The ESPN Footy Podcast

AFLW: Adelaide's blowout win a cause for concern?

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team delves into Round 5's lockouts and what Adelaide's record winning margin means for the league and women's game as a...

AFL: Classy Cats salute (and how!); Sydney's worst performance in 20 years?

25 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Rohan Connolly joins the team to break down Geelong's huge win over Sydney in the 2022 AFL Grand Final, while Christian brings some stats t...

AFL: What the stats say about the GF; oily arms and legacy discussions

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the lead-up to the Grand Final, we look at the two Grand Finalists and break down where each team can win the big one, Christian Joly from Champion...

AFLW: Who is the best player in the game? Blues' deja vu pain

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team ponder whether Monique Conti is the best player in the game right now, analyse Brisbane's superior season to date, ...

AFL: Where to for Lions, Pies; goal of the year farce

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In another HUGE episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, we dissect Geelong and Sydney's preliminary final triumphs, analyse how both Brisbane and Collingwo...

AFL BONUS: Brownlow special with ESPN and Champion Data's picks!

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a special Brownlow edition of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Jake Michaels digs into his book of secrets to bring you all the wisdom you need to know ahea...

AFLW: Minute's silence controversy; will the Lions or Dees reign supreme?

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team address the minute's silence situation, talk about the thrilling draw between the Power and Blues, look ahead to pe...

AFL: Dissecting the Demons disaster; huge prelim previews

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a massive episode of the podcast, we break down where the semifinals were won and lost, debate whether a one-match ban for Jarrod Berry is a fair o...

AFL: 'Straight sets' on the cards after 'best ever' week of finals footy?

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team discusses one of the most entertaining weeks of footy in recent memory, talk the ARC troubles and break down which ...

AFLW: Doubleheaders debate, injuries again taking their toll

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Marissa and Sarah discuss a horror weekend for knee and lower leg injuries, look at Freo's unwanted record, point out how po...

AFL: HUGE finals previews, 'Mr. Septembers', offseason footyisms

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team breaks down every final and lay it all on the line with our big finals calls, we look at the players who really step up in finals ...

AFLW: Only three teams can win the flag?

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Anna Harrington is back on deck, and joins Marissa Lordanic and Sarah Burt to dissect everything from a massive Round 1 of the...

AFL: Most improved players, Brownlow preview, Pies praise, and more!

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a MASSIVE episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, with the team talking the Blues-Pies thriller, the league's most improved players, the season's best...

AFL: The league's biggest 'confidence players'; Daicos vs. Walsh's first year

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team dives into 'confidence players' after a Reddit thread showed Max King's accuracy dives if he misses his first shot ...

AFLW: We DUB thee, Season 2022 ... 2.0

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're BACK! Marissa Lordanic is here along with ESPN's boom new recruit Sarah Burt to bring you their preseason predictions and a massive team-by-team...

AFL BONUS: Essendon special with Rohan Connolly; Clarkson latest

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rohan Connolly joins Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels to dissect the Essendon latest, after it was reported president Paul Brasher was stepping down. They...

AFL: Each club's X-factor going into finals; are the Dees done?

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we discuss Collingwood and Melbourne's run home, name every finalists biggest X-factor ahead of September, look at which tea...

AFL: 'Massively disappointing' Blues on the brink of disaster

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team lament's Carlton's loss to Adelaide which leaves the Blues' finals hopes hanging in the balance, pay tribute to some of the high-p...

AFL: Have the Pies been lucky? And surprising stats about draws

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we break down the draw between Richmond and Fremantle and Noah Balta's big error, look at if Collingwood has been lucky or if they've master...

AFL: Richmond fans - DO NOT listen to this podcast; Sam Draper's GOTY (or not?)

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we look at Richmond's capitulation to North Melbourne and uncover some really dirty stats, while Christian looks at Essendon...

AFL: Quirky after-the-siren winner stats; how are the Cats still good?!

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team breaks down North's sacking of David Noble, while Christian looks at how the Cats are contenders yet again, and we ...

AFL: Is North Melbourne the worst side Champion Data has ever seen?

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we discuss North Melbourne's current woes and where they rank historically. We also dissect year's most attractive out of co...

AFL: The case for and against a send-off rule; wildest venue hoodoos in history

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we discuss Tom Stewart's bump on Dion Prestia and debate the idea of introducing a send-off rule. We also dissect what went ...

AFL: Josh Dunkley talks Jordan De Goey, Bailey Smith, mental health and more

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Josh Dunkley joins us to discuss the role social media plays in mental health, the fallout from Jordan De Goey's trip to Bal...

AFL: North's biggest issue (it ain't Horne-Francis); time to ditch the floating fixture

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we discuss the 'reopening' of season 2022 now Melbourne is back in the pack, while we also dissect the Jason Horne-Francis s...

AFL: Why some contenders have taken a hit; who could be the next 'Will Brodie'?

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we take a look at the contenders and where they're going well or wrong, while we make the case for a Suns finals berth, look t...

AFL: How to beat the Dees; when is a player 'in their prime'?

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team breaks down Freo's win over Melbourne and looks at how other teams can look to beat the Dees, while Christian takes us through whe...

AFL: The list profile most primed for success; the 'concerning' Matt Rowell stat

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the pod, we look at one team with a list profile that looks incredibly healthy, discuss the struggling sides in Western Australia, ...

AFLW: 202fast2furious

21 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In an AFLW CBA special, Marissa, Marnie, and Anna talk through the details of the newly-signed AFLW CBA, lament the short, 10-game season, and discuss...

AFL: 'Rotten' Bombers need change from the top; #AskChampionData Qs answered

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Rohan Connolly joins the team to discuss Essendon's horror week on the track, and what needs to be done to fix it, while Chr...

AFL: How the Dees compare to recent 'dynasty teams'; 'unusual stats' leaders

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team breaks down Melbourne's dominant run and compares it to recent dynasty sides in Geelong, Hawthorn, and Richmond, wh...

AFL: West Coast's worst is 'yet to come'; MRO got Lewis Young ban right

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Jarryd Barca subs in for Jake, and the team talks West Coast (the worst is yet to come), Brisbane and the return of the 'Gab...

AFL: The stat with a 93% win rate; small forwards are 'wired different'

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team looks at some of the league's best characters and notice a trend, while Christian looks at the impact of small or 'general' forwar...

AFL: Blues, Saints, Dockers - only TWO are contenders

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of the podcast, we discuss umpire dissent and where the next step is for players and umpires, discuss why one of Carlton, Frema...

AFL: Defining a 'premiership window'; discussing Gill's legacy

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the pod, we look at Gillon McLachlan's resignation as AFL CEO and what his greatest achievement has been, talk more expected scores (xSco...

AFLW: The Crows' dynasty - amazing but will it last? Plus offseason latest

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we dissect what happened in the AFLW Grand Final and talk Adelaide's dynasty, we ask 'where to next?' for the Crows and Dees...

AFLW: Massive Grand Final preview; an ode to Emily Bates

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team break down what is set to be a huge Grand Final and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the Crows and Demons, a...

AFL: The 'rise of momentum' fallacy; Port's flag hopes done?

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we look at Port Adelaide's chances of winning the flag this season, debunk the myth that 'momentum' is playing a bigger part...

AFLW: The 'full circle moment' of Dub at the 'G; big prelim previews!

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we do a quick review of the Brisbane-Collingwood qualifier, heap some praise on Orla O'Dwyer, preview the two big prelims, a...

AFL: 'Expected scores' had a WILD week; Buddy the GOAT?

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Rohan Connolly joins the team, which chats Buddy, uncontested possessions and their demise, the bizarre round of 'expected s...

BONUS: Dissecting all things #Buddy1000

26 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, it's just a little serotonin hit, as Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Jarryd Barca dissect all things L...

AFLW: Full-on finals chat - all things Roos-Dockers and Pies-Lions

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Harrington's back on the pod, and joins Marissa Lordanic and Marnie Vinall to talk about the Freo and North game, look ahead to the Pies-Lions ga...

AFL: Don't get used to higher scoring just yet; Dons in strife?

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we discuss praise the high-scoring round of footy, with the caveat that it might not last. We also chat about some record-brea...

A frank chat about respect, and women in footy (and sports) media

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In an emergency episode we didn't really want to have to record, Marissa Lordanic and Marnie Vinall discuss the wider issues at play in the saga invol...

AFLW: Finalist 'vibe checks' and breaking down the matchups!

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Marissa Lordanic and Marnie Vinall discuss this week's finals and get a vibe check on the six finalists (th...

AFL: Our BIG calls for 2022; what the contenders must do

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Matt, Jake, and Christian run through their preseason predictions and give their big calls for the y...

AFLW SPECIAL: Lauren Arnell talks finals, next season, and more!

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a special, bonus episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, former league star and premiership-winning Lion Lauren Arnell joins Marissa Lordanic and Marnie...

AFLW: Next season in AUGUST? Analysing the run into finals

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the pod, we chat about the week's results and look forward to the last round and finals, discuss the potential season start move to Augu...

AFL: The teams with changing gameplans; coaches most under pressure

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Jake from ESPN -- and Christian from Champion Data -- are back to discuss all things AFL in their first podcast for the year! They touch on t...

AFLW: Ebony Marinoff on her 50th game; discussing Daisy Pearce's coaching prospects

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we're joined by special guest and Adelaide star Ebony Marinoff who chats to us ahead of her 50th AFLW game! We also speak about...

Matt, Jake and Christian are back to cover the AFL from March 8!

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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AFLW: Praising 'veteran' Tayla Harris; the downside to expansion

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we chat about the engrossing comebacks from the Dees and Dogs, contrast it with talking about what's going on with the Saints a...

AFLW: The 'semi-pro' league needs to go; summer arvos aren't for footy

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Harro is back and we're talking about how the Dogs and Crows game became an instant classic. We have some grievences though:...

AFLW: Some huge drought-breaking wins, discussing WA's border

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we chat about inaccurate kicking, how important a mobile forward line is, the drought-breaking wins for a few clubs, and the...

AFLW: How the ladder is taking shape, top 4 discussion

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's been another massive round (literally, it went on so long!) of footy, and this week on the podcast we discuss how the ladder is starting to take ...

AFLW: Chatting good defence; players coming back from COVID

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we chat about the Cats and Pies strong defensive efforts, Zimmie Farquahson, players coming back from Covid, and have a yarn...

AFLW: The Prespakis Cup, the importance of depth, and more

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we gush about the Prespakises(? or Prespaki? Let us know!), discuss how important depth is especially in COVID times, and why a good forwa...

AFLW: ACL heartbreak, MonCon-mentum, and who impressed us most

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the ESPN Footy Podcast, the team discusses the elephant in the room - another spate of heartbreaking ACL injuries to some of the league's...

AFLW: Massive team previews, season predictions and more!

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the first AFLW episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Marissa Lordanic, Anna Harrington, and Marnie Vinall take you through every team ahead of a huge ...

The ESPN Footy Podcast returns for the AFLW season!

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Exciting news, footy fans! The ESPN Footy Podcast is expanding to cover the AFLW, with Marissa Lordanic, Anna Harrington, and Marnie Vinall taking the...

Who each AFL club's first pick plays like; what they can bring in 2022

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In another offseason special of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Champion Data's Christian Joly joins the team and helps break down the biggest winners from th...

Looking to the AFL Draft with ESPN expert Chris Doerre

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join ESPN's Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels, and draft expert Chris Doerre as they look towards the 2021 AFL draft, with an eye at the bolters, sliders, ...

Trade and free agency review; draft preview with Chris Doerre

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special offseason episode of the podcast, ESPN's draft expert Chris Doerre joins the team to review the free agency and trade period, while the t...

Best Grand Final stories; what happened to Petracca's 40th touch?

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Christian takes us through what happened to Christian Petracca's record-breaking 40th disposal, while the guys talk the Gran...

Dunkley on the Grand Final; Champion Data's big preview

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the ESPN Footy Podcast, Josh Dunkley joins the team to talk his Grand Final preparation and to reflect on a bonkers finals series, while ...

ESPN's massive Brownlow Medal special

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a bonus episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Jake breaks down the Brownlow Medal with the help of his mammoth Brownlow predictor, while Christian Jol...

Your 'Ask Champion Data' questions answered; where to for Cats, Power?

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we dissect two somewhat underwhelming prelims and look at the futures of both Geelong and Port Adelaide, while Christian Joly from Champion...

The ruck rule changing the stats game; prelim previews

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a jam-packed episode of the podcast, we debate if players have too much power in player movement, while Christian Joly from Champion Data looks at ...

Dissecting Toby Greene's ban; the value of your 'last picked' players

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team talks Toby Greene's ban and Christian Joly from Champion Data reveals the value of each team's 'bottom six' or 'las...

BONUS: Teague sacked, but where to for struggling Blues?

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a bonus episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels are joined by Rohan Connolly to discuss Carlton's decision to sack David Te...

Champion Data's 'All-Australian' team; massive finals previews

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Christian Joly brings Champion Data's All-Australian team to the table - with some twists. Meanwhile, the team reflects on a...

Hawthorn's huge mistake; Does Perth really deserve the GF?

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast (and excuse the audio issues!), Matt and Jake get into a heated debate about where the Grand Final should be played, while Ch...

BONUS: The time for meaningful change on racism is NOW

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

ESPN Australia's Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels are joined by Rohan Connolly to discuss why the latest racist incident involving Adelaide's Taylor Walke...

Time to rethink the MRO; Teague's time is over

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, the team discusses how relatively 'even' the competition as whole is and why that might be. There's universal agreement that t...

Quirky coin toss stats; is a 'top eight' too much?

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team discusses if eight teams in finals is too many, while Christian runs us through the best and most interesting coin ...

The AFL's 'best kicks' revealed; King or McKay brothers?

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Christian Joly takes the ESPN Footy Podcast team through the competition's best kicks relative to difficulty and execution (both clubs and ...

Dunkley reveals 14-day iso details; Sam Walsh in ELITE company

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Josh Dunkley joins us to talk about how he got stuck in 14-day isolation, while Christian Joly from Champion Data looks at S...

The AFL's most improved players; HUGE Tigers debate

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we discuss the AFL's best lookalikes and the worst haircuts, come up with a formula for ranking the most improved players, a...

Eagles at crucial crossroads; 'relative ratings' explained

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Christian Joly looks at 'relative ratings', which pits a player's Player Ratings average against those the same age and in the same positio...

The AFL's 'bad boys' who go too far; WHY Richmond won't win the flag

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, instead of asking if Richmond can win the flag, the team discusses why Richmond can't win it. Christian Joly from Champion Dat...

Defining 'score involvements'; the great Tassie debate

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team debates the pros and cons of bringing in a Tassie team ASAP after Sunday's sellout in Launceston. We also try to pinpoint Gold Coa...

Best debut stat records; why is David Mackay going to the tribunal?

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on a bumper podcast, the team discusses whether it's appropriate for the AFL to send a case to the tribunal and recommend a suspension as it...

🚨 BONUS POD 🚨 Dissecting the Buckley-Magpies decision

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join ESPN's Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels, and Rohan Connolly as they break down the Collingwood-Nathan Buckley split, and discuss what's next for both...

Crunch time for the Blues; time to share marquee games?

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team looks at Carlton's biggest issue ahead of an external review, Matt and Jake debate the merits of sharing marquee ga...

Mid-season draft intel; has the AFL been COVID-lucky?

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team discuss how the COVID curveballs came at a lucky time for the AFL, analyse the first half of the year for this week...

Why the MRO, AFL got it wrong; where are St Kilda's leaders?!

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Christian Joly from Champion Data takes us through the different styles of ball movement that teams employ, and busts the my...

Players who dominate vs. your club; why crowds are staying away

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the team explores why crowds are staying away in 2021 (and it isn't COVID), while Christian brings up the teams which certai...

Dunkley lifts the lid on shoulder injury; is the top 8 set?

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Josh Dunkley walks us through just what it's like suffering a serious footy injury after his successful shoulder reconstruct...

The best kicks under pressure; Chris Doerre's early draft leaderboard

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, ESPN's AFL draft expert Chris Doerre joins the teams to give us an insight into how this year's draft crop is shaping up. Ch...

Analysing the Eagles, Pies' struggles; best 'score assist' duos

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Rohan Connolly joins the team to discuss all the biggest talking points, including West Coast's big loss to Geelong, the Col...

Josh Dunkley on phone-gate, social media abuse, Treloar, and more

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the guys are joined by Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley, who gives us his thoughts about having mobile phones in changeroo...

The AFL's opposite foot kings; why the 4-0 teams are undefeated

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Christian Joly from Champion Data takes us through the players who not only use their opposite foot the most, but are the mo...

Champion Data measures 'momentum'; the Swans are GOOD

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Jake and Christian AGAIN get roasted for calls that have blown up in their face. We also tasked Champion Data with gauging "...

The captain's challenge debate; revival of the key forward?

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the guys debate the merit of a captain's or coach's challenge following the umpiring howler on Friday night, Matt wonders if...

The Round 1 losers we're worried for; Champion Data's next big stat

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Rohan Connolly returns to the pod to discuss all the Round 1 action, while Christian Joly from Champion Data says we should hold off praisi...

Our BOLD calls for the year; how do you beat the Tigers?!

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On a bumper Round 1 episode of the ESPN Footy Podcast, the guys discuss the concussion substitute idea, give their season predictions, including their...

We're BACK! Grilling Champion Data on Mason Cox's 'elite' status and MORE

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The ESPN Footy Podcast is back for another year, and Christian Joly once again joins us to explain all things Champion Data - including just how Mason...

2020 AFL Draft special: Chris Doerre joins the team!

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The 2020 AFL Draft is just around the corner, and ESPN's AFL Draft expert Chris Doerre joins Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels and Champion Data's Christian J...

Trade special: Did the Pies have the worst trade period ... ever?!

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a special edition of the podcast following the trade and free agency periods, Matt Walsh, Niall Seewang, Jake Michaels and Champion Data's Christia...

Night GF debate; ranking the modern dynasties; Danger vs. Dusty

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, the guys get into a spirited debate about the future of the night Grand Final, while they also chat Dusty's GOAT status, Gaz...