Home games: a Socceroo, a subdivision and the unpaid super

A struggling plan to bankroll an A-League club with a residential property development is emblematic of the financial challenges facing Australian soccer.

Western United founder and former Socceroo Steve Horvat, the club’s star player Abel Walatee and A-league chairman Stephen Conroy. Robert Duong

Peter Ker and Michael Bleby

Apr 28, 2025 – 5.00am

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In a desolate landscape about 31 kilometres west of Melbourne, a small group of noisy fans is trying to generate some atmosphere by banging drums and singing through megaphones.

“Come on, you boys in green,” comes the chant from the south-eastern corner of the new Ironbark Fields soccer ground.

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Peter KerResources reporterPeter Ker covers resource companies for The Australian Financial Review, based in Melbourne.

Michael BlebyDeputy property editorMichael Bleby covers commercial and residential property, with a focus on housing and finance, construction, design & architecture. He also dabbles in the business of sport. Based in Melbourne, Michael is on Bluesky @michaelbleby.bsky.social.