Are we witnessing the beginning of the end of state federations? This week Football Federation Australia launches its 'Whole of Football' plan, and underlying all the noble intent - of which there is plenty - are long-term strategies to restructure the governance of the game.

You won't hear it shouted from the rooftops - not least because it's a political hot potato in an election year for a new chairman of the FFA - but if you read between the lines carefully enough you can see the intent. To strengthen central control, to streamline process, to minimise duplication of time and resources. In other words, to bring the game under one roof. And that roof is at Whitlam Square.

Given that it was state federations that gave birth to the game - NSW was the first state to organise itself in 1882 - federalising control would be a dramatic step. It's not a new concept - Johnny Warren often campaigned for the abolition of state federations - but until now it's been regarded as a step too far. And there are no guarantees, of course, it will happen.

There are only 10 stakeholders of the FFA. Nine are state and territory federations (the other is the A-League). For the revolution to occur, these federations have to either vote themselves out of existence, or at least agree to cede effective control.

'It'll never happen,' I hear you say. Perhaps. But while the language is vague and the conversation whispered, there's no doubt the issue has now been put on the table. By definition, and expectation, the 'Whole of Football' plan needs to be bold and imaginative, to explore beyond the horizon. After more than 130 years, restructuring the government of the game is certainly a grand ambition.