‘Kouta’ came fourth in the race for Lord Mayor. Now he’s running for federal parliament

Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides’ gargantuan two-goal final quarter in the famous 1999 preliminary final against Essendon was described by future club president Stephen Kernahan as “the greatest quarter of football ever played”.

On that same day, September 18, Steve Bracks’ shock poll result effectively ended the Jeff Kennett era and ultimately ushered in two decades of Labor dominance in Victoria.

Anthony Koutoufides is running for federal parliament in the seat of Melbourne. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Now, “Kouta” is plotting a feat that would outdo his 1999 heroics: unseating Greens leader Adam Bandt from the seat of Melbourne taken from Labor more than a decade ago.

“I believe I can [win] otherwise I wouldn’t run,” the former Dancing with the Stars winner said in an interview in South Yarra, months after getting his first taste of politics running for lord mayor. The enthusiasm he encountered on that failed council race has spurred him to shift into the federal sphere, even though he came fourth.

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