Real Footy

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.

How much are the Demons willing to pay for Clayton Oliver to play for a rival club for the next five years? Andrew Wu and Jake Niall discuss the intricacies of the star onballer's falling out with his club and why the Giants are leading Collingwood in the haggling for his services. Plus all the action and inaction of day three of the AFL trade period, including the developments on talks about the futures of Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and Zach Merrett.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Swans are frontrunners for Charlie Curnow, but only if they are willing to give up something Carlton wants. Clayton Oliver tours the GWS facilities and the Suns build a moat around Bailey Humphrey. Sam McClure and Peter Ryan discuss the deals that happened on day two of the AFL trade period, those that are taking shape and those that are stuttering. Plus, they ask what are the risks and rewards for clubs who make their disgruntled players honour their contracts, and is their a path for Zach Merrett to make his way to Hawthorn.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne says the Suns will need to pay up to get Christian Petracca. Charlie Curnow is gettable, Zach Merrett isn't and Zak Butters makes all recruiters go weak at the knees. The AFL trade period gets underway with all the bluster, posturing and skullduggery footy fans have come to expect. Thankfully, we've got Michael Gleeson and Marc McGowan on the pod to make sense of it all.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They now have back-to-back premierships, so how far can the Brisbane Lions take this dynasty? On the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Marc McGowan pore over the Lions' 47-point upset grand final defeat of Geelong. They analyse the big Lions gamble that hit the jackpot, the risks that backfired on the Cats and all the other major talking points from the 2025 season decider.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Lions roll the dice on Lachie Neale and what are the risks? And will the Cats go tall or small in replacing defensive pillar Tom Stewart? Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan call injury analyst Libby Birch into this week's Real Footy tipping podcast as they discuss the factors that will decide the AFL grand final between the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've heard it before, but could this be Geelong's last dance, and are the Brisbane Lions building a dynasty? On the Real Footy podcast Sam McClure, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson go deep in their grand final preview. Will the Lions pick Lachie Neale, and who will the Cats choose to replace Tom Stewart? Plus, controversial umpiring calls, speccies, board unrest at the Bombers, trade whispers and much more. It's a must-listen at the start of the biggest week on the AFL calendar.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The season is on the line as Geelong faces Hawthorn and Collingwood take on the Brisbane Lions. Who will win and why, and what factors will decide these two epic preliminary finals? Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss the games and the tactics that will decide them in this week's episode of the Real Footy tipping podcast.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good luck getting a ticket to the MCG this weekend as Geelong and Hawthorn renew their long-running rivalry, and Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions face-off in the AFL preliminary finals. Sam McClure, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson are pumped up for both games after a weekend of semi-finals where the Crows and Suns were exposed for their lack of finals experience. Plus, they also talk Zach Merrett's stand-off with the Bombers, Melbourne's appointment of Steven King as coach AFL commission politics.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was it that derailed the Crows' first final and can they bounce back on Friday night against the Hawks in the semi-final? On the Real Footy podcast, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss finals tipping tactics and the Q Clash Wuey - and all of Queensland - has been waiting for.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lions lost their first final to Geelong and have yet more injury concerns. Can the reigning champs bounce back, firstly against their little brothers from the Gold Coast this week, and beyond that, to defend their hold on their title? Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson give their assessment in this week's edition of the Real Footy podcast and discuss all the other news from the first week of finals and the intriguing political machinations taking place at the very top of the AFL.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collingwood have the edge in finals experience but is their form good enough to silence the hyped-up Adelaide crowd? Will Geelong's soft run late in the season be a help or hindrance when they take on the Lions at the MCG? This week on the Real Footy tipping podcast, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan run the ruler over the AFL qualifying finals as well as the two cut-throat elimination finals - GWS v Hawthorn and Fremantle v Gold Coast.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the AFL finals upon us, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Marc McGowan analyse the games and the key factors that need to be considered at selection this week. They also discuss the contentious calls in this year's All-Australian team and awards night, Mitch Brown's groundbreaking decision to come out as the AFL's first bisexual former player, off-season recruiting games and the latest on the Melbourne coaching vacancy.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brisbane Lions have injury woes, but also a double chance and key players waiting to return. Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall say they are now perfectly placed to defend their premiership crown. The bitterness between the Crows and Magpies is analysed as they deal with the Izak Rankine rancour and prepare for a tantalising qualifying final in Adelaide, while the panel also debates St Kilda's big cash splash. Listen in to find out who thinks the Saints have landed a coup and who argues they've simply averted a disaster by signing the AFL's first $2m dollar man.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dogs and Dockers have it all to play for. It's crunch time for the Hawks and Lions, and also our tipsters. Listen to the Real Footy tipping podcast as Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan provide their tips and expert advice as the 2025 home and away season draws to a thrilling conclusion.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's shrewd negotiating skills are rewarded with the richest contract in AFL history. Adelaide star Izak Rankine is under investigation for an alleged homophobic slur. And, the race for the final eight is going down to the wire. Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Peter Ryan bring you all the news from a big week of footy on the Real Footy podcast.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need to make up some ground with your tipping, this is the round to make your move. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan don't agree on much in this week's Real Footy tipping podcast, but they are united about the potential for round 23 to shape tipping contests all over the country. Listen in to find out who they're tipping and why.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're dropping an episode of our sister podcast, Good Weekend Talks, into your feed today as it features an interview with Real Footy star panellist - Libby Birch - ahead of the 2025 AFWL season opener on Thursday.  Since joining the league in its inaugural season, Birch has played 91 consecutive games of AFLW (only two women have played more), and at just 27, has more than a few years left. She's a media performer of note, bringing sharp analysis to a TV special commentary role, as a radio pundit for 3AW, and as a columnist for The Age – not to mention a buoyant voice on our own Real Footy podcast. Birch has also become a published author, just releasing “Libby’s Footy Adventures” – the first ever children’s book by an AFLW player. Hosting this conversation is Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collingwood are wobbling. Can they resurrect their season? The Demons are looking for a coach. Is Nathan Buckley the man for the job? And the Dogs are still outside the eight. Do they attack too much? These questions and more - including our preview of the AFL season - are up for discussion on this week's edition of the Real Footy podcast with Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Libby Birch.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the "sacked-coach bounce" work in reverse for the Demons when they take on the Western Bulldogs following Simon Goodwin's axing? Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan expect so in this week's edition of the Real Footy tipping podcast. Plus, they discuss what Will Day's foot injury means for Hawthorn, both in terms of this week's game against Collingwood and their finals prospects. And you can catch up on all their tips for in round 22 of the 2025 AFL season as tipping contests go down to the wire with just 28 games left in the home and away season.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should North Melbourne’s long-suffering supporters expect more from their team? Why is it the Lions can always summon a victory when they need it, and have Collingwood disrespected their arch rival Carlton, or is it just a case of Craig McRae being cheeky or smug? All those issues, plus injuries worries for two key finals contenders, are up for discussion in this week’s edition of the Real Footy podcast with Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gazing into the crystal ball that is the AFL ladder predictor, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan deliver some final-eight forecasts that surprise even themselves on this week's tipping edition of the Real Footy podcast. Turning their attention to round 21, they pontificate over the prospects of the Western Bulldogs against GWS, weigh-up a fascinating clash between Adelaide and Hawthorn and disagree vehemently over who will triumph in Saturday night's MCG match between Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nasiah the messiah pulled off a comeback of the ages for the Saints. This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall ask how did he do it, what does it mean for his future and how did the rudderless Demons let it happen? They also discuss Alastair Clarkson's future after the Cats feasted on souvalakis and his Larkey-less Roos, Gold Coast's statement win against the Lions, the jam-packed field for this year's Brownlow Medal and the contrasting shades of Toby Greene.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a round of intrastate rivalries, we turn to the Age's two best tipsters of 2025 for the Real Footy podcast. Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson debate if the Suns can turn the tables on the Lions in the match of the round, who'll win an intriguing "Battle of the Bridge" in the Harbour City and a tricky match-up between St Kilda and Melbourne. Plus, they identify the No.1 benefit of Carlton and Essendon getting more prime-time games  Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.