As cities struggle to reinvent themselves following Covid’s lockdowns that created the work-from-home trend, AFL great Anthony Koutoufides is hoping to kick the goal of becoming Melbourne’s Lord Mayor by offering workers free coffee and handing out cash to new CBD tenants!

Of course, it’s fair to say that we don’t know if these stunts by Koutoufides to lure people back to Melbourne’s CBD precinct will work but you have to take your hat off to a ‘would-be’ politician who’s trying to solve problems by thinking outside the square.

Here are the ideas of the former Carlton great as revealed on 9news.com.au: “Under the first proposal, a one-off grant of up to $5000 will be established for up to 1000 businesses that sign a new lease in the CBD in 2025”.

The would-be city boss would also work with the Victorian government to offer subsidised travel across the public transport network for a trial period, initially for Fridays.

“All you need to do is walk around the city, Southbank and Docklands and the number of ‘For Lease’ signs is growing by the day. This initiative aims to revitalise the city by filling empty properties with thriving businesses and people,” he said.

What about the free coffee? Koutoufides knew what the fans wanted when he played and captained Carlton, winning the flag in 1995, the team’s highest goal kicker in 1997 and played 278 games. He thinks coffee could help his goal to breathe life back into Melbourne. “Most Melburnians love coffee, and our cafes are renowned around the world for it. So, for those that make the effort to come into the CBD on a Monday, we'll shout you a coffee," he said.

The fourth initiative would ensure continued support for major events and activations. “Weekends are just as important, and we know that major events and special activations in our city are big drivers of activity,” he said.

“Last financial year almost $96 million in economic value was delivered to the city through events and we want to build on this by putting extra resources into this space”.

Who knows if his four-point plan will work, but I like his commitment to an important goal and his willingness to think outside the square to come up with ideas that will make Melbourne more vibrant. But that’s not all, because you simply have to cheer Koutoufides on for his initiatives that will create jobs and help small business operators.

And there’s one last national implication as well. His ideas to help his city raises this question: what are other city and local council mayors doing to breathe life into their communities and help small business?

All too often councils are associated with obstacles to progression. It becomes refreshing when you hear positive stories of leaders who are hellbent on making a difference.

If Melbourne rejects this guy, they have rocks in their heads.