Red and Black Unfiltered

PODCAST · sports

Red and Black Unfiltered

No Filter. No Media Spin. Two long-time mates, die-hard Essendon Bombers supporters, have ridden the highs and lows of over 35 years of footy passion. From premiership glory to decades of heartache, they’ve felt it all. It’s been nearly 25 years since the Bombers last lifted the cup and 20 years since a finals win—enough is enough.This podcast is for true red-and-black faithful who bleed for the club, ready for honest, unfiltered footy talk. Full of banter, raw emotion, and challenging the norm, it’s like a pub chat with mates who don’t hold back. No media agendas, no insider politics.

  1. 23

    Anzac Day belting: turning point feels more like a false dawn

    In this episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, we break down the Dons loss to the Pies brutal detail—dissecting a game plan that looked disconnected, selection calls that raised eyebrows, and player performances that simply didn’t stack up.We dive into the key moments that shaped the result, question the coaching approach, and assess what this means for the Bombers as the the expected turning point was perhaps false hope.There’s nowhere to hide as we unpack leadership, effort, and belief inside the group.We move on to preview the match vs the Lions in which again effort, energy and united team is simply what we ask and expect.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  2. 22

    Turning Point Confirmed… Pies Next

    In this episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, Coops & Pete break down a very solid performance against the Suns. The turning point speculated feels to be now confirmed. The boys unpack key player contributions, midfield battles, and the tactical shifts starting to emerge under Brad Scott. From pressure acts and contested ball to structural changes and evolving player roles, we look at what actually worked and what still feels fragile.Plus, we bring in for the first time the Brad Scott Belief Index! With Collingwood looming on Anzac Day, this episode sets the stage for the ultimate test. If this really is a turning point, the Pies game will tell us.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  3. 21

    Finally, a win!!!

    Pete and special guest Boydy jump straight into Essendon’s statement win — the one that finally snapped the 17 game losing streak — unpacking the moments, mindset shifts and tactical moves that made it happen.From the composure of Roberts to the class of Merrett, the engine of Parish and the spark of Kako, the boys break down the performances that drove the surge — and why maybe this version Bombers feels different. They dig into the coaching calls that are shaping this group, the players trending up (and those still finding their role), and whether this is a genuine turning point or just a flash in the pan.Then it’s eyes forward — a big test looming against the Gold Coast Suns. The lads dissect the key matchups, where Essendon can expose them, and what absolutely has to hold up to go back-to-back.If you want raw, honest Bombers analysis with a bit of edge — this episode brings it.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  4. 20

    Dons lose 17 in a row, but did we see a turning point?!

    Pete and Coops break down Essendon’s clash with the Bulldogs and more importantly, what sparked that second-half turnaround that had fans back on the edge of their seats.Is this the start of a turning point for the Dons on the back of loss 17?They also look ahead to the upcoming gather round meeting with the Demons, unpacking team balance, selection dilemmas, and whether the Bombers can build consistency off the back of this performance.It’s a raw, insightful look at where Essendon sits right now, blending analysis, opinion, and the pulse of the supporter base.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  5. 19

    Were favourites for the spoon!; how long does Brad have?

    In this episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, Pete and Coops take a hard look at where the Bombers really stand right now. From inconsistent effort and questionable selection decisions to deeper concerns around leadership, culture, and coaching direction, nothing is off-limits.We break down recent performances and ask the tough questions:Is it effort, skill… or something more concerning?Are standards slipping when it comes to player selection?What does Brad Scott’s tenure actually look like right now?Enter Big Picture Pete (BPP) — stepping back from the week-to-week noise to look at where Essendon is actually heading. Is this a genuine rebuild, or are we stuck in the middle ground again? BPP zooms out on list profile, strategy, and whether the club’s direction truly stacks up.There’s honest analysis, a few strong opinions, and a clear focus on what needs to happen next if Essendon is serious about turning things around.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  6. 18

    Two Fans, Too Many Questions: The Essendon Crisis

    Coops and Pete are back, and like most Essendon fans right now, they’ve got more questions than answers.From leadership gaps and poor defensive pressure to a team struggling for identity, the boys dig into what’s really behind Essendon’s woeful state. Is it system, personnel, or something deeper in the culture?Coops with the Scoops is back, with a few insights and whispers that add even more intrigue to where things might be heading.Honest, frustrated, and unapologetically fan-driven. Two fans, too many questions… and a club at a crossroads.Enjoy Bomber Fans.

  7. 17

    First Game, Dons Déjà Vu

    The hype was real. Young list, clean bill of health, best preseason we’ve ever had… then Round 1 hit.Pete and Coops react to another all-too-familiar Essendon performance. A bright start, then a complete drop-off. Poor system, beaten at the contest, and the game gone quickly.Coops unloads on where it went wrong, whether the game plan stacks up, if the list is actually good enough, and whether pressure is coming for Brad Scott.Plus RBU votes (it gets thin quickly), stock rising and falling, a Flying Blind shake-up, and a quick look ahead to this weekend again the Power.Round 1 done… and it already feels like Dons Déjà Vu.

  8. 16

    Footy but no footy - season preview and predictions

    The season hasn’t really started… but the predictions definitely have.We dive into Essendon’s 2026 outlook, from breakout players and rookie watch to who needs to lift this year. There’s ladder predictions, and a look at whether Brad Scott’s Bombers can finally take a step forward. We finish with a preview of the round one clash with Hawthorn.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  9. 15

    We’re Back! Merrett, the New Kids and the Preseason

    The boys are back for Season 2 of Red & Black Unfiltered.Coops and Pete break down the Zach Merrett trade drama, Essendon’s off season shake ups, a new group of exciting young players and the early signs from the Bombers pre season hit out against the Saints.There is plenty to like, plenty to question and a few familiar frustrations along the way.Strap in Bombers fans. The pod is back!

  10. 14

    Episode 23 - Our Grand Final… and It Didn’t Go to Plan

    This week on Red & Black Unfiltered, Coops and Pete reflect on what was billed as “our Grand Final” against the Blues — and how it slipped away.They break down the key moments, the inside-50 pain, and where the Bombers fell short despite the stakes. Player performances come under the spotlight as Redman continues to shine, while the “Baby Bombers” in Clarke and Kako show plenty of promise.Votes are handed out, stocks are tracked up and down, and contract talk looms large as the list continues to take shape.The boys also cast their eyes forward to the season’s final outing — a return bout with Gold Coast. Can Essendon salvage pride and finish on a high?!Plenty of honesty, analysis, and Bomber passion — enjoy!

  11. 13

    Episode 22 - Next Man Up, Valiant in Defeat to the Saints

    In this week’s Red & Black Unfiltered, Pete and Coops break down Essendon’s fighting performance against the Saints. Despite falling short on the scoreboard, the Bombers showed plenty of heart, with another debutant stepping up and young players proving their worth.The boys dissect midfield depth in the absence of Merritt, hand out their player votes, and run through whose stock is rising and falling.Flying Blind returns with a couple of curly questions on the Bombers’ best forward mix — and the $2 million man.The Carlton clash looms large: what would a win mean for morale, rivalry, and redemption?Plenty of honesty, analysis, and Bomber passion — enjoy!

  12. 12

    Episode 21 - Special Injury Crisis Edition + Bombers’ Resilience vs the Cats

    In this special edition of Red & Black Unfiltered, Pete is joined by former AFL sports doctor Dr. Clugston to go deep on Essendon’s unprecedented injury crisis.We unpack the causes, the pressure on medical teams, and the emotional toll on players. Dr. Clugston shares insider insights on concussion protocols, player rehab, and the ethical dilemmas faced in high-pressure environments.We also turn our attention to the Bombers’ resilient showing against Geelong — how the side stood tall despite being undermanned, what it means for team morale, and the role young players are playing in keeping the season alive.With the Sainters up next, a golden opportunity looms for a much-needed win — we weigh up the chances.Enjoy, Bomber fans!

  13. 11

    Episode 20 - Big Picture Pete and the Groundhog Day Dons

    In this week’s episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, it’s feeling like Groundhog Day as Coops and Big Picture Pete wade through another chapter of the Bombers’ season.The Swannies game — and the sliver of respectability it brought — is digested. The players remain under the spotlight with this week’s Votes and Essendon Xchange: who’s standing up, and who’s fading out?BPP comes in hot with part 3 of his “future lens” — what does it all mean? With list management, high-performance shakeups, and trust in the playing group all up for debate, it’s another brutally honest look at where Essendon is… and where it needs to go.We finish with an eye to the Cats game. We’re praying for a miracle — but more than anything, we just want to see breakout moments and eye-catching performances.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  14. 10

    Episode 19 - Jake & the Giants too slick but we roll on

    In the latest instalment of Red & Black Unfiltered, emotions are mixed as the Giants cruise past the Dons in second gear.Pete and Coops dig into the growing pains of a young, injury-riddled Essendon side — can we really expect more, or are certain players now firmly under the microscope?The traditional Flying Blind segment returns, tackling hot topics including the game plan, our next high-performance boss, and a few infamous list cloggers from years gone by.We also preview the upcoming clash with the Doggies — and dare to hope for a performance that gives us something to smile about.Enjoy, Bomber fans!

  15. 9

    Episode 18 - No Free Pass, Catharsis from Rock Bottom

    This week on Red & Black Unfiltered, Coops and Pete break down a grim Essendon performance against as cracks in connectivity and cohesion continue to widen across the field.Yes — more serious injuries, this time to Martin and Setterfield. It’s now reaching unprecedented territory.Pete faces the heat in a special rapid-fire edition of Flying Blind, tackling the big questions about the list, leadership, and what’s next.We also look ahead to the quick turnaround for The Stringer Game, with more team changes on the cards — including yet another debut? We ask the Bombers to at least deliver a competitive showing!Frustration, honesty, catharsis… and just a flicker of hope.Enjoy, Bomber fans.

  16. 8

    Episode 17 - Scoops Dissects: Injury Woes and the Winds of Discontent

    In this week’s episode, Coops and Pete are back from the bye—jet-lagged, patched up, and ready to dissect another solid but in the end frustrating Essendon performance. As usual the all important match votes, rising stocks, and players in the gun.Scoops dives in the rising injury toll and how it’s potentially derailing our season.Whether the Bombers’ high-performance team is under the pump? (spoiler: yes)Discontent bubbling among players—and what it means for the clubThe boys preview a big Round 18 clash against the Tigers, asking: do the Bombers have enough bodies—and belief—to get it done? Plenty of opinions, a few laughs, and maybe some therapy for fellow Essendon fans. Strap in. Or strap up, depending on your soft tissue status.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  17. 7

    Episode 16 - Flat in Freo, but a freshen up and now fired up for the Suns!

    In this episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, Coops and Pete delve back into the memory bank to lightly unpack the Freo game. A few shining lights with the old and new but the broader implications of Essendon's growing injury list continue to impact performance. The boys break down player form, hand out match votes, and dive into the ongoing Draper contract saga. With the Suns looming, the boys preview what's at stake, are we are chance? - and who is on the bus as Essendon charts its course into the final stretch of the season.

  18. 6

    Episode 15 - Young Dons smashed, a bit about Boony, and a strong case for Harley

    Coops is out of action, so Pete is joined by special co-host Josh, another great friend of the pod. Both lads were at the G on Saturday, but had very different experiences - one in the outer, and the other schmoozing with famous faces in the MCC. The boys dissect the belting at the hands of the slick Cats, provide some votes and run the rule over the big movers with the Essendon Exchange. The boys then have a cracking edition of Flying Blind, with Josh’s take on the season so far, a call-out to Rosa to get Harley, and some debut forecasting. The pod wraps up with a preview of the our trip out west to play the Dockers, with a theme of hope rather than expectation.Enjoy Bombers fans!

  19. 5

    Episode 14 - Blues suck, Duz rubbed out and the injured v non-injured all star game.

    In the latest episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, Coops and Pete dissect Essendon’s frustrating loss to Carlton — another slow start, another fightback, but still not enough. The kids continue to shine, and while it’s a tough stretch, there’s hope this season may be remembered as the beginning of a rebirth.As always, the boys debate who’s rising, who’s falling, and dive into the latest on Zach Reid’s new deal and Sam Draper’s contract limbo.Plus, a cracking mailbag question sparks chaos: who wins — the injured Bombers or the fit ones?They finish with a preview of the Geelong clash, and whether it’s time to unleash even more of the youth brigade.Tune in and enjoy, Bomber fans!

  20. 4

    Episode 13 - The Kids Stood Tall – A Step Forward in Defeat

    The Dons didn’t get the win, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. In this episode, Coops and Pete unpack the Brisbane loss — and the signs that the future’s in good hands.Caddy looked right at home, Caldwell went beast mode in the third, and the young brigade showed plenty. We talk plenty of positives, potential missed chances and forward pressure issues (again).There’s mid-season draft chat, player votes, stocks rising and falling — and we welcome back Big Picture Pete as he zooms out for a check-in on what does the half point tell us with our list and its progression.Next stop: Carlton. Winnable. Potentially very wet and maybe another debutant is on its way!Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  21. 3

    Episode 12 - A Dreamtime Win and the Boy from Tantanoola Arrives

    Essendon’s Dreamtime win over Richmond wasn’t pretty—but it was gutsy. In this episode of Red & Black Unfiltered, Pete and Coops are joined by long-time Bomber tragic Boydy to dissect a scrappy 23-point victory that came at a cost. Injuries to key players like Kyle Langford and Zach Reid have left the Bombers with a growing casualty list.We spotlight the impressive debut of Angus Clarke, who seized his opportunity and examine how the Bombers' depth is being tested. With the mid-season draft looming, we debate potential selections and the strategic moves needed to bolster the squad.Plus, we preview the upcoming clash against the Lions, emphasizing the need for intensity and effort on the field. Can the Dons rally and find consistency in the face of adversity?Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  22. 2

    Episode 11 - Dons Mauled by Dogs — and Hey Presto, Hirdy’s Name Pops Up

    After a 91-point demolition at the hands of the Bulldogs, we dig into what went wrong — and the fallout that followed. While the on-field performance raised plenty of questions, it was Brad Scott’s post-game comments that really sparked debate. Has the coach misread the room? Or is he sticking to a longer-term plan fans aren’t buying?We break down the coaching narrative, assess individual player efforts (yes, a few stood up in the carnage), and get stuck into the eerily subdued atmosphere that mirrored the team’s lack of fight.Fan frustration is growing — and with it, the familiar whispers. Yep, Hirdy’s name has entered the chat once again!We also look ahead to the Tigers clash, talk selection shake-ups, and ask the big question: what kind of response is actually acceptable from here?Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  23. 1

    Episode 10 - ALL IN on the young bombers?

    Is it time to go ALL IN on the Baby Bombers after Essendon’s most entertaining win of the season? — a gutsy, if slightly wonky, takedown of the Swans. Pete and Coops dive into the rise of Caddy, Reid, and the new-gen Dons, a defence that suddenly knows what it’s doing.There's honest talk on injuries, hot-and-cold player form, and why the Bomber faithful should buckle up for a rollercoaster — but promising — rebuild. They wrap things up with a robust preview of the must-watch clash against the Bulldogs.Enjoy Bomber fans!

  24. 0

    Episode 9 - Injuries Strike Again; Stumbling to 4-3

    A stumbling win over the Kangas is once again soured by a brutal run of injuries.Coops spotted Sheedy’s Martians in full force — did they help or hinder the lads?Pete highlights some Hungry Dons moments…not happy.The Votes and Essendon Exchange return, shining a spotlight on the good and the bad.Flying Blinds sparks big debate: “What do we do if Goldy goes down?” and “Has Brad got selection integrity right?”The Swans are up next — and changes are a comin’!Enjoy, Bomber fans.

  25. -1

    Episode 8 - Outclassed but still positives

    Anzac day wrap; disappointed but not dismayed. Pete and Coops give a thorough run down of a brave performance where we were left someway short.Big Picture Pete returns with a check in on where this leaves us a quarter of the way into the season. Coops poses a question on the Clarko and Scott comparison which leads into our game preview against the Tin Rattlers. Enjoy Bomber Fans.

  26. -2

    Episode 7 - Anzac Day Anticipation

    The wins keep rolling - falling over the line against the Eagles. Pete and Coops digest in full.A win soured by the massive loss of Draper to a season ending injury. What does this mean to our Ruck strategy and stocks and the flow on impact to the season?An ANZAC day themed Flying Blind relives some great memories. We finish with all the excitement that comes with an ANZAC day clash with the Pies. How is it going to play out? Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  27. -3

    Episode 6 - Dons sink dismal Dees: Is the Rebuild Off?

    Gather Round joy with a nice win against the lowly Dee's. The boys digest what does this win means to the Dons season fortunes.Coops with the Scoops is back with a take that shocks Pete who questions whether just its all just tongue in cheek stuff.Essendon Xchange returns with those rising high vs falling considerably short. Pod finishes with a solid preview for the game in Perth vs the Eagles.Enjoy Bombers Fans!

  28. -4

    Episode 5 - Making the Most of Crickets

    In a quiet week on the Essendon news front, the boys bring a light and banter filled episode to the fans.The pods opens with some general footy chat as the pressure gauge is red hot on the Blues and the Dees.Flying Blind gets a solid run with some curly questions from the listeners. The excitement builds for the Gather Round as we preview our game vs the Dees.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  29. -5

    Episode 4 - First Win: Did We Overreact?

    Let there be light! A first win against the Power brings the positivity after a week of intense scrutiny. The big question is discussed on whether there was an overaction? Did some big calls need to be retracted? The boys dive into the player votes for the yet to be named award. Flying Blind returns with some juicy and thought provoking questions. An injury update rounds up a sharp and punchier episode as the Dons head into a bye week to fresher up. Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  30. -6

    Episode 3 - Don't Use The 'R' Word

    In the latest instalment of Red & Black Unfiltered, the boys reel from the weekend's game and the ensuing fallout. Has there been an overreaction? Pete goes Big Picture with a look to the past repeating and what now is the meaning of this season...Coops with the Scoops returns with a big call that will challenge our beating red and black hearts.A new segment "Flying Blind" debuts to give us all some levity.List changes and a preview to the game vs Port Adelaide rounds up a big episode.Enjoy Bomber Fans!

  31. -7

    Episode 2 - Metrics Green, Defence Obscene

    In Episode 2, Coops and Pete reflect on their first episode, where feedback was strong.Then engage in a lively discussion about the recent match against the Hawks, analysing the positives and just a little bit on those areas for improvement! Votes are handed out and for the first time and a prize is up for grabs with tickets to Dons v Crows game on Saturday!A new segment is introduced, "The Essendon Exchange" - which player has their stocks are rising and falling.Of course the game against the Crows is previewed in depth. Enjoy Bombers Fans.

  32. -8

    Episode 1 - It's Time!!

    In the debut episode of Red and Black Unfiltered, hosts Coops and Pete break down the latest news and biggest talking points surrounding the Essendon Football Club.They discuss the upcoming 2025 season, expectations, what defines a successful year, and key player profiles. Plus, they cover the week's biggest headlines, including Brad Scott’s contract extension and Peter Wright’s injury.Coops delivers a bold take in "Coops with the Scoops", while "Big Picture Pete" keeps things in perspective, ensuring we don’t lose sight of what really matters.To wrap up, they preview Essendon's clash against the Hawks.Enjoy, Bombers fans! 🔴⚫

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

No Filter. No Media Spin. Two long-time mates, die-hard Essendon Bombers supporters, have ridden the highs and lows of over 35 years of footy passion. From premiership glory to decades of heartache, they’ve felt it all. It’s been nearly 25 years since the Bombers last lifted the cup and 20 years since a finals win—enough is enough.This podcast is for true red-and-black faithful who bleed for the club, ready for honest, unfiltered footy talk. Full of banter, raw emotion, and challenging the norm, it’s like a pub chat with mates who don’t hold back. No media agendas, no insider politics.

HOSTED BY

Coops and Pete

CATEGORIES

URL copied to clipboard!