Real Footy

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.

As Greg Swann clocks on as the AFL head of football, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall have a laundry list of issues for him and the game to tackle. Plus, our panel discusses Steve May's prospects at the tribunal, Fremantle turning the tables on Collingwood in a close game, the Suns' on-brand capitulation against Adelaide and the floating fixture "disaster".Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crunch time is approaching in the AFL season, for clubs and tipsters alike. On the Real Footy podcast, Peter Ryan and Danny Russell give us their tips for round 19, including the must-watch clash between the Dogs and Lions, "danger games" for the Cats and Pies and a sneaky contender for match of the round between the Crows and Suns. As The Age's resident racing writer, Danny provides listeners with an added bonus. Stay tuned all the way to end to catch his 10th tip of the week.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the Bombers and Tigers played out a stinker at the MCG, the non-Victorian clubs made their charge in round 18. This week on the Real Footy podcast Michael Gleeson Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss all the important news in the AFL, including questions hanging over the Bulldogs, Collingwood's conundrums and ask whether Fremantle has been ruthless enough with their veterans.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan debate whether tipping nine can be more or less meaningful depending on the round, whether the Suns will announce themselves as the real deal this Friday night and discuss why North Melbourne's clash with the Demons is of particular interest.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a bumper edition of this week's podcast, the pros, cons and implications of a radical AFL fixture revamp idea are put under the spotlight, our podcasters Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan get animated when discussing what 'success' in the AFL should look like and they tackle a key question for Carlton fans: would the club be better off if Jacob Weitering replaced Patrick Cripps as captain?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan hit rock bottom and the nervous nineties, respectively, on the tipping edition of the podcast this week. Will the Blues-Pies clash be tighter than people think? Can the Bombers cause an upset against the Suns? Will the Cats be lethargic coming off the bye? And is this the week the Demons get taught a lesson?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the footy world bids farewell to a five-week bye period and normal programming resumes this weekend, Carlton's poor showing against Port Adelaide last Thursday night remains high on the agenda. Our podcasters assess the sorry state of affairs at the Blues as injuries mount up and their finals hopes in smithereens. The SCG turf, Gold Coast 'grows up' as fans boo former players and the Tom Lynch case are all in the spotlight.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On paper it seems like a straightforward AFL round. But on this week's Real Footy tipping podcast, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan have sage advice for tipsters searching for a sneaky upset. They ponder if Sydney are the league's sleeping giant, whether the Bulldogs will salute in Bont's 250th and whether the under-siege Blues can resurrect their season against Port Adelaide.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are once again in turmoil following a disappointing loss to North Melbourne. This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss the winds of change blowing through the Blues. They also debate tagging tactics, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's mending of relationships at the Western Bulldogs and the mooted return of State of Origin footy. Plus, they identify the one team that might be the sleeping giant in this year's race for the finals.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After climbing to the shared lead of The Age tipping contest, Peter Ryan joins Andrew Wu on the Real Footy tipping podcast to discuss the risks worth taking in round 15, St Kilda's selection strategy and how the Lions need to lift to topple the in-form Cats. Amid the expert advice, there's a healthy dose of banter, a few laughs and we even learn how the House of Wu will be watching the must-see clash between the Giants and Suns.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key forwards cashing in, the Bulldogs lurk menacingly outside the eight and conspiracy theories about the AFL fixture. All these matters are on the table in this week's episode of the Real Footy podcast. Plus, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson ask, was the Hawthorn v Adelaide match in Launceston engrossing or a snoozefest, and what has Melbourne learned from their past experience with long-term contracts?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Hawks continue their winning ways in Launceston against the Crows, and does Patrick Dangerfield's return to Geelong's forward line stifle Jeremy Cameron's influence? Peter Ryan is back to join Andrew Wu behind the mic for this week's Real Footy tipping podcast to answer these curly questions while also sharing a few laughs and their tipping wisdom. Plus, we find out why Wuey got home so late from last week's trip down the highway to GMHBA Stadium. Tune in to find out more.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fallout from the Big Freeze match, bruising bumps, the future of the Tassie Devils, North Melbourne's narrow escape in Bunbury and Andrew Dillon's fireside coastal catch-up with bailey Smith are among the hot topics on this week's Real Footy podcast, with Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson and Sam McClure. What's more, Donald Trump and Elon Musk even rate a mention.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tipping aficionados Andrew Wu and Calum Jaspan dissect the round 13 games in our mid-week episode of the Real Footy podcast. Will it be the Dogs or Hawks who stamp their credentials in the Thursday-night blockbuster, will Adelaide's form prove irresistible against the reigning premier and can the Swans bounce back from last year's embarrassment? Tune in as we attempt to answer all those questions and many more.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Swans sink to a new low, the Hok-ballers cough up ad-hoc effort, Melbourne "kick themselves to death", and we ask which acronym do the Saints need more: NWM or TDK? All that and more must-listen footy chat in this week's Real Footy podcast with Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Sam McClure.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Birch, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan look back at the players they should have taken and those they regret picking in our pre-season super draft before tipping round 12. Are the Hawks a sneaky chance against the rampaging Pies? How much of an impact is the change of coach having on the Swans? And is the Demons' bounceback the real deal? SEE THE TEAMS AND VOTE HERE: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/we-drafted-three-teams-of-current-afl-players-which-is-the-best-20250219-p5ldi6.htmlSupport the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss nepo babies, combative coaches and the Demons' revival. Plus, the issues that were exposed in North Melbourne's loss to the undermanned Pies, the Hawks' midfield problem and are the Blues good enough to turn their season around from here?Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu fail the maturity test as they discuss the route to victory for Carlton, the hardest game of the round to tip and why Essendon should be in the eight right now.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Wilson, Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall pay tribute to Adam Selwood and Robert Walls as the football world mourns their deaths.The panel also looks back at the shock wins of round 10, the Bulldogs' premiership hopes, the leadership issues at AFL House and much more. If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.