‘I’ll be back’: Kouta vows to carry on in politics

After missing out on being elected Melbourne Lord Mayor, Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides has hinted he may turn his attention to state or even federal level.

Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides has vowed to continue to pursue a career in politics despite coming up short in his bid to become lord mayor of Melbourne.

“I’ll be back,” Mr Koutoufides declared, channelling his hero Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“I’ve got a taste for it, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

The former footballer, who played nearly 300 games for the Blues, went on to suggest his next move may be a tilt at state or even federal politics.

Anthony Koutoufides fell short in his bid to become lord mayor but has said his career in politics isn’t over. Picture: David Crosling

“My love for the city of Melbourne, my love for the state of Victoria and my love for the country of Australia; that gives me the passion to continue on this pathway,” he said in a video shared to his official Team Kouta Instagram page.

“I’m looking forward to continuing on this pathway for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Koutoufides had been tipped as an outside chance at winning the lord mayoral robes prior to the election, even cheekily suggesting he would rip the sleeves off and put a number 43 on the back in a nod to his playing days.

The Baggers legend, who won a flag in 1995, eventually finished fourth behind the Liberals, Greens, and victorious incumbent Nick Reece.

Anthony Koutoufides and wife Susie Angeloski attend Lexus Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Koutoufides was gracious in defeat and wished Mr Reece and running mate Roshena Campbell well.

“I’ve got to congratulate them, they ran a remarkable campaign,” he said before thanking the staff and volunteers who helped him with his attempt to secure the top job.

Mr Koutoufides made headlines with a series of eye-catching promises on the campaign trail, such as shouting city workers a free coffee on Mondays in a bid to lure people back to the CBD.

He also pledged to install “safety pods” in the city and offer rate and planning fee relief for any office building conversion that unlocked affordable housing for key workers.

Mr Koutoufides praised Nick Reece and Roshena Campbell for running a ‘remarkable campaign’. Picture: Wayne Taylor

The Herald Sun attempted to contact Mr Koutoufides to clarify the scope of his ambitions and what he planned to do next.

While not the most well-travelled path, if he does succeed in a future election Mr Koutoufides would join the likes of Justin Madden and Damian Drum in the ranks of those who have swapped footy for politics.