Paolo Gallo, Nick Pagano and Adrian Acruili in the studio for the final episode of this season's SBS Championship Corner.
South Melbourne Crowned: Inside the Inaugural Australian Championship Final
Nahuel Bonada (left) and John Lampard (right) pose with the Australian Championship trophy after South Melbourne beat Marconi Stallions 2-0 in the final. Credit: Mark Avellino
In the season finale of the SBS Championship Corner podcast, Nick Pagano and Adrian Arciuli are joined by SBS Italian’s Paolo Gallo to unpack South Melbourne’s 2–0 win over Marconi Stallions and their place in history as the inaugural Australian Championship winners. The team breaks down how South’s pressing, set-piece mastery and game-by-game tactical tweaks powered an unbeaten campaign, from Manny Aguek’s big‑moment goals and Marco Jankovic’s header in the final to the Heidelberg epic and the Sydney Olympic escape acts. The panel also revisits the tournament’s biggest sliding‑doors moments - from the Marconi Wolves madness to FVS controversy and some truly wild tackles, plus their surprise packets, unluckiest sides and goal of the tournament contenders. The crew reflects on what this new national second‑tier competition means for historic clubs, youth development and the future of Australian football - and which Championship standouts could be Socceroos in waiting.
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