In the past few weeks, we have had two very different messages from Australian football.

We've endured the abysmal performances of the Socceroos against Brazil and France and the subsequent sacking of the national coach, yet there has also been three rounds of record crowds and quality football in the A-League.

The Mariners have been one of the success stories of the last few years - but owner Mike Charlesworth says root and branch changes to the game are needed to ensure the long-term prosperity of the flagship league. Credit:Getty Images

What are we to make of it all? Is it just a question of changing the national coach and all will be well in the game?

While Ange Postecoglou will make a superb national coach, there is much more to do if we are ever to address some more fundamental problems.