Brad

The Olympic Room – with its gleaming panels and glass walls – overlooks the Melbourne Cricket Ground arena, the mecca of Australian sport. It was filled on Tuesday lunchtime with business, political and civic leaders, as well as those who had paid for the privilege of being there. Three hundred or so of Melbourne’s most influential mingled, waiting patiently.

Sponsors spoke, so too a minister. Then it was time. Slick haircuts swivelled, suit seams strained and heels lifted to get a better view. Onto the stage walked a stocky, clearly jet-lagged man wearing a jumper. In the audience, like Swifties at the same venue earlier this year, these Angees reached for their iPhones. Ange Postecoglou was home again.

Challenges faced by football…