WITH the $2.5 billion broadcast deal still resonating, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan addressed the National Press Club audience of AFL diehards, including our Chief Minister Andrew Barr plus the debut performance of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as a journo.

Multi-tasking has taken on a whole new perspective if, from now, every lesser-known pollie pops down to the Press Club to pose a few Dorothy Dixers. But on a question of relevance Bishop was on song and managed to slip in three questions.

She asked about the kick back rule (nothing to do with money), when will she see the first West Coast v Fremantle grand final played in the new Perth Stadium and how will fans benefit from that billion-dollar media deal?

The only definitive answer was that the MCG and AFL will be holding hands until 2038. However, in the intervening years the National Women’s League is a certainty, twilight games likely and recruiting zones a not-to-be-missed opportunity to recruit more widely.

A comment about the toughness and tenacity of the Papua New Guinea footballers could see that as another opportunity. That $2.5 billion augurs well for the future of the AFL, we will be watching for results.