Good luck to all the teams this season, it should be another fantastic year. I encourage everyone to say hello to the commentators when they see them around the grounds. The commentators love meeting the people behind the players we call and getting their feedback.
Name: Chris Curulli (@ChrisCurulli)
Age: 21
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I was granted the opportunity to kick off my commentary journey in 2020, following a few years of reporting on the National Premier Leagues NSW competition. From my first game it’s been an unreal learning experience, growing an immense appreciation for the craft and calling some truly memorable moments.
I have always looked up to the commentary of Peter Drury. The way he poetically brings the big moments to life is unrivalled for me – he viscerally conveys the emotion of sport that we all love with such ease.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL holds a special place in my heart – it has played an instrumental role in where my career in football is today.
After growing up following the competition, I first became involved in a work experience capacity back in 2017; a special season, culminating in epic Grand Finals at Valentine Sports Park and Leichhardt Oval. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
There’s no better time to start following the NPL and Football NSW Leagues week in, week out. Whether you’re watching on NPL TV or getting out and about, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your footballing crave throughout winter.
Being a Northern Beaches resident, you can normally catch me on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon down at Cromer Park, but I’m also looking forward to popping up around the grounds in 2022. I’m always up for talking football and getting to know more members of our community, so don’t be afraid to drop into the commentary box and say hi!
Name: Jack Clifton (@JackClifton90)
Age: 32
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I got into commentating because I love the thrill of live sport and to be able to tell people a story that at times can defy belief.
As I call a lot of sport, Richie Benaud and Ray Warren are two people I look up to. In the football world it would be John Motson.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
It is an important pathway for players to make the next step. It is also a chance for clubs to show their rich history and also compete in a competition that has a lot of honour and class.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
I am a commentator that will attempt to be professional, accurate and full of life. I love calling the NPL and hope you enjoy one of the most exciting leagues in Australia.
Name: Alex Molchanoff (@molchiey)
Age: 23
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I got into commentating as it was something I’d always wanted to do (and had done in front of video games and TV) for a long time. I put myself forward to call local matches on community radio. I’ve always admired Martin Tyler and John Motson in England and Simon Hill back home in Australia with one of my earliest football memories being Simon’s commentary on the 2004 NSL Grand Final and 2005 World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay. I’m now lucky enough to produce Simon’s show on SEN Radio – The Global Game!
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL and Football NSW Leagues are still the hearbeatt of football in Australia. Organic, traditional rivalries between clubs that have withstood the test of time and the many obstacles Australian football has had to overcome and that represent the communities that built the game in this country. When you add that to the quality, entertaining football produced on the pitch, you have a very entertaining and unique competition that excites me every time I head out to a game.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourself?
Get back out to your local ground and get back out to live football as much as possible, there is nothing better. When you hear me calling you hopefully hear that I am hanging onto every moment.
Name: Eric Subijano (@eric_subijano)
Age: 38
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
My first involvement with Football NSW was as the writer for the League One Men’s competition (formerly NPL 2 NSW Men’s). As coverage and streams of the leagues expanded, I was fortunate enough to be given commentary opportunities in 2020, and I’ve called games for the last two NPL NSW campaigns.
My favourite commentator isn’t a football caller, but rather a man synonymous with Formula 1 coverage during the last century: the late, great Murray Walker. Murray’s enthusiasm during calls was infectious and he understood that entertaining the viewers was just as important as informing them.
Closer to home, I admire our very own Nicholas Kutnjak (The People’s Champion) for his ability to bring games to life. If people think I’m half as good as Nicholas then I’m doing well.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
These leagues offer high quality football that is very accessible, and with so many teams there’s bound to be one in your area!
The NPL NSW Men’s competition boasts some of Australian football’s most historic and iconic clubs. Then there’s the seemingly non-stop action of League One Men’s – a league full of all-star attackers and players with a warrior mentality.
Meanwhile, the NPL NSW Women’s competition keeps growing in quality and attracts the best talent from other states as well. It has plenty of players with that magic touch – we might even see a Matilda or two at some point during the season!
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
It’s not just about the commentary – Football NSW employs some very talented writers and their articles add plenty of flavour to the coverage, so I encourage all of you to read as many as you can.
For me, it’s vital that I’m able to convey the excitement of games to viewers. I’m always thrilled to be calling and I hope that comes across via our wonderful live streams. If you’re at the ground, make sure to say hello – I’m easy to find because I have a couple of very distinctive tattoos!
Name: Tomas Phillips (@tomas_phillips)
Age: 18
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I fell in love with football watching SBS’s football coverage and Les Murray instantly became an icon for me. Wanting to be involved in the game as much as possible, when the opportunity arose to commentate the best footballers in my local region I jumped on it.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
Growing up in Wollongong in the past 18 years, supporting a top-flight football club has been difficult. Never really identifying with Sydney FC or others, having the Wollongong Wolves and Illawarra Stingrays based in the city allow for a strong connection to the local football community.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
With so many matches being broadcast this season, I’m hoping to provide all football fans with a refreshing and vibrant voice when calling games this season.
Name: Dave McDonald (@drdavemcdonald)
Age: 47
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I have been part of radio sports show Sunday Sports Roundup on Alive 90.5FM since 2013. After commentating rugby league and cricket, we began calling some Blacktown City FC home matches in 2015 and it progressed from there where we called several NPL Grand Finals before the days of live streaming. In terms of commentators I look up to, I would absolutely say Richie Benaud (cricket) but in terms of football commentators Martin Tyler and Simon Hill.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
Hugely because they are an integral part not only of the pathway to professional football, but of the communities that the clubs represent. It gives me a great opportunity to enjoy watching quality football every week.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
I urge all supporters to get out and support your teams in 2022 as it shapes up to be a cracking season. I can’t wait for the season to kick off but also to see all how the new clubs in the Football NSW League One Women’s leagues perform.
Name: Pete Prior (@priorpeter)
Age: 32
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I almost fell into it, a very happy accident as it turns out! I was asked a few years ago to jump on as a guest co-commentator for a Central Coast United game – I must’ve done something right because they kept asking me back! Since then, I’ve spent the last couple of years calling games across NPL NSW and the Football Leagues, as well as a couple of FFA Cup ties, and have loved every minute of it.
I’ve always appreciated the impact of commentators in helping to bring the game to life through our screens and really look up to local guys like Teo Pellizzeri, Ben Homer, and of course Simon Hill, who are all fantastic callers of the game.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
It really is the engine room for football in NSW – a vibrant and engaging environment that continues to provide a pathway for so many current/aspiring professionals in the game.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Love football? You’ll absolutely love the NPL & the Football Leagues. Get yourself down to your local club on matchdays – chances are you’ll spot a future star along the way.
See you around the grounds!
Name: Will Konstandinidis (@Konston_)
Age: 20
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
The iconic words that go with historical moments are unforgettable and that drew me in. I’ve always followed the NPL and Football NSW Leagues quite closely so it made sense to start there. I remember watching the games at home on NPL.TV and thinking that this was something I wanted to be a part of. I’m always grateful that I was given the opportunity to commentate because it’s the highlight of my week. Obviously, Simon Hill is a great commentator to take inspiration from. You get a real sense of occasion when he’s commentating and the way he’s able to capture the atmosphere of the game is something I really enjoy. Teo Pellizzeri as well for the tremendous work he does on the women’s games this season. The fact that he came through commentating the NPL in Victoria and is now commentating regularly in the A-Leagues motivates me to keep improving.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL and Football NSW Leagues have been a huge part of my life since I can remember. Whether that be playing as a junior, following my sister’s games or watching the First Grade games. Off the pitch, the leagues provide a huge community that is extremely welcoming. To be able to share my passion for football with other people has been great.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
There’s plenty of reason to tune in. With the FA targeting a National Second Division by 2023 there’s an added significance to this year’s Men’s competitions. Teams will look to add to their credentials to be part of a NSD, and there’s no doubt a bit of silverware will help. Our NPL NSW Women’s competition is star-studded. There will be elite A-League Women’s talent on display once again this year with Matildas playing in the competition looking to continue their push to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. I’m certainly excited to be back this year and have been waiting for the start of the season since it was cancelled midway through last year.
Name : Jono Farr
Age : 40
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
When I was 7 or 8 years old, I realised commentary was my professional path in life due to an enormous love a football and general sport. Callers such as Martin Tyler and John Motson in the UK, Steve Robilliard and the late Mike Cockerill in Australia were my idols and I learnt so much from these broadcasters. Some of these mentioned callers I’ve been lucky to work alongside myself over the years.
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL and Football NSW Leagues are vital for the future of football in this country. The high quality of football played each week is first class and it’s so exciting to watch young talent in both the Men’s and Women’s competitions rise through the ranks. We need platforms like these leagues to continue to ensure the sport remains strong in this country and leagues such as the NPL gives young people a real chance to one day represent in the A-League and their country at World Cups and other major competitions around the globe.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Looking forward to another exciting season ahead in both the men’s and women’s competitions. It’s also great to see the young talent shine on the pitch each week. It will be my third year behind the mic and let’s hope we have no major distractions such as Covid to give us a full season culminating in a thrilling finals series and epic Grand Final. Overall, let’s hope NPL football is the winner in season 2022!
Name: Dom Rizzuto
Age: 28
What got you into commentating and who do you look up to?
I’ve been wanting to get into commentary for as long as I can remember. Growing up I would commentate my own FIFA games whilst playing that’s how much I loved to commentate football, Guilty admission, I still do it today! Being so into the sport for much of my life I’ve always wanted to be a part of it in some way. Loving the spectacle and the drama the World Game brings me, I wanted to be able to bring my own passion to the game for people to hear and enjoy. I’ve had the pleasure of calling all manner of sports via radio but I’m so excited to finally be able to add my voice to the imagery. Whilst I did take a break during Covid to focus on another side of my life, I can’t wait to get back into action this year with NPL.TV and grow my commentary portfolio. My dream is to be calling the best football on the planet, whether that be the A-League, the EPL, or even the World Cup!
How important is our NPL and Football NSW Leagues to you?
The NPL is a newfound interest for me and what I see is the building block to take Football in Australia to the next level. I, like many, have been dying to see a relegation and promotion system installed and I can see so many teams in this division make it to the big time if given the opportunity. To be a part of that potential growth for me is incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to add my voice to the spectacle.
Final words to our audience about the leagues and yourselves?
Really looking forward to this year as I’ve stated before. I’ve been waiting a long time and worked extremely hard to get to this place and I can’t wait to grab the opportunity by the microphone. Having looked at both the men’s and women’s comp this year, I’m looking at an incredibly tight contest for the grand prize meaning that we are going to have cracking matches each and every week, with every team constantly playing for important points.
Name: Jude Dolan aka. JayDee (@_judedolan)
Age: 19
What got me into commentating?
Honestly, I can’t pinpoint an exact moment or succumbing to the concept – the power of accentuating a game of football through commentary has fascinated me from a young age. Call me a nerd, call me a geek, but while the other kids my age back in England were into Transformers, Beyblades and whatnot, I was sitting in front of my telly watching Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League with a cheap portable Sanyo mp3 mic going “WHAT A FINISH BY ANDREY ARSHAVIN!”
Who do I look up to?
Without a doubt, I look up to Premier League Productions’ Peter Drury. The way he turned magical moments on the football field into spoken word poetry that’ll last a lifetime for the involved players and global fans alike, that’s what I want to do for our NPL players here. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Drury, as well as Derek Rae from ESPN and EA Sports FIFA and Simon Hill too on my grassroots football series The Wednesday League – those three fixtures with those guys still stand as some highlight moments of my career thus far.
How important is the NPL and FNSW Leagues to me?
Vital, in terms of football in this country. And when I say the word “football” there, I don’t mean the physical sport itself. I mean everything that comes with our code – the history, the personal connections to clubs, being able to represent your heritage, your local area, your heart and soul on a state-and-nation-wide platform is something I have immense admiration for. Football here needs these clubs, and the leagues that they compete in.
Final words to audience
There is so much behind the scenes indicating that this is going to be a sublime year of Football NSW Leagues action – the structural and naming changes, the new broadcast deal, this new era of Australian football, there is simply so much to look forward to in 2022 and beyond. I’m here to keep doing what I’ve strived to do my whole career – create and showcase the moments we adore our sport for. So let’s get to it, New South Wales!
Don’t forget to check out NPL.TV today as well as downloading the iOS and Android applications to have access to over 524 NSW football matches set to be broadcast live and on-demand on the new Cluch platform, across NPL NSW Men’s, NPL NSW Women’s, NPL NSW U20’s, FNSW League One, Waratah Cup Finals plus highlights of all NPL NSW matches.
