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This was published 4 years ago
Plans afoot for the 'shovel moment' at Western United's field of dreams
By Vince Rugari and Dominic Bossi
Despite the best efforts of Australian football's relentless rumour mill, the jewel in the crown of the A-League's newest club is coming.
That is, at least, what competition boss Greg O'Rourke firmly believes after catching up this week with Western United powerbrokers, including club chairman Jason Sourasis and chief executive Chris Pehlivanis.
Western United have a temporary home at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong while they wait for work to start on their proposed permanent base in Tarneit.Credit: Getty Images
So close is the green light for Western United's proposed $150 million, privately-funded boutique stadium in Tarneit that O'Rourke has spoken to the club about how to manage the "shovel moment" – as in, who to invite and how to engage media to appropriately cover the turning of the first sod at 1160 Sayers Road in Melbourne's outer west, which will probably happen early in the New Year.
The Hairdryer is aware of at least one Football Federation Australia director who is seriously concerned by the amount of time it has taken Western United to move on their stadium plans, while figures at other clubs are openly sceptical about what has been promised.
But O'Rourke insisted the stadium would be built.
"It's all positive. Now they're in the final preparations for the submission stage," O'Rourke said.
Wyndham City Council director Kate Roffey, who was part of the club's original expansion bid, told this column the project remains totally on track.
Recent work has centred on things like soil testing, geotechnical engineering, drainage and cultural heritage management (in case there are significant Indigenous artefacts on the site).
Roffey said she was awaiting final reports on some of these matters and was aiming to have the relevant permits secured by the end of the year.
Western United fans will have a home of their own at some stage in the 2021-22 season, according to Wyndham City Council director Kate Roffey.Credit: Getty Images
"I know there's a lot of talk out there because there's a void of information, but as I continue to say to our people here, I will make it work or die trying," Roffey said.
Roffey said October 2021 was still the target date for the first A-League game at the venue but admitted that time frame was getting "very tight" because so much of Melbourne's available construction machinery and piling rigs were booked with other major government infrastructure projects.
"Those of us working on it, there's no question in our mind, but I understand why people externally say 'it's just not possible' because it's never been done," she said.
"I'm not interested in doing something that's been done before. What sort of challenge is there in that?
"We'll do it, and then everyone else has got a model to work on."
Back-up plan sorted for CEO candidate
While on the topic of rumours, there are all sorts doing the rounds at the moment regarding FFA's hunt for a new chief executive.
But one candidate, Robert Cavallucci, will most certainly be involved in the sport at an administrative level – even if he doesn't get that job.
Cavallucci has been offered the position of CEO at Football Queensland, where he is currently a board member.
It's not a bad second prize for Cavallucci, who is one of three in the mix to succeed David Gallop at the helm of FFA, along with former PFA boss Brendan Schwab and ex-FIFA executive James Johnson, who is now employed by the City Football Group.
Moving up in the world
Australia's role within the global player union movement continues to grow, with former Socceroo Simon Colosimo appointed the deputy secretary general of FIFPro.
Simon Colosimo in his heyday at the then-Melbourne Heart back in 2010.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
After several years with the PFA, Colosimo is now one of the most senior figures inside the global player's union, serving as one of the 2ICs to new general secretary, Jonas Baer-Hoffman.
Colosimo joins former Socceroo Francis Awaritefe at the organisation. The SBS pundit and former striker is a board member of FIFPro.
Sky Blue screen
Sydney FC are taking the bold step of producing their own TV show with a view to marketing their club to an overseas audience.
Club sources told The Hairdryer they are producing a pilot this week around their home match against Melbourne Victory, which could lead to a regular weekly show about the club and the city of Sydney.
There is potential for the show to be broadcast in Australia, but it's thought the best value may be in overseas markets that have an interest in Australian lifestyle.