We haven't quite learnt how to value or listen to our greats yet. That's to the game's detriment.
Tim Cahill is merely the latest example. Football is about the players, yet we still appear surprised when they have a voice and express that with similar force to what they showed during their pursuit of excellence on the field. 
As ultra-high achievers they naturally attack issues with the same vigour as they do opponents. Expect it, accept it and use it as a positive force. The players care about the game and often operate successfully in an environment that gives them a perspective of what needs to occur back home.
Don't be confronted when they challenge things, their existence is about dealing with challenge and confrontation. Recognise that a legend such as Tim has a valid view and the strength of character to express it without fear or favour.
He's a behemoth of the game. A man who fought tooth and nail to build his career from adversity and who this week launched his own clothing line.
A player who, in the Australian consciousness, stands as both the supreme competitor and driven businessman, following the path forged by very few Australians to post-career commercial success.
Of course, we would all love him home, but he has every right to manage his professional career and the remaining moments of it as he sees fit. He has done a hell of a job so far, wouldn't you say?
I remember parallel arguments being run about Harry Kewell, who many said had to contribute more to Australian soccer. But how much did Harry give by inspiring youngsters with his performances at Leeds and Liverpool?
Likewise, with Cahill. What has Cahill done for the Australian brand through his presence in China? How many diplomats have used Tim in their conversations to build relationships and promote Australian trade? Tim clearly has very significant vision, arguably unprecedented for an Australian footballer, and questioned the vision of our game and where we wanted to be in 10, or 20 years' time. And he was right to do so.
The past few years have been shaped by short-term financial considerations without articulating or driving a great vision for the A-League, and Tim was right to point out that post Alessandro Del Piero, we have had no coherent plan to accelerate the momentum.
During this period, the competitive environment has changed in complexity and diversity, both here and abroad and strategy has become even more of a premium commodity to steer the A-League forward at maximum speed.
Tim gave us the valuable opportunity to have the discussion about what we look like in 10 years' time.
That's what makes champions. The willingness to say and do what others cannot, or will not.