Real Footy

40/20 is a brand new NRL podcast from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. During this year's State of Origin and Finals series we'll be breaking down the biggest stories from across the game with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country. We'll be giving you press pass access as we breakdown the latest news, controversy and performances from the biggest matches in the Rugby League calendar. To listen to our episodes as soon as they drop follow 40/20 wherever you listen to podcasts.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss footy fortresses, why Collingwood fans have reason to be confident against the Crows and the Bulldogs’ consistency in 2025.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall discuss a super Sunday of thrillers, the Demons’ decision to play Clayton Oliver in a tagging role, Justin Longmuir’s future as Fremantle coach and the AFL’s leadership issues.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss teams that struggle on the road, whether Collingwood can make do without a handful of stars and how to work a Bunsen burner in this week's tipping edition of the Real Footy podcast. Plus, the TDK Cup, GWS' record at the Cattery and are the Swans back?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Real Footy podcast, the panel dig into the feud between North Melbourne and Kane Cornes, discuss the rise of the AFL super-veterans and the scourge of five-day breaks. Plus, they identify the club who looked like they were running around in a "poo emoji" guernsey at the weekend.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AFL round eight launches into action with Essendon's danger game against North Melbourne. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan run the rule over all nine matches, including an in-depth preview of the 28th Brisbane-Gold Coast showdown, otherwise known as the 'Q Clash'. They ask a key question, too: Should clubs execute their substitution earlier in matches?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Birch joins Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson to run into the fire and discuss whether the Blues are back, the Pies' flag favouritism and Ross Lyon's sideline spray. Plus, the things that have 'galvanised' the Bulldogs and made them dangerous, why the Swans can't play four quarters of footy and the Eagles' call to move Oscar Allen to the back line against Hawthorn.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of a bumper AFL round seven including the feature Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon, Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu run the rule over the key match-ups. The recall of veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein for the injury-hit Bombers is an element of intrigue.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the sentencing for Noah Balta which included a curfew for the Richmond player for an assault charge, podcasters Sam McClure, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall put the AFL and the Tigers in the spotlight for their handling of his case, which included a senior game for the club before his penalty was handed down.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter an intriguing Easter round, our tipsters discuss two teams who've developed genuine swagger this season. Spoiler alert: the winless Demons are not one of them. We discuss their woes, the weakness in Brisbane's game, North's fight for credibility on Good Friday and Port's bid for the same. Plus, we look ahead to Monday's blockbuster between Geelong and Hawthorn.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Real Footy podcast, Sam McClure, Caroline Wilson and Libby Birch analyse the plummeting prospects of Simon Goodwin and his Demons, the fallout from a "weird and wonderful" match between the Power and Hawks, the disrespect being shown to the Lions and the timeslot that's become the Easter graveyard shift of the AFL.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome a guest expert this week to help us identify the likely winners and losers in a tricky fixture of matches for Gather Round. Have the Suns and Saints earnt the respect of our tipsters and have the Blues and Demons lost it? Listen to find out.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss what's behind St Kilda's three-match win streak, Melbourne's list decisions and the umpiring blunder that denied Izak Rankine a late shot at goal. Plus, whether the Noah Balta ban was sufficient, Port Adelaide's coaching succession plan and Luke Beveridge's future.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan look ahead to round four and discuss whether this is the week the Blues break through for a win, the team that's painful to watch and the match that has "danger game" written all over it.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss the big change in the way the best teams play footy and why it’s killing some teams who had finals aspirations. Plus, the AFL’s first crackdown on players being pushed into danger in a contest, Hawthorn’s point of difference over the competition and the encouraging signs from Essendon.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss one of the most impressive teams of the season so far, the importance of exciting footy and the small margins that turn a talented team into a winning team.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss Essendon's woes, St Kilda's big win, Sam Darcy's star turn against the Pies and the most enviable forward line in the competition. Plus, what the future holds for Sydney's Chad Warner and Collingwood's Brayden Maynard.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss potential blowouts, tipping certainties and the team that was pathetic in round one. Plus, how injuries are hitting the Swans hard, assessing Port's coaching succession plan and much more.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Birch joins Caroline Wilson and Michael Gleeson to discuss the psychology behind Carlton's shock loss to the Tigers, whether there's an advantage to playing opening round and the two standout teams in the competition. Plus, why Melbourne should be happy even though they lost, Bailey Smith's brilliant Geelong debut and were the Bombers right to re-sign Brad Scott so early in the year?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss where the Bombers will be vulnerable against the Hawks, what position Tom McCartin should play and the team that will be an early season mover.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall debate the merits of opening round and discuss the "puddlingly slow and old" Pies, the troubling exodus at Richmond and the people who are helping the Hawks rise.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan discuss how much of an impact the Swans' grand final loss will have on their 2025 campaign, the most impactful absences of the round and why there are concerns around the Giants. Plus, top eight predictions and who will win the flag?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Birch, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss the teams and coaches under the most pressure in 2025, whether the Hawks can back up their 2024 efforts, how injuries have hit some clubs particularly hard and much more.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To kick off the 2025 season, Libby Birch, Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu get together to draft three teams of current AFL players and put them to a vote to decide whose is best.Head to theage.com.au/afl to cast your vote and have your say in the comments.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 10 days, the AFL trade period culminated in a final, frantic, 15-minute stretch, and the man in the eye of the storm was Western Bulldogs recruiter Sam Power. MIchael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan break down all the big moves and explain what the clubs were thinking.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Houston was headed to Collingwood, then he wasn't, then he was. Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall discuss how the mega deal was resurrected and who were the winners and losers as we wrap day nine of the 2024 trade period. Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although it was another quiet day for player movement, a mega trade is taking shape involving four clubs. Peter Ryan wonders if it will be a good deal for Collingwood, but Marc McGowan says they stand to land the blue-chip asset.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally, we got some action. Scott Spits and Andrew Wu discuss the rationale behind the pick swaps executed by Carlton, Brisbane, Richmond and Hawthorn on day five of the AFL trade period, and answer the question many Melbourne fans are now asking; 'who is Harry Sharp?'Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Marc McGowan discuss the negotiations that are holding up other deals and the clubs waiting in the wings if any trades fall over. Plus, the Tiger re-signed on a mega deal, and will pick 56 be enough to get Jake Stringer from Essendon to GWS?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although no players or picks were swapped, Michael Gleeson and Peter Ryan analyse a number of the big off-field manoeuvres that were executed on day three of the AFL trade period.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson and Peter Ryan discuss whether the Pies are wise to chase Dan Houston (and what a deal might look like), the chances of Clayton Oliver getting to Geelong and what it will take to get Liam Baker to the Eagles. Plus, free agency compensation explained and where the Cats stand on ruckmen.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Ryan and Marc McGowan discuss the state of play after day one of trade period, from the fascinating press conference with Melbourne list boss Tim Lamb to Monday's done deals to the state of the free agency compensation system. What's happening at the Bombers? And what's the best result the Roos could expect from splitting the No.2 pick?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss the Lions' thumping grand final win over the Swans, from the questions the Swans have to answer to the word on Joe Daniher's future. What was '"horrific" about John Longmire's press conference? Will the competition follow the new premiers' lead when it comes to game style? Plus, the highlights of the season, what the first round of games will look like in 2025 and a look ahead to trade period.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan take a look at the stats that could decide the grand final in the final expert tips podcast of the season. Who will be the most devastating players on the ground? Will injuries catch up with the Lions? And who will the Swans send to Harris Andrews?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Niall, Libby Birch and Michael Gleeson discuss the best game of the finals so far, why the AFL will be happy with a Sydney-Brisbane grand final and the key tactical battles for the season decider. Plus: do the Cats get held to a higher standard because they outperform expectations? And should the Swans take the risk and play Callum Mills?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan concede defeat in this week's expert tips episode. Have Port Adelaide already played their grand final? Will the Swans' eight-game losing streak against the Power have an influence on the match? Will the week off help or hinder the Cats? And can we trust the Lions not to fold under pressure?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss brain fades, sledges and fines as they dissect a big weekend of semi-final action. What does the future hold for the Hawks? What changes should the Giants make next season? And who was the unheralded hero in Brisbane's win over GWS?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan tip the semi-finals and issue a reminder about the stat to keep in mind this weekend. Are Hawthorn morals against Port Adelaide? And how will the Lions, who easily accounted for the Blues, go against the more serious test posed by the Giants?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss botched selection, the fearless Hawks and whether the Swans will be glass half empty or half full after the win over GWS. Should the pressure be on Michael Voss at Carlton? Plus, is Port Adelaide’s home-ground advantage actually suffocating them - and is that down to the coach?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu look ahead to the first weekend of finals in this week's expert tips edition. Will the Cats have learnt from their most recent match against Port Adelaide? Will a lack of strong competition in the run home come back to bite the Hawks? Will this be the Swans' first finals win over GWS? And will the Blues be able to control Brisbane's midfield?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Jake Niall and Libby Birch discuss the way the Christian Petracca and Demons situation has played out and what we can read into the actions of both the player and the club. Plus, a preview of this week's finals including the looming selection calls over some of the game's biggest players, the best stories and most questionable selections from the All-Australian team and were the Bombers right to only offer Jake Stringer a one-year contract?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss the precarious nature of the competition this season after a dramatic final day of the home-and-away season. Is there enough benefit for the winners of the minor premiership? Did the Blues deserve a finals spot? How crucial is Liam Jones to the Bulldogs' structure? What was the most encouraging sign for the Saints? And do the Bombers need a rebuild?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday night specialists Peter Ryan and Marc McGowan discuss an "incredibly mediocre" finalist, retirement conspiracy theories and the story of the year in this week's expert tips episode. Will we see another last-minute wooden spoon switch in season 2024? And can anyone tip the Bulldogs-Giants game with confidence? Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson and Peter Ryan discuss an extraordinary round of football that had huge implications for finals. How costly will the Lions’ loss to the Pies prove to be? What did the Blues learn from their win over West Coast? And are the Hawks good enough to win the flag this year? Plus, the three minutes that turned Sydney’s season, what the future holds for Christian Petracca and has a lack of unity held the Bombers back this season?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.