1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,507 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from News Talk ZEDB. 3 00:00:12,747 --> 00:00:16,427 Speaker 2: Before Christmas, the a Leagues appointed a new CEO. Steve 4 00:00:16,707 --> 00:00:19,707 Speaker 2: Rossig comes into the role with over twenty five years 5 00:00:19,707 --> 00:00:23,947 Speaker 2: of senior leadership and commercial experience in elite sport, including 6 00:00:24,027 --> 00:00:27,787 Speaker 2: sixteen years as a CEO across the AFL at the 7 00:00:27,787 --> 00:00:31,507 Speaker 2: Fremantle Dockers and in racing and major events at the 8 00:00:31,587 --> 00:00:35,027 Speaker 2: Victoria Racing Club. Steve Rossich as with us. Steve, thanks 9 00:00:35,067 --> 00:00:36,907 Speaker 2: for joining us across New Zealand. You step into this 10 00:00:37,027 --> 00:00:39,667 Speaker 2: role at a really pivotal time for the game of 11 00:00:39,667 --> 00:00:42,547 Speaker 2: football in Australia and New Zealand. What was it about 12 00:00:42,547 --> 00:00:44,387 Speaker 2: the role that you found attractive? 13 00:00:45,707 --> 00:00:48,547 Speaker 3: Well, firstly, Jason, nice to talk to you and thank 14 00:00:48,587 --> 00:00:50,627 Speaker 3: you for the work you do not just across endz 15 00:00:50,867 --> 00:00:53,787 Speaker 3: but you know, right around the league and as it 16 00:00:53,827 --> 00:00:56,867 Speaker 3: filters into Australia as well. And that intro makes me 17 00:00:56,907 --> 00:01:01,267 Speaker 3: feel very old. But I'm delighted to be taking on 18 00:01:01,307 --> 00:01:03,827 Speaker 3: this role. Sort of eight or so weeks in now 19 00:01:04,107 --> 00:01:07,667 Speaker 3: and I took the role and was really pleased to 20 00:01:07,707 --> 00:01:10,707 Speaker 3: take the role because of the opportunity that we see 21 00:01:10,707 --> 00:01:13,587 Speaker 3: for the sport and the league across Australia New Zealand, 22 00:01:13,787 --> 00:01:16,507 Speaker 3: and I can say after the first couple of months 23 00:01:16,587 --> 00:01:17,387 Speaker 3: under the desk. 24 00:01:17,747 --> 00:01:19,507 Speaker 4: That is absolutely clearly the case. 25 00:01:19,547 --> 00:01:22,147 Speaker 3: There is a super opportunity that with all of us 26 00:01:22,187 --> 00:01:24,107 Speaker 3: working together well, I think we can capitalize on. 27 00:01:24,427 --> 00:01:26,747 Speaker 2: So what does that look like? How do you unlock that? 28 00:01:27,187 --> 00:01:30,227 Speaker 2: In practical terms? The potential of the game, absolutely, we 29 00:01:30,307 --> 00:01:32,987 Speaker 2: all know it's there. How do you go about unlocking 30 00:01:33,067 --> 00:01:34,387 Speaker 2: it to its fullest extent? 31 00:01:36,587 --> 00:01:41,387 Speaker 3: So I think there's many elements to that question, and 32 00:01:41,547 --> 00:01:46,827 Speaker 3: it's obviously, at the end of the day, capitalizing the 33 00:01:46,827 --> 00:01:49,307 Speaker 3: opportunities about growth. So we need to grow our sport. 34 00:01:49,427 --> 00:01:53,067 Speaker 3: We've got a great platform in terms of participation across 35 00:01:53,147 --> 00:01:55,907 Speaker 3: Australia and New Zealand. You know, it's the number one 36 00:01:55,907 --> 00:01:59,387 Speaker 3: participated sport across this side of the ditch with one 37 00:01:59,427 --> 00:02:03,987 Speaker 3: point nine million participants and in NZ you know one 38 00:02:04,067 --> 00:02:04,427 Speaker 3: hundred and. 39 00:02:04,387 --> 00:02:07,387 Speaker 4: Eighty thousand registered players. Is a great result and growing. 40 00:02:08,267 --> 00:02:12,347 Speaker 3: How we convert that participation base at youth level into 41 00:02:12,347 --> 00:02:15,347 Speaker 3: senior level, all the families that participate in the game 42 00:02:16,307 --> 00:02:20,267 Speaker 3: into engagement with the league is really important and a 43 00:02:20,307 --> 00:02:23,867 Speaker 3: fundamental one we haven't capitalized on well enough. So there's 44 00:02:23,867 --> 00:02:25,747 Speaker 3: some good work and important work that needs to be 45 00:02:25,787 --> 00:02:29,987 Speaker 3: done there overall visibility and connection with the league, and 46 00:02:29,987 --> 00:02:34,547 Speaker 3: that's largely around community engagement, at game engagement and. 47 00:02:34,427 --> 00:02:35,227 Speaker 4: On the broadcast. 48 00:02:35,267 --> 00:02:37,707 Speaker 3: So lots of work to do in terms of that, 49 00:02:38,347 --> 00:02:40,787 Speaker 3: and I guess building off the platform that we have, 50 00:02:40,867 --> 00:02:44,107 Speaker 3: which is an exciting league, a place in the ecosystem 51 00:02:44,147 --> 00:02:46,907 Speaker 3: as a proven development of talent and something we can 52 00:02:46,947 --> 00:02:47,947 Speaker 3: even enhance. 53 00:02:47,667 --> 00:02:50,427 Speaker 4: More and a league that's really close. 54 00:02:50,707 --> 00:02:54,147 Speaker 3: Men's and women's and competitive and the best club football 55 00:02:54,147 --> 00:02:56,147 Speaker 3: you can see across two countries. 56 00:02:56,827 --> 00:03:00,187 Speaker 2: How important is that quality of football and the consistency 57 00:03:00,227 --> 00:03:03,467 Speaker 2: of the on field product in terms of engaging fans, 58 00:03:03,507 --> 00:03:06,067 Speaker 2: but also what you're trying to build the A leagues 59 00:03:06,427 --> 00:03:07,067 Speaker 2: in two. 60 00:03:08,427 --> 00:03:10,867 Speaker 3: Well, it's the fundamental, isn't it. That's what sport is. 61 00:03:10,907 --> 00:03:14,347 Speaker 3: Sport is entertainment. It's a vehicle for people to engage 62 00:03:14,347 --> 00:03:17,587 Speaker 3: and the sport needs to be played in the right spirit, 63 00:03:17,667 --> 00:03:21,667 Speaker 3: which it absolutely is and a competitive game and it 64 00:03:21,747 --> 00:03:22,187 Speaker 3: clearly is. 65 00:03:22,227 --> 00:03:26,067 Speaker 4: It's a real advantage of our league across. 66 00:03:26,267 --> 00:03:29,747 Speaker 3: The men's and women's In any given weekend, any team 67 00:03:30,147 --> 00:03:33,787 Speaker 3: can trump the other. And you know there's a few 68 00:03:33,787 --> 00:03:35,667 Speaker 3: teams that are beating those odds at the moment and 69 00:03:35,907 --> 00:03:37,587 Speaker 3: a few that would like to be doing better. But 70 00:03:38,187 --> 00:03:40,747 Speaker 3: it's amazing to see so deep in the season, in 71 00:03:40,787 --> 00:03:44,427 Speaker 3: both men's and women's, so many teams being capable of 72 00:03:44,467 --> 00:03:48,107 Speaker 3: making the final six. And that includes Wellington who obviously 73 00:03:48,267 --> 00:03:53,467 Speaker 3: got unfortunately beaten last week against their New Zealand rivals, 74 00:03:53,467 --> 00:03:56,227 Speaker 3: but they're still in the hut in the men's and 75 00:03:56,267 --> 00:04:00,467 Speaker 3: you're seeing the well women's team who you know, I 76 00:04:00,507 --> 00:04:02,907 Speaker 3: think on the Customer Finals and maybe could give it 77 00:04:02,947 --> 00:04:04,507 Speaker 3: a real shake and that's pleasing to see. 78 00:04:04,507 --> 00:04:06,667 Speaker 4: So that competitiveness in the. 79 00:04:06,627 --> 00:04:08,467 Speaker 3: League is there and that's got to be a key 80 00:04:08,507 --> 00:04:11,187 Speaker 3: pillar to drive in the competition. And the second element 81 00:04:11,307 --> 00:04:14,907 Speaker 3: is our place in the football ecosystem. And there's no 82 00:04:14,987 --> 00:04:17,507 Speaker 3: doubt that there's football economies that are bigger than ours, 83 00:04:18,187 --> 00:04:22,747 Speaker 3: but we've got a punch about our weight consistently across 84 00:04:22,787 --> 00:04:27,067 Speaker 3: our two countries. In identifying developing playing talent. We're already 85 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:30,027 Speaker 3: playing the most minutes for under twenty threes and really 86 00:04:30,027 --> 00:04:33,867 Speaker 3: capitalizing that with building our list through that young talent, 87 00:04:33,987 --> 00:04:38,547 Speaker 3: and then when appropriate, capitalizing on transfer fees internationally and 88 00:04:38,587 --> 00:04:43,747 Speaker 3: funding that economy. So on field performance, on development of 89 00:04:43,787 --> 00:04:46,827 Speaker 3: on field talent is a key pillar and probably the 90 00:04:46,947 --> 00:04:48,067 Speaker 3: key pillar of our competition. 91 00:04:48,747 --> 00:04:51,787 Speaker 2: In terms of a commercial model, what does a successful 92 00:04:51,867 --> 00:04:54,227 Speaker 2: commercial model for the A leagues look like? 93 00:04:56,507 --> 00:04:59,427 Speaker 3: Well, we need to grow, and I think we've got 94 00:04:59,427 --> 00:05:01,867 Speaker 3: a platform for growth, and maybe we haven't capitalized on 95 00:05:01,907 --> 00:05:06,027 Speaker 3: that as we'd all would like. But there's some great examples. 96 00:05:06,067 --> 00:05:10,787 Speaker 3: I mean, the most recent example is the emergence of 97 00:05:11,667 --> 00:05:15,547 Speaker 3: Auckland in the last couple of years. Clearly a very 98 00:05:15,587 --> 00:05:20,027 Speaker 3: well planned and executed strategy for the implementation of that 99 00:05:20,147 --> 00:05:23,187 Speaker 3: new team, and they have now been the most successful 100 00:05:23,187 --> 00:05:25,867 Speaker 3: team on the pitch consistently over the last two years 101 00:05:25,867 --> 00:05:29,987 Speaker 3: in terms of percentage of wins, potentially on the cusp 102 00:05:30,027 --> 00:05:34,747 Speaker 3: of their second Finals appearance and building what they delivered 103 00:05:34,787 --> 00:05:39,907 Speaker 3: in an incredible first year. So that showcases that growth 104 00:05:39,987 --> 00:05:42,627 Speaker 3: is possible in the right markets with the right strategy, 105 00:05:42,707 --> 00:05:47,827 Speaker 3: with the right people. Is really implementing that same system, 106 00:05:47,867 --> 00:05:48,987 Speaker 3: that same process in a. 107 00:05:48,907 --> 00:05:51,907 Speaker 4: Different way across our league, across our. 108 00:05:51,787 --> 00:05:55,227 Speaker 3: Teams and having a plan of growth and being all 109 00:05:55,267 --> 00:05:56,867 Speaker 3: aligned with that. So there's a lot of alignment that 110 00:05:56,907 --> 00:06:00,027 Speaker 3: needs to take place, and I'm really pleased with the 111 00:06:00,067 --> 00:06:03,867 Speaker 3: conversations that I've been having across the football ecosystem that 112 00:06:03,907 --> 00:06:06,547 Speaker 3: there's that desire to be aligned and a design to 113 00:06:06,587 --> 00:06:08,147 Speaker 3: work together to grow. 114 00:06:08,227 --> 00:06:11,507 Speaker 2: What's your ideal step in terms of league size if 115 00:06:11,547 --> 00:06:14,987 Speaker 2: we look at the men's specifically, what would you ideally 116 00:06:15,147 --> 00:06:17,267 Speaker 2: like the size of the league to be? 117 00:06:19,467 --> 00:06:21,787 Speaker 3: Well, I think two muths in. There's a further debate 118 00:06:22,067 --> 00:06:25,227 Speaker 3: that'll be had at board level at the right time 119 00:06:25,667 --> 00:06:30,467 Speaker 3: to look at that. We're certainly very comfortable with the 120 00:06:30,587 --> 00:06:34,427 Speaker 3: current status, but we do see opportunity for strategic growth 121 00:06:34,547 --> 00:06:37,587 Speaker 3: in the right time, including potentially at New Zealand down 122 00:06:37,627 --> 00:06:43,907 Speaker 3: the track embedding Walklorn and Wellington as a two team country. 123 00:06:44,227 --> 00:06:46,387 Speaker 3: It will be the priority. And then who knows in 124 00:06:46,427 --> 00:06:50,587 Speaker 3: a defined time whether there's further expansion in the league 125 00:06:50,827 --> 00:06:53,987 Speaker 3: in New Zealand and potentially across Australia. But the main 126 00:06:54,027 --> 00:06:56,747 Speaker 3: focus of the moment is betting down, consolidating what we've got, 127 00:06:57,187 --> 00:07:00,307 Speaker 3: making sure that's sustainable and or working towards that growth 128 00:07:00,347 --> 00:07:02,307 Speaker 3: platform before further expansion. 129 00:07:03,027 --> 00:07:05,427 Speaker 2: And in terms of the league structure, you believe you've 130 00:07:05,467 --> 00:07:07,867 Speaker 2: got the right one. You're not looking at a at 131 00:07:07,867 --> 00:07:10,867 Speaker 2: a second division, promotion, relegation, that sort of thing. You're 132 00:07:10,907 --> 00:07:15,427 Speaker 2: happy with the league structure as it currently sits, well, 133 00:07:15,427 --> 00:07:16,827 Speaker 2: I think you. 134 00:07:16,787 --> 00:07:18,907 Speaker 3: Know that's always going to be talked about in our 135 00:07:18,947 --> 00:07:23,027 Speaker 3: sport because it's prevalent internationally. I think for the size 136 00:07:23,027 --> 00:07:25,827 Speaker 3: of our sport economy. And keep in mind, you know 137 00:07:26,507 --> 00:07:29,587 Speaker 3: Australia and as you know, Jason and New Zealand punch 138 00:07:29,627 --> 00:07:32,147 Speaker 3: well above their weight globally generally in sport, and that 139 00:07:32,347 --> 00:07:34,067 Speaker 3: it includes the commerciality of sport. 140 00:07:34,147 --> 00:07:35,747 Speaker 4: But the reality is, you. 141 00:07:35,707 --> 00:07:39,307 Speaker 3: Know, we're smaller in economic terms, and you know other 142 00:07:39,387 --> 00:07:43,067 Speaker 3: markets across the world in football, and you know it 143 00:07:43,227 --> 00:07:47,627 Speaker 3: makes sense in those in that economic sense to be 144 00:07:47,707 --> 00:07:51,387 Speaker 3: a closed league, and I think commerciality says that that's 145 00:07:51,427 --> 00:07:52,187 Speaker 3: the right model. 146 00:07:52,427 --> 00:07:53,827 Speaker 4: But you never say never. 147 00:07:53,987 --> 00:07:58,547 Speaker 3: As as we grow, as we show real sustainable across 148 00:07:58,547 --> 00:08:01,307 Speaker 3: our league and the potential to have that system, well 149 00:08:01,347 --> 00:08:03,547 Speaker 3: you can't rule it out at some point in the future. 150 00:08:04,267 --> 00:08:08,347 Speaker 2: You mentioned Auckland FC before, and you're right, they've hit 151 00:08:08,387 --> 00:08:10,667 Speaker 2: the ground running over here in the last year and 152 00:08:10,667 --> 00:08:13,027 Speaker 2: a half of their participation in the A League. Mens 153 00:08:13,467 --> 00:08:16,547 Speaker 2: and their fans have embraced them so quickly and you'll 154 00:08:16,547 --> 00:08:21,107 Speaker 2: have noticed how quickly the fan base has been mobilized. 155 00:08:21,107 --> 00:08:23,707 Speaker 2: What sort of lessons can the league take from the 156 00:08:23,707 --> 00:08:26,227 Speaker 2: way Auckland FC have engaged with their fans When you're 157 00:08:26,227 --> 00:08:28,747 Speaker 2: looking at I guess existing teams doing the same, but 158 00:08:28,827 --> 00:08:31,587 Speaker 2: also possible expansion teams doing the same. 159 00:08:33,227 --> 00:08:34,187 Speaker 4: Well, there's lots of lessons. 160 00:08:34,307 --> 00:08:36,587 Speaker 3: I'm looking forward to seeing that first hand in April, 161 00:08:36,707 --> 00:08:40,227 Speaker 3: getting across to see both Wellington and Auckland in the 162 00:08:40,307 --> 00:08:45,067 Speaker 3: flash playing home games. And when you talk about Auckland 163 00:08:45,107 --> 00:08:48,667 Speaker 3: fans and they're embracing you know, there was a number 164 00:08:48,707 --> 00:08:51,107 Speaker 3: of traveling obviously to Wellington last weekend. 165 00:08:51,587 --> 00:08:55,827 Speaker 4: The highlight of my light week was seeing Nick nick Becker. 166 00:08:57,627 --> 00:09:01,427 Speaker 3: Joining his supporters in the stands and clearly enjoying a 167 00:09:01,467 --> 00:09:03,907 Speaker 3: celebration way too much, which I did point out to 168 00:09:04,587 --> 00:09:08,147 Speaker 3: his fellow APLC during the week. And if people haven't 169 00:09:08,187 --> 00:09:10,387 Speaker 3: seen it, jump on the A League social media and 170 00:09:10,427 --> 00:09:14,787 Speaker 3: see thew Aukland CEO enjoying himself with a big red 171 00:09:14,867 --> 00:09:16,667 Speaker 3: arrow above his head to make sure everyone knew who 172 00:09:16,667 --> 00:09:24,147 Speaker 3: he was. So but I watched that game on TV 173 00:09:24,587 --> 00:09:28,187 Speaker 3: and you know it's it's that's sport, isn't it. And 174 00:09:28,307 --> 00:09:32,907 Speaker 3: you know, Jason, your engagement that game was terrific. The 175 00:09:32,947 --> 00:09:35,067 Speaker 3: way the fans engage with it. It obviously didn't go 176 00:09:35,147 --> 00:09:38,307 Speaker 3: the way Wellington would have liked at their home ground 177 00:09:38,347 --> 00:09:41,507 Speaker 3: against their big rival, but it showcased what's great about 178 00:09:41,547 --> 00:09:42,427 Speaker 3: sport and our game. 179 00:09:42,507 --> 00:09:44,347 Speaker 4: That's some competitive rivalry. 180 00:09:45,507 --> 00:09:48,187 Speaker 3: And in this case, one team had the wood over 181 00:09:48,187 --> 00:09:50,827 Speaker 3: the other and had quite a convincing victory but still 182 00:09:51,307 --> 00:09:55,747 Speaker 3: compelling viewing. And you know, in a nutshell, what you 183 00:09:55,787 --> 00:10:00,067 Speaker 3: know Wellington have done recently and had a few challenges 184 00:10:00,067 --> 00:10:02,227 Speaker 3: over the last year or two, and no doubt they'll 185 00:10:02,227 --> 00:10:05,267 Speaker 3: build from that. And what Orcold have done in a 186 00:10:05,307 --> 00:10:07,587 Speaker 3: couple of years is he is a great example of 187 00:10:07,627 --> 00:10:09,867 Speaker 3: what this league can do and we can do better 188 00:10:09,907 --> 00:10:12,627 Speaker 3: at sharing those experiences and lending them across the league. 189 00:10:13,067 --> 00:10:16,067 Speaker 2: How important is it that both New Zealand clubs are competitive? 190 00:10:16,067 --> 00:10:18,187 Speaker 2: And when we look at the Derby record and Auckland 191 00:10:18,307 --> 00:10:20,907 Speaker 2: FC fans are very quick to point out, you know 192 00:10:20,987 --> 00:10:23,107 Speaker 2: the six and zero that they've had over the Phoenix 193 00:10:23,107 --> 00:10:26,707 Speaker 2: and they are two seasons of Derby so far. How 194 00:10:26,707 --> 00:10:29,467 Speaker 2: important is it that they're competitive at the same time? 195 00:10:29,787 --> 00:10:33,947 Speaker 2: And can this rivalry become one of the league's marque fixtures. 196 00:10:35,267 --> 00:10:38,507 Speaker 3: I'll answer the last bit first. Absolutely. If it isn't already, 197 00:10:38,587 --> 00:10:44,227 Speaker 3: it absolutely can be. I mean, two significant New Zealand 198 00:10:44,227 --> 00:10:47,467 Speaker 3: sporting brands competing each other against each other in an 199 00:10:47,467 --> 00:10:48,427 Speaker 3: elite competition. 200 00:10:49,187 --> 00:10:51,067 Speaker 4: You know, I think it's terrific. 201 00:10:51,707 --> 00:10:57,547 Speaker 3: Again, notwithstanding it wasn't the closest game last weekend, it's 202 00:10:57,547 --> 00:11:01,707 Speaker 3: still showcased what a great rivalry it is. I come 203 00:11:01,707 --> 00:11:03,307 Speaker 3: from a long history of being a CEO of a 204 00:11:03,347 --> 00:11:05,987 Speaker 3: club that in the AFL and a two team town 205 00:11:06,067 --> 00:11:09,667 Speaker 3: and started off with probably a similar accord to what Wellington. 206 00:11:09,347 --> 00:11:11,387 Speaker 4: Have got against Auckland and the free Batle Dockers. 207 00:11:11,147 --> 00:11:13,787 Speaker 3: Against the West Coast Eagles, and we managed to revert 208 00:11:13,827 --> 00:11:17,667 Speaker 3: it over time. And I've got no doubt Wellington will 209 00:11:17,747 --> 00:11:20,547 Speaker 3: revert that, but Alclord will try and keep it over 210 00:11:20,547 --> 00:11:21,547 Speaker 3: and for as long as possible. 211 00:11:21,587 --> 00:11:22,707 Speaker 4: That's the beauty of rivalry. 212 00:11:22,867 --> 00:11:27,707 Speaker 3: So it's an incredibly important part of the whole ecosystem 213 00:11:28,387 --> 00:11:31,067 Speaker 3: and it's important for New Zealand football. I mean, it's amazing, 214 00:11:31,787 --> 00:11:33,707 Speaker 3: you know, the amount of talent that's being developed for 215 00:11:33,747 --> 00:11:36,147 Speaker 3: the national teams out of the two teams men's and 216 00:11:36,147 --> 00:11:39,507 Speaker 3: women's and that's really really good to see. 217 00:11:40,347 --> 00:11:42,667 Speaker 2: Just the backtrack on what you said before about expansion, 218 00:11:42,667 --> 00:11:44,507 Speaker 2: I know you meation beating in and making sure that 219 00:11:44,547 --> 00:11:46,707 Speaker 2: you cansolidate the clubs that are there at the moment, 220 00:11:46,947 --> 00:11:50,027 Speaker 2: But you wouldn't rule out a third New Zealand team 221 00:11:50,227 --> 00:11:51,667 Speaker 2: at some time down the track. 222 00:11:52,867 --> 00:11:54,067 Speaker 4: Well, that's not my decision. 223 00:11:54,427 --> 00:11:57,387 Speaker 3: That'll be the decision of the owners in our league, 224 00:11:57,867 --> 00:12:02,427 Speaker 3: including the two New Zealand teams. But you know, with 225 00:12:02,587 --> 00:12:05,067 Speaker 3: a platform of growth that we need to build upon 226 00:12:05,107 --> 00:12:07,707 Speaker 3: and generate if it's justified in the future, but then 227 00:12:07,707 --> 00:12:12,107 Speaker 3: why not. I think there's every possibility at the right 228 00:12:12,107 --> 00:12:14,347 Speaker 3: time that can be considered. But the energy in New 229 00:12:14,427 --> 00:12:18,267 Speaker 3: Zealand terms is making sure Auckland and Wellington are operating 230 00:12:18,307 --> 00:12:21,787 Speaker 3: really well, capitalizing their markets. The next expansion into New 231 00:12:21,867 --> 00:12:24,747 Speaker 3: Zealand will be the women's team for Auckland and we 232 00:12:24,787 --> 00:12:26,667 Speaker 3: look forward to that in a short period of time. 233 00:12:26,907 --> 00:12:28,427 Speaker 2: You know, update on that you can give us you, 234 00:12:28,707 --> 00:12:30,147 Speaker 2: I mean, are we looking at next season? Do you 235 00:12:30,147 --> 00:12:32,387 Speaker 2: think that might be when its. 236 00:12:32,227 --> 00:12:36,947 Speaker 3: Well it was announced before my time that it's more 237 00:12:37,067 --> 00:12:40,907 Speaker 3: likely the following season and so that's the planning and 238 00:12:40,987 --> 00:12:45,107 Speaker 3: I'm sure with that planning timeline and the work that 239 00:12:45,787 --> 00:12:49,987 Speaker 3: the Auckland club's doing that will be equally the success 240 00:12:50,027 --> 00:12:50,947 Speaker 3: of the men's team. 241 00:12:51,467 --> 00:12:55,107 Speaker 2: And Steve you'r success across AFL racing and major events. 242 00:12:55,507 --> 00:12:58,187 Speaker 2: I didn't mean to make you feel old. I think experienced. 243 00:12:58,187 --> 00:13:01,227 Speaker 2: There's probably the adjective I was after, just to demonstrate 244 00:13:01,267 --> 00:13:04,987 Speaker 2: the breath of experience you've had. What lessons translate best 245 00:13:05,587 --> 00:13:08,307 Speaker 2: from what you've done to what you are now doing. 246 00:13:10,107 --> 00:13:10,507 Speaker 4: Well. 247 00:13:10,747 --> 00:13:14,067 Speaker 3: The main lesson I'm focused on at the moment of 248 00:13:14,107 --> 00:13:17,467 Speaker 3: my first couple of months is listening and learning, really 249 00:13:17,507 --> 00:13:24,427 Speaker 3: engaging with clubs, our owners, the CEOs, getting out and 250 00:13:24,427 --> 00:13:25,587 Speaker 3: seeing every team playing. 251 00:13:25,387 --> 00:13:25,907 Speaker 4: Their home ground. 252 00:13:25,947 --> 00:13:28,147 Speaker 3: As I said that, I'm looking forward to seeing the 253 00:13:28,187 --> 00:13:33,227 Speaker 3: two New Zealand teams in April, broader stakeholders in the economy, 254 00:13:33,467 --> 00:13:37,307 Speaker 3: in our football economy, and really understanding them where they 255 00:13:37,307 --> 00:13:40,067 Speaker 3: see the league and where we can improve. So that's 256 00:13:40,107 --> 00:13:43,227 Speaker 3: the absolutely initial focus, and we've got some other big 257 00:13:43,227 --> 00:13:47,307 Speaker 3: things we're focused on. Broadcast arrangements here in Australia the 258 00:13:47,307 --> 00:13:51,627 Speaker 3: Central Coast Mariners, we're currently operating that license. So there's 259 00:13:51,667 --> 00:13:53,667 Speaker 3: some key things we're focused on to deliver and that 260 00:13:53,707 --> 00:13:56,707 Speaker 3: will then move to strategy for growth, which is what 261 00:13:56,787 --> 00:13:59,067 Speaker 3: we're all here for to grow this game and forward 262 00:13:59,067 --> 00:13:59,587 Speaker 3: deleting that. 263 00:14:00,507 --> 00:14:03,467 Speaker 2: And if we're chatting in a year from now, which 264 00:14:03,507 --> 00:14:06,027 Speaker 2: I'm almost positive we will be. What will success look 265 00:14:06,107 --> 00:14:09,027 Speaker 2: like in your first twelve months or so, it'll be 266 00:14:09,027 --> 00:14:10,987 Speaker 2: a bit more than that obviously by that stage. What 267 00:14:11,027 --> 00:14:12,867 Speaker 2: will the success in the first year a year and 268 00:14:12,907 --> 00:14:13,787 Speaker 2: a half look like for you? 269 00:14:16,587 --> 00:14:20,427 Speaker 3: Well, I've got a different hair profile to you, Jason, 270 00:14:20,507 --> 00:14:26,187 Speaker 3: so mine's going gray. So hopefully the stresses and strains 271 00:14:26,227 --> 00:14:28,747 Speaker 3: will not enhance the grayness of my hair. 272 00:14:28,787 --> 00:14:30,787 Speaker 4: But so it'll be one kpi. 273 00:14:31,947 --> 00:14:36,147 Speaker 3: But really, in all seriousness, it's and it sounds boring 274 00:14:36,187 --> 00:14:38,627 Speaker 3: because it's probably related to some of the answers. Is 275 00:14:38,667 --> 00:14:41,067 Speaker 3: really delivering on the potential and the growth? So are 276 00:14:41,067 --> 00:14:42,027 Speaker 3: we going to do that in one year? 277 00:14:42,147 --> 00:14:42,187 Speaker 4: No? 278 00:14:42,987 --> 00:14:47,067 Speaker 3: But you know, let's consolidate with Central Coast Mariners getting 279 00:14:47,187 --> 00:14:49,627 Speaker 3: a new owner. It can help drive that club forward. 280 00:14:50,067 --> 00:14:53,747 Speaker 3: Let's successfully in bed you know, a new broadcast agreement 281 00:14:53,747 --> 00:14:58,387 Speaker 3: in Australia. Let's start to tear our attention to the 282 00:14:58,427 --> 00:15:02,067 Speaker 3: broadcast arrangement in New Zealand and enhance that with what's 283 00:15:02,067 --> 00:15:04,587 Speaker 3: in place already, which is terrific. Let's get a new 284 00:15:04,627 --> 00:15:08,427 Speaker 3: CBA and and allow us to plan and execute for 285 00:15:08,467 --> 00:15:10,507 Speaker 3: the future this growth plan. So there's lots of things 286 00:15:10,547 --> 00:15:13,707 Speaker 3: and fundamentals we're doing now that hopefully we can capitalize 287 00:15:13,747 --> 00:15:15,547 Speaker 3: on not just next year but into the future. 288 00:15:15,747 --> 00:15:17,707 Speaker 2: Exciting times ahead for the game of football on your 289 00:15:17,747 --> 00:15:19,867 Speaker 2: side of the Tasman and on ours as well. Steve, 290 00:15:19,867 --> 00:15:21,627 Speaker 2: thanks so much for joining us across New Zealand today, 291 00:15:21,667 --> 00:15:24,067 Speaker 2: really informative stuff. Look forward to seeing you when you're 292 00:15:24,107 --> 00:15:24,907 Speaker 2: over here in April. 293 00:15:25,547 --> 00:15:27,507 Speaker 4: Oh, I very much look forward to that, Jason. 294 00:15:27,827 --> 00:15:30,907 Speaker 3: Hopefully we could have a chat both formally and informally 295 00:15:31,187 --> 00:15:32,627 Speaker 3: when I'm in your beautiful parlor world. 296 00:15:32,667 --> 00:15:35,187 Speaker 2: Yeah, look forward to that, Steve. Thanks indeed, Steve Rossich 297 00:15:35,227 --> 00:15:38,147 Speaker 2: the CEO of the A Leagues in that role for 298 00:15:38,147 --> 00:15:40,027 Speaker 2: a couple of months now, and some interesting stuff there 299 00:15:40,067 --> 00:15:41,787 Speaker 2: about what the league might look like in the future, 300 00:15:42,267 --> 00:15:45,827 Speaker 2: with particular regard to perhaps a third New Zealand team. 301 00:15:46,507 --> 00:15:49,667 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 302 00:15:49,787 --> 00:15:53,067 Speaker 1: to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow 303 00:15:53,107 --> 00:15:54,667 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.