Australia’s housing crisis continues to dominate headlines, but are current policies actually making things worse?

In this episode, Max and Bash break down what’s happening across housing approvals, planning reform, taxation, land release and infrastructure investment.

In one of the most candid conversations you'll hear from a sitting national coach, Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro joins David Basheer and Max Shifman on The Home Ground to open up on walking away from Arsenal, building the first truly professional women's football program in Australia at Melbourne City, and the Juventus project that helped change women's football in Europe forever.Joe also breaks down how he prepared the Matildas to navigate the Asian Cup, what he really thinks about the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, and why the Matildas' popularity goes far beyond marketing.

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Global shocks are already hitting Australia’s economy. Max and Bash unpack how war, rising fuel costs, and supply disruptions are driving up construction prices, housing costs, and everyday expenses, and what it means for affordability and the future of housing.

Housing is dominating state politics, but are the numbers realistic? We break down the promises, the policies, and why delivery is the real challenge ahead of the upcoming state elections.

For this episode of The Home Ground, we’re joined by Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains. From his journey growing up in Bendigo to leading one of the AFL’s most progressive clubs, Ameet shares how the Bulldogs are reigniting the West, growing memberships, engaging new communities, and transforming their facilities for both players and fans.

In Part 2 of our chat with John Didulica, the Melbourne Victory FC Director of Football goes deep on the structural challenges facing the A-League, from million-dollar pitch costs and government funding gaps to why club models are more fragile than people realise.

He shares his vision for a true “home of football,” explains why promotion and relegation isn’t a simple fix, reflects on the COVID crisis that nearly derailed the league, and outlines the ambitious project intended to establish a potential Australian foothold in Europe.

We sit down with John Didulica to unpack the state of football in Australia. From his journey as a player, lawyer, and player advocate to club executive, John shares sharp insights on why football is thriving at grassroots level yet the A-League faces challenges. A candid discussion on governance, visibility, fan engagement, and what the league must do to grow.

Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

This week on The Home Ground, Max and Bash examine the CFMEU allegations, Victoria’s reported $15 billion infrastructure cost blowout, and the flow-on effects for taxpayers, housing supply, and construction costs. They discuss rising labour expenses, investor confidence, and whether real reform is finally coming.

Part 2 of our episode with Paul McNamee dives deep into the life of one of Australia’s most unique sports administrators. Paul reflects on his short-lived stint as CEO of Melbourne Football Club, his role helping South Melbourne push for a second-division A-League pathway, and his years as an early supporter and influencer at Melbourne Victory. From chasing Jonathan Brown to navigating divided football politics, Paul gives an insider’s view of what it really takes to shape Australian sport off the field.

On the eve of the Australian Open, we're joined by former Australian Open CEO and doubles world No. 1 Paul McNamee, one of the key figures behind the AO's modern rise to become a world-class spectacle. From naming Rod Laver Arena to bringing in prime-time men's finals, Paul shares some incredible stories.Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode next week!