I’ve been looking for an excuse to talk about sport all day and the unofficial captain of the press gallery snappers for twenty seasons running, Mike Bowers, has given me my chance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Sports Minister (the only political job I’d ever want) Anika Wells have met representatives of the Socceroos in the PM’s courtyard, ahead of the friendly against New Zealand in Canberra tomorrow night.

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Sport Anika Wells meet Socceroos coach Tony Popovic and players Milos Degenek, Alessandro Circati and Joe Gauci, as well as Interim Football Australia CEO Heather Garriock. Photo: Mike Bowers.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. Photo: Mike Bowers.
Photo: Mike Bowers.
Photo: Mike Bowers.
Photo: by Mike Bowers.

It’s not a bad time to be a sports fan in the capital. The Raiders have just clinched the minor premiership in the NRL and the Canberra Giants (who occasionally play home games in Western Sydney) are in the AFL finals.

It all kicks off tonight in Adelaide, where Collingwood is preparing a smash and grab against AFL minor Premiers, the Crows. (Shout out to Greg Jericho).

I remember my team playing in the first week of the finals at the Adelaide Oval a few years ago. Our captain won the toss and kicked against a strong wind. It was over by quarter time.