Real Footy
by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
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/
Episodes
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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‘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...
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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...
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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…
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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....
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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…
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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...
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‘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,...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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:...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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:...
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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...
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‘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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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,...
About this show
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/
Hosted by
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald