AFL Daily

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Sam Mitchell has got a dilemma in his midfield with Will Day to miss the early part of the season and a potential Opening Round suspension lingering over co-captain Jai Newcombe's head. Will the system based Magpies be able to stop the in-form Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera?  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this special edition of AFL Daily, Josh Gabelich brings you the story behind the story. Recently, Gabelich was invited to spend a day alongside Collingwood coach Craig McRae ahead of the 2026 AFL premiership season. From 5:50am through until the end of the day, Gabo sat in coaches meetings, player sessions, and a full club experience chatting to the number of people that make the Magpies tick. Subscribe to AFL Daily wherever you get your podcasts. 

Damian Barrett and Joel Peterson bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Sam Darcy is poised to explode in 2026 and be the headline act when it comes to key power forwards in the game. We discuss the ceiling for Darcy, and which other young key forwards are worth keeping a watch on this year.  What is the expectation on the Tigers after a 5-win season in 2025? Plus, Damo's Sliding Doors is back and the Crows are in the gun.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Michael Whiting and Nathan Schmook bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. A week away from the season kicking off, today we are making a case for the 8 non-Victorian sides.  Which ones will propel themselves into the top 8, can the Eagles climb out of the bottom four, and can the chasing pack catch the Lions in their quest for a 3-peat?  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Joel Peterson bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Sam Walsh has signed the biggest deal in Carlton's history, the extension see's him a Bluebagger for life and will remain at the club until the end of 2034.  We're continuing the countdown to the Opening Round match up of the year, Carlton head up to Sydney to face the Swans.  And, Patrick Dangerfield isn't buying into the Cats being on the slide.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Roaming reporter Joel Peterson spent his Monday with 9 of the AFL captains ahead of Opening Round. We hear from Patty Cripps, Marcus Bontempelli, Cal Wilkie and Max Gawn.  AFL Match Review Officer Michael Christian joins the show for a chat about the changes the game has made to the MRO going into 2026.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Joel Peterson bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Damo has gone one on one with Collingwood coach Craig McRae and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon. We unpack both of those chats. Can Dan Houston recapture his All-Australian form of 2023 and 2024 leading into 2026? Will Bobby Hill return to the fold this season? Ross Lyon responds to Lions coach Chris Fagan, and the expectations on the Saints heading into this year.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Essendon coach Brad Scott goes one on one with AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey. Zach Merrett wanted out of the club during the trade period but in the end the trade fell over and he came back to the Bombers. He and the club has put that behind them now and they're looking forward to a strong 2026.  The Bombers had an injury crisis through 2025, Scott explains what they've done to go about changing their injury fortunes in 2026. Subscribe to Your Coach wherever you get your podcasts.

Michael Whiting and Nathan Schmook bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. We are taking a look at all eight non-Victorian sides a fortnight out from Opening Round. Zak Butters is the biggest name in the free agency pool this year, as the Power have a new lease on life under coach Josh Carr. The Giants will call it shrewd recruiting having Clayton Oliver given the amount of injuries the midfield has felt this summer. Oscar Allen had his first hitout as a Lion this week plus there's an expectation the Swans are back in the finals in Dean Cox's second year.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this edition of Your Coach, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon hits back at critics of the Saints' off-season recruiting raid that landed four stars from other clubs including former Carlton ruck Tom De Koning.  He also discusses injury-prone forward Max King's prospects in 2026, the perceived pressure that comes with headline-grabbing contracts, and the role that Saints great Lenny Hayes will play at the club in 2026.  Subscribe to Your Coach wherever you get your podcasts. 

Damian Barrett and Joel Peterson bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Which club has got the best midfield trio heading into 2026? After another lean season in 2025, is this the year the Roos finally bounce and get themselves out of the bottom 4? Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Nathan Schmook bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Eagles are coming off a one-win season, surely the only way is up for West Coast in Andrew McQualter's second season.  Key players will miss Opening Round through injury as the AFL's COO Tom Harley declares Opening Round is here to stay.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The inclusions of Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to the SUNS line up over summer has them well poised to go deep into September in 2026. St Kilda and Brisbane have announced fresh captains for the year ahead, which one was the bigger shock? Jeremy Cameron is in a race against time to be ready for Opening Round. Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this edition of Your Coach, GWS coach Adam Kingsley is confident that despite the past 4 finals losses, the Giants can take the step that's proven elusive during September in recent years. The addition of Clayton Oliver to the star-studded midfield, Aaron Cadman is coming on in leaps and bounds plus growing the game in Greater Western Sydney. Note this was recorded in the days before Tom Green's ACL injury Subscribe to Your Coach wherever you get your podcasts. 

Damian Barrett and Joel Peterson bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Vics get it done over WA by 24 points in the return of Origin with a lot to like on & off the field in the build up to this game. The only sour note being the injury to Jacob Weitering.  Tom Green will miss the 2026 season with a suspected ACL tear, a savage blow for the Giants midfield. Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook & Sarah Black bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. All roads lead to Optus Stadium tonight for the return of AFL Origin. For the first time since 1999, Origin footy is here with Victoria taking on WA. Have the Sandgropers got a point to prove tonight? Which midfield will shine brightest?  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Despite finishing the home and away season on top of the ladder, the Crows flunked in September and failed miserably in the spotlight - What is the expectation on Adelaide this year? Will Ben King remain loyal to the SUNS and sign beyond 2026 or will the lure of Victoria become to big? Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Josh Gabelich and Cal Twomey bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. State of Origin this Saturday night gives the footy fans their first look at the seven rule changes the AFL under Greg Swann has implemented over the off-season. A stronger enforcement of the stand-rule, the abolishment of the sub, no more ruck nominations, quicker time to bring the footy back in from a behind and last disposal out of bounds.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Will extended time off during the off-season become the norm for senior coaches after both Chris Scott and Craig McRae have done so this summer.  Collingwood will roll into 2026 with the "too old" narrative while the Hawks winning record will be up against it without Will Day for the first half of the season. Plus, the build up to State of Origin this Saturday continues.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Nathan Schmook bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Zach Merrett was adamant he wanted out of Bomberland during the 2025 Trade Period, now it's been revealed he's in discussions with Essendon for a contract extension beyond 2027. Is right now the time to be holding those conversations? Fremantle have spent the pre-season sharpening their attention to detail & following the lead of the reigning premiers the Lions. And another injury setback for St Kilda power-forward Max King.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. With all their off-season acquisitions and bold plays to do so, St Kilda will be the most fascinating storyline in 2026. Can the reigning premiers retain Zac Bailey beyond this year? Who will replace Lachie Neale as the skipper this year?  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan is aiming for a three-peat in 2026.  On this edition of Your Coach, the back to back premiership coach discusses the acquisitions of Sam Draper and Oscar Allen to the club, while losing Cal Ah Chee to the Adelaide Crows. Zac Bailey is a free agent this year, he is hopeful of retaining the Lions forward/mid and makes comment about the current lay of the land when it comes to player contracts. Subscribe to Your Coach wherever you get your podcasts.

Dean Cox heads into his second season in charge of the Swans. The Swans are well-balanced, and well-placed to attack this year head on after facing unique challenges at this point 12 months ago.  Charlie Curnow has joined the club in a high-publicized trade. Callum Mills and Errol Gulden have themselves primed for a big 2026 plus the addition of premiership winning coach Simon Goodwin to the coaching box is only going to give Cox even more confidence going into the clubs season opener against Carlton.  Subscribe to Your Coach wherever you get your podcasts. 

After an off-season of our own, AFL Daily returns on Monday, February 9   Josh Gabelich, Damian Barrett and the rest of the AFL.com.au team will have the latest footy news from the pre-season in the lead up to Opening Round.    Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Laura Spurway and Gemma Bastiani bring you the latest news on AFL Daily.  A complete preview of the 2025 AFLW Grand Final. The undefeated North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos are aiming for a 29th consecutive win and back to back premierships, while the Brisbane Lions have reached their 7th AFLW Grand Final and looking for redemption after going down to the Roos 12 months ago.  The storylines ahead of the game worth following, the players chasing their first title, how the coaches stack up against each other plus where it will be won and lost. Subscribe to AFL Daily so you never miss a moment!

Sarah Olle, Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich are in recap mode on AFL Daily for season 2025. Champions of the game bid farewell in 2025.  It wasn't the fairytale Callan Ward wanted when his ACL went on him vs. Richmond and ended his final year in tears. Sam Docherty is one of the games most inspirational figures for all the adversity he has played through. Nat Fyfe goes out a 2x Brownlow Medallist, and Oscar McInerney became a footy favourite finishing his career a premiership player with Brisbane after missing the 2024 Grand Final through injury.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sarah Olle, Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich are in recap mode on AFL Daily for season 2025. The Trade Period gave us plenty to discuss during October with a botched attempt from the Hawks to land Essendon captain Zach Merrett.  Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is no longer a Bulldog after failing to play a single game for the club in 2025. AFLHQ football department went through a restructure that sees Greg Swann now in charge and already set about making significant change to the game for 2026.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sarah Olle, Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich are in recap mode on AFL Daily for season 2025. No one would've actually believed Lachie Neale was playing on Grand Final day until he stepped out there at the start of the third quarter.  Bailey Smith and Jack Ginnivan brought back a healthy serving of "the bird" and Izak Rankine's homophobic slur put Adelaide's finals campaign on the backburner with the evolving story of his 4-match suspension.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sarah Olle, Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich are in recap mode on AFL Daily for season 2025. In this edition, we are going back over the moments that dominated our news feeds in 2025. Opening Round was postponed in Queensland due to tropical cyclone Alfred, the Eagles asking for an assistance package. A favourite Giant forced into retirement with an ACL tear and Oscar Allen forced into an uncomfortable apology.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sarah Olle, Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich are in recap mode on AFL Daily for season 2025. In this edition, relive the moments that made us smile this year. From the Brisbane Lions back to back title on the last Saturday in September, all the way to Seth Campbell's backflip as the Tigers produced a come-from-behind special to start the year.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Joe Pignataro brings you the latest news on AFL Daily. The Eagles have given Willem Duursma the mantle of being the #1 pick from the 2025 AFL Draft last night. As well as being one of the more hungrier teams on the night bidding on academy and father/son prospects. Gold Coast got busy matching each bid that came for their academy talent inside the top 20, the Blues were able to get their father/son and the Bombers used pick 9 to select a draft bolter.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Saints were the most ruthless club in October bringing in 5 players during the trade period as well as pulling the rug out from under Leek Aleer. Will it result in a more ruthless edge on the field in 2026? Only time will tell.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Another year of the same old and there's no much more on the horizon of 2026 for the Kangaroos. Harry Sheezel had another stellar season but there's not much else to write home about. Al Clarkson heads into his fourth year as the coach that's under the most pressure.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Blues became one of the most active clubs during the trade period, and while they lost 3 big players, they acquired Will Hayward & Oli Florent. After spending his debut year on the sidelines Jagga Smith will be unveiled in 2026 as well as father-son prospect Harry Dean.  Graham Wright, the agent of change has stuck with Michael Voss who is under pressure going into his final season under contract.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Geelong went all the way to Grand Final day before being beaten by the Brisbane Lions, will the way the season ended leave scars heading into 2026?  While the trade period on-field didn't bring about all the players they were chasing, they have secured Nathan Buckley in an assistant coaching role which will be a positive for their midfield.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The winds of change have swept through Port Adelaide. Ken Hinkley's 13 year tenure has come to an end, Josh Carr takes over. The signature of Zak Butters is the most important storyline of the year coming up. The targeted recruiting during the trade period to help the club get back to finals will be secondary to the future of the clubs best midfielder.  ** This episode was recorded prior to Jason Horne-Francis return to training and foot injury. Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Magpies were the oldest side on the park in 2025, for much of the home and away season they were the best side in the competition but couldn't get past Preliminary Final weekend in September. The quietest trade period under Craig McRae sees them bring in Jack Buller. Can Dan McStay step up in 2026, and more consistency from Jordan De Goey? Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Giants have brought in Clayton Oliver to help them in the midfield next year. He will no doubt add to the depth of the side and relish being outside the Victorian bubble.  The club will re-sign Jake Stringer through the rookie draft to support Jesse Hogan again but 2026 is shaping as the year Aaron Cadman announces himself.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Sydney missed out on September in Dean Cox's first season after reaching the Grand Final in 2024.  There's many people expecting them to bolt back up the table with Charlie Curnow, the rockstar key forward joining during the trade period.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Sarah Olle bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The AFL has introduced a Wildcard Finals Round to the 2026 fixture. It will mean from 2026 the finals will extend out to a top 10 with the top 6 six having a finals bye.  AFLW moves into its second week of the finals, the Kangaroos flexing their muscles thumping the Hawks while the Lions have made a sixth straight Preliminary Final.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. All eyes at Essendon will be on Zach Merrett for the first day of pre-season after his trade request to Hawthorn was denied.  Finishing 2025 the Bombers fell on a 13-game losing streak and injuries left, right and centre. They're all hopeful for a much more positive outlook in 2026.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Despite finishing the 2025 season on top of the ladder the Crows went winless through the finals and bundled out in straight sets. The summer will be spent thinking about what went wrong when it matters most but the Crows will be out for redemption come September of 2026.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Demons had the most wholesale changes of any club over the off-season, they'll enter 2026 with a new President, CEO and coach. They'll also be without 2 of the midfield stars in Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. With all this change happening, it's looking like a tough first year under the new coach Steven King.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Hawthorn missed big during the trade period, will that come back to haunt them right throughout 2026?  With what they do have on their list, can they get a full body of work from the likes of Will Day, Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear? Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Fremantle were one of the quieter sides during the trade period but did what they had to do to secure Judd McVee. 2026 will have a different outlook with Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters retiring, but they have the core group that is ready to perform and show they have a ruthless edge about them.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Can anyone dismantle the 2x reigning premiers in 2026? Adding Oscar Allen and Sam Draper to an already star-studded line up will make it incredibly difficult for anyone to dismiss the Lions again next season.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Kate McCarthy bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. Seven rule changes have been made ahead of the AFL season for 2026 in a continued attempt to speed up the game.  Richmond are in focus after a lean year in 2025 what is a pass mark for the Tigers in 2026? Plus, the final home and away round of the AFLW season with plenty on the line.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. After a history making 2025 can the SUNS go even further in 2026? With the additions of Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan it's impossible to think otherwise. Bailey Humphrey may feel like he owes the club after his attempt at leaving during the trade period, and can they get the signature of Ben King locked away early in the season to quash any discussion of him heading home to Victoria?  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nathan Schmook and Michael Whiting bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. West Coast are in focus after their tumultuous 1-win season under new coach Andrew McQualter. Has the mood changed around 'Mini' heading into his second season at the helm? How pivotal will picks 1 and 2 be in this years draft for the club that's seemingly been in free-fall since the 2018 premiership.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Damian Barrett and Sarah Olle bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Western Bulldogs missed the 8 in 2025, what steps do they need to put in place to get there in 2026. A fully fit and firing Cody Weightman will definitely help the forward line but what can they do about the backline that at times proved to be dysfunctional? Andrew Dillon speaks out about putting Bailey Smith on notice, and the AFLW heads into its final home and away round with spots inside the 8 on the line.  Subscribe to AFL Daily and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.