Arresting the decline of A-League crowds is top of to-do list for new APL boss

Steve Rosich wants to secure football as the third pillar of Australian sport but admits there is work to do with several clubs’ futures under a cloud

The new Australian Professional Leagues chief executive, Steve Rosich, has declared his goal for the A-Leagues is to eclipse cricket’s Big Bash and see off the National Basketball League’s challenge to be the third pillar of Australian sport.

Four months into the job, the former Melbourne Cup boss has ticked off one milestone: attending a home game at every club. Next, his primary focus is ensuring the A-Leagues resonate with the country’s broader football community once more.