On Saturday the 27th of June, Simon Hill announced that his current Fox Sports contract would end on Tuesday and that it would not be renewed.
The Australian footballing world went into chaos, with former The Australian writer Ray Gatt tweeting this message.
For those that don’t know Simon Hill, he was the chief football commentator at Fox Sports for both the A-League and Socceroos. He joined Foxtel in 2006, after commentating on the Germany World Cup.
Hill has been at the heart of some of the biggest moments for Australian football, and I decided to take a look at some of my personal favourites in no particular order.
Socceroos’ first World Cup goal
When reading Tim Cahill’s book, I realised that he was doing a Weet-Bix advertisement at the time of the World Cup. In the aftermath of the celebrations for the goal, Simon Hill says: “He did have his Weet-Bix this morning”.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
These were the words that stuck with me, the fact that he had found a way to merge a current event within his speech.
This allowed people who had watched the advertisement to form a bond with Tim Cahill, straight away promoting the product in a good way.
It is unknown whether Hill meant to do this, but the impulse to state it shows his unique instincts as a commentator.
James Troisi’s winning goal in the Asian Cup final
This was the match that could finally win the Socceroos’ first major trophy, and who else but Simon Hill to lead the commentary, almost ten years after he made his name in Australia’s 2006 World Cup.
When James Troisi thumped home the goal, the words out of Simon Hill’s mouth were: “chance, GOAL!”
It was a purely amazing moment, in front of the 76,385 fans in Stadium Australia, and Simon Hill’s commentary showed how simply beautiful this game was.
Terry Antonis’ goal against Sydney FC
It was an astonishing moment in A-League history, which saw Terry Antonis score an own goal with just 15 seconds of stoppage time left, before making a storming run and finishing in the 117th minute.
Simon Hill’s words after the goal: “The villain turned hero in navy blue”.
Another simple yet iconic line.
Penalty shootout versus Uruguay
The emotion had got to Simon Hill and Craig Foster. They were struggling to work out how many penalties Australia had to take to be there.
They finally found their answer, as Craig Foster says: “It’s 4-2, he can win it for us.”
Simon Hill says: “Here’s John Aloisi for a place in the World Cup…” and we all know what happens next.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Two of Australia’s greatest football personalities can’t contain their emotion and instead celebrate together in a moment of pure joy.
While this may just seem like a list of my favourite Australian football moments, the reason why Simon Hill is such a special commentator is that, in all of these moments, he is the one commentating.
For me, a commentator is someone who watches a game with you, someone to compare your opinions and observations with.
For me, Simon Hill plays that role perfectly and will be deeply missed in the coming years in Australian football.
Good luck in the future, Simon.
Rosario FC
Guest
Well said Stevo. I must admit I concur with your sentiments. I am still livid about Hill. I hope he tells us where he has gone soon enough. If he has gone on to better things i.e. back in the UK more power to him, I could not resent him. I also hear he has elderly parents, so you cannot blame him. The upcoming Fox Sports Football should be interesting with Peacock & Slater (whenever Fox decides to do one, it's been mostly Wednesdays of late). Surely they will address his exit & not gloss over it. The recommenced draw for the aleague is up on the Daily Telegraph of all places today. As for Fozzie, the bloke rubs me up the wrong way but he has football in his veins! I'll miss getting angry at him. You need someone like that! My two cents.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Simon and Fozzie are the latest to have announced they're leaving their current posts. I got to say, when I heard this a little bit of me nearly died. It was that kind of moment. Grief. I hope that out of the ashes comes something stronger and that Simon and others continue to find a place in the Australian football landscape. Missing you already.
Jack George
Roar Guru
I don't think he'll be completely 'gone' from football, but for the moment he's onto bigger and better things. I hope he can still make appearances here and there, though.
Jack George
Roar Guru
I would love to see more amateur commentators get chances in the A-League.
At work
Roar Rookie
I think there are already amateur commentators on those streamed NPL games, they seem professional enough to cover Cup matches, at least the less interesting games.
At work
Roar Rookie
I assumed after the the whole Hakeem al araibi circus that Craig Foster played a big role in bringing him home, that he would slowly move away from football and into social issues. You could see it from his social media that his new priorities sat in this space. I imagine he's gone from football now.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Yes very English!!!!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It is a pity as he was one of the few commentators who was equitable in his commentary.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Yes it was Simon. great commentary. Kewell was Australia's golden boy & Cahill was the wonder boy.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
News / Fox, have cut many of their Football journalist and most of their best. My guess is Archie who is signed is on a fraction of the income Hill wanted. I tend to think Fox in their minds have identified AFL, NRL, Cricket, Super V8's, as their main sports and are having a look at Football & Union at bargain basement prices.. The troubling aspect of this is once upon a time Fairfax stood as an independent media player but since the 9 takeover, they to have an interest in league and cricket and have no desire to help any other code. Football is at a kinda tipping point or at a cross roads... it could go either way i.e. grow quickly or continue its down-would trend. Do fans who want say 16 teams top division, P & R, with a second division... then we have the clubs wanting more money which is what started the civil war in the first place.... Will the broader Football community get behind this season or not and will the tone of articles change... Simply will people unite behind Football this year...or continue on with what they want it to be and not support the current structure... The leadership team, i.e. the current board and JJ have a job on their hands to turn the ship around... time will tell .... if they will...
Jack George
Roar Guru
Wherever he is calling matches I will be tuning into.
Jack George
Roar Guru
I think that he was the one who said that. He's been at the heart of many iconic commentary lines in football.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
LH, Astute post
peterj
Roar Rookie
A real loss. A brilliant commentator. Am I right in saying he was the one that said “Australia’s golden boy has scored a golden goal” in 06 against Croatia? I always loved that line. My mates stayed up all night for that match and it was a cracker!
Jack George
Roar Guru
I would love to see Optus Sport have a crack at gaining those rights. They publicise football really well and we may be able to see Simon Hill commentating again!
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
All being equal, the Matildas have the Olympics in 2021, the Asia Cup 2022 and a home World Cup in 2023. That's a bonanza for us all. Who's got the TV rights?
Punter
Roar Rookie
LH, could not have said it better, you covered my feelings of Simon Hill for me perfectly.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Si Seno'r Si
Jack George
Roar Guru
I agree. Fox may be looking at a future where football is not a part of it, and are trying to save money in the meantime. I believe that for the benefit of Australian football, we should not continue our deal with Fox and move to somewhere where we are considered higher on the rankings or have the FFA TV app. Fox is losing money every day, and I think Simon Hill made a good decision to not renew his contract. However, it is a shame at the moment to not have him calling games.
Jack George
Roar Guru
It would be interesting to see fans call some games, but the problem would be making sure they were right for the position. They would need to use correct language and have a good knowledge of not just football but of when to speak and when to let the game flow. And would people be happy to listen to a rival fan commentate on their team?