The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL. If you like the pod, please take the time to rate & review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us. And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
Our podcasters Sam McClure, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall give the latest word on coach searches as Carlton and the Bombers narrow down the list of candidates. The groundswell of support for Josh Fraser is growing after the Blues' statement win over the reigning premiers, while Essendon's process and political history comes under scrutiny. The pressure is ramping up on North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, with former West Coach premiership coach and Roos premiership player Adam Simpson in the wings. Plus, the impact of Richmond's rare win, the "Amnesia Football League", the return of AFLW, and the AFL coach who decided to break out of character and get a bit edgy. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carlton take on the reigning premiers who are riding a seven-game winning streak, and our tipsters expect the the Blues to come out breathing fire for captain Patrick Cripps' 250th match. But is that emotion enough to tip the Blues? It's moving round, and there are plenty of 50-50 clashes at play in round 21. The battle of Charlie Curnow against former teammate Jack Silvagni takes centre stage, as does Christian Petracca's first match against the Demons. Plus, the "stinker" that's a toss of the coin. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our podcasters are joined by special guest Sam Docherty, with plenty to discuss after a dramatic round 20. He gives a player's insight into the booing of Magpie Isaac Quaynor, the heated on-field exchange between Suns Christian Petracca and Leo Lombard, and what Josh Fraser would bring to Carlton as coach. Plus, how the Saints ran out of runway for injured star Max King, what no one saw coming from veteran Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston, and a blunt assessment of Collingwood's premiership chances after their sixth consecutive win. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Melbourne make a rare appearance in the Friday night prime-time slot against perennial contenders Geelong, and our tipsters Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are divided. Plus, the Blues' crucial clash against Gold Coast who are set to lose a key forward at season's end, the blunt assessment of Essendon against old rivals Hawthorn, and the Jekyll and Hyde side you'd only tip if you were desperate. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tasmania Devils made the first move in this season’s coaching race, appointing Ken Hinkley as their inaugural coach. Our podcasters Sam McClure, Caroline Wilson and Jon Pierik delve into what this means for John Longmire and Nathan Buckley and the two clubs still searching for a coach. Plus, the Demons raise the bar, the Pies are charging, relief for the Bombers, Max King's comeback, the Suns' bad week, and more. For more: The inside story of a coaching coup 17 years in the making . Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carlton played dumb in the wet last week, but have their best chance in sometime of beating their old enemy Collingwood in round 19. The question Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan pose to tipsters is whether this is the game to take a risk on as they seek to salvage their season. If not, can North Melbourne upset Melbourne at Marvel, can St Kilda break their drought in Geelong, will the Crows topple Sydney and what are the chances of Gold Coast rectifying their fall against the Western Bulldogs? Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After leaving the Tigers in a hole, that’s now getting deeper, to play with “new toys” up north, Damien Hardwick has written off the Suns’ finals chances. Caroline Wilson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure question what message that sends to his players. They also discuss Cats carnage, Bomber voting blocs, coaching manoeuvres, Marcus Bontempelli’s duels with Nick Daicos and Harley Reid and whether the AFL’s biggest stars get paid enough. Oh, and we debate whether South Australian footy fans should be more insulted about being called “peanuts” or “nuffies”. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The top-of-the-table clash between Fremantle and Sydney is the perfect scenesetter for round 18, with a host of games to challenge AFL tipsters. Peter Ryan tells guest panelist Sam McClure he’s been burnt too many times by North Melbourne, so will be tipping Collingwood to beat them on Friday, while the GWS vs Geelong game and the battle between Cartlon and Hawthorn are pivotal for this year’s finals race and also for many tipping competitions across the country. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the fallout from the fiery clash between Gold Coast and Collingwood continues, Sam McClure, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson argue Brayden Maynard and Touk Miller should have been suspended for umpire contact. They also discuss the "rockstar" momentum gathering behind James Hird's campaign for the Essendon coaching job, while Josh Fraser and Steven King show the benefits of a thorough apprenticeship. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's scintillating form, Jeremy Cameron's underwhelming performances and the question of where Lachie Neale will play in 2027 are also on our agenda. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The AFL is rare in world sport for having people running out onto the field of play, during play, to dispatch messages from the coach. They are the conduit between the coach and the players in real time. Not all messages arrive as they were sent, and the messages that go back to the coach are seldom delivered. In a Real Footy bonus episode, host and senior sports writer Michael Gleeson interviews Brendan Riseley, who ran in more games, for more clubs, and more coaches than anyone else in the game. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The bye rounds are over and there’s some intriguing games for Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan to review in round 17. It all kicks off with Geelong hosting Brisbane in a grand final rematch. Our tipsters suspect the Swans have been worked out ahead of their game against the Bulldogs. Gold Coast versus Collingwood shapes as a genuine swing game, Carlton chase seven wins in a row, Fremantle try to keep their winning streak alive, the Hawks are out to protect their Launceston fortress and the Saints hope to keep Essendon’s losing streak running. Plus, our tipsters ask whether a Showdown comedown will expose Port Adelaide against North Melbourne for the second time this season. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zak Butters’ intentions seem clear, but Port Adelaide will drive a hard bargain for their star midfielder. Sam McClure, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson say the Western Bulldogs remain his most likely destination, but aren’t discounting the Tigers from entering the negotiations. As for the Blues and Bombers, they’re ramping up their respective searches for a coach, and on the Gold Coast it’s the same old sorry tale for the Suns as we run our eye over all the action from round 16 of the AFL season. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Magpies sit outside the top 10 and plenty of questions have been asked about their list. Which Richmond will confront them this week: the plucky fighters or footy fodder? Our podcasters Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan dissect round 16, the last of the mid-season bye rounds. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues have found their voice under interim coach Josh Fraser, but their honeymoon ain’t over yet, according to Sam McClure, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan. The question now is what to do about Fraser. St Kilda, meanwhile, are seeking answers after a dark day against the Dogs, Hawk Jack Ginnivan escapes a striking suspension and the rampaging Dockers are grappling with the question of whether their form is simply too good for this time of year. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 15 delivers some tantalising contests. Ladder leaders Fremantle host the only team to beat them so far this season, Geelong. Melbourne strive for a win away from the MCG against the in-form Crows. The disappointing Suns host the Hawks, who’ve had a week to stew over their last performance, and Marvel Stadium co-tenants St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs renew their rivalry. Thankfully, we’ve got Andrew Wu and Danny Russell on hand to make sense of it and help footy tipsters find some winners. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The AFL executive general manager of football visits the Real Footy studio for an in-depth chat on all the big issues in the game with Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure. From the state of umpiring to contentious rules, the video-review system, draft concessions, the impending arrival of the Tasmania Devils, the struggles of Carlton and Essendon and the introduction of wild-card finals, nothing’s off the table in this broad-ranging discussion. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Essendon have already beaten Melbourne once this season. Can they do it again? And how will the Roos recover from their embarrassing performance last week in Bunbury? Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan preview round 14, highlighting the games where tipsters can get one up on their rivals. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kysaiah Pickett followed Neale’s Daniher’s mantra to the letter to win the Big Freeze match for the Dees. Harry McKay took the opposite approach, chewing up time to get the Blues home. But will his tactics force an AFL rule review? After round 13 produced six close games and one embarrassing Kangaroos capitulation, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure have plenty to discuss. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Lions’ season on the skids? One of our panellists certainly thinks so ahead of a huge Q Clash against the Suns. Elsewhere, there are rematches aplenty in round 13 as a number of teams face-off against each other for the second time this season. Among the games Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan run their eyes over are Geelong versus Adelaide, Hawthorn up against the Western Bulldogs and the Big Freeze match on Monday between Collingwood and Melbourne. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James Hird might have the loudest support, but Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson agree there’s one man who stands above him and all other potential candidates for the vacant Essendon coaching job … if he can be convinced to apply. Carlton clock the “win of the year” under Josh Fraser, Fremantle frank their flag favouritism, St Kilda disappoint again and the football community pays solemn tribute to Neale Daniher. There’s plenty to discuss after round 12. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
