FFA CEO Ben Buckley

Who was Ned Zelic's first sponsor?

Many football fans were a bit unsure about the appointment of former AFL administrator and player Ben Buckley to the role of head of football.

But FFA CEO Ben Buckley is doing a fantastic job I reckon, really blossoming in the role.

And at the recent Tattersall's CEO's lunch in Sydney I couldn't help notice the difference in demeanour, delivery and outlook between Buckley and our former CEO John O'Neill.



Sort of reflected the standing of the games of football and rugby currently in Australia.

O'Neill was a tad tired, reluctant to reveal too much, and looking like yesterday's man. Concerned about the politics of Rugby across the World, and unsure Australia could influence change.

Compared to Buckley who was open, vibrant, young, and humourous. I guess Buckley has a lot to be upbeat about with all the positive noises coming out of football these days.

Here's just another example: Currently an Australian Business Group lead by Austrade is making contacts on the back of the Socceroos at Business Breakfasts following the team from Dubai to Qatar for their World Cup Qualifiers.

Wonder if O'Neill resents seeing Buckley take his good works and push them further, quicker and louder than even O'Neill could have envisaged.

And did you know despite being an AFL man years ago, Buckley organised Ned Zelic's first sponsorship when Buckles worked for Nike.

Buckley has great talent and seemingly a great team. He really looks to be the right man in the right hole.

And he is going to make his name, as one of the top two Sport's CEO's in the country. I reckon he's left NRL David Gallop behind by a country mile.