Real Footy
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.
Episodes
The 2026 trade period dissected: Hawks, Dogs set to contend
This year's trade period moved at a different pace to previous years, but finished with a late rush. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure analyse all the final-day trades and assess the player movement period. From Zak Butters, Zach Merrett, Nick Blakey and Ben King to Toby Greene, Scott Pendlebury and Lachie Neale, a host of big-name players moved clubs. But what will it all mean? Our expe
They got Blakey, now Roos must learn to defend
North Melbourne finally landed a big target on Tuesday when Nick Blakey crossed from Sydney on a multi-million-dollar deal after a tumultuous season. But, with just one day left in the 2026 trade period, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan say there's more work for the Roos to do. First, they need to secure a key defender, with Adelaide's Nick Murray top of their shopping list, then they need to build a game
Saints stalking as Swans, Roos stall on Blakey
North Melbourne are yet to make a move this trade period, but are juggling lots of possible deals, and now have just two days left to get them done. Although Sydney’s Nick Blakey remains their No.1 target, a deal to deliver him to Arden Street did not progress far on Monday. Michael Gleeson and Peter Ryan suspect that leaves the door ajar for St Kilda to make a late play for the dashing defe
Smelly side deals get Butters, King to new clubs
Trade period went into overdrive on Friday, with centrepiece deals delivering Zak Butters to the Western Bulldogs and Ben King to Hawthorn. Five clubs, 20 draft picks and two other players were involved in a convoluted side deal that helped convince Port Adelaide they didn't need to match the Dogs' offer for Butters. Andrew Wu and Sam McClure explain how the side deals work and why footy fans shou
The $12 million bid that's blown up the race for Nick Blakey
The pursuit of Sydney star Nick Blakey took a major twist on day four of the AFL trade period. Sam McClure and Peter Ryan unpick the bold bid from North Melbourne that put them at the front of the queue for the Swan's services. Can other clubs beat what the Roos have to offer? Our podcasters also look at the impact of Rowan Marshall landing at Geelong, the multi-club deal brewing behind the
The 'significant advantage' as Bombers, Cats, Saints circle Blakey
A number of clubs have registered their interest in star Sydney defender Nick Blakey. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan delve into the emerging suitors and what they can potentially offer for a player at "the peak of his career". Plus, the "good business" from Essendon as Jordan Ridley becomes a Cat, the big deal offered for a one-game player, and your questions answered.Support the show: https://subscribe
Merrett, King can make Hawks flag favourites
A day after landing Zach Merrett, Hawthorn set their sights on Gold Coast key forward Ben King. Andrew Wu and Michael Gleeson debate how those two gun recruits will elevate the preliminary finalists next year, and why a teenager with one game to his name looms as the key to unlocking the King recruitment. Meanwhile, the Roos have their new coach, Jaymie Graham, and St Kilda’s relationship wi
Merrett gets his wish: Dons hostage becomes a Hawk
There was no mucking around on the first day of the AFL trade period ... well, not as much as usual. Zach Merrett was granted his request and traded to Hawthorn, Scott Pendlebury was officially traded to Gold Coast, uncertainty surrounded the future of Jordan de Goey and North Melbourne prepared to appoint their next senior coach. Sam McClure and Jake Niall unpack it all with an eye on what wheeli
RIP Wharfie Time: The history and heartbreak of the 2026 grand final
A four-minute frenzy flipped the 2026 grand final on its head when the Brisbane Lions surged late to destroy Fremantle’s dreams of a maiden AFL premiership. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan were among the 100,023 awestruck footy fans who witnessed it. Hours later, they gather in our studio to analyse the pivotal moments, discuss the future of Lions coach Chris Fagan, rate Kylie Min
Why forgotten Lion could replace Neale
Lachie Neale’s future hangs in the balance, creating selection quandaries for Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan ahead of the grand final against Fremantle. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan ruminate over the options facing both teams, the vital statistics and match-ups that will shape the game. Will the Lions go back-to-back-to-back or will Fremantle’s purple reign at the MCG? Our tipsters have
The Hawks bottled it, now for the grand final
Free kicks cost Hawthorn in the closing stages of Saturday night’s pulsating preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson rank the game among the best they’ve seen, but say the Hawks only have themselves to blame for the heartbreaking loss. They also discuss the heated scenes post-match before turning their eye to the Lions and their bid
Preliminary final predictions and Brownlow forecasts
Sydney and Hawthorn are well rested and sitting pretty for the AFL preliminary finals, but Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan question whether the week off and hosting rights are the advantage they’re made out to be. Could Fremantle and the Brisbane Lions both pull off an interstate raid, and who will be the main challengers to Nick Daicos for the Brownlow Medal on Monday night? Our tipsters give you
How Butters blindsided the Cats and thrilled the Dogs
Geelong lost their semi-final to Fremantle then had the biggest fish of the trade period jump off their hook when Zak Butters declared he wanted to join the Western Bulldogs. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss how the Dogs won Butters’ affections, how they’ll now get the deal done and what he’ll mean for their future. Plus, they assess the weekend’s sem
‘I reckon the winner of this game will win the flag’
Our master tipster Andrew Wu makes a huge call ahead of the clash between Fremantle and Geelong. Before flying to Perth to cover the game, Wu tells Peter Ryan why he thinks the first semi-final will be the pivotal match of this year’s finals series. The Brisbane Lions versus Adelaide match also gets close scrutiny as our tipsters search for winners at the pointy end of the AFL season.Support
How the Swans revived their torpedoed season
Sydney are into a preliminary final after a mighty win over the Brisbane Lions, but still face months of uncertainty off the field. North Melbourne’s cold-blooded sacking of coach Alastair Clarkson leaves the legendary coach with deep wounds, and the Hawks ambush Fremantle in front of their adoring, but tense, home-town fans. When Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall cast their ey
How will the Hawks handle Wharfie Time?
The “real finals” start now according to our resident tipping experts, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan. Fremantle will be warm favourites at home to Hawthorn, but will they be able to handle the pressure of expectation from their parochial fans? Geelong face the buoyant Blues, who’ve had the wood on them of late. The depleted Swans host the Lions, and Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks is als
Their halo slipped: The Sydney Swans' fall from grace
Pressure mounts on the depleted Swans on and off the field ahead of their qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions. Scott Pendlebury walks out on the heartbroken Magpies after 442 games to become a Sun, the Bulldogs breathe a sigh of relief and Carlton's Josh Fraser juggernaut rolls on. September is almost here and it's all happening in the AFL. Luckily, we've got Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall an
Wild times ahead
The wildcard finals pit the Western Bulldogs versus Collingwood and Melbourne against Carlton. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan run their discerning eye over both games. After sitting atop our tipping contest all season, they suddenly find themselves in fierce disagreement on both games. It’s sudden-death time on the field and high-risk strategies off it, as our experts debate who will win and why,
The open secret about the Sydney Swans
It's a shameful time for the Sydney Swans. Michael Gleeson says the latitude given to their players has been an open secret among rival clubs, while Caroline Wilson and Peter Ryan say the Swans have lost the moral superiority they once carried because of the behaviour of five players at East Melbourne's Pullman Hotel. The Swans are also set to lose a key off-field figure, with Mark McVeigh po
A minefield for tipsters
The Swans are in turmoil and North Melbourne are finishing the season strongly. Collingwood’s kids have delivered, but can they take it up to the mighty Brisbane Lions? Fremantle have nothing to play for, and a number of clubs are looking to give their battered stars a rest before the wildcard games and finals. It’s the final round of the home and away season, and while the AFL’s
Pendlebury might play on in 2027, and why it might not be with Collingwood
Scott Pendlebury has played more AFL games than anyone, all for Collingwood, but Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson identify the rival club where he might get a swansong and why it would make sense. In a remarkable round of football, we got two draws at the weekend - Hawthorn vs Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs vs Carlton. And with the wildcard matches looming, there’s plent
September comes early, Cats face ‘banana-peel’ game
With two rounds left in the home and away season, there are a number of crunch games this week for Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan to preview. The Cats head to Marvel Stadium for the first time this year, where they take on the in-form Kangas, and the Crows are out to upset the Dockers. Collingwood and Hawthorn lock horns in an MCG blockbuster, and although St Kilda need a win to keep their slim finals h
AFL chair 'needs to stand aside’ over concussion contract saga
As Geelong and the AFL sift through the messy business of Jake Kolodjashnij’s concussion waiver, Caroline Wilson says it’s time for league chairman Craig Drummond to take a leave of absence. Fellow panellists Jake Niall, Sam McClure and AFLW champion Libby Birch also weigh in with their thoughts on the saga that is the talk of the footy world. Meanwhile, Josh Fraser’s momentum as
Hawthorn’s chance to prove their premiership credentials
Can the Hawks make a statement at the Gabba, or will the Lions bounce back from last week’s stinging loss to Carlton? With tipping supremacy on the line, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan disagree on how this monumental swing game will play out. The Sunday-night clash between St Kilda and Carlton is also a bone of contention, while Collingwood face a “danger game” in the west and Fremantl
Essendon to announce their new coach next week
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 Alast
The milestone that will lift the Blues
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
Former Carlton star Sam Docherty on when fans boo, teammates clash and Josh Fraser
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 fro
The clash that could shape the season
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 t
The inside story on Hinkley's appointment as Tassie Devils coach
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
Courage required: It's time tipsters made their move
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
Richmond on the watch list, and Hardwick has 'lost it'
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
‘Less reliable than V/Line' - the Roos are a tipster’s nightmare
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
AFL bends rules but still botches Maynard, Miller penalties
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 apprentices
Bonus episode: The life and, sometimes, perilous times of an AFL runner
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 interv
Hallelujah! We’re back to nine games
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 kee
The Tigers could be the stalking horse for Zak Butters
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
A tense watch for Collingwood
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.
Music to Carlton’s ears
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
Sam Mitchell was spewing but will the Hawks over-correct?
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,
AFL footy boss Greg Swann on umpiring, wild-card finals and the Tasmania Devils
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 fina
Demons seek vengeance, Roos must rebound
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.
Neale said play on, Kozzie did just that
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.Supp
‘I’ve written off Brisbane’
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
How John Longmire can puncture the James Hird balloon
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 f
Brad Scott ‘didn’t have a chance’
Essendon travel west after sacking their coach, teams top up at the mid-season draft and the Giants hook into some ice-cold beers after their remarkable win over the reigning premiers, whose credentials are now under question. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan run their eye over what’s coming in round 12 of the AFL season.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener f
SPECIAL EPISODE: Inside the Brad Scott departure
As news emerges that Essendon has parted ways with coach Brad Scott, Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall jump in the studio to record a special episode of the Real Footy podcast. Why did the axe fall on Scott, and have the Bombers contradicted themselves? We ask all the big questions raised by this decision, including whether James Hird will throw his hat in the ring and who might be the other can
Is Brad Scott on borrowed time at Essendon?
Caroline Wilson expects the Bombers will say bye-bye to their coach by the bye round, but fellow panellists Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall think Brad Scott has more time than that to lift his embattled club. And what does the coaching merry-go-round mean for Luke Beveridge? Our panelists have a left-field suggestion for the Western Bulldogs coach. Plus, we review all the major talking points from
How the Pendlebury party insults the Eagles
West Coast have been framed as the “Washington Generals” in Collingwood’s plan to celebrate Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking game. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan ponder their chances of ruining the occasion with an almighty upset. Plus they preview the big match between the Cats and Swans, and explain why it’s time for the Saints and Kangaroos to take a scalp.Support the
Upset wins for Blues, Dees, and the young star who terrifies Caroline Wilson
Carlton taste a rare victory, Melbourne enjoy one against a highly fancied opponent and Collingwood seem more concerned with Scott Pendlebury’s impending milestone than putting wins on the board. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson debate all the big topics after round 10 of the AFL season, including their thoughts on a rising AFL star who terrifies one of our panellists and remi
Cats seek vengeance, Pies to be outpaced
Is Geelong’s form good enough to topple the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in the grand final rematch, and can Carlton bounce back from their week of turmoil after the sacking of coach Michael Voss? Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan ask these questions as they run their eye over all the round-10 AFL matches, including the 30-year reunion of the “merger cup” between Melbourne and Hawthorn and
Pies minced, Dockers convince and a shake-up at City Hall
Collingwood's frailties - immediate and long-term - are exposed by Geelong. Fremantle wins over their doubters with a barnstorming win over Hawthorn, and the AFL Commission prepares for a major overhaul. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson unpack all the big issues in football after round nine and look ahead to the grand final rematch between the Lions and Cats.Support the show: https:
The uproar and the ‘brutal reality’: Inside the Lance Collard case
In this bonus episode, Peter Ryan and Danny Russell take an in-depth look at the AFL tribunal after string of controversial cases so far in 2026 have thrust the judiciary back into the spotlight. We've had a hearing interrupted by an open-house inspection, and another by barking dogs, and we’ve even had a King's Counsel sacked after delivering a judgement that AFL headquarters couldn’t
One team's streak is about to end
Between them, the Hawks and Dockers haven't lost a game for eight weeks. That will change on Thursday night in Perth. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss the top-four clash, as well as the big match between Geelong and Collingwood where Scott Pendlebury will match the AFL games record and Tom Stewart will clock up his 200th appearance. But it's the game between Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs
It's Groundhog Day for Voss and his Blues
As Carlton's recurring nightmare continues, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss the chances of coach Michael Voss keeping his job, and name the man most likely to takeover if and when he is jettisoned. Plus, they discuss whether Scott Pendlebury should've played in Collingwood's draw with Hawthorn, the Showdown thriller, the sacking of Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra, why the "AFL ne
Friends become foes in Blues' grudge match
Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni take on Carlton for the first time since defecting to St Kilda, Port Adelaide hit the Showdown with the Crows in form, the Pies rest Pendlebury for the big clash with Hawthorn, the Bulldogs enter their match against Fremantle in freefall, North Melbourne are a "sneaky show" in Geelong, the Tigers have a chance to score their first win in the west and Gold Coast are
AFL fumbles tech, Pendles fumbles nothing
The AFL turned back the clock in a series of video-review snafus in round seven, prompting Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure to ask if the league’s obsession with technology has gone too far. In a different way, Scott Pendlebury, 38, also turned back the clock, producing a timeless Anzac Day performance that raises the question; is he the greatest Magpie ever? We’ve got that
The case for a Bombers’ boilover
Essendon haven’t won on Anzac Day since COVID times, but Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are yet to be convinced by Collingwood, and say the Dons are not without hope on Saturday. Gold Coast, likewise, pose a threat to Hawthorn’s winning streak, but would have to conquer their own Launceston hoodoo to cause an upset, while the Bulldogs, beset by injuries, face an almighty challenge to mark th
How did the Blues fail Elijah Hollands?
Carlton are under scrutiny for their management of Elijah Hollands in their heartbreaking loss to Collingwood. Magpie Nick Daicos and Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron deliver virtuoso performances, the Bulldogs lose one of the AFL’s brightest young stars to a shattering injury and the luck of the Irish smiles on the Demons as they cause a massive upset over the reigning premier. It’s all
Rivalries, royals and rev-ups
Carlton v Collingwood, the Battle of the Bridge, the WA derby; there's feuds aplenty in the AFL this week. Peter Ryan and Danny Russell run their eye over the round six matches. In a worry for all other teams, they find the Brisbane Lions are getting better. Plus they ask, what in the blazers have St Kilda been getting up to on their week in Adelaide, how many goals will Nick Larkey kick for the K
To ruck or not to ruck?: The Dogs' Darcy dilemma
Sam Darcy is the hottest property in the AFL, but the Western Bulldogs have a huge call to make on the star forward. This week on the Real Footy podcast, Peter Ryan, Libby Birch and Caroline Wilson debate the Darcy dilemma. They also discuss the future of Gather Round, Charlie Curnow's slow start to life as a Swan, Essendon's drought-breaking win, where Richmond's next victory is coming from
Injuries stack up against Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs might be the only undefeated team left, but Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are unwilling to make the "leap of faith" required to back them against Hawthorn in Gather Round. The Sydney v Gold Coast game is the one that divides the opinion of our tipsters, who also discuss North Melbourne's most important acquisition, Collingwood's scoring problems and the possible ramifications of a
Hawks, Cats deliver again; Blues smell of panic
Hawthorn and Geelong serve up the game this AFL season needed, Carlton capitulate once more, Steven King's Demons provide a blueprint for beating the Suns, and the Brisbane Lions' Will Ashcroft puts on a clinic against the Pies. This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Peter Ryan and Sam McClure also debate the value of old-school coaching sprays, the merit of wildcard round, the
A question of trust for Blues v Roos
The Easter round throws up a variety of intriguing AFL games, with Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan disagreeing on where to put their faith on Good Friday. They also debate the merits of speculative "expected-score" statistics, ponder how much damage the Western Bulldogs could do to the Bombers and get excited for the rematch of last year's preliminary final between Hawthorn and Geelong.Support the show:
How low can the Blues and Bombers go?
One-time AFL behemoths Carlton and Essendon delivered more disappointment to their long-suffering supporters at the weekend, prompting Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson to ask if either club has reached its lowest ebb. The league also comes in for scrutiny after a boundary-line blunder, inexplicable jumper clash and faulty fixture, but wins praise for locking in the grand final timin
No excuses for Collingwood, mutual hatred at Marvel
The Magpies have an unhealthy reliance on Nick Daicos, but our tipsters, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan, reckon they'll get the job done against the Giants. They also preview two Marvel Stadium matches between sworn enemies - St Kilda v Brisbane Lions and Essendon v North Melbourne - and analyse why Melbourne are going to be a difficult team to tip all season long.Support the show: https://subscribe.the
'A world of pain' for Brad Scott's Bombers
Essendon's disastrous start to the season puts more heat on coach Brad Scott and their lacklustre leaders. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson also discuss Docker Patrick Voss' fine for taunting Melbourne's Harrison Petty, and whether the AFL bears any blame for the spate of hamstring injuries that have sidelined star players across the competition. Plus, they analyse the rise of the b
Rankine returns, Bevo's faith pays off
The Crows get their firestarter back after a long suspension, but the in-form Bulldogs should have them covered in one key area in Friday night's blockbuster in Adelaide. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan lay down their round two tips, asking will Sydney's injuries hobble them against the Hawks and who will win the statement game between GWS and St Kilda.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/Se
What happens if the big four flop?
Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon and Richmond are Victoria’s big four clubs with the power to fill the MCG weekly, but what will happen if they all struggle in the same season? Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure ponder that question while also asking what the Saints really got for their $4m splurge, whether the Bombers regret hanging onto Zach Merrett and why the Magpies left themselv
Angry fans, fashion tips and undisciplined Lions
Round one of the AFL season promises some spite, with the Bombers and Hawks renewing their rivalry, Roos fans reacquainting with Jason Horne-Francis, Jack Steele facing the Saints and the Pies and Crows meeting for the first time since last year's hostile final. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan strip back the emotion in search of some winners. They find the Lions' lack of discipline could be costly agains
How a Daicos, Pendlebury masterclass exposed new-look Saints
Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury run amok for Collingwood, prompting our panel to ask if St Kilda's Ross Lyon was out-coached and how his playmaker Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will cope with being a marked man. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson also get their first look at the AFL's new rules as well as Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in their new colours. Plus, the
Opening round grudge matches and golden rules for tipping
Charlie Curnow won't know what's hit him when he and his new Swans teammates open the 2026 AFL season against his former club, Carlton. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are back in 2026 to take you through the games and share their wisdom on all things AFL. Hopefully, they can help you pick a winner in your tipping contest. Other games this week include Gold Coast v Geelong, GWS v Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions
'He won't be captain': The after-shocks of Zach Merrett's trade attempt
After a lengthy AFL trading period, the biggest news surrounds a player who didn't get his wish - Essendon captain Zach Merrett, who couldn't get to Hawthorn. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan also examine Charlie Curnow's monster move to the Swans and the new-look Demons after Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were shipped off to new clubs.Support the show: h
'It's not a great deal': Doubts over Merrett-to-Hawks move
After Hawthorn finally came to the party and came up with a trade offer for Essendon captain Zach Merrett, our podcasters - Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan - are sceptical that a deal can be reached, even with the deadline only 24 hours away. "Hawthorn haven't come up with a deal that respects the fact that they have to lose something beyond a pick - they have to lose a player," expla
'A real salary cap pinch': Swans' Curnow hitch
The AFL trade period is in a state of inertia, but the intrigue remains strong with 48 hours until the final deadline. Christian Petracca's switch to the Gold Coast hasn't happened yet, but it will. What is more interesting is the roadblocks facing star forward Charlie Curnow's potential move to Sydney Swans.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Not all first round picks are equal
We're halfway through AFL trade period, 13 trades in and things are starting to get spicy. Andrew Wu and and Marc McGowan run their eye over the action on day five and what lies ahead over the weekend. They discuss Geelong's three-pick offer for Charlie Curnow, Gold Coast clearing space to bring in Christian Petracca, St Kilda reneging on their offer to Leek Aleer and what Wuey would do if he was
'Something's going on here'
Sam McClure's scoop senses are tingling, are Zak Butters and Zach Merrett about to execute their exit strategies and blow the trade period wide open? Sam says something is afoot, but he's not sure what. He joins Peter Ryan to talk about day four of trading, including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's redemption story and Steven May's prospects of finding a new club.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.co
'Melbourne have thrown him out'
How much are the Demons willing to pay for Clayton Oliver to play for a rival club for the next five years? Andrew Wu and Jake Niall discuss the intricacies of the star onballer's falling out with his club and why the Giants are leading Collingwood in the haggling for his services. Plus all the action and inaction of day three of the AFL trade period, including the developments on talks about the
'Sydney are all over him'
The Swans are frontrunners for Charlie Curnow, but only if they are willing to give up something Carlton wants. Clayton Oliver tours the GWS facilities and the Suns build a moat around Bailey Humphrey. Sam McClure and Peter Ryan discuss the deals that happened on day two of the AFL trade period, those that are taking shape and those that are stuttering. Plus, they ask what are the risks and reward
Pick seven is not enough
Melbourne says the Suns will need to pay up to get Christian Petracca. Charlie Curnow is gettable, Zach Merrett isn't and Zak Butters makes all recruiters go weak at the knees. The AFL trade period gets underway with all the bluster, posturing and skullduggery footy fans have come to expect. Thankfully, we've got Michael Gleeson and Marc McGowan on the pod to make sense of it all.Support the show:
The Lions juggernaut
They now have back-to-back premierships, so how far can the Brisbane Lions take this dynasty? On the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Marc McGowan pore over the Lions' 47-point upset grand final defeat of Geelong. They analyse the big Lions gamble that hit the jackpot, the risks that backfired on the Cats and all the other major talking points from the 2025 season deci
