Football Friends with Ben & Stef

Sydney FC defender Ben Garuccio and Cong An Ha Noi midfielder Stefan Mauk discuss the biggest topics in Australian football this week in the season finale of Football Friends, brought to you by Football360. On this episode:- Ben reacts to Sydney FC’s Grand Final heartbreak against Auckland FC and reveals what the atmosphere was REALLY like in New Zealand- Why Auckland FC have become the blueprint for the rest of the A-League- The A-League’s biggest winners, disappointments and breakout stars from the 2025/26 season- The Socceroos squad drama: The brutal reality of being cut before a World Cup- Stefan reveals the toughest squad omission of his career- What the future REALLY looks like for the A-League amid salary cap and financial uncertaintyPlus much more!

Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk have enjoyed massive weeks, with Ben scoring the winning penalty for Sydney FC against Newcastle, while Stef won silverware in Vietnam. On this week's Football Friends Podcast, brought to you by Football360, the boys reflect on the weekend, break down where both semis were won and look ahead to the A-League Grand Final. Ben reflects on his extraordinary season, which almost never happened after Western United's disaster, and the boys talk about some of the current hot topics, including Arthur Diles' departure at Victory and Heidelberg's omission from Asian competition.

In this week’s episode of Football Friends with Ben and Stef, the boys dive into one of the biggest talking points in Australian football… money, after plenty of fan comments last week about Stef's prediction of an A-League 'exodus'. They preview the third week of the A-League finals series, chat about Riley McGree and the latest Socceroos World Cup squad discussion, share their experiences playing at under 17 level, and break down the reality of football salaries in Australia.

In this week's episode of Football Friends with Ben and Stef, available now on Football360, the guys review and preview the huge finals action in the A-League.With Melbourne Victory's exit, they look at what that means for the future of Juan Mata, and where he stands in A-League marquee history, while Ben discusses the latest whispers out of Western United, prompting a discussion on a potential player exodus into Asia in the off-season.

It's finals time in the A-League and Ben and Stef are back to look ahead to the season climax.This week's episode of Football Friends, brought to you by football360.com.au looks back at Adelaide United and Melbourne City's wild end to the A-League Premiership, Ben's goal scoring form and celebration in Sydney's clash with Auckland and look ahead to the finals.

FOOTBALL FRIENDS WITH BEN & STEF S3, E17 🗣️Sydney FC defender Ben Garuccio and Cong An Ha Noi midfielder Stefan Mauk discuss the biggest topics in Australian football this week.On this episode:Why Marcus Younis should '1000%' be in the Australia's World Cup squad, but 'two things' could stop himStef wants this 18-year-old at the World Cup as a train-on playerMohamed Toure on fire at Norwich: What makes him so good? And why he could be PERFECT for the top level.Plus much more!

Football Friends with Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk is back and the lads pull no punches when it comes to some of the hottest topics in Australian football. The guys review the Sydney Derby, revealing the moment Ben got "hammered" by his teammates for, plus reaction to news that FIFA has written to the Australian Prime Minister about a lack of a home for the Socceroos, crowds in the A-League, the VAR decision that saw Adelaide United's coach go off and much more. Football Friends is now brought to you by football360.com.au.

Ben and Stef are back with a cracking episode of the podcast, for the first time, brought to you by and available on football360.com.au, Australia's new home for football content. In this week's episode: 00:18: Introduction00:30: Stef's latest performances and updates from his league. 04:00: Sydney Derby and PK joining Sydney FC. 11:00: Stef asking about Ben's statement that Sydney FC has the best squad. in the league, and what can Sydney do to unlock that talent. 13:00: PK changing the squad and the internal reaction. 15:00: Western Sydney ahead of the derby. 18:00: Concussion issues in the A-League.22:10: Mitch Duke and his World Cup chances and World Cup selection. 26:45: A-League season and why the table is so open. 28:40: Is the overall standard of the A-League lower this year?32:10: Which teams could jump into the Top-6. 33:50: Heidelberg getting AFC Elite spot. 38:00: Juan Mata injury and affects on Johnny Warren Medal.

Golf or football? The boys take inspiration from Gareth Bale this week as they discuss how to best balance professional football with life's other interests.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁨⁠⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ ⁠⁠

Join the Football Friends as Stef prepares to take on Harry Kewell in the Vietnam League later this weekend, while Ben's Sydney FC get another tight 1-0 win to keep the hunt alive for the A-League Premiership!Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁨⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ ⁠Photo: Leeds

Ben and Stef are joined by Richie Alagich for the second episode of Born Into It! Richie talks about raising his kids during the early days of professionalisation in Australian football, and explains why he asked one of Ethan's early coaches not to pick him in a touring squad when he was young!Photos: Adelaide United

Stef's Cong An Hanoi had to pick themselves up this week after a disappointing exit in the Champions League Two last time out, but it was almost a disaster after a Stevie G-esq slip nearly cost them the match.Ben meanwhile is on his way to Wellington to take on the Phoenix right after the departure of Giancarlo Italiano.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁨ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ Photo: V1

It's been quite a dramatic week for the boys...Stef found out after playing in the Champions League Two Round of 16 that he should have been suspended for yellow card accumulation, turning a 4-0 win into a 3-0 loss ahead of the second leg this week. Meanwhile Ben's Sky Blues were dealt another frustrating defeat in the A-League.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ .Photo: Cong An Hanoi

Join Ben and Stef for a special episode of the Football Friends podcast with special guest Mark Robertson! This series is all about the perspective of parents raising footballers.Alex Robertson is currently killing it over in the UK, playing for Cardiff, who currently lie in first position in League One, with Alex playing a massive role in their promotion run back to the Championship.Photo: Socceroos

The Football Friends are back as the Australian transfer deadline day hits, and Ben is very happy about the signing of Apostolos Stamatelopoulos! Stef meanwhile is worried about his spot after Cong An's 2nd XI took down their upcoming opponents in the ACL2!Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @RoundBallAus ⁠⁠.Photo: Sydney FC - X

Join Ben and Stef for another episode of Football Friends, taking you inside the mind of pros plying their trade in Australian football and beyond.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @RoundBallAus ⁠.Photo: Paramount +

Yep, they've seen it...In this episode of Football Friends, Ben and Stef discuss the latest happenings in the A-League, including injuries, team performances, and the impact of new signings. They delve into Juan Mata's performance for Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue and the box office Newcastle Jets. The conversation also touches on the thrilling match between Adelaide and Brisbane, the inconsistencies of Melbourne City, and the influx of Australian players returning from overseas as they prepare for the World Cup.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠ @RoundBallAus .Photo: Marcus Robertson / Round Ball Australia.

The Football Friends are back for another episode of all things Australian football.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ 

The Football Friends for another jam-packed episode to kick on with 2026!Fresh off the news that the Central Coast Mariners have given operation control to the APL, Stef ponders how a members ownership model could work in the A-League.Ben reacts to the news that Western United have paid off their $15.5m tax debt, the latest news from the A-League, The Olyroos at the U23 World Cup and the future of player agents in football.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠Round Ball Australia⁠⁠⁠.

Ben and Stef are back for the first episode of Football Friends in 2026!Stef's just returned to training after his mid-season break over in Bali with his family, while Sydney's postponement against Auckland gave Ben a little rest over Christmas as well.The guys talk Brisbane Roar's dramatic week over in Gosford and Redcliffe, all the latest A-League news and go inside the mind of a pro to discuss how games of football change after red cards, and what it takes to hang on to a lead when you're down a player.Podcast produced by ⁠⁠Round Ball Australia⁠⁠.

Join Ben and Stef for another episode of Football Friends! On this episode, the boys talk about the importance of player development and coaching in the A-League. They explore the dynamics of team performance, crowd engagement, and the need for investment in A-League clubs to enhance the overall experience for fans and players alike. The conversation also touches on the competitiveness of the league and the significance of tactical understanding and individual player improvement in Australian football.Podcast produced by ⁠Round Ball Australia⁠.

In this episode of Football Friends, Ben and Stefan discuss Ben's recent debut for Sydney FC and the dynamics of the Sydney and Melbourne derbies. They reflect on the inaugural Aus Championship, the potential for promotion and relegation in Australian football, and the impact of coaching changes in the A-League. The conversation also touches on the Socceroos' World Cup draw and their chances in North America 2026!Podcast produced by Round Ball Australia.Chapters00:00 Ben's Debut and the Sydney Derby08:30 Reflections on the Aus Championship14:00 Promotion and Relegation in Australian Football18:55 A-League Press Conferences34:49 Socceroos World Cup Draw and Expectations38:07 The State of Liverpool and Premier League Challenges

Ben and Stef are back for another episode of the Football Friends podcast - now featuring a stable internet connection! The boys chat about their last few weeks of football and then run their eyes over all the biggest stories from the first couple of weeks in the A-League.This podcast is produced by Round Ball Australia.

As Big Ange famously said - season three is always better than season two!But unlike Big Ange, Ben and Stef are actually back, ready to go around again on another season of the Football Friends podcast - this year, supported by Round Ball Australia.On this episode, the boys chat about the first round of the Australian Championship and the start of the upcoming A-League season.

The 24/25 A-League Men regular season has officially wrapped - and what a finish it was! Adelaide United just scraped into the finals, and the boys break down every team’s season in detail. From surprise packages to underwhelming campaigns, they leave no club unanalysed.We also look ahead to the finals series kicking off this weekend - including a massive Football Friends Derby to set the tone! The boys make some bold predictions for the finals series including who they think will make it all the way to the Grand Final.

Round 24 of the A-League Men had it all—goals, drama, and some massive results. We cover all the games, including the wild 3-3 thriller between Macarthur and Newcastle Jets, where late goals and defensive chaos stole the show. And we dive into Stef’s tough night as Adelaide United copped a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory in a heated Original Rivalry clash.We also chat about what these results mean for the finals race, standout performances, and plenty more from an action-packed weekend of Aussie football. Tune in for all the reactions, analysis, and a bit of banter along the way! 🎙⚽🔥

Round 23 of the A-Leagues was one for the history books—33 goals in one weekend, the highest-scoring round ever! We break down all the action, including that wild 4-5 thriller between Adelaide and Macarthur, Wanderers' comeback against Victory, and Brisbane's much-needed win over Perth.We also chat about Newcastle's solid form, a gritty Auckland performance, and the Young Socceroos' U20 Asian Cup triumph—what a moment for Aussie football! Plus, EA FC's FUT Birthday promo is here, so we put the boys to the test with a quiz on player ages.Tap in for all that and more, including our rolling Team of the Year updates! 🎧⚽

Round 22 delivered plenty of action—City’s winning streak continues, Western United put four past Wellington, and Victory made a statement against the Mariners. We break down all the key moments, big calls, and standout performances.Plus, we chat FUT Birthday in EA FC, catch up with the Young Socceroos fresh off their U20 Asian Cup win, and update our rolling Team of the Year.

Round 21 of the A-Leagues had a bit of everything—thrillers, late goals, and some controversial calls! We break down all the action, starting with Melbourne City's solid win over Wellington as Marco Tilio finds form at the right time. Western United put in a shift to take down the Mariners, with subs making a huge impact. Adelaide and Auckland shared an eight-goal spectacle, while Brisbane stunned Victory with a dominant first half. Plus, Sydney got back to winning ways, with Douglas Costa putting on a show. Tune in for all the highlights, reactions, and a few hot takes!

Round 20 of the A-Leagues had everything—thrashings, penalties, controversy, and a Melbourne Derby that delivered. Auckland dominated Wellington in the Kiwi Classico, Newcastle made it three wins in a row, and Western Sydney put four past the Mariners. Victory and City battled it out in an end-to-end derby, while Perth and Sydney played out a scoreless draw despite plenty of chances. Plus, we break down the key moments from every game, including VAR decisions, top goals, and standout performances.Tune in for all the highlights, hot takes, and talking points from another big week of A-Leagues action!

Welcome back to another week of Football Friends with Ben & Stef!This week the boys are joined by Dylan Pierias, Adelaide United winger. Having played alongside Ben and Stef for a big chunk of his career, you could imagine the absolute banter that went on in this episode.From growing up in the City youth system, to a massive move to Adelaide with his young family, Dylan tells us all about the highs and lows of the beautiful game.Tune in Now!

Ben and Stef are back to dissect another wild week in the A-Leagues! From controversial referee decisions to last-minute winners, they break down all the key moments that had fans talking. Who’s been the standout performer of the round? Which teams are flying under the radar, and who’s in serious trouble?The boys also make some bold predictions for the rest of the season—will they age like fine wine or backfire spectacularly? Plus, plenty of banter, debates, and classic Football Friends energy.Tune in now and join the conversation! 🎧⚽

After nearly a decade overseas, Alex Gersbach is back on home soil! The boys catch up with the Socceroo to chat about his football journey—from breaking through at Sydney FC as a teenager to testing himself in Europe and the U.S. We dive into the highs, the challenges, and what brought him back to the A-League. Plus, some cracking quick-fire questions to round things off. Hit play and enjoy! 🎧⚽

Ben and Stef are back for another A-LEAGUE weekly wrap-up, diving into the drama of Round 16! From last-minute heartbreaks to questionable VAR calls, the boys break it all down. Stef shares the highs and lows of his catch-up games, and Ben isn’t shy about handing out some spicy takes on officiating. They chat about standout performances, while pondering the league’s tight race for the top six. Plus, there’s talk of Perth Glory's rebuild, Western Sydney’s struggles, and some good old-fashioned guesswork on the latest transfers. Oh, and missed sitters? Let’s just say a few players had moments they’d rather forget... Tune in for all this and more as we wrap up another action-packed week in Aussie football!

In this week’s Round 15 wrap-up, the boys are all smiles as both their teams bagged 3 points! Stef talks about Adelaide’s gutsy performance in a sold-out Original Rivalry, while Ben celebrates Western’s impressive run of form. Brisbane finally notch their first win of the season, and the lads’ rolling Teams of the Year are starting to take shape. Plus, Stef tries his hand at predicting the EA Sports FC25 Team of the Year – will he nail it? Don’t miss the banter, insights, and plenty of laughs on Football Friends with Ben & Stef!

🎙️ Football Friends with Ben and Stef – Ep. 14: Sprinklers, Transfers, and A-League Chaos Ben and Stef are back after a busy January football schedule! In this Q&A special, they tackle your burning questions, from the future of the Australia Cup to why the A-League has been pure entertainment this season. The lads dive into Perth Glory’s rollercoaster moments, player transfers, and the chaos that young players bring to the pitch. Plus, they chat about what’s clicking for their teams this season and the buzz around upcoming matches. Don’t miss the banter, hot takes, and some big predictions for the A-League’s rising stars. ⚽

This week, we’re joined by Professional Footballers Australia CEO, Beau Busch, as we dive into his remarkable footballing journey—from his grassroots beginnings in Newcastle to playing professionally across Australia, North Queensland Fury, and even Scotland. Beau reflects on the highs and lows of his playing days, his transition into life after football, and the challenges of leading the PFA through some of the sport’s most turbulent times.We also chat about the latest PFA findings, the future of the A-League, and the upcoming second division. Plus, we put Beau on the spot with some quick-fire questions you don’t want to miss.Tune in for an episode full of insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef, we’re joined by Aussie football legend James Holland! From his early days kicking a ball around in Sydney to winning an A-League title with Newcastle Jets, playing in Europe, and wearing the green and gold, James shares the highs, challenges, and lessons from his incredible journey. We cover:⚽ Breaking into the A-League at 18 and winning a Grand Final.🌍 Life in Europe with stints in the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany.🏆 His proudest moments representing the Socceroos. Plus, James reveals his dream five-a-side team, favorite stadiums, and advice for young players. Don’t miss it

This Week in the A-League; Adelaide collapse, Perth’s home struggles roll on, and Barbarouses scores a screamer for Wellington. Auckland dominate in Gosford, Sydney cruise past Victory, and Western United grind out a win. All the goals, drama, and that big red card decision—let’s get into it!

We’re pumped to have Socceroos star and St. Pauli captain, Jackson Irvine, on the pod! From his grassroots beginnings in Victoria to leading one of Germany’s most iconic clubs, Jackson opens up about the big moments in his career. We chat about his move to Celtic at just 16, navigating the highs and lows of football, and what it means to wear the green and gold. Plus, hear Jackson’s thoughts on mental health, his dream 5-a-side team, and whether we might see him in the A-League someday. This one’s a ripper – don’t miss it!

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef, we dive into the drama, goals, and shockers from Round 9 of the A-Leagues. From Adelaide’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney to Western United’s emphatic win over Auckland, there’s plenty to unpack. Who made our Rolling Team of the Year? And what’s the story behind that controversial ref moment? Tune in for all the banter, analysis, and laughs you’ve come to expect. Don’t miss it! 🎙️⚽

This week on Football Friends, Ben and Stef sit down with fellow Adelaide boy Lachy Brook, now making waves in the MLS with Real Salt Lake. Lachy takes us through his journey—from falling in love with football as a kid to signing with Adelaide United, heading to England with Brentford, and finally thriving in the States. We chat about the highs and lows of his career: his A-League debut, life abroad, smashing it at the Wanderers, and what makes the MLS such an exciting league. Plus, Lachy shares his goals for the future, off-field hobbies, and picks his dream five-a-side team. It’s a cracking ep filled with insights, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a pro footballer. Hit play and join the convo!

The A-Leagues are delivering goals galore, drama, and plenty to chat about this week! On Football Friends, we’re breaking down all the big moments from Round 9: from Goodwin kicking off a clinical display for Adelaide, to an edge-of-your-seat thriller in Sydney where Ruhs stole the show late. Plus, we’re joined by Western United’s hero of the week, Ruhsy, to relive his cracking finish and hear what went down after the final whistle. Tune in for all the action, insights, and a few laughs along the way!

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef, the boys sit down with Oli Bozanic, fresh off his retirement announcement. From World Cup appearances to Player of the Month nods (against some very familiar names), he’s done it all. Tune in for insights on his career, hilarious locker room tales, and what’s next for him after hanging up the boots. If you love a bit of banter and football nostalgia, this one’s a must-listen!

🎙️ Episode 7: A-Leagues Weekly Wrap-UpWe’re back with all the action from Round 7 of the A-Leagues! From thrilling Friday night goals to scrappy encounters and record-breaking moments, this week had it all.Stef relives a personal highlight, we chat about standout performances, and, of course, update the Rolling TOTY.Tune in for all the banter, breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insights on Football Friends with Ben and Stef!

This week, we’re joined by Socceroos star and Hibernian fan-favourite, Martin Boyle. From his early days in Scotland to becoming a key figure for club and country, Martin shares stories from his football journey, the challenges he's faced, and the moments that have shaped his career. We dive into:⚽ Growing up with a passion for football.⚽ Breaking into the professional game at just 16.⚽ Life at Hibernian and what makes the club so special.⚽ The highs and lows of representing Australia. And, of course, we hit him with some quick-fire questions you won’t want to miss. It’s a beauty—give it a listen! 🎧

Round 6 of the A-Leagues brought the drama – big wins, late heartbreaks, and surprise results. Ben and Stef break it all down, from standout performances to teams that need a serious rethink. We’re also updating our Rolling Team of the Year (some shock inclusions!) and gearing up for Thursday’s exclusive chat with Martin Boyle. Want the full lowdown? Hit play now! 📸 Follow us for extras:Instagram/TikTok: @footballfriendspod🐦 X: @benandstefpod🎥 YouTube: Football Friends with Ben & Stef

Archie Thompson: Aussie Football's Mayor This week, we’re joined by Aussie football icon Archie Thompson! From his early days in New Zealand to chasing the European dream in Belgium and becoming a Melbourne Victory legend, Archie shares the highs, lows, and wild stories from his incredible career. We chat about his record-breaking 13-goal game, the 2006 World Cup under Guus Hiddink, and what made him return to Australia to dominate the A-League. Plus, life after football—Celebrity MasterChef, media gigs, and his all-time dream 5-a-side team. Packed with laughs and insights, this episode is one for the books!

🎙️UNITE ROUND 🎙️ Ben and Stef are back to unpack all the drama from Round 3! From a thrilling Sydney Derby to Auckland’s incredible clean sheet streak, and some surprising results across the league, we’ve got plenty to chat about. Plus, our Rolling TOTY gets a shake-up! 🎉 Coming Soon: Don’t miss Thursday’s episode featuring Aussie football legend Archie Thompson! Follow us everywhere 👉 @footballfriendspod on Insta & TikTok, @benandstefpod on X, and subscribe on YouTube!

🎙️ This Week on Football Friends with Ben & Stef We’re joined by Western Sydney Wanderers ace and former Western United standout, Nicolas Milanovic! 🚀 From humble beginnings at St. Albans to bagging hat tricks in the A-League, Nico takes us through his incredible journey in football. We chat about:⚽ Where his love for the game began⚽ Navigating big moves during the pandemic⚽ The lessons learned in Melbourne and his return to Western Sydney⚽ What sparked his breakout season and future goals—Europe, Socceroos, and beyond Plus, Nico answers our quick-fire questions and shares advice for young players chasing their dreams. 🌟 Hit play and join the chat with your football mates! 👟✨