The Watch with Ben Gibson

There is a reason why this guest released a book at just 30 years of age.He has 54 AFL games to his name, but his story extends far beyond the footy field.To scratch the surface of life as the first Sudanese-born AFL player, the move to Australia, and a comeback that defied all odds, this is, Majak Daw.-If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

To kick off 2026, we have one of the most iconic names in Carlton Football Club history.278 games, a premiership, and a legacy that will last an eternity.Anthony Koutoufides joins The Watch to chat footy, work and life as a Blue.

There is no more daunting role in sports than that of a senior coach, and this guest provides us an insight into the reasons why. It came as no surprise when she was announced at the helm of the Western Bulldogs AFLW side due to her ability to connect with people and elite football IQ. From the world of professional golf, to the top of the AFL game, this isTamara Hyett.

She was one of the AFLW’s inaugural draftees and a trailblazer for a product that wouldn’t be where it is today without people like her. With that, came some incredible highs and crushing lows. This guest had her career cut short by an illness that she still battles every single day. She is a story of courage, perseverance and success. This is The Watch with Richelle Cranston, more affectionally known, as Rocky.

It’s been 10 years since I first sent an email to this guest - an email with grammar and punctuation that no doubt would’ve disappointed my year 12 English teacher at the time. But that email was met with an opportunity that I dare say very few 18 year olds have been lucky enough to receive. On this episode of The Watch, we unpack that story, and learn countless lessons from one of the best operators in the sports media industry. This is Episode 16, with Hamish McLachlan - a man who has continuously been far too generous with his time.

This episode is the first of its kind. We’re out of the studio and into the Capper Cave, yes the Capper Cave, because when a man of this calibre gives you even the slightest bit of his time, you just have to make an exception.He’s one of footballs most flamboyant characters and really needs no introduction. If you haven’t heard of his name, this episode might not be for you.

The 2018 Rising Star winner appeared destined for a lengthy career at AFL level. He had sharp skills, speed to burn and an ability to stand up on the biggest stage of all.Yet just seven years later, Jaidyn Stephenson joins The Watch to break down his decision to step away from professional football.

In August, 2023, Joel Smith tested positive for the use of an illicit drug during an AFL match.He was subsequently suspended from playing professional sport for four years.Now, 19 months later, he speaks publicly about the incident, and the aftermath, for the very first time.

467 men have donned the Baggy Green for Australia, but just one of them have also featured on The Watch.With the summer officially here, five-time Sheffield Shield champion and former test batsman, Bob Quiney, jumps on the podcast to talk all things cricket.

From undrafted to All-Australian in the space of a couple of months.From Adelaide to Melbourne, to Gold Coast, to Hawthorn,From pathing the way, to facing the keyboard warriors.Sarah Perkins experienced it all in her decorated AFLW career.

It's an Olympic year, which means we need an Olympic podcast, and who better to talk to than someone who has been to the past three Games in a row.This guest has jumped further than any woman in this country's history... just let that sink in.Brooke Buschkuehl joins The Watch to provide an insight into life inside the Olympic Village and details her road to the top. 

The term 'football royalty' is saved for résumés like this: 200 AFL games, two AFL Grand Finals and a Brownlow Medal.Shane Woewodin achieved all of that in his nine seasons at the top level, representing Melbourne and Collingwood between 1997 and 2005.Now, he's back involved in the game he loves through his son, Taj, who's creating his own name in the red and blue. 

There's no such thing as a quiet week for an AFL journalist, and this episode demonstrates just that.Tom Morris delves into the happenings of the Melbourne Football Club, details his personal comeback story and provides an insight into the role of a journo.

50, 40, 30, 20, 15, closing, goal.That's how this guest will forever be remembered, gifting Melbourne fans with a memory that will last a lifetime.But Mitch Hannan's story extends far beyond his Elimination Final heroics in 2018.

From having premiership cups on his kitchen table as a kid to becoming a CEO at 24 years of age, Cameron Schwab has experienced it all in the AFL industry. In this episode, he speaks of his time leading three AFL clubs and the challenges faced along the way.

Few AFL players are remembered for one incident quite like Cale Morton.The former No.4 draft pick joins The Watch to talk THAT clash with Brendon Lade, Melbourne's tanking drama, the Mark Neeld era and a whole lot more.

Charlie Spargo is best known as an AFL premiership player, but that's not on the agenda here.In this special edition episode, Spargo showcases his passion for basketball and helps preview the NBA Finals.

Brad Green (and his stunning left foot) has officially joined The Watch alumni. The former Melbourne Football Club captain, and current board member, wound back the clock, with some niche footy memories recalled. 

Fresh off his AFL debut, Blake Howes makes an equally as important debut on The Watch.The young Demon provides an in-depth review of his first game at senior level and recounts his journey from the draft to the SCG.

Known to most as an AFL player, but some as 'The News Hound', Kade Chandler becomes the inaugural guest on The Watch. On Episode 1, Kade delves into his football career at the Demons, provides an insight into Clayton Oliver, Caleb Windsor and Angus Brayshaw to name a few, speaks hub life, tattoos and a whole lot more.