There's little in the Australian football world that John Kosmina does not know about.

So when he suggests it should be almost mandatory for coaches to complete their coaching education in the tier of Australian football immediately below the A-League, before taking on a job in the top division, perhaps we should listen and give the idea some consideration.

John Kosmina is one of Australia's most experienced football coaches. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Of course, with privately owned clubs, such an initiative is difficult to mandate. Rich owners will exercise their rights and argue that as they pay the piper, they can call the tune and hire whoever they want. And if they want a recently retired big-name player with little coaching experience, that's who they'll employ.

Nevertheless, Kosmina's suggestion has merit, especially if Football Federation Australia wants the newly branded National Premier League to have credibility as a stepping stone to the big show for both players and coaches, as they say they do.