While South can lay claim to one of the most established youth programs across Australia, the argument remains that the effect an A-League club could have on the Dandenong region centres largely on its youth.

It may be FFA's responsibility to choose between a bid that delivers the development of future Socceroos, or one that promises the development of proud, engaged Australians.

Team 11 is the result of an MOU between three local councils

White Star Dandenong  Soccer Club is one of the largest in the region with over 180 registered footballers, the majority in youth teams, and club president Robert Drodsz  has seen football’s “tangible” social benefits first hand.

“Football is one of the ways we can bring different cultures and nationalities together, and keep our kids occupied and off the streets,” Drozdz says.

“It allows kids to learn from an early age about different cultures through speaking to each other and playing together, and the sense of community it brings creates awareness and acceptance from the parents as well.

“The grassroots support here is huge. If you drive around on a weekend you see kids playing football all the time, it brings everyone together and keeps them active.

“Team 11 have built this bid around engaging with clubs at a local level. It’s got the whole community behind it and we all feel like we have an active stake in its success. I haven’t seen this sort of community engagement from other bids.”

While the A-League’s stagnation creates the desire for fresh-faces, there’s more than just footballing potential in the Dandenong region.

“We’re a multicultural club – if you look at our player development and coaches, we’re from 80 different ethnicities. If you look at the board composition, we’re the only club that has a senior government minister on its board in addition to the former federal sports minister. I think we reflect the society we live in.”

Ultimately there is no wrong or right answer, just 50 shades of blue and green. In the battle for Australia’s hearts and minds, there is no winner. In the fragmented climate that Australian football has created, to the victor goes the spoiled.

But that won’t be any consolation to two of the most passionate stakeholders in Australian football.

“If South Melbourne are chosen it means that aspirational football is back,” Papastergiadis says. “We’re the custodians for these people. I’m involved to give kids the ability to follow their dreams.”

“Imagine opening night at Dandenong Stadium,” Windley muses, his voice softening for a moment.

“To have Sudanese people sitting side-by-side with Croatian, Serbian, Albanian, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese, Kiwis, British, Scottish – that is so cool. That is the world game. That is Australia.”