Grand finals weekend brings out the VIPs

Treasurer Scott Morrison and former PM John Howard at the NRL Grand Final last night.

The NSW Liberal Party sent in the big guns last night to nudge Sydney strugglers the Cronulla Sharks to their debut premiership — and it worked.

Joining NRL chairman John Grant in his suite at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium were Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (fresh from Saturday’s disappointment), NSW Premier Mike Baird, former PM John Howard and Treasurer Scott Morrison, the nation’s No 1 Sharks tragic.

Treasurer Scott Morrison and PM Malcolm Turnbull at the NRL Grand Final at the ANZ stadium in Hombeush, Sydney. Pic: NRL

“I feel like a nine-year-old boy,” Morrison, decked in the Shire’s colours, told us just before kick off.

Victorian Premier Dan ­Andrews — no doubt dusty after his post-Bulldogs celebrations in Melbourne — was a late scratching. That didn’t seem to trouble Baird. “Probably worried about the sun,” Baird said.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten went along instead.

Telstra boss Andy Penn was there with wife Kallie Blauhorn. The Melbourne-based couple — Sharks supporters for the night — were still buzzing from the success of their Bulldogs.

“I told (Andy) he’s not allowed to call them ‘The Losers’ anymore,” Blaunhorn joked.

Telstra Boss Andy Penn with wife Kallei Blauhorn and PM Malcolm Turnbull at the NRL Grand Final. Pic: NRL

Daily Telegraph editor Chris Dore — not exactly Baird’s favourite person, thanks to his greyhound coverage — was also there in Grant’s exclusive digs, and backing up for the grand final double, as were Foxtel boss Peter Tonagh and News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller, who, aside from Cricket Australia chairman David Peever, was about the only person daring to wear Melbourne’s purple colours in the Sydney den.

NRL Chair John Grant, Linda Hurley, Governor of NSW David Hurley, Premier Mike Baird and wife Kerryn Baird at the NRL Grand Final. Pic: NRL

Spread around the corporate boxes were NSW Events Minister Stuart Ayres, the Labor Party’s chief rugby league tragic Anthony Albanese and wife Carmel Tebbutt, his new federal colleague Linda Burney, NSW Governor David Hurley, Hurley’s wife Linda and Hurley’s new beard. “Very stylish,” was Baird’s verdict. And, of course, Nine boss Hugh Marks, whose network was broadcasting it on free to air.

Anthony Albanese with wife Carmel Tebbutt and Cronulla legend Tommy Bishop at the NRL Grand Final. Pic: NRL

The day before

The previous day, down in Melbourne, things began — as per tradition — at the North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast. Following their recent spat over renewable energy policy, the organisers had wisely seated Turnbull and ­Andrews on ­opposite sides of the stage. Turnbull — who once ­declared his favourite AFL team was the Roosters — spruiked his credentials as a Swans supporter.

“Today my loyalty to the Swans trumps my admiration for the Dogs. Sadly, therefore, there can be no unity ticket with Julia Gillard. And, I suppose, there is not much chance of a unity ticket with Bill(Shorten),” said Turnbull. “Just ask Julia.”

Lucy Turnbull, Seven owner Kerry Stokes and PM Malcolm Turnbull in the Olympic room of the MCG during the AFL Grand Final. Pic: AFL Media

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan noted it was nice to have both the Prime Minister and ­Opposition Leader back at the breakfast for a second year. “I haven’t been able to say that for a while,” he said.

Greater Western Sydney chairman Tony Shepherd, still bruised from last week’s lossat the hands of the Dogs,was there before heading for the MCG’s Olympic Room, as was Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer who — like every other Victorian — was backing the ­Bulldogs. Political history was also made at the breakfast as Shorten — after pointing out his success in various footy tipping competitions, finally conceded his loss at the July 2 federal election.

“Malcolm did actually win our other big clash this year,” said Shorten. “There, I’ve said it.”

AFL chair Mike Fitzpatrick and Telstra CEO Andy Penn in the Olympic Room of the MCG during the AFL Grand Final. Pic: AFL Media

The Olympic Room

Which heavyweight from the AFL states wasn’t in chairman Mike Fitzpatrick’s Olympic Room? Well, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill for one. The state’s power outage scuttled those plans.

Seven billionaire Kerry Stokes clearly enjoyed the catch-up with Turnbull and wife Lucy.

Also representing the media elite — and enjoying the opportunity for an informal catch up with Communications Minister Mitch Fifield — were Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner and Fox Sports boss Patrick Delaney.

Sports-mad Defence Minister Marise Payne mingled with Seven scion Ryan Stokes and fiancee Claire Campbell, who were later spotted at the Melbourne Airport Qantas Club only 45 minutes after the final whistle. Very efficient.

Ryan Stokes with fiance Claire Campbell and Defence Minister Marise Payne in the Olympic room of the MCG during the AFL Grand Final. Pic: AFL Media

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and her partner, David Panton, enjoyed Hollywood company, chatting with actors Chris and Liam Hemsworth, and their mum, and Bulldog for a day Ahmed Fahour, the boss of Australia Post.

Actors Chis and Liam Hemsworth in the Olympic Room of the MCG during the AFL Grand Final. Pic: AFL Media

Also in the room: Health Minister Sussan Ley (who sent her apologies to the NRL), Seek co-founder Paul Bassat, fellow AFL commissioner Kim Williams, James Packer’s right-hand man Rob Rankin and his Crown CEO Rowan Craigie. NRL chair John Grant and his CEO Todd Greenberg were there, doing research before last night’s showdown.

Julie Bishop with partner David Panton and Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour (far left) in the Olympic room of the MCG. Pic: AFL Media