#161: Sydney Showdown

We started 2026 with a dream burning bright. After the extraordinary joy of back to back flags, hopes were high that we might just be on the cusp of seeing another three peat.It was a dream that took some heavy hits in the first half of the year. A steady stream of injuries, stars down on form, and a third quarter against GWS that some of us are still having nightmares about dented our belief. Thankfully, wins over the Suns & Tigers did enough to steady the ship, giving us a chance to enter the bye with the dream still alive. Now, as we enter the second half of the season, there’s very little margin for error left. The task is clear: from here on out, we need to see the best of Brisbane, and we need to see it pretty much weekly, or 2026 could slip away from us quickly.Also this week:-How do the Lions navigate the next stage of their list strategy?-Dom's finally been convinced by Freo -What we think the AFL needs to do to stay competitive with the NRLAnd much more!The Roar Deal is brought to you by Kartable. Planning for later or needing now? Streamlined pricing and procurement for all of your trade materials, supporting services & site deliveries.