Australian football fans are reeling after the shock announcement that the unmistakable voice of the game Down Under is hanging up his microphone—at least on Australian soil.
After more than two decades of calling the highs, lows, and heart-stopping moments of the A-League and Socceroos, the legendary broadcaster is heading back to the UK, leaving behind a legacy that’s as rich as it is irreplaceable.
That voice belongs to Simon Hill—a name synonymous with the sport in Australia. For many, he isn’t just a commentator but the very soundtrack to football’s most iconic moments, from World Cup qualifiers to unforgettable A-League classics.
From John Aloisi’s legendary penalty that sent the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup, to Tim Cahill’s unforgettable brace against Japan, and Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shootout heroics against Peru, Hill’s voice has been there, elevating every second with his passion, insight, and unmistakable British lilt.
Hill broke the news on social media, confirming that this weekend’s A-League Grand Final between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory will be his last domestic call in Australia.
He’ll still be on the mic for the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia in June, but after that, it’s back to the UK—where he hopes to continue his commentary career.
‘I’m not retiring—can’t afford to!’ he quipped, in his typically self-deprecating style.
Reflecting on his 22 years in Australia, Hill described his time here as ‘brilliant’, acknowledging the ‘wonderful, crazy (& at times, infuriating!)’ nature of the A-League and the broader football community.
‘I’ll miss it & my colleagues at 10, but I feel now is the right time,’ he wrote.
The decision, he revealed, is partly personal: ‘I feel a pull towards home. My parents are seniors. It will be sad (leaving Australia). It’s been a huge part of my life.’
The outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and sporting legends has been overwhelming.
The official A-League account thanked him for being ‘the voice of countless magic moments in our game’.
Sports reporter Mark Gottlieb called it ‘terribly sad news’, while tennis great Paul McNamee praised Hill as a ‘top commentator and voice of reason’.
Journalist Sebastian Hassett summed up the mood: ‘A most robust advocate for the game and the finest caller we’ve ever had.’
For many fans, Hill’s departure is being compared to the loss of Les Murray, another giant of Australian football broadcasting.
‘Jeez this is up there with losing Les Murray—actually for me it’s even more considering you’ve been here most of my life!’ one fan wrote.
Another added, ‘A massive loss to Australian football. Simon has consistently stood up for the game and its fans in a way that few people have been brave enough to do.’
Hill’s impact goes far beyond the commentary box. He’s been a tireless advocate for the game, never shying away from calling out the sport’s shortcomings or championing its growth.
In an era when football in Australia has often struggled for mainstream attention, Hill’s voice has been a constant, passionate presence—educating, entertaining, and inspiring generations of fans.
His departure raises big questions for the future of football broadcasting in Australia. Who will step up to fill the void?
Can anyone match Hill’s encyclopedic knowledge, his love for the game, and his ability to capture the drama of a match in just a few words?
It’s a tall order, and one that will have networks and fans alike searching for answers.
But as Hill himself said, he’s not disappearing entirely. There’s still the World Cup qualifiers to look forward to, and who knows—perhaps we’ll hear his voice again on the world stage, calling Premier League or World Cup finals.
If so, it will be a proud moment for Australian football fans, knowing that one of our own is still at the top of his game.
For now, though, it’s time to say thank you. Thank you, Simon, for every goal, every gasp, every moment you made unforgettable.
You’ve been more than a commentator—you’ve been a companion on the journey, and Australian football is all the richer for it.
As Simon Hill prepares to call his final A-League Grand Final and bids farewell to Australian football after more than two decades, his departure marks the end of a significant era in sports broadcasting.
While he looks ahead to the next chapter of his career in the UK, fans and colleagues alike reflect on the legacy he’s leaving behind—one filled with iconic moments and unwavering advocacy for the game.
What are your favourite Simon Hill moments? How do you feel about his departure, and who do you think should take up the mantle? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below—let’s give Simon the send-off he deserves!
Also read: ‘Enough from me; goodbye’: AFL icon’s final act stuns the football community
Can you please call this sport “soccer”, particularly in the headlines.
I thought this was a story about Australian (Rules) football until I clicked through.
You twice said “Australian football” then I discovered you meant “soccer”. Why?
And stop overusing the word “icon”.
Using the word ‘football’ to describe ‘football’ is perfectly correct. Sorry to hear Simon is leaving Australia. I attended the same University of Portsmouth but not at the same time.
Good Luck Simon.