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
AFL: Why Freo could bottle finals; players who ...
This week, we look at players with the highest and lowest kick:handball ratios, the players who are under the most pressure when disposing of the ball, and the tackle kings of the competition. Plus, the race for the eight (and why Freo is in trouble).
50 min
2
Red Time: Mason Cox reacts to new AFL crackdown...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy react to the AFL’s breaking crackdown on umpire contact, with suspensions now on the table for repeat offenders. Plus, with turf talk dominating the headlines, we get into the nitty gritty of boot studs, surface conditions, and whether the SCG is really that bad compared to some other grounds. Also on the agenda is AFL conferences, a potential award for defenders, and the out-of-this-world goal that hasn’t received nearly enough attention!
31 min
3
AFL: 2025 is HOW lopsided? The 'changing of gua...
This week, we discuss the chasm in quality from the top nine to the bottom nine on the ladder, plus we touch on the Tom Lynch situation, the young stars usurping the 'old guard', and a look at Melbourne's big conundrum.
44 min
4
Red Time: Inside Graham Wright's influence; Dim...
JB and Coxy break down the week’s biggest talking points, including what goes on behind the scenes when clubs know one of their stars is set to cop heavy attention, and the emergence of the next great crop of key forwards (and how long it’ll take them to truly peak). Coxy also sheds light on Graham Wright’s behind-the-scenes impact during a turning point at Collingwood, and what Carlton can expect with him stepping in as CEO. Plus, we try to make sense of why flipping the bird is suddenly in fashion after Dimma joined the trend… and copped a fine for it!
31 min
5
AFL: Did Windhager cross the line with Daicos? ...
This week, the team debates the Marcus Windhager tag of Nick Daicos. Plus, Carlton's identity under Voss, what the Dockers are doing well, and Joel Amartey's record-breaking outing (for all the wrong reasons).
53 min
6
Red Time: Will Geelong’s ‘Kit out the Cattery’ ...
In this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into Geelong’s bold move to ‘white out’ GMHBA Stadium and ask whether it will spark a new trend or fall flat. Plus, they also explore how mid-season draftees are able to make an instant impact at clubs, whether conditions genuinely impact how players feel about playing somewhere, and they throw out a cheeky crowd prediction for this week’s blockbuster between GWS and Gold Coast.  
32 min
7
AFL: The teams hit hardest by injury (it's not ...
This week we look at the Lions, and if it's time to worry about their premiership defence. We also delve into the teams hit hardest by injury by using a little-known Champion Data stat.
49 min
8
Red Time: Coxy's take on Ginni's taunt; why nig...
JB and Coxy react to the fallout from Jack Ginnivan’s cheeky pre-goal celebration, debating whether it was unnecessary taunting or just a bit of harmless fun, and reflect on the heated exchange between Max Gawn and Steven May. They also deliver Part I of their short mid-season reviews, and dive into the importance of goalkicking accuracy. Plus, the boys feel like a night Grand Final is inevitable, even if it’s not happening in 2025. 
32 min
9
AFL: The stats behind a bizarre round; Gawn-May...
This week, we discuss the May-Gawn blow-up, debate Tom Stewart's bump, and look at the stats behind a truly bizarre round of footy.
58 min
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
Red Time: AFL’s ‘baffling’ score reviews slamme...
29 min
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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