Board Members
The role of the Board of Directors is to ensure that Football South Australia has a secure long-term future by establishing the organisation’s strategic direction and priorities.
This includes defining key relationships between the organisation and its stakeholders and other key individuals and organisations/groups.
The Board has the role of establishing the policy framework for governing the organisation, from which all operational policies and actions are developed.
Symoane Mercurio
President
Symoane Mercurio has had a lifelong connection to football, beginning as a grassroots player and later serving as a valued member of Football South Australia’s Disciplinary Tribunal since 2016. Professionally, Symoane is a Director at Cowell Clarke Commercial Lawyers and has practiced law since 2004, specialising in commercial litigation, insolvency, property law and dispute resolution.
An accredited mediator, Symoane is recognised in Best Lawyers Australia and Doyle’s Guide for her expertise in litigation, insolvency and alternative dispute resolution. She also serves on the Office of the Small Business Commissioner’s Mediation Panel and is actively involved in governance, risk and compliance through her professional and board roles. Passionate about community impact, Symoane leads pro bono initiatives supporting individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal representation.
Paul Centofanti
Vice President
Paul Centofanti has been actively involved in football from juniors to seniors and amateur levels, serving as Club Chair and Vice Chair. He has led networking, technical, and volunteering programs at the club level and has been a Football SA Zone Council Member since 2022. Professionally, Paul is an Executive Board Director for a leading Japanese multinational technology company, with over 25 years of experience in business management, strategic planning, and international market development. His expertise includes establishing start-ups, fostering government and business relations, and commercialising new products and services.
Anna Agostino
Director
Anna Agostino is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Liquidator with over 17 years of experience in insolvency and corporate restructuring. Holding degrees in Law and Commerce, she has managed company restructures, prepared investigative accounting reports, and contributed to major litigation matters across various industries, including agriculture, construction, and hospitality. A passionate football supporter, Anna joined the Football SA Board bringing her financial expertise and strategic insight to the organisation.
Bill Cagialis
Director
Bill Cagialis brings more than 20 years of executive financial and governance experience across large and complex organisations, currently serving as Director, Finance and Procurement at South Australia Police. A longstanding contributor to football in South Australia, Bill has been involved in the game for more than 45 years as a player, coach, referee, committee member and volunteer. He has held coaching and leadership roles at clubs including WT Birkalla, West Adelaide Raptors and Old Ignatians’ Soccer Club, while also playing across NPL, State League and SAASL competitions. Bill is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings extensive expertise in financial management, infrastructure projects, governance, risk and stakeholder engagement.
Melissa Gilchrist
Director
Melissa Gilchrist brings a strong combination of football governance, community engagement and senior executive leadership through her 23 year career with South Australia Police. She has extensive experience across governance, strategic leadership, communications, risk management and large-scale project delivery, alongside a long history of involvement in grassroots and women’s football. Melissa has contributed to football through club governance, grants, female participation initiatives and community programs, including partnerships between SAPOL and Football South Australia focused on inclusion and safer communities. She is passionate about growing the game in South Australia and supporting safe, inclusive and sustainable football environments for all participants.
Nick Runjajic
Director
Nick has been actively involved in football in various capacities, including as a player, committee member, delegate, commissioner, and Football SA member. Professionally, he works in administration for a federal government tribunal overseeing administrative reviews across 400 federal acts, including Taxation, NDIS, and Aviation. With a background in the Australian Public Service, Nick has experience in administrative law and has also worked as a law clerk and private legal practitioner.
Martin Small
Director
Martin has been involved in football as a player, coach, and administrator, volunteering at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and serving in leadership roles with SA Masters Soccer League and Capital Soccer. He has also coached juniors and played for Burndale AFC in Christchurch. Professionally, he is the Principal of Martin Small Consulting, working to eliminate road fatalities across Australasia, Asia, and Africa, and a Non-Executive Director for the RAA, bringing strong governance and leadership expertise.