What made it even more special was watching Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera put on an absolute masterclass. His individual brilliance was breathtaking – the kind of performance that reminds you why you fell in love with the game. Every touch seemed to matter, every decision was precise, and his leadership when it counted most was the catalyst that sparked an incredible team revival.

Reflecting on the game, I’m still pinching myself. On the surface, the high-octane world of elite AFL and our measured approach to private real estate credit investing at Ark Capital seem worlds apart. One involves screaming fans and split-second decisions under lights; the other requires methodical analysis and careful structuring and management in our office.

But the more I thought about it, the more similarities I discovered.

Both environments demand extensive preparation and research. Just as AFL teams spend countless hours studying opposition footage, analysing player matchups, and developing game plans, we conduct thorough research into markets, sectors, geographies, and development partners. The homework never stops, and success is built on the foundation of knowing your playing field inside and out.

Ross Lyon’s Saints had to stick to their systems even when 46 points down, trusting that their preparation would eventually pay off. Similarly, we maintain our disciplined approach to investing through researched, structured agreements within predetermined strategies – loan limits, LVRs, conditions precedent and subsequent. When markets get volatile or attractive opportunities seem to bend our rules, discipline keeps us grounded.

The ability to identify and mitigate risk separates the elite from the rest. AFL teams constantly assess match-ups, weather conditions, and injury concerns. We do the same with market risks, development risks, and counterparty risks. Risk can never be eliminated entirely, but champions in both arenas know how to manage it effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, both require exceptional teamwork. Wanganeen-Milera’s brilliance was only possible because his teammates understood their roles, accepted their responsibilities, and executed when called upon. At Ark, we’ve built a team with diverse skillsets where each member brings something unique that makes the collective stronger. Everyone knows their role, accepts it, and plays it when the pressure is on.

Lyon and his coaching staff had to make tactical adjustments that first halted Melbourne’s dominance, then orchestrated the attack that won the game. But it was the on-field leadership that truly sealed the victory. With just 8 seconds left on the clock, watching the calmness of the Saints’ three leaders – Rowan Marshall, Wanganeen-Milera, and Marcus Windhager – was extraordinary. They assessed the situation, set up the plan, and executed it perfectly under the ultimate pressure. In private credit, our leadership team must demonstrate the same composure when deals get complex, when markets shift, or when projects face adversity. The best leaders in both environments stay calm, make smart decisions, and execute flawlessly when it matters most.

Both worlds also demand the ability to adapt. The Saints needed flexibility to abandon what wasn’t working and implement new tactics mid-game. Our investment approach requires the same agility – having a robust strategy that can flex when circumstances change, because in both sport and investing, no plan survives contact with reality unchanged.

AFL teams live within the rules of the game, salary caps, and league regulations. Ironically, the Saints’ victory was ultimately sealed because Melbourne contravened the 6-6-6 rule in those final seconds – their rule break gave St Kilda the free kick that led to the winning goal. It was a stark reminder that in elite competition, even the smallest infractions can have massive consequences. We maintain a strong compliance culture and structure at Ark, ensuring we know the regulatory framework and operate within it at all times. Breaking the rules is simply not an option – we’ve built our culture and systems to ensure we don’t. In both environments, sustainable success only comes from playing the game the right way, and those who cut corners ultimately pay the price.

As I reflect on Sunday’s miraculous comeback, I’m reminded that whether you’re staging the greatest comeback in AFL history or building a successful private credit business, the fundamentals remain the same. Preparation, discipline, teamwork, leadership, adaptability and integrity under pressure.

The settings may be different – one under lights with thousands watching, the other in meeting rooms with careful deliberation but the pursuit of excellence demands the same qualities.

And just like Sunday’s game proved, when good fortune meets thorough preparation and exceptional execution, remarkable things can happen.

Go Saints.

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