Real Footy

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.

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 for privacy information.

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 candidates for the job?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 round 11.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 reminds another of a Bombers great from the past.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Collingwood’s big challenge against Syddney - “the worst fixture they could possibly have”.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 stomach. To complement a series running in The Age this week, Peter and Danny discuss how and why the judiciary works the way it does, ask what improvements need to be made and unpack the controversial matters of the season so far.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 that causes the fiercest debate between our tipping experts as they discuss all the action coming up in round nine.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 needed Richmond to (finally) win", and how a sneaky photo of a whiteboard in the Lions' changerooms showed the Chris Fagan's team is not as humble as they project.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 poised to arrest their deplorable record against GWS. There's plenty of tipping strategy for Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan to discuss ahead of round eight of the AFL season.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and all the other big news from round seven.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 their premiership reunion with a win over the in-form Swans and the Cats take an imposing form line to Adelaide for their clash with the Power.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 on the table on this week’s episode of the Real Footy podcast, featuring Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Kangas and what did Prince Harry and Tom Liberatore chat about when they met up at Whitten Oval?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and ask what will the ramifications be if Carlton beat Collingwood on Thursday night.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 St Kilda loss to Port Adelaide.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 trade Collingwood will live to regret, and whether Zach Merrett's wife, Alexandra, had to pre-book for her fine-dining experience when the Bombers were on the canvas against the Bulldogs on Saturday night.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 timing and entertainment.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 brilliant Western Bulldogs and the Tasmanian turf war between the Devils and the Hawks.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 themselves so bereft in attack. Plus they talk through impending changes to the AFL drugs policy and pre-season predictions they’d like to take back.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 against the in-form Swans, and Pete reveals the type of clothing he "wouldn't be caught dead" wearing.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, they debate Andrew Dillon's future - and likely successor - as AFL chief, and Sam Docherty dumping on his old club, Carlton.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 v Hawthorn and St Kilda v Collingwood.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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," explains Ryan. The machinations of deals involving big names Charlie Curnow, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca are also on the agenda.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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 Carlton list manager for a day.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.