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: Collingwood isn’t concerned; What St ...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy marvel at Nat Fyfe’s incredible career and the mind-blowing stat from his unstoppable peak. Coxy takes us inside Collingwood amid their current form slump and what’s being done to turn it around, while they also discuss the Saints’ big contract decisions, delve into a huge edition of Start-Bench-Drop, look ahead to a massive weekend of footy, and, of course, have a laugh about Jeremy McGovern’s son’ big moment!
32 min
2
AFL: 'Perfectly placed' - the 9 contenders rank...
This week, we rank each team in the finals race by the level of 'trust' we have in them to win the flag. Plus a look at Essendon's injury crisis, a Ben King update, and Nat Fyfe's legacy.
67 min
3
Red Time: Coxy defends Jack Ginnivan; Goodwin s...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into the bombshell sacking of Simon Goodwin and what it means for Melbourne’s immediate future. They also weigh in on the awkward airport moment involving Jack Ginnivan and a news reporter, and how “uncomfortable” doorstops can affect player-media relationships. Plus, they talk all things Steele Sidebottom’s 350th, who the biggest finals X-factors will be, and heaps more.
33 min
4
AFL: Breaking down who's going to finish top fo...
This week, we look at the machinations of the final few weeks of footy, and break down who is most likely to finish top four and top eight (hint, the Pies might be in strife!). Plus, the Cats' soft draw and Tex Walker's goalkicking.
57 min
5
Red Time: Our favourite after-the-siren goals, ...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy laugh about Toby Greene and Tom Papley’s cheeky exchange and discuss whether the AFL is becoming too precious when it comes to on-field language. They also dig into Collingwood’s increased training loads ahead of a tough three-week stretch, and rank their favourite after-the-siren goals after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s wild moment on the weekend. Plus, after Patrick Dangerfield ate a kebab on the bench, and so the boys imagine the most disrespectful snacks you could possibly eat mid-game.
35 min
6
AFL: The Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera episode; who's...
This week, we analyse the crazy finish to the St Kilda vs. Melbourne match. Plus, the flag contenders nailing Champion Data's 'Runway', a breakdown of a few hard-to-believe stats from this week's spankings.
52 min
7
Red Time: Footy traditions under threat; Should...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into the AFL’s big player movement and contract debates, such as player salaries being public, and is the game ready for stars to announce their offseason moves in the middle of the season? They also weigh in on Greg Swann’s mission to shorten games and whether it’s time to rethink the father-son rule, the centre bounce, and the pre-finals bye. Plus, we could be in for a chaotic, wet-weather weekend of footy. 
34 min
8
AFL: Eagles CANNOT get a priority pick; do we t...
the team debates whether the Eagles -- now three and a half games behind 17th -- deserve a priority pick. Plus, can we trust the Pies to finish top two, and can we trust the Dockers to keep winning?!
55 min
9
Red Time: Inside Collingwood’s halftime chat; T...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy go inside Collingwood’s half time chat against Gold Coast and what’s actually said when you’re goalless at the break. They also discuss where the AFL’s 20th license should go, Tristan Xerri’s three-match ban, and inconsistencies in footy punishments. Plus, they investigate the AFL’s weirdest visual mystery -- why are some No. 11 guernseys practically touching, while others so far apart?
32 min
10
AFL: The teams nailing the 'premiership standar...
This week, we look at which teams have the best premiership profile heading into the home straight. Plus, why Tigers vs. Dons wasn't that bad, and the scheduling nightmare which faces the AFL.
55 min
11
Red Time: Weighing up the pros and cons of the ...
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy break down the AFL’s potential in-season tournament concept -- dubbed the league’s version of the 'NBA Cup' -- and weigh up whether fans, players and clubs would actually take it seriously. They also discuss the growing frustration with umpires stopping games unnecessarily for minor knocks or boot mishaps, and dive into Damien Hardwick’s ‘compliment’ to the Bombers, asking whether more brutal honesty from coaches is actually good for the game. Plus, they share their thoughts on the latest score review blunder, and look ahead to a HUGE round of footy.
31 min
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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