Western United’s A-League license has been revoked, but what does that really tell us about the future of Australian football?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

In the pilot episode of The Home Ground, hosts David Basheer and Max Shifman are joined by guest Matt Windley to explore the vision behind a proposed stadium in Dandenong and how sport, infrastructure, and community are deeply intertwined in shaping Australia’s future.

Follow for more conversations that go beyond the game.