Saving Football

Both the Matildas and Socceroos set a new standard for themselves at their recent World Cups. But given all that is happening at the levels below, are those high points that will never be reached again? And are those great moments being capitalised on by those running the game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The domestic league, thanks to the epic failures of APL management, is in a recession. Dangerously so for some clubs, who may not make it through winter. Clubs are bleeding money, the APL can't even cover the salary cap with distributions down. So what now? How do clubs not wither on the vine?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out of the big pool of grassroots players, talented ones emerge. Playing fees are astronomical at representative level. Coaching courses are expensive and the reward, in all probability, isn't a job that will make ends meet. We deep dive into what is being done to develop our kids to a world-class standard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Football's numbers have exploded in the last 12 months. The Matilda Effect is real. So too the Socceroo effect to a lesser extent. Boys and girls continue to flock to the sport. But there's a problem. Clubs, mostly run by volunteers, are at capacity, turning players away, struggling to accommodate the ones they have in a facilities sense, and also coaching. How do we navigate a way forward in a complex system to keep these kids playing the game, and falling in love with it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week saw the AFL reach an agreement to give female players a significant pay rise and better working conditions. And, a start date for the new season! (August) Collingwood AFLW captain Steph Chiocci joined Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker to discuss what the deal means to her and others. Steph has played footy her whole life, recalling the days of not even having dressing sheds, and trying without success to gain recognition. Plus Adam and Georgie discuss pollies and sport photo ops, the biggest disaster of all. And Georgie brings a fantastic tennis stat to the table, with the French Open here. All thanks to Code Sports! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It remains the most unforgettable day in the history of the world's most watched football league, the English Premier League. Sergio Aguero's goal, 93 minutes and 20 seconds in to the last game of the season against Queens Park Rangers, who themselves survived relegation by the thinnest possible margin. The result handed City the title, and snatched it away from perennial winners, and neighbours, Manchester United. Presented and produced by Adam Peacock, Code Sports bring you The Aguero Goal; Drama and Delirium. The events leading up to, and including, the day are told from four different points of view. Joelen Lescott, Manchester City defender, part of the army of high-prized recruits bought by City to end their title drought. Nedum Onuoha, QPR defender, who was brutally axed after 15 years at City by manager Roberto Mancini and sold to QPR, only to have to return on the final day to help his new club avoid relegation, and stop City winning the title. Sam Matterface, commentator, who was calling the game for UK radio, and like the rest of those inside the stadium, lost his mind!  Sarah Loftus, Manchester City fan, who was 14 at the time and going through a dark period in her life. She credits football for helping save her.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming soon to Code Sports, The Aguero Goal: Drama & Delirium. In this special podcast the events of 10 years ago, when Manchester City scored two goals against Queens Park Rangers in stoppage time to win the English Premier League, are recounted from four perspectives: Joelen Lescott, the Manchester City defender, one of the high-prized recruits purchased to deliver success. Nedum Onuoha, Queens Park Rangers defender, who was sold six months prior in a brutal decision from Roberto Mancini, who ended Nedum's 15 years as a City player. Sam Matterface, who called the match for radio and was caught up in the mayhem. Sarah Loftus, a Manchester City fan who was 14 at the time and found football - and City - right when she needed it most. The full version will be released on Friday, May 13, exactly 10 years on since that dramatic day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker's special guest this week is two-time Paralympic Gold Medallist and winner of marathons the world over, Madison de Rozario. Madi discusses her epic wins in Tokyo, her life spent travelling the world, dealing with detractors who think her sport is easy (it bloody isn't!), when she realised life would be different but still brilliant for her, and how she got to know her partner in crime this weekend, Georgie, so well. Adam and Georgie also discuss some of the big yarns on Code Sports, including revelations female footy umpires are treated so horribly, plus what the end may look like for Messi and Ronaldo. And also, politicians posing with sporting equipment. It's rife. What is the solution?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker combine to chat the serious and not so serious from the world of sport. Special guest is former Australian vice-captain and now Code Sports columnist Bianca Chatfield, who discusses motherhood in netball, selection dramas for the Diamonds, Super Netball expansion, how the broadcast deal has changed netball and being on The Block. Adam and Georgie also discuss the issue of transgender participation in sport, the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and potential demise of Novak Djokovic - and to finish, Georgie recounts the time she broke protocol with the Queen and sledged Prince Harry! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock gather once more to chat in the midst of a massive weekend of women's sport - the World Cup final last weekend, AFLW and NRLW Grand Finals on the way. Katie Lynch from the Western Bulldogs joins to discuss the strides forward for AFLW, whether she'll ever play in front of 90,000 and what Georgie taught her about life. James Hird - coaching again? Yay, or nay? Georgie thinks nay. Daniil Medvedev may not be able to play Wimbledon and Adam can't believe it. Plus there's a summation of the Tiger Woods show in Augusta this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker talk about an emotion-charged night at the Shane Warne Memorial. There's also another night that needs dissecting - this one of celebration - the Buddy 1000 mayhem at the SCG. There's an in-depth chat about the Socceroos' woes, and CodeSports writer Brandan Bradford joins us to chat about a cycling story to warm the heart, Tim Tszyu and the Will Smith v Chris Rock chaos. Speaking of which, Georgie chimes in with what constitutes as slappable behaviour. There's a few. Could be a new podcast in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walk with Warnie is a special one-off podcast episode created by Code Sports to mark Shane Warne's State Memorial at the MCG. Timed for the walk through the streets of Melbourne to the MCG, we hope this special episode will give listeners time to reflect on the great man, maybe bring a smile to your face on what could be a sad day… but ultimately what could be a of day of celebration. For more on Shane Warne click through to here or search for Code Sports in your app store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock, Georgie Parker and Linda Pearce chat about the bombshell news that Aussie icon Ash Barty has retired from tennis.  The trio discuss Ash's rise from talented junior to her first retirement, and her brilliant return and path to becoming world No.1. Linda and Adam share stories of covering Ash's career at some of the biggest events in the world, while Georgie gives the perspective of an athlete and what happens when retirement becomes reality. An amazing athlete with an amazing career. What an amazing day all wrapped up on CODE Words! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker talk the serious and not so serious on Code Words. There's a celebration of golfing God Cameron Smith and the sledging of Naomi Osaka - what is right and wrong? And how should Eddie have answered it? Newcastle EPL manager Eddie Howe was asked a direct question about Saudi Arabia's human rights situation, what should he have done? Will Schofield also joins Adam and Georgie as the AFL returns; talking West Coast's issues, Covid issues, Victoria getting its footy back, the pressure on junior Daicos and a sledge that had him in stitches while playing. Code Words! Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and the 12,000 day-old Georgie Parker sit down for their weekly discussion on the world of sport, and sometimes the world in general. With NRL and AFL men's competitions about to start, Georgie wonders where that leaves the women's comps. Curtainraisers, or standalones? It's a tricky subject. Speaking of tricky - how do you support a club with controversial ownership? Chelsea is going through it right now with Roman Abramovich's links to Putin and Adam can see it happening with his Newcastle. Where is the line? CODE Sports writer Pam Whaley joins to talk about the start of the NRL season and what it's really like covering rugby league. Plus there's a tribute to Warnie, and the few things in life more boring than a test match on a lifeless wicket.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock join up and on the agenda is Russian athletes - do we feel for them? There's also the incredible story from the US about a sporting team getting into trouble for treating its players TOO professionally! Ash Barty had a special trip to Uluru this week, journalist Courtney Walsh went with her for Code Sports and reflects on a magical few days. Plus Georgie explains the extreme lengths she'd go to in order to avoid talking. Happily, such matters don't interfere with these 40 or so minutes. Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker, fresh from her starring role at the Winter Olympic Games, return for their weekly chat about all things sport. We asked to pick her greatest Olympic moment and Georgie goes left field. Way left.There's chat about the ugliness of sport and politics mixing and an Aussie starring in Italy.  Our special guest is Will Schofield, an AFL premiership-winner now writer with CODE. The crew discuss the vaccination yarn around West Coast gun and Will's ex-teammate Jack Darling, plus transitioning from a playing career to one in the media.And at the end, Georgie gets on with her day and earns herself a couch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and an Olympic-infused Georgie Parker chat about some of the deeper issues in sport. Fifteen-year-old Russian Kamila Valieva is competing at the Olympics after a positive test. What the hell?! Novak Djokovic won't take a vaccination to play, does this ruin his GOAT chances Ben Simmons and James Harden have traded NBA places, and now the truth comes out. What does an unsettled teammate do to performance? Plus Georgie's old footy coach Wayne Siekman joins us for a chat about the immediate future of the AFLW. Wayne believes with new teams coming in, there should be a total re-draft done to help equalise the comp. Plus, Georgie gets triggered by giving out her email address. Which is fair enough.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker join forces to discuss the latest in the Justin Langer drama. What is really behind the players wanting to move on from the much-loved mentor? Simon Goodwin's private life hit the headlines this week - players are subjected to it, but is it OK for a coach's spare time to become a scandal? CODE's resident Winter Olympics expert Lachlan McKirdy chimes in with his top 5 moments from Beijing so far. We cover young ski jumpers, old skaters, curling coaches, Kiwi gold and ice hockey face masks. And at the end, a story that will warm the heart. CODE Words… tell your friends! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker discuss the big talking points in sport, with some mention of small cats.Seriously though, the number five is relevant in women's sport now: is it time to move to the best of five sets in tennis and five days of Test cricket? Georgie also explains the key differences she has seen when analysing women and men's sport.Adam explains the mess Australian football finds itself in with the Matildas out of the Asian Cup and Socceroos struggling to make the World Cup. This leads to a chat about coaches under the pump – from Tony Gustavsson and Graham Arnold, to oddly, Justin Langer.Georgie gives us the lowdown on the upcoming Winter Olympics, plus explains one of her many 'quirks' in Triggering Traits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock go in-depth about the stories making headlines, including the Australian Open. What it's like at Melbourne Park experiencing the Barty run and the Kyrgios and Kokkinakis circus from Adam, and what it's like one step removed from the couch with Georgie!Georgie displays her immense Winter Olympics knowledge. No joke, she's all over it, prepping her head off to cover some incredible sports and competitors in Beijing.The Matildas 18-0 win at the Asian Cup, but who's the real winner? And AFL clubs making January 26 statements - what do we think of that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker (live from lockdown) go in-depth about some of the big talking points in sport this week. Nick Kyrgios is the talk of week 1 of the Australian Open - AGAIN! Adam and Georgie discuss how he's figured out his true worth. The Australian Open is under fire for how the Novak Djokovic case was handled, but does it really matter? And West Coast Eagles' decision not to have a Pride Round jumper has sparked debate. Adam and Georgie discuss symbolism and celebration of certain causes - do sporting clubs overreach in this regard? Plus, on a lighter note, Ashes celebrations. Nathan Lyon and co. getting kicked off a Hobart hotel balcony. Adam and Georgie share some stories of ending up where they least expected.  CODE Words! Thanks to all the great stories on codesports.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker are reunited for the first time in 2022 to chat about the Novak Djokovic situation. Everyone else is, so why not! There's a cross to Belgrade and a chat with CODE Sports contributor and respected journalist Sasa Ozmo, who gives us an idea on how Novak is viewed in his homeland, and what they think of the developing situation. Adam and Georgie run through some of the issues Covid is creating for our competitions, while Georgie, recently recovered from the virus, has some handy survival tips. And after Adam lost his father recently, there's a special chat on how parents play a massive role in shaping a life following sport.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Peacock is joined by Ben Jones from CricViz, the leading data accumulators in cricket. Ben has written detailed accounts of the story behind the numbers each day of the Ashes series and on this Code Words, he gives greater depth to the big questions so far. How great is Australia's bowling attack? Has T20 ruined Test batting? And is fielding the next frontier of analytics? Ben gives a fascinating insight into what he and CricViz do; something that teams around the world are using to great effect, and which allows fans to learn plenty more about the game they love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock delve into the stories behind the headlines with their weekly musings on sport and anything else that is on their minds - like why are hot chips so good fresh, but so poor after? Michael Neser looks set to miss out on a baggy green - again! Is he unlucky? Special guest is Code Sports' Daniel Cherny, who digs into the big cricket talking points as he prepares for his own wedding. What a guy. Adam and Georgie discuss the dangers in development. Some sports get it right, some get it wrong. Joint post-match press conferences - good or not good? And with Max Verstappen still nursing the mother of all hangovers after his F1 title, Georgie reveals how good a post-Olympics party really is.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock are like kids on Christmas eve ahead of the ashes. Special guest is leading UK cricket writer Nick Hoult, who tells of his experiences travelling the world covering sport.While Liz Cambage and the Opals remain apart, Adam and Georgie delve into the issue of teammates with baggage.Plus, Sam Kerr and Ash Barty, Neale Daniher and when have you said something you really regret? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock dig deeper into the big stories in sport, and this week there's none bigger than Brandon Smith. The Melbourne Storm hooker has been openly flirting with his future fling, the Roosters, while his current club watch on. Adam and Georgie also break down where exactly the Matildas are at, and the special guest is Mushtaq Rahim, all the way from Kabul. Rahim joins the conversation to give a perspective on what the Taliban takeover has done to cricket in Afghanistan, in the week the nation was meant to be playing Australia in a long-awaited Test match in Hobart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock discuss the big topic of the week, Tim Paine standing down as Australian's men's cricket captain with a wider look at  how athletes are perceived when it all goes wrong. Tiger Woods, Sally Robbins; where do we draw the line at who deserves redemption, and who doesn't? With the AFL Draft on, Adam and Georgie discuss expectations of athletes. And Shyla Heal, the young basketballer who was brutally cut from her WNBA team in June - at the airport, and forced to find her own way home - joins Code Words to talk how she got through her ordeal. Plus there's much adulation of a favourite moment of both Adam and Georgie's. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock welcome in CODE with their weekly chat all things sport. Australia's T20 triumph and Ashes squad selection is discussed with legend Mike Hussey. We break down the Socceroos problems plus Georgie gives her very personal experience in relation to the skinfolds debate. And what cause would you glue your hands to the road for?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Parker and Adam Peacock discuss the serious, the dramatic and the quirky issues of the week, featuring interviews with key sporting figures from Australia and around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.