The ESPN Footy Podcast

Join ESPN Australia's Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels, along with Champion Data's Christian Joly, as they discuss the hot topics in the AFL, and join Isadora McLeay and AFLW players Eleanor Brown and Imogen Evans talking all things women's footy -- all on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

Sports
1
Red Time: Coxy's 'psyche out' technique; stop a...
In this week’s episode, JB and Coxy unpack the fallout from Wayne Milera’s ‘rabble’ comments and question why clubs still feel the need to apologise for player honesty. They also debate who the current face of the league is, and ask what Greg Swann’s first task should be in his new role at the AFL. Plus, they rank their favourite Big Freeze costumes of all time, ahead of the 11th edition.
35 min
2
AFL: The Swans' biggest issues revealed; 'rabbl...
This week, we discuss Sydney's drop off and Adelaide's rise into premiership contention. Plus, the biggest 'rabbles' in footy.
57 min
3
Red Time: Mid-season trade period debate; AFL i...
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca debate whether it’s time for a mid-season trade period in the AFL, and with the NFL voting to allow its players to compete in Olympic flag football, they dream up which footy players could take them on if Australia formed a team. Plus, Mason passionately questions whether the billion-dollar Tassie stadium will ever get off the ground. 
29 min
4
AFL: Jake issues TWO apologies! Plus the 'unbel...
We look at the Demons' turnaround, how the Pies just keep fronting up, and why the Blues just can't score. Plus, Jake issues some apologies, and the Ben King stat that would have Fraser Gehrig blushing.
46 min
5
Red Time: Should AFL, Tassie have an NHL-style ...
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca ponder what concessions should be handed to Tasmania for their entry into the league, debate which positions on the field are the most valuable in the modern game, ask if the punishment always fits the crime when it comes to 50-metre penalties, and look ahead to a huge weekend of footy.
32 min
6
AFL: Blowtorch on Bombers ... again; who is the...
The team looks at Essendon's horrific effort, and debates who the best coach in the AFL is. Plus, 'metres gained' records, losing streaks, and 'effective spoils'.
56 min
7
Red Time: Coxy’s take on the umpire audio saga;...
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox, who was on the field when Lachie Schultz was concussed, gives his take on the umpire audio revelations that have the AFL under pressure. We also ponder whether the AFL should have a draft lottery after the wild results in the NBA, and ask if goal umpires should be allowed to pay free kicks. Plus, we rank our favourite Indigenous guernseys, and look ahead to a big round of footy.
32 min
8
AFL: The game's most effective pressure player?...
This week, the team unpacks a wild weekend of footy and looks at how close Nick Blakey came to breaking a unique record. Plus, Christian breaks down exactly what makes up a team's pressure rating and which players apply it the most. And is the Showdown now the best rivalry in the AFL? It's hard to argue against it.
54 min
9
Red Time: AFL’s ‘baffling’ score reviews slamme...
29 min
10
AFL: Our 'fraud of the week'; unbreakable recor...
The team exposes Fremantle's 'Jekyll and Hyde' form after a preseason filled with expectation. Plus, the Bulldogs are hitting premiership metrics, some exclusive '45 kick' numbers, and is Jack Crisp's record unbreakable?
54 min
11
Red Time: Collingwood's ageless wonders & the A...
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca unpack the fallout from Paul Curtis’ three-match suspension, and ask whether the AFL should steal a page out of the NFL’s playbook and ‘glam up’ the draft. Plus, Mason takes us inside the habits and secrets that keep Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury defying age, and we have some bold takes in Don’t Be Surprised If…
30 min
12
AFL: 2025's most improved players; 'zero dispos...
the team looks at the players who have improved the most in 2025, and those who have slid down the rankings. Plus, more bellwether stats, the 'zero disposal' club, and are the Blues actually back?
48 min
13
Red Time: Why Anzac guernseys matter; AFL final...
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca dive into the public debate around Anzac guernseys -- are they a respectful gesture or becoming ‘too’ commercial? They also share their favourite designs revealed by clubs this year. Plus, they ask the question: should the AFL introduce its own 'play-in' system similar to those used in other sports around the world? And unpack the growing issue of social media trolls in footy -- how it affects players, and what can be done about it.
30 min
14
AFL: Footy's 'bellwether' stats, Bontempelli's...
Christian looks at 'bellwether' stats in footy ahead of the election. Plus, success stories of moving from midfield to half back, the fastest goals on record, and more!
49 min
15
Red Time: AFL venue rankings; Fixing Melbourne
On this week's episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca reveal their totally unqualified AFL venue rankings (sorry, ENGIE Stadium), unpack the Dees' struggles and how it could mirror Collingwood's 2021 season, and ask the question: are Gold Coast legit? Plus, they imagine the chaos of a Suns-Giants Grand Final, and each pick the team with the most to prove in Round 6.
37 min
16
AFL: Best kicks in the league revealed; Hawks n...
This week, we delve into the AFL's best kicks by looking into retention rates, plus look at where the Crows need to improve, and what's gone wrong for the Demons.
55 min
17
Red Time: Mason Cox joins the show!
Red Time is back for season 2025! On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca unpack the rise of Sam Darcy and how defenders can stop him, and debate which rules in the AFL need tweaking. Plus, we chat Bronx cheers, jumper clashes, and which side released the best Gather Round guernsey?
30 min
18
AFL: 'The players can't win!' Plus, teams naili...
This week, the team looks at the premiership metrics, plus more on the '45 kick' and speed of ball movement. Also, coaches in the hot seat...
54 min
19
AFL: 'If he's your third best midfielder, you h...
This week, the team discusses Rhyan Mansell's ban, analyses Gold Coast's hot start and if it's sustainable, and looks at the Saints' turnaround offensively -- plus heaps more
43 min
20
AFL: 'Disgraceful' Dons lacking defensively; cl...
This week, the team analyses the underwhelming starts of Fremantle and Essendon, plus looks at xScores and 'the 45 kick'.
48 min
21
AFL: 'There's no deficiency'; Jackson Archer de...
This week, the team looks at the strong performances of a number of debutants, unpacks Carlton's shock loss to Richmond, identify the Hawks' changing game style, plus heaps more.
44 min
22
AFL: 'The back six is what will carry them to a...
This week, the team analyses the two Opening Round matches, and look at where each team stands after the weekend. Plus, some rare footy-cricket crossover material, and
40 min
23
AFL: 'It's a big year for...'; what's new at Ch...
The ESPN Footy Podcast returns, and the team talks through new stats Champion Data will track this year, Jake reveals his top 10 players in the league, and we ask 'who is it a big year for?'
62 min
24
AFL: ESPN's 25 best players of the last 25 year...
ESPN's Jake Michaels and Rohan Connolly, along with Champion Data's Christian Joly count down the 25 best players to have pulled on the footy boots in the last 25 years. (Part 2)
89 min
25
AFL: ESPN's 25 best players of the last 25 year...
ESPN's Jake Michaels and Rohan Connolly, along with Champion Data's Christian Joly count down the 25 best players to have pulled on the footy boots in the last 25 years. (Part 1)
81 min