For our final episode of 2025, we’re joined by political strategist and former Tasmanian premier’s chief of staff Phil Reed to unpack the Macquarie Point stadium debate. From governing a small island state to the AFL’s influence and the economic impact of major sporting infrastructure, this episode explores how Tasmania’s controversial stadium decision came to be and what it means for the state.

Melbourne’s long-awaited Metro Tunnel is open, but does the hype justify the $15 billion price tag? In this episode of The Home Ground, we break down the cost blowouts, the real transport benefits, post-pandemic travel patterns, and whether this project truly reshapes Melbourne, or leaves bigger questions about what should come next.

Graeme Samuel joins The Home Ground to take us inside the pivotal years that transformed the VFL into today’s national AFL. The rise of the AFL Commission, and the birth of Docklands Stadium, Samuel shares the stories, battles and breakthrough moments that reshaped Australian sport.

In this episode of The Home Ground, we chat with Graeme Samuel about the massive shake-up coming to Australia’s environmental and planning laws.We explore what’s broken, what’s finally being fixed and why clearer rules and faster approvals can actually lead to better outcomes for both the environment and development.It’s a straight-talking look at the reforms that will shape how Australia grows over the next decade.We also dive into the housing crisis, why supply has completely stalled, how politics, planning systems and bad incentives keep getting in the way and what real change needs to look like.Finally, we unpack what’s holding Australia back and what must happen if we genuinely want more homes, smarter policy and a country that can actually get things done.

Jane Flemming, dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist and President of Athletics Australia, takes us inside the world of Australian athletics. From Matt Denny’s record-breaking discus throws to Rohan Browning’s lightning-fast sprints, she explains the strategy behind the sport’s push toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and gives an inside look at how she is helping shape a potential golden generation for Australian athletics.

In this episode of The Home Ground, Max and Bash unpack why the cost of construction keeps rising, how government policy and taxes are making things worse, and why even with a $10 billion Housing Future Fund, the numbers still don’t stack up.

In this episode of The Home Ground, we sit down with Preston Lions President David Cvetkovski to unpack how one of Australia’s most historic football clubs rebuilt itself through strategy, commercial discipline and community-first thinking. From rising out of State League 1 to competing in the Australian Championship, David breaks down how Preston helped shape and influence the early conception of the national second division itself, championing the need for a real aspirational pathway in Australian football at a time when the club were still in Victoria’s fourth tier.

We also explore the broader future of the game: boutique stadiums, long-term infrastructure, diverse revenue models, government partnerships, sustainable football business, and the road toward promotion and relegation. This is a raw look at the clubs driving structural change from the ground up, and how Preston’s modern blueprint may help define the next decade of Australian football.

In this episode of Home Ground, we delve into the real challenges behind Australia’s housing crisis. From soaring construction costs and stalled developments to government policies that fail to address the root issues, Max and Bash unpack why fewer homes are being built today than three years ago and why affordable housing remains out of reach.

Max shares insights from the builder and developer perspective, exploring the impact of high costs, stalled projects, disappearing foreign investment, and the myths around zoning and empty homes. If you want to understand why supply isn’t keeping up with demand and what it really takes to build homes in Australia, this episode delivers the full picture.

Go behind the scenes with Ross Pelligra, the Australian property developer and global sports investor behind Catania FC and Perth Glory, as he shares how his family business legacy evolved from construction to football club ownership. In this episode, Ross opens up about rebuilding a bankrupt Italian club from scratch, revitalising grassroots football infrastructure, and why he believes sport should be treated as both a community asset and a business with purpose.
From the rebirth of Catania FC in Sicily to his 10-year vision for Perth Glory, Ross outlines what it takes to reconnect football clubs to their cities and fans. He discusses how smart infrastructure, local engagement, and long-term thinking can turn struggling clubs into thriving community hubs, and how Australia can learn from Italy’s deep-rooted football culture.
Whether you’re into football, business, or property development, this conversation shows how sport can drive lasting social and economic impact.

Will the new housing deposit scheme fix the housing crisis or make it worse?

Max and Bash break down the recently announced scheme. Max shares his three point plan to tackle the issue at its core and responds to the Barefoot Investor’s comments on the scheme.

In this episode of The Home Ground, we chat with building magnate Dino Strano, founder of Winslow Constructions and driving force behind Avondale FC. Dino shares his journey from building one of Australia’s top infrastructure companies to tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, emphasising the power of culture, people, and ambition in driving success.
He also dives into Avondale FC’s rise from the lower leagues to the Australian Championship, highlighting the club’s focus on community, youth development, and its La Famiglia culture, revealing how business vision and sporting passion can come together to create lasting impact.

We sit down with David McGrath, Director of the Australian Turf Club, to explore the future of racing, fan engagement and the business of Sydney’s four major racecourses. From the rise of The Everest to balancing tradition, technology and community, David shares how the ATC is reshaping the sport for a new generation.

On this episode of The Home Ground, we sit down with Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport, to unpack her journey from Commonwealth Games pole vaulter to leading one of the world’s most innovative sports and entertainment businesses.

Rachael has been at the forefront of global sport and major events, from shaping strategies for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Rugby World Cup, to driving TEG’s international growth with events like Liverpool v AC Milan in Hong Kong. Today, she leads TEG Sport’s push to think globally, act locally, and deliver unforgettable fan experiences.

If you’re interested in the business of sport, global fan engagement, and the future of major events, this conversation is packed with insights.

Western United’s A-League license has been revoked, but what does that really tell us about the future of Australian football?

In this episode of The Home Ground, Max and Bash take a deep dive into the Western United license saga, from the collapse of the club’s ambitious expansion model to the unfinished Tarneit stadium project, they unpack what went wrong for the Tarneit-based club and the implications for future expansion in the A-League.

This week on The Home Ground, Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna joins David and Max to go behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most impressive sporting venues. From its 15-year journey from concept to reality, to its role in boosting WA’s economy, attracting world-class events, and redefining the fan experience with cutting-edge tech, while also reflecting on the opportunity to host the AFL’s showpiece event.

Australian tennis icon John Fitzgerald joins The Home Ground for a dive into the game’s changing landscape. He weighs in on how the Australian Open keeps setting the standard, the future of the Davis Cup, and what the explosion of pickleball means for tennis.

Former AFL exec Steven Trigg joins The Home Ground to reflect on Adelaide’s landmark move to Adelaide Oval, his time leading Carlton through a crucial rebuild, and the contrasts between football in Adelaide and Melbourne. Plus, Max answers listener questions to wrap up the episode.

Long-time media personality and horse-racing expert John Rothfield, better known as 'Dr Turf,' joins the show to discuss his time in the media, politics in racing, the gambling industry and the issues threatening the future of horse racing in Australia.

On this episode of The Home Ground we welcome the AFL's Executive General Manager of Finance, Clubs and Infrastructure, Matthew Chun.

We discuss Matthew's role in some the AFL's biggest infrastructure projects, including the Marvel Stadium precinct upgrade, the latest updates on the construction of the Macquarie Point project in Tasmania, and how the AFL is helping grow the game from a business perspective.

In the very first episode of The Home Ground, we’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Westacott, former CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and current Board Member at the Western Bulldogs. Join us as we cover the high-stakes world of hosting Formula 1, Sydney’s ambitious bid to steal it from Melbourne & the exciting redevelopment of Mission Western Oval!