A new book on the rise of the A-League and Australia's bid for the 2022 World Cup has detailed what must be said was a humorous meeting between soccer patriach Frank Lowy and AFL bosses Andrew Demetriou, Gillon McLachlan and Mike Fitzpatrick.

The meeting in 2010 came as Lowy desperately sought confirmation on the venues the AFL would let the round ball code use should the bid be successful. In A-League: The Inside Story of the Tumultuous First Decade, authors John Stensholt and Shaun Mooney write that Lowy and Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley flew to Melbourne for urgent talks.

"Lowy, as was his habit, took a suite at Melbourne's Park Hyatt, from the top floors of which guests could enjoy stunning views of the MCG and the surrounding tennis and football facilities. He invited the AFL officials there for a discussion. Lowy began by praising Demetriou and the AFL for its administrative and sporting acumen. He used all his charm in an attempt to reassure them that the World Cup and football offered no real challenge to the AFL's status as the nation's number one sport.

"But the mood in the room turned chilly when Lowy asked that the AFL allow the FFA to put Etihad Stadium in its bid book, on the understanding that Demetriou and his cohorts would agree to strike a deal for access if and when Australia won the hosting rights. Demetriou, sensing a trap, told Lowy that the AFL would not agree, and did not budge under some well-mannered but firm questioning from the billionaire. Lowy insisted he did not want an answer now, and that it would be in the AFL's best interests to go away and consider the deal, but Demetriou remained unmoved.

'My answer will be the same at any stage of the future,' he told the FFA chairman, who insisted again that he did not want an answer that day. Fitzpatrick, who had remained silent until then, told Lowy that the AFL meant no disrespect but would not change its position. Lowy had enough. Enraged, he stood up and began screaming at the AFL trio, instructing them in no uncertain terms to leave his suite immediately. 'You are insulting me - who do you think you are?' he shouted. 'I take your insult and I put it in my pocket!' he bellowed, before theatrically pointing them towards the door."

Demetriou, Fitzpatrick and McLachlan would "beat a hasty retreat". Lowy would eventually get a guarantee for access to Simonds Stadium in Geelong, but not Etihad.

Not so sunny

It's been a year to forget for the Gold Coast Suns. Among several issues, there was the Karmichael Hunt saga, an investigation into drug use, the decision to dump Harley Bennell after more trouble, the loss of Charlie Dixon and a poor year on the field in Rodney Eade's first as coach. The Suns are keen to secure more young talent through the draft in which they could have five of the top 25 picks (including trades for Dixon and Bennell) but Pssst now hears some officials would rather more established bodies are lured north to add depth. The clock is ticking on the club's hopes of winning while Gary Ablett is still in his prime years. Talk that Jaeger O'Meara won't re-sign next year continues to bubble, as do the rumours that Dion Prestia is heading to Melbourne at the end of 2016.

Contract capers

The Demons insist Colin Garland will remain at the club next season despite the restricted free agent having yet to agree to terms. It had been expected a deal with the reliable defender would have been inked not long after the season had finished, but it's understood there has been some haggling over finances. Garland has indicated he wants to stay at the rebuilding club. The Demons are also awaiting a response from high-flyer Jeremy Howe, who has attracted interest from the Gold Coast Suns and Fremantle. Veteran St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray has also yet to agree to terms for a new deal. Ray had wanted two years - the Saints more keen on one.

Stanton his ground

A resolution date for the Brent Stanton impasse at Essendon remains unclear. There's talk that West Coast and North Melbourne have inquired about the tireless Bomber, who wants a deal longer than the one-year initially on offer from the Dons. Meanwhile, Courtenay Dempsey's fate at the club probably won't be determined until a new coach is installed. Dempsey has been on holiday, and wherever he plays in 2016 he will be unavailable until the fourth game of the year for his crude hit on Richmond's Brett Deledio. Dempsey was subsequently subjected to racial abuse on social media after that incident, and is yet to press charges, an option he left open following the suicide and homophobic-related comments on Instagram.

No 'Wors' for wear

Speaking of the Bombers coaching job, 2006 West Coast premiership player Steven Armstrong has endorsed his premiership-winning coach John Worsfold to take over the reins at the Dons, as almost certainly appears the case. Armstrong told Pssst that Worsfold is "a very culturally driven coach." Armstrong, who also played for Melbourne before being given a second AFL chance by Worsfold, also has the coaching bug, currently serving as an assistant with the West Australian under 18s team, having previously coached Subiaco in the WAFL's Colts competition. He applied unsuccessfully last year for the vacant South Fremantle senior role, overlooked by a panel that included Worsfold. Nevertheless, Armstrong remains undeterred. Maybe there's a job for him at Essendon. "I might have to give Woosha a call!"

Predict-a-fan

Comedian and former Age columnist Catherine Deveny is working on a new book, part of which will focus on football. Deveny went looking for help on her Facebook page, seeking tips on how the different clubs were characterised. Deveny says that she has had conversations with "footy people" who have claimed unequivocally that they've been able to predict the team supported by any given person.The comments included one which claimed that "Tigers supporters are almost bipolar."

Judd files​

We also await footy's next major book launch, with Chris Judd to release Inside: The Autobiography on October 14. No doubt, there will be some piercing observations of his time during the West Coast Eagles' "wild west days.

Big brand league?

Research during the week found that the Big Bash League delivers more efficient brand awareness for its sponsors than either the AFL or NRL. It's a pretty bold claim made by Futures Sport + Entertainment, in a study commissioned by none other than Cricket Australia.

The Watchman

Six minutes to midnight  ... and a six-year contract for Patrick Dangerfield, who confirmed the worst kept secret in football this week seeking a move to Geelong from Adelaide.

Local Hero

The International Triathlon Union this month inducted three Australians into their Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Chicago. Triple world champion Peter Robertson, dual world champion and Olympic silver medallist Michellie Jones and three-time world champ and Olympic gold medallist Emma Snowsill. In triathlon, good omens always come in threes.

Numbers Up

28th November will mark the opening of The Kookaburras Hockey World League campaign in India  with games against Belgium, Great Britain and Canada in the pool stage.

4th-ranked Belgium, 5th-ranked Great Britain and 13th-ranked Canada should prove no match for the Australians who  finished fourth at the inaugural Hockey World League final, which was won by the Netherlands. December 6 is the date set for the final at the 3000-capacity Raipur International Hockey Stadium.

They Said What?

"I don't like finishing 14th, I don't like finishing 10th. That's not what excites me."  Formula one veteran Jenson Button sounds like a man on the brink of retirement.

Got a tip? Contact Daniel Cherny or Jon Pierik. Twitter: @danielcherny or @pierik_agesport