Anthony Koutoufides appears to be gearing up for a new contest—not on the football field, but at the ballot box. This time, he is reportedly considering a federal-level run for Melbourne’s seat in the upcoming election.
According to an exclusive report by The Guardian Koutoufides is exploring the possibility of running as an independent candidate for the electorate currently held by Adam Bandt, the leader of the Greens.
This isn’t Koutoufides’ first foray into politics. Just months ago, he ran as an independent in the race for Melbourne’s Lord Mayor. While he was seen as a potential disruptor, he finished fourth, securing 11,345 primary votes (12.91 per cent). The mayoral race was ultimately won by Nick Reece, who is married to a Greek-Australian, with 61.49 per cent of the vote after preferences.
Despite his mayoral loss, Koutoufides expressed optimism and enthusiasm for his political ambitions. “Yes, I really believed until the end that I still had a chance. And I did,” he said after the results. “It’s definitely my first taste of politics, but it won’t be my last. It’s something I truly loved during the campaign period, and I now have the experience.”
Adam Bandt has held the Melbourne seat since 2010, turning it into a Greens stronghold. In the 2022 federal election, Bandt secured nearly 50% of the primary vote, solidifying the party’s dominance in the electorate.
Bandt, however, is not taking anything for granted. “I never take the seat of Melbourne for granted and will campaign hard whoever runs,” he said.
“I’ll be proud to run on my record of getting dental into Medicare for kids, securing workers the right to disconnect and delivering climate action.”
A source close to Koutoufides confirmed he has been approached—though it is unclear by whom—to run as an independent in Melbourne for the federal election, scheduled to take place by May 17. A final decision from the former AFL player is expected soon.
