With the game seemingly at its lowest ebb, and the brand “trashed” as one FFA insider told the SMH, we’ve looked around at the best talent from inside the game in Australia and globally.

It’s a younger, more digitally savvy collection of individuals from Australia, Germany and the US who love the game and have snap-fresh skills relevant to taking the game forward.

We believe people like this - far less politicised and with a focus on delivering outcomes - could put in place a fresh view on how to maximize the game’s undoubted potential in Australia.

A-League Independent Commission (AIC)

An independent A-League needs people with experience but also a different way of looking at the business. Those we’ve picked have worked in Australia and overseas and all have unique skills that will benefit the league’s growth.

Anthony Di Pietro

One of the reasons Melbourne Victory are unlike the rest of the league year in year out is strong leadership, planning, and a visionary board. In this case lead by Anthony Di Pietro. He is surely the best man to engineer from the top a resurgence in the A-League brand.

Murray Shaw

Shaw has been responsible for Fox Sports’ unrivaled coverage of the A-League from day one. His knowledge and passion - plus his insights around broadcasting - would be ideal alongside Di Pietro at the Commission.

Don Rovak

One of the people behind the wildly successful MLS expansion outfit Atlanta United, Rovak has experience across a number of sports in Atlanta and with his experience, would be an excellent choice in a ticketing and operations role. A fresh view from a US sports expert would be a smart move and showcases football’s global footprint.

Ben Coonan

Arguably the most liked but most talented media person in the game, Coonan has worked with A-League clubs and the national team. His undoubted talents should be used on the bigger stage again in a media relations role.

Andy Jackson

Another real football man who was responsible for bringing the FFT brand to Australia. Has since worked across the UK and Asia. His global contacts and a savvy business view would be of great assistance to the new league, perhaps in a strategic partnerships role. Currently working for Perform in Singapore.

Ned Negus

The son of a football fan and media man George, Negus has been building his reputation in Asia for the last few years and with his background in football in Oz (he's worked briefly with CCM), would be a great candidate as the league’s Asian based liaison to help grow the competition in the region. Currently working in Hong Kong in a sports corporate role he is another of the younger brigade who could be given a chance.

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Caterina Polistina

Another young football administrator who was lost to the game after working in the A-League and with Fox Sports. Polished, young and passionate, Polistina would be an excellent events manager for the league.

Valerie Moore

In a fan services role, this young American has been part of the Atlanta United growth story. The club is achieving phenomenal growth and people like her and others in MLS could be very useful in Australia.

Stefan Mennerich

One of the savviest digital operators in Europe, Mennerich has been responsible for Bayern Munich’s phenomenal growth in their digital platforms. The English-speaking Mennerich would be ideal as head of digital media. His insights and experience are world class.

FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA

While the board remains the same till the next round of elections, underneath the board at FFA there are chances for a number of new faces to put their stamp on the game.

Craig Foster

How can Fozzie be ignored? Politics and the “disgusting ethics" of the game kept him out of running for the Chairman of the Board, but we feel he can do a job within FFA in a more effective, day to day role as the governing body’s CEO. With a strong team around him, his lack of CEO experience would be offset by his extraordinary service and vision as well as and work rate for the game and well being of all in football. We think culture starts from the top and Foster would be the perfect candidate as the face of the game at all levels to lead the currently beleaguered national body. His media experience obviously helps. 

Tony Pignata

Working alongside Foster, Pignata has a huge and successful track record in the game. Currently, CEO at the resurgent Perth Glory, the former Sydney FC and Phoenix CEO would fit a COO role perfectly and could assist Foster in his CEO role in the early stages. He’s another with football in his veins and the good of the game at heart.

Anthony Grima

Assisting Foster in an executive management role, Grima has been a huge part of FFV’s evolution over the last decade. He has done every role imaginable at FFV and while he’s relatively young, has racked up enormous experience and contacts at the highest levels of government. Most importantly he’s a football man who could support the new CEO and help build bridges across football’s many layers.

Claire Falls

This young footballer has used social media to build a very impressive social advocacy campaign. A unique candidate for a grassroots role at FFA.

Jerrad Tyson 

Quite possibly the most community-minded footballer we've ever seen in the A-League. Tyson is a natural and one of the most liked people in the game. A grassroots role would suit him perfectly and the code overall would benefit from his enthusiasm for football and ability to relate to all levels of football. 

Catherine Cannuli

An ideal candidate for head of women’s football, Cannuli is a coach on the rise and an ex Matilda with a view that the game’s growth is of prime concern. And at just 32 is one of a new generation of football people who can take the game further. 

Melissa Barbieri

A perfect candidate for the women’s football department. "Bubs" is a former Matilda and like Cannuli has the game’s growth at heart. A passionate and lovable character who is capable of bringing the game she loves together. 

Matt Windley

Has moved from journalist to project officer with Team 11. That has given him enormous experience in dealing with decision makers at council and state government level. Could easily work in a role that helps FFA with funding and facilities.

Louise Taffa

One of the next generation of media stars, she's worked with the FNR network and her own media company and is building an excellent career. Should be considered for a media role at FFA.