Tad where on you win some you lose more.

Tad where on you win some you lose more.

Natural disasters, post payments, refunds and sandbags. What a way to start the footy season. Welcome to AFL today. I'm your host, Alex Donnelly, joined on your far left by a guy who's just here ready to watch some footy on Friday night. It's Leo Malali. How are we lay?

Natural disasters, post payments, refunds and sandbags. What a way to start the footy season. Welcome to AFL today. I'm your host, Alex Donnelly, joined on your far left by a guy who's just here ready to watch some footy on Friday night. It's Leo Malali. How are we lay?

I'm dacking my pants at the moment. Yeah, I would not turn around on camera.

I'm dacking my pants at the moment. Yeah, I would not turn around on camera.

It's not a pretty sile Hawks and the guy who just I don't know if he wants opening ground to start, end or finish, because well that means North Melbourne's about to play. It's Lee mccally going.

It's not a pretty sile Hawks and the guy who just I don't know if he wants opening ground to start, end or finish, because well that means North Melbourne's about to play. It's Lee mccally going.

I'm very good North balls fired up. I'm actually very happy with that. That intro.

I'm very good North balls fired up. I'm actually very happy with that. That intro.

That was good.

That was good.

I didn't see that in the in the run set, but that was good.

I didn't see that in the in the run set, but that was good.

You are also a guy who would play in a cyclone.

You are also a guy who would play in a cyclone.

Oh, that would be fun.

Oh, that would be fun.

For the love of the game.

For the love of the game.

I mean, for the love of the game. I'll play in rain Haler, Shine or cyclone of course. Actually category two I think Jordan said it was. If it was category three, I wouldn't play, but category two. He's a cyclone expert.

I mean, for the love of the game. I'll play in rain Haler, Shine or cyclone of course. Actually category two I think Jordan said it was. If it was category three, I wouldn't play, but category two. He's a cyclone expert.

Yeah, Big cyclone guys, the stats Guy where of course brought to you by tabs afl missed by one. If your disposals like missus by one, tab will still pay you out as a winner. Download the tab up what are you really gambling with? So on today's show as you usual on the midwek Madness because this is the Midweek Madness Show, we have the news tick up, the Midweek Winner and Loser. Of course, we have some special guests and interviews which we're going to try and bring out through the year. Olif FloraNT from the Sydney Swans will join us on the show today ahead of the opening around clash against Hawthorne, which, by virtue of just pure perfection, the Swans are starting the season once again as we did last year. And then we will have gun journalists from the Daily Telegraph, the surprisingly tall the really handsome Lockie mccurch. He was looking really good in you suit.

Yeah, Big cyclone guys, the stats Guy where of course brought to you by tabs afl missed by one. If your disposals like missus by one, tab will still pay you out as a winner. Download the tab up what are you really gambling with? So on today's show as you usual on the midwek Madness because this is the Midweek Madness Show, we have the news tick up, the Midweek Winner and Loser. Of course, we have some special guests and interviews which we're going to try and bring out through the year. Olif FloraNT from the Sydney Swans will join us on the show today ahead of the opening around clash against Hawthorne, which, by virtue of just pure perfection, the Swans are starting the season once again as we did last year. And then we will have gun journalists from the Daily Telegraph, the surprisingly tall the really handsome Lockie mccurch. He was looking really good in you suit.

We always have tall people with good hair that we dump on the show, so for the lack.

We always have tall people with good hair that we dump on the show, so for the lack.

Of lack of height from you. We'll also talk some super coach vibes as well. We weren't meant to do the Thursday Night preview, but as said, it's been postponed, so starts going. I will have a look into some long term season futures for you there. But of course make sure you follow AFL Today on x, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more footy content all season long. So make sure on YouTube you hit the notifications bell as well as subscribing. Anytime we do a video it lobs up Leo, it's Aussie Rules Today on Facebook.

Of lack of height from you. We'll also talk some super coach vibes as well. We weren't meant to do the Thursday Night preview, but as said, it's been postponed, so starts going. I will have a look into some long term season futures for you there. But of course make sure you follow AFL Today on x, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more footy content all season long. So make sure on YouTube you hit the notifications bell as well as subscribing. Anytime we do a video it lobs up Leo, it's Aussie Rules Today on Facebook.

I believe that is correct.

I believe that is correct.

Look at that just seamless. Yeah, up until Friday. We're good. Then we're just going to fight anyway. Newsticker. It's been pretty big news that the season launch has been postponed by twenty four hours. There's a cyclone?

Look at that just seamless. Yeah, up until Friday. We're good. Then we're just going to fight anyway. Newsticker. It's been pretty big news that the season launch has been postponed by twenty four hours. There's a cyclone?

Can you do like a cyclone warning for us, Alex no.

Can you do like a cyclone warning for us, Alex no.

I was about to say, it's like the like, if there's an emergency, we will play this and get the hell out of the stadium, evacuate. Cyclone Alfred is just going to absolutely tear up Brisbane in Queensland in the next few days. So Brisbane and Geelong, which was meant to open the season Thursday night tomorrow night, is off. It has been pushed back to Round three I believe both of those teams had to buy they're probably gonna play on this Saturday night. Think they've done that well at least yeah, Essen in the Gold Coast, which was Saturday night. It has been postponed. The AFL has got themselves into a bit of a pickle because their buyers aren't at the same time. But having a look on social media yesterday, people who are looking at the fixtures, there's a game in around sixteen and around fourteen that can be flipped because of buyers. Because obviously we don't know the round sixteen schedule yet. Because obviously everything from round sixteen onwards is fluid, we don't have times for that yet.

I was about to say, it's like the like, if there's an emergency, we will play this and get the hell out of the stadium, evacuate. Cyclone Alfred is just going to absolutely tear up Brisbane in Queensland in the next few days. So Brisbane and Geelong, which was meant to open the season Thursday night tomorrow night, is off. It has been pushed back to Round three I believe both of those teams had to buy they're probably gonna play on this Saturday night. Think they've done that well at least yeah, Essen in the Gold Coast, which was Saturday night. It has been postponed. The AFL has got themselves into a bit of a pickle because their buyers aren't at the same time. But having a look on social media yesterday, people who are looking at the fixtures, there's a game in around sixteen and around fourteen that can be flipped because of buyers. Because obviously we don't know the round sixteen schedule yet. Because obviously everything from round sixteen onwards is fluid, we don't have times for that yet.

So if they can't figure it out, is there any like way that they'll just give them a drawer. I don't want that to happen.

So if they can't figure it out, is there any like way that they'll just give them a drawer. I don't want that to happen.

They'll make them play midweek, or you just play it in the preseason. By the finals.

They'll make them play midweek, or you just play it in the preseason. By the finals.

By people on Twitter have worked it out already for the AFL, I don't just look at this and be like yeah, why not.

By people on Twitter have worked it out already for the AFL, I don't just look at this and be like yeah, why not.

Yeah, We'll take three days to think about it there.

Yeah, We'll take three days to think about it there.

And it works and in more injury years because it's this season, so we didn't have the biggest one mentioned there ERL Gordon's broken ankle.

And it works and in more injury years because it's this season, so we didn't have the biggest one mentioned there ERL Gordon's broken ankle.

I thought that was last show.

I thought that was last show.

Sorry, no, yeah that was that was last Friday nights some Sydney anti byers.

Sorry, no, yeah that was that was last Friday nights some Sydney anti byers.

He's also not the biggest injury fairst Yeah, biggest.

He's also not the biggest injury fairst Yeah, biggest.

Yeah, but a broken ankle will have arrow out for I'm just saying July. I've got no idea what the time indefinite. Yeah, but it's like he's in the cast for another two weeks and then he sees the surgeon in five weeks time, so that gets you to basically the middle of April. So I'm saying July at the earliest.

Yeah, but a broken ankle will have arrow out for I'm just saying July. I've got no idea what the time indefinite. Yeah, but it's like he's in the cast for another two weeks and then he sees the surgeon in five weeks time, so that gets you to basically the middle of April. So I'm saying July at the earliest.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Almost one's mate are just like, oh my god. I'll just like just if he's back in July, be happy.

Almost one's mate are just like, oh my god. I'll just like just if he's back in July, be happy.

Yeah, true's massive out, but at least you've got depth GWS because they're playing this weekend, so we'll talk about Jesse Hogan smashed his thumb on a toilet door on Friday night. I'm legit. I was literally about to say, I'm not going to go into it, but that seems a little bit suss. He likes a big session and in.

Yeah, true's massive out, but at least you've got depth GWS because they're playing this weekend, so we'll talk about Jesse Hogan smashed his thumb on a toilet door on Friday night. I'm legit. I was literally about to say, I'm not going to go into it, but that seems a little bit suss. He likes a big session and in.

A shock to absolutely no one, Jake Stringer did a soft tissue because he'd been training the house down all summer.

A shock to absolutely no one, Jake Stringer did a soft tissue because he'd been training the house down all summer.

I have a conspiracy with this.

I have a conspiracy with this.

I reckon he did this at the start of pre season.

I reckon he did this at the start of pre season.

They've just said it now because they want to build the hype and they're like every week, every week they're asking, you're right, Jakie, You're good. He's like, nah, still cool. And now that they actually have to take him out of the team.

They've just said it now because they want to build the hype and they're like every week, every week they're asking, you're right, Jakie, You're good. He's like, nah, still cool. And now that they actually have to take him out of the team.

There's a lot of conspiracies going. A conspiracy guy and that forward line who that I thought would obviously fire around Jesse Hogan is a looking at the moment a little bit sketchy.

There's a lot of conspiracies going. A conspiracy guy and that forward line who that I thought would obviously fire around Jesse Hogan is a looking at the moment a little bit sketchy.

And bond after apparently being fine when he said his carf for sore three minutes into Friday Thursday Night's game and Hawthorne now he's out for six weeks. Mates cooked.

And bond after apparently being fine when he said his carf for sore three minutes into Friday Thursday Night's game and Hawthorne now he's out for six weeks. Mates cooked.

He looked fine though he was he was chatting the moon.

He looked fine though he was he was chatting the moon.

He said he was fine. But I'm not surprised, he said.

He said he was fine. But I'm not surprised, he said.

Marcus Bonton Pell not a medical doctor confirmed, but he could be.

Marcus Bonton Pell not a medical doctor confirmed, but he could be.

He's that good looking though. He really that girl. There's a little girl. You lock into his eyes. You can do whatever you want. He could. He's that good. Give him a doctor, Oh, you could be a doctor of football.

He's that good looking though. He really that girl. There's a little girl. You lock into his eyes. You can do whatever you want. He could. He's that good. Give him a doctor, Oh, you could be a doctor of football.

He's even footscrape. They would let him do anything.

He's even footscrape. They would let him do anything.

That's true.

That's true.

An honorary doctress somehow lives in Footscrate.

An honorary doctress somehow lives in Footscrate.

Correct, he doesn't want to give his address. My address is.

Correct, he doesn't want to give his address. My address is.

Have we got any other news?

Have we got any other news?

Not really, because everything's just sort of gone towards the cycling. Oh my god, there's a cyclone. Oh we can't play, can we play'? Neil said last night that he wouldn't have played if the games went ahead.

Not really, because everything's just sort of gone towards the cycling. Oh my god, there's a cyclone. Oh we can't play, can we play'? Neil said last night that he wouldn't have played if the games went ahead.

I mean fair, it's a natural disaster exactly.

I mean fair, it's a natural disaster exactly.

I think a lot of players would have gone like a player welfare and all that type of stuff, and even fan welfare, like you don't want someone falling out of the stadium or something like, jeez, they could just get blown away. Well that's guys thinking that there's be like catapulta just out, yeah, fly or like like a Wizard of Ods type just straight to the fridge and you're all good.

I think a lot of players would have gone like a player welfare and all that type of stuff, and even fan welfare, like you don't want someone falling out of the stadium or something like, jeez, they could just get blown away. Well that's guys thinking that there's be like catapulta just out, yeah, fly or like like a Wizard of Ods type just straight to the fridge and you're all good.

Yeah, Lions, Tigers and Bears over anyway, I'm that high night. We're gonna speak with our Let's be honest. He's our new best friend and probably the best looking person that's ever been on the show. It's Oli Florent. Ahead of opening around this Friday night, and let's be honest, I'm pumped about it because my beloved Sydney Swans are kicking off the season as they should and we are joined by Oli Florent from this once today get Ali.

Yeah, Lions, Tigers and Bears over anyway, I'm that high night. We're gonna speak with our Let's be honest. He's our new best friend and probably the best looking person that's ever been on the show. It's Oli Florent. Ahead of opening around this Friday night, and let's be honest, I'm pumped about it because my beloved Sydney Swans are kicking off the season as they should and we are joined by Oli Florent from this once today get Ali.

Yodah, guys, thanks for having me, so we've got.

Yodah, guys, thanks for having me, so we've got.

How are we feeling ahead of Friday night kicking off the season again? Most importantly, you kick the first goal of twenty twenty four? Are you going to do it again in twenty twenty five?

How are we feeling ahead of Friday night kicking off the season again? Most importantly, you kick the first goal of twenty twenty four? Are you going to do it again in twenty twenty five?

Yes, if I get the opportunity, I'll definitely go on goals, but.

Yes, if I get the opportunity, I'll definitely go on goals, but.

The odds are probably not.

The odds are probably not.

Yeah, I can jump on that.

Yeah, I can jump on that.

Just a quick dish off from Chat even though he's not really want to dish off. But how's the pre season been? Obviously unfortunately a couple of injuries running through, but sort of apart from that, everything seems to have been going well as far as results in structure.

Just a quick dish off from Chat even though he's not really want to dish off. But how's the pre season been? Obviously unfortunately a couple of injuries running through, but sort of apart from that, everything seems to have been going well as far as results in structure.

Yeah, the preseason has been really good.

Yeah, the preseason has been really good.

A bit of a refreshing change with with Coxy as a head coach, and it's been, you know, a solid challenging pre season as much as it has been enjoyable as well. So I think we've got a really good balance with with how we've sort of rocked up and enjoyed ourselves and worked hard at the same time. But yeah, there has been a few hiccups on the way with a few key key players, you know, going down, And I guess that's sort of the nature of the sport and sort of the younger boys or whoever gets that opportunity to step up into a into an important role.

A bit of a refreshing change with with Coxy as a head coach, and it's been, you know, a solid challenging pre season as much as it has been enjoyable as well. So I think we've got a really good balance with with how we've sort of rocked up and enjoyed ourselves and worked hard at the same time. But yeah, there has been a few hiccups on the way with a few key key players, you know, going down, And I guess that's sort of the nature of the sport and sort of the younger boys or whoever gets that opportunity to step up into a into an important role.

Yeah, good call. You talked about Coxy obviously coming in. How's the transition been between Horse Longmire and Coxy different coaching styles and the vibe around the club changed at all? Or Yeah, what's the differences do you think?

Yeah, good call. You talked about Coxy obviously coming in. How's the transition been between Horse Longmire and Coxy different coaching styles and the vibe around the club changed at all? Or Yeah, what's the differences do you think?

Yeah, Horse is, you know, a great, unbelievable coach. I've had my whole career, and you know, I have enjoyed every single moment of being playing under Horse and with Dean. He's also sort of been there for a lot of my time. But I think there's I don't know, a hell of a lot of a difference, probably just in sort of the maybe the schedule and a few positional changes and stuff like that. Boys are enjoying playing in a.

Yeah, Horse is, you know, a great, unbelievable coach. I've had my whole career, and you know, I have enjoyed every single moment of being playing under Horse and with Dean. He's also sort of been there for a lot of my time. But I think there's I don't know, a hell of a lot of a difference, probably just in sort of the maybe the schedule and a few positional changes and stuff like that. Boys are enjoying playing in a.

Different position that what they or what they might not be used to.

Different position that what they or what they might not be used to.

So yeah, and obviously coming up this Friday night against a Hawthorne team who last time you played them they were at the lowest of their lows. You gave them an absolute pantsing at the MCG before they decided to start winning some games. Some differences obviously between now and then, and how do you prep for them. Also, obviously they've added in Josh Battle and Tom barrass as well, so they're going to be very tall down back.

So yeah, and obviously coming up this Friday night against a Hawthorne team who last time you played them they were at the lowest of their lows. You gave them an absolute pantsing at the MCG before they decided to start winning some games. Some differences obviously between now and then, and how do you prep for them. Also, obviously they've added in Josh Battle and Tom barrass as well, so they're going to be very tall down back.

Yeah, so this week today we've got.

Yeah, so this week today we've got.

A bit of a review, I guess and preview. Sorry for going into the game how we're going to sort of play, And we've got training today so I don't know a hell of a lot, but we do know that they've got some really good players in all sort of positions.

A bit of a review, I guess and preview. Sorry for going into the game how we're going to sort of play, And we've got training today so I don't know a hell of a lot, but we do know that they've got some really good players in all sort of positions.

Their new recruits obviously really.

Their new recruits obviously really.

Important and good players, so we're going to have to definitely keep an eye on those sort of players. But I think the main focus for us is just sticking to how we want to play our football and bring our strengths and make them sort of think about us, and I think that's sort of been a been a really important message over the preseason as well.

Important and good players, so we're going to have to definitely keep an eye on those sort of players. But I think the main focus for us is just sticking to how we want to play our football and bring our strengths and make them sort of think about us, and I think that's sort of been a been a really important message over the preseason as well.

Absolute.

Absolute.

Yeah, And finally just on the footy and we'll talk. We'll have some more fun after this. We'll get rid of the footy stuff after this. Obviously, as we mentioned a few of those injuries going around, who's been sort of tearing up the track in preseason that wasn't in that best you know, twenty three to twenty six last year, that's sort of ready to either have a breakout or really make their stamp on this one's in twenty twenty five.

Yeah, And finally just on the footy and we'll talk. We'll have some more fun after this. We'll get rid of the footy stuff after this. Obviously, as we mentioned a few of those injuries going around, who's been sort of tearing up the track in preseason that wasn't in that best you know, twenty three to twenty six last year, that's sort of ready to either have a breakout or really make their stamp on this one's in twenty twenty five.

Yeah, I think sort of two plays spring to mind. I think Corey Warner and Angus Sheldrick definitely, definitely, you know, taking their game to a next level. They've had unbelievable preseasons. They look so strong and fit and healthy, and yeah, they're going to have a really good good year.

Yeah, I think sort of two plays spring to mind. I think Corey Warner and Angus Sheldrick definitely, definitely, you know, taking their game to a next level. They've had unbelievable preseasons. They look so strong and fit and healthy, and yeah, they're going to have a really good good year.

Yeah. And obviously off fields, it's important to suppose to keep yourself busy and get away from footy when you can. You're a part of Doozy Drinks, which is a very fun social media follow with obviously Will Hayward and Haynes like, how how have you found that? Just I suppose taking away from footy and stepping into the world of business in especially in what is a pretty saturated market with the Seltzers, Yeah.

Yeah. And obviously off fields, it's important to suppose to keep yourself busy and get away from footy when you can. You're a part of Doozy Drinks, which is a very fun social media follow with obviously Will Hayward and Haynes like, how how have you found that? Just I suppose taking away from footy and stepping into the world of business in especially in what is a pretty saturated market with the Seltzers, Yeah.

It's definitely, you know, a challenge.

It's definitely, you know, a challenge.

I guess sort of the main reason why I mean We'll started the business was to just sort of have an off field, have a crack at doing something off field and keeping our sort of not just being a footballer and sort of when it's all said and done, you finish the game and you sort of you know, your whole identity has been football. So it's been really really good fun move for us, having a crack in the alcohol world. And it's been obviously challenging, like there's so many hiccups that you sort of have to endure during the journey.

I guess sort of the main reason why I mean We'll started the business was to just sort of have an off field, have a crack at doing something off field and keeping our sort of not just being a footballer and sort of when it's all said and done, you finish the game and you sort of you know, your whole identity has been football. So it's been really really good fun move for us, having a crack in the alcohol world. And it's been obviously challenging, like there's so many hiccups that you sort of have to endure during the journey.

But we're lucky enough to have a lot of help behind.

But we're lucky enough to have a lot of help behind.

The scenes and me and Will have sort of progressed from you know, filling the car up and driving out.

The scenes and me and Will have sort of progressed from you know, filling the car up and driving out.

To every bottle.

To every bottle.

I love that, yeah, that we can sort of find now they're sort of been warehouses and we've got people doing that for us, so it sort of takes that sort of load off it a little bit, which with us to I guess focus on our footy a bit.

I love that, yeah, that we can sort of find now they're sort of been warehouses and we've got people doing that for us, so it sort of takes that sort of load off it a little bit, which with us to I guess focus on our footy a bit.

More perfect So we're talking about outside of footy. A lot of ANFL players like to travel in the off season. It is anywhere in the recent years where you've just gone blew you away, or just any off season travel that just was awesome for you.

More perfect So we're talking about outside of footy. A lot of ANFL players like to travel in the off season. It is anywhere in the recent years where you've just gone blew you away, or just any off season travel that just was awesome for you.

Yeah, in the previous one, I went to Paris. I've done London a few times, but I think I really excited about doing Dublin as well. Most fun I've had there in a long time. And I went by myself. Actually for the first couple of days. I met a guy who actually worked for Doozy Drinks. He back in Sydney. He moved back to Ireland and we've sort of built a really close relationship. So he took me out on a night out up in Dublin and yeah, he put me to the sword, which was a lot.

Yeah, in the previous one, I went to Paris. I've done London a few times, but I think I really excited about doing Dublin as well. Most fun I've had there in a long time. And I went by myself. Actually for the first couple of days. I met a guy who actually worked for Doozy Drinks. He back in Sydney. He moved back to Ireland and we've sort of built a really close relationship. So he took me out on a night out up in Dublin and yeah, he put me to the sword, which was a lot.

Those temple to those temple bar in order tourist traps have to get some tips of Paris. I'm off, I'm on my way to Paris, so I can't wait to get over there. So with that, so there was no going to a Furner Batch game like Errol getting involved in a potential right with some players.

Those temple to those temple bar in order tourist traps have to get some tips of Paris. I'm off, I'm on my way to Paris, so I can't wait to get over there. So with that, so there was no going to a Furner Batch game like Errol getting involved in a potential right with some players.

I've already ticked that off the list. Me and Erl went to man City versus Liverpool.

I've already ticked that off the list. Me and Erl went to man City versus Liverpool.

A few years ago.

A few years ago.

It was it was it was a fun trip. It was a very fun trip.

It was it was it was a fun trip. It was a very fun trip.

I'm a Man City fan and er was a Liverpool fan, so he sort of butt heads a little bit, but they got the win.

I'm a Man City fan and er was a Liverpool fan, so he sort of butt heads a little bit, but they got the win.

Has he been throwing a little bit of lip this year with Liverpool likely to win the title and obviously City have slipped with a few injuries.

Has he been throwing a little bit of lip this year with Liverpool likely to win the title and obviously City have slipped with a few injuries.

Yeah, he lets everyone know about care too much. It's way too early for mine.

Yeah, he lets everyone know about care too much. It's way too early for mine.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So we had James Robottom on the show last year and for some reason we decided to give him the nickname Cheeks. That's pretty obvious as to why we did. But at the club, what are some really funny nicknames that we might not have heard? I know there's a few that we had that social media piece a few weeks ago. What a few of the others that we might not have heard.

So we had James Robottom on the show last year and for some reason we decided to give him the nickname Cheeks. That's pretty obvious as to why we did. But at the club, what are some really funny nicknames that we might not have heard? I know there's a few that we had that social media piece a few weeks ago. What a few of the others that we might not have heard.

So that's all we want.

So that's all we want.

We take that.

We take that.

That's awesome, He's got a few.

That's awesome, He's got a few.

Yeah, it's the simplest ones that are the best ones, and that's the best thing. I completely enjoy that. So that's great. Yeah, And with that, because we're you're playing up against hawth on this weekend, then they're they throw a bit of lip. They're fun, they're youthful, the gen z, they're all that from the club who talks the most trash on the field and just gives absolutelyp Like I know buddy when he played. The famous quote was or to some port guy was like, who are you? I'm about to kick nine on you. But who's taken over from his mantle?

Yeah, it's the simplest ones that are the best ones, and that's the best thing. I completely enjoy that. So that's great. Yeah, And with that, because we're you're playing up against hawth on this weekend, then they're they throw a bit of lip. They're fun, they're youthful, the gen z, they're all that from the club who talks the most trash on the field and just gives absolutelyp Like I know buddy when he played. The famous quote was or to some port guy was like, who are you? I'm about to kick nine on you. But who's taken over from his mantle?

There's a few candidates, I think, Yeah, Bill Hayward gives a little bit of stick out in the ground. Sam Wicks roll, He's gone back into defense this year, so who knows, he'll probably have a few head butts with some smaller opparents. Hilarious, But yeah, I think those two probably the main, the main ones.

There's a few candidates, I think, Yeah, Bill Hayward gives a little bit of stick out in the ground. Sam Wicks roll, He's gone back into defense this year, so who knows, he'll probably have a few head butts with some smaller opparents. Hilarious, But yeah, I think those two probably the main, the main ones.

I'd say you can almost see the Wizard and Sam Wix just getting in a scrap on Friday night, and I think everyone just stand back and watch it because it'd be great. But just heading ahead towards sort of the season, like with yourself to sort of take your game to another level. Obviously the disappointment of twenty twenty four. What are the things that sort of you've bought into, I guess getting prepared for this season and maybe even just before a game just to hopefully give you those little edges and avoid certain lapses in games.

I'd say you can almost see the Wizard and Sam Wix just getting in a scrap on Friday night, and I think everyone just stand back and watch it because it'd be great. But just heading ahead towards sort of the season, like with yourself to sort of take your game to another level. Obviously the disappointment of twenty twenty four. What are the things that sort of you've bought into, I guess getting prepared for this season and maybe even just before a game just to hopefully give you those little edges and avoid certain lapses in games.

I think definitely the mental side of the game. Just getting myself into a really sharp, relaxed sort of mindset before I play and not sort of feeling the weight of how the expectation and the pressure you put on yourself and just sort of yeah, buying into that. And we've got some really good people helping with us, helping us with that this year, and yeah, I think that's definitely going to be the edge that I need.

I think definitely the mental side of the game. Just getting myself into a really sharp, relaxed sort of mindset before I play and not sort of feeling the weight of how the expectation and the pressure you put on yourself and just sort of yeah, buying into that. And we've got some really good people helping with us, helping us with that this year, and yeah, I think that's definitely going to be the edge that I need.

Lovely sort of the off field stuff again, I heard it that you don't mind a bit of basketball, is that correct? Or the NBA and things like that I've heard I just traded on.

Lovely sort of the off field stuff again, I heard it that you don't mind a bit of basketball, is that correct? Or the NBA and things like that I've heard I just traded on.

I used to play a little bit last To be honest, I don't really care about the NBA and stuff like that. But yeah, we've got we've got like a basketball court here perfect, it's unbelievable. And just got myself a new pair of courbes and shoot shoot around with Justin mcnernie and a few of the boys and mainly just threes and it's good fun.

I used to play a little bit last To be honest, I don't really care about the NBA and stuff like that. But yeah, we've got we've got like a basketball court here perfect, it's unbelievable. And just got myself a new pair of courbes and shoot shoot around with Justin mcnernie and a few of the boys and mainly just threes and it's good fun.

Who's the best of the club probably at basketball.

Who's the best of the club probably at basketball.

We just do like three point contests and like Robbie Fox's gun.

We just do like three point contests and like Robbie Fox's gun.

Oh really, I would not have expected that can anyone like dunk or there'd be a few players, Yeah, few boys.

Oh really, I would not have expected that can anyone like dunk or there'd be a few players, Yeah, few boys.

And there's ruckman status.

And there's ruckman status.

Yeah I meant those boys, but of course they can't yeah yeah.

Yeah I meant those boys, but of course they can't yeah yeah.

Yeah, no, And just a suppose to ahead just for the rest of the season personally, is we'll just wrap it, wrap it up, like, what are your goals obviously other than I suppose you know, the Premiership is the obvious goal, but just for you, what would be a feeling of success for twenty twenty five?

Yeah, no, And just a suppose to ahead just for the rest of the season personally, is we'll just wrap it, wrap it up, like, what are your goals obviously other than I suppose you know, the Premiership is the obvious goal, but just for you, what would be a feeling of success for twenty twenty five?

Yeah, I think just.

Yeah, I think just.

Yeah, like just I guess being fully present in the year and just writing the highs and lows and not sort of I guess attaching myself to results of football and making sure I just enjoy it and connect with my teammates and yeah, just understanding that if we're going to win it, our best is good enough and just sort.

Yeah, like just I guess being fully present in the year and just writing the highs and lows and not sort of I guess attaching myself to results of football and making sure I just enjoy it and connect with my teammates and yeah, just understanding that if we're going to win it, our best is good enough and just sort.

Of leaving it to the universe. And yeah.

Of leaving it to the universe. And yeah.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

It's actually like a very nice sort of way to look at football, because at the end of the day, it's just a bunch of blokes kicking around a bit or weather. Not to take it too seriously, but that's been Oli florent Oli, thanks for joining us this week and good luck against the Hawks.

It's actually like a very nice sort of way to look at football, because at the end of the day, it's just a bunch of blokes kicking around a bit or weather. Not to take it too seriously, but that's been Oli florent Oli, thanks for joining us this week and good luck against the Hawks.

Guys. Thanks for having me on a.

Guys. Thanks for having me on a.

Big Thank you to Oli FloraNT and the media team at the Sydney Sons. Goddamn that man is handsome.

Big Thank you to Oli FloraNT and the media team at the Sydney Sons. Goddamn that man is handsome.

Yeah, he's I think he's more ten than maybe even cheesel like. He's just a very good looking man.

Yeah, he's I think he's more ten than maybe even cheesel like. He's just a very good looking man.

Yeah, that's what happens when you live near Bondai, just naturally ten. Actually I never got that when I lived in I just got sunburns from Melbourne. Anyway, Time for some midweek winners and losers of the week. We'll start off with the winners because we'd like to go on a positive note stats going who are the winners this week?

Yeah, that's what happens when you live near Bondai, just naturally ten. Actually I never got that when I lived in I just got sunburns from Melbourne. Anyway, Time for some midweek winners and losers of the week. We'll start off with the winners because we'd like to go on a positive note stats going who are the winners this week?

I think Leo said this before, but teams that don't have to play in a cyclone's that's a big ta, pretty big win. It's like a pretty big win. Just you don't have to rock up. You don't have to worry about like your safety or anything like that. They're probably thinking, all right, we get another week to prepare. Like you said, you're going to touch on later. There's just an extra week to prepare and you don't have to worry about cyclones opening around is a bit weird anyway, So that's a big win.

I think Leo said this before, but teams that don't have to play in a cyclone's that's a big ta, pretty big win. It's like a pretty big win. Just you don't have to rock up. You don't have to worry about like your safety or anything like that. They're probably thinking, all right, we get another week to prepare. Like you said, you're going to touch on later. There's just an extra week to prepare and you don't have to worry about cyclones opening around is a bit weird anyway, So that's a big win.

Uh.

Uh.

You can say this one because you're you're a big advocate of it.

You can say this one because you're you're a big advocate of it.

West Coast have finally made the amazing decision to get rid of the Birds of Tokyo theme song. Oh yeah, no more folksy beat along, no pump up whatsoever. When your average football team runs out into the field, please bring back Like when I think of West Coast theme song, I think mid two thousands, Cousins, Jarred kerk Cox all running out.

West Coast have finally made the amazing decision to get rid of the Birds of Tokyo theme song. Oh yeah, no more folksy beat along, no pump up whatsoever. When your average football team runs out into the field, please bring back Like when I think of West Coast theme song, I think mid two thousands, Cousins, Jarred kerk Cox all running out.

Yeah's cool.

Yeah's cool.

Yeah, it's just it's it's something that will get you pumped up and it's an enjoyable song. The Birds of Tokyo one sucked.

Yeah, it's just it's it's something that will get you pumped up and it's an enjoyable song. The Birds of Tokyo one sucked.

Yeah, you're off on that, honest, And that's why I went to him, because I knew big hater if something. I just cares more about the random stuff in footy than the actual footy.

Yeah, you're off on that, honest, And that's why I went to him, because I knew big hater if something. I just cares more about the random stuff in footy than the actual footy.

I don't think I could even tell you, like half of West Coast song to just say.

I don't think I could even tell you, like half of West Coast song to just say.

We're flying highlight. But as you saw on TikTok last night, I've taken personal offense with Gold Coast new kid and how bad that it looks.

We're flying highlight. But as you saw on TikTok last night, I've taken personal offense with Gold Coast new kid and how bad that it looks.

It looks horrible.

It looks horrible.

We can talk about that in the Losers actually, and finally, stats Man.

We can talk about that in the Losers actually, and finally, stats Man.

I just put this in there because Melbourne surprised me in the preseason Melbourne fans, they're winners. They get to see Track and Clari firing. Obviously, Clary didn't even have a preseason last year, was so off off his game. Track literally almost died. So the fact that he kicked all those goals, he's had a lot of the spurs on the weekend. I'm very happy for Track. He's he's not just doing his cooking.

I just put this in there because Melbourne surprised me in the preseason Melbourne fans, they're winners. They get to see Track and Clari firing. Obviously, Clary didn't even have a preseason last year, was so off off his game. Track literally almost died. So the fact that he kicked all those goals, he's had a lot of the spurs on the weekend. I'm very happy for Track. He's he's not just doing his cooking.

It's a pre season game.

It's a pre season game.

No I'm not. I'm not saying they're going to be back to their best, but the fact that they're both on the field contributing to the Melbourne footy club is very good because the melbourn Yeah, I know, I don't think I've ever said that any I see your point, but like Melvin fans, at least they can save.

No I'm not. I'm not saying they're going to be back to their best, but the fact that they're both on the field contributing to the Melbourne footy club is very good because the melbourn Yeah, I know, I don't think I've ever said that any I see your point, but like Melvin fans, at least they can save.

I can have a little glimpse of what.

I can have a little glimpse of what.

The season could be. I'm not saying they're going to average thirty in a goal, but they'll they'll both be a lot better than last year. And especially it's not dying exactly.

The season could be. I'm not saying they're going to average thirty in a goal, but they'll they'll both be a lot better than last year. And especially it's not dying exactly.

But a kind of yeah, helpful being alive and all losers. I'm just going to be self indulgent here. And so the Sydney's wants because they have to face a fresh Brisbane lines next Friday night at the SCG.

But a kind of yeah, helpful being alive and all losers. I'm just going to be self indulgent here. And so the Sydney's wants because they have to face a fresh Brisbane lines next Friday night at the SCG.

That doesn't even consider that it was the first time.

That doesn't even consider that it was the first time.

I was like, I want them to play, like obviously take out their natural disaster. I hope it's a hundred meals of rain and all of their legs are super heavy. Next week against now I get a fresh Chucky Cameron and locky Neil.

I was like, I want them to play, like obviously take out their natural disaster. I hope it's a hundred meals of rain and all of their legs are super heavy. Next week against now I get a fresh Chucky Cameron and locky Neil.

But you'd be conditioned though.

But you'd be conditioned though.

But yeah, it's that rest versus rust.

But yeah, it's that rest versus rust.

I think it's not that's not too bad. But I know what you're saying, that you would have rather than played and.

I think it's not that's not too bad. But I know what you're saying, that you would have rather than played and.

Then having cracked in against you along the week before.

Then having cracked in against you along the week before.

I think also like the announcement sort of being delayed by a day because there were rumblings about it being called off, maybe mess with their preparation a little bit.

I think also like the announcement sort of being delayed by a day because there were rumblings about it being called off, maybe mess with their preparation a little bit.

In their heads. I don't know. I don't think it's as bad.

In their heads. I don't know. I don't think it's as bad.

For Sydney as it could be.

For Sydney as it could be.

Yeah, I agree, Yeah, what have we got to fans who got tickets to Queens and Games? I got a mate that lives up there.

Yeah, I agree, Yeah, what have we got to fans who got tickets to Queens and Games? I got a mate that lives up there.

It's accommodation.

It's accommodation.

Yeah, well fights accommodation. People have to change that. Obviously they've emailed so far. I don't think ticket taken all the ticketmaster whatever, whichever one it is for the game.

Yeah, well fights accommodation. People have to change that. Obviously they've emailed so far. I don't think ticket taken all the ticketmaster whatever, whichever one it is for the game.

Ticket Master's Brisbane, one of.

Ticket Master's Brisbane, one of.

Them not a sponsor, but they have said that they can get a ticket to the postponed game. So whatever the next game, it.

Them not a sponsor, but they have said that they can get a ticket to the postponed game. So whatever the next game, it.

Just depends if you can get your flight change, hotel changed.

Just depends if you can get your flight change, hotel changed.

And I feel like if you can't, you should get a refund for a natural disaster. Sure terms and conditions.

And I feel like if you can't, you should get a refund for a natural disaster. Sure terms and conditions.

I'm pretty sure there's natural disaster the old Acts of God clause or something there.

I'm pretty sure there's natural disaster the old Acts of God clause or something there.

Is at the ticket master. I don't know.

Is at the ticket master. I don't know.

Yeah, but it's also like, this is why whenever you book a hotel, always book for a cancelation. Yeah, I got stitched up with I got stitched up with that in COVID. I couldn't go somewhere. And they're like and I'm like, I can't come because literally like you can't yea, and the guys like stiff. I'm like your kids.

Yeah, but it's also like, this is why whenever you book a hotel, always book for a cancelation. Yeah, I got stitched up with I got stitched up with that in COVID. I couldn't go somewhere. And they're like and I'm like, I can't come because literally like you can't yea, and the guys like stiff. I'm like your kids.

He's at his lips. He's like, yeah, I need this four hundred buddy.

He's at his lips. He's like, yeah, I need this four hundred buddy.

He's like, Noah, if you went, you would have probably ended up in jail or something.

He's like, Noah, if you went, you would have probably ended up in jail or something.

I was like, I literally cannot get the world is shut down.

I was like, I literally cannot get the world is shut down.

He's like, nah, you wanted to go with those Melbourne God though, you needed to go with You needed to go with those Melbourne fans that went to the w A G.

He's like, nah, you wanted to go with those Melbourne God though, you needed to go with You needed to go with those Melbourne fans that went to the w A G.

I ended up in jail.

I ended up in jail.

Yeah, but they had a good time. They went to the Granny.

Yeah, but they had a good time. They went to the Granny.

If you guarantee that your team would win a Grand Final, would you take three months in Jauary?

If you guarantee that your team would win a Grand Final, would you take three months in Jauary?

Three months? Yes, easily, I would take.

Three months? Yes, easily, I would take.

You're finally moving out of home?

You're finally moving out of home?

Yeah, Actually, do you have to pay rent?

Yeah, Actually, do you have to pay rent?

No?

No?

He's fine, Okay, then I'm in. There might be a hierarchy.

He's fine, Okay, then I'm in. There might be a hierarchy.

Also, losers. I didn't mention this earlier Gold Coast New Kid and the team that designed it. Watching watching the Swans play the Gold Coast last Friday night at the favorite statum in the world, People's first stadium, you cannot see the logo.

Also, losers. I didn't mention this earlier Gold Coast New Kid and the team that designed it. Watching watching the Swans play the Gold Coast last Friday night at the favorite statum in the world, People's first stadium, you cannot see the logo.

Looks like they're just what are they wanting?

Looks like they're just what are they wanting?

It was made on paint, they're wearing red.

It was made on paint, they're wearing red.

They just whack something in the chap.

They just whack something in the chap.

But also, have you do you remember a couple of years ago, so this is we're just diverting quickly to soccer. When I think it was cast or designed Aston Villa's kid, and it looked really wet, yes, and heavy. That's what this Gold Coast kit looked like it looked horrendou.

But also, have you do you remember a couple of years ago, so this is we're just diverting quickly to soccer. When I think it was cast or designed Aston Villa's kid, and it looked really wet, yes, and heavy. That's what this Gold Coast kit looked like it looked horrendou.

Maybe they're gone for from Tiger udings just I don't know what wet Yeah, red like some people might like to watch around.

Maybe they're gone for from Tiger udings just I don't know what wet Yeah, red like some people might like to watch around.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Just just make the pink and black your home kid.

Just just make the pink and black your home kid.

No, I agree with that. That is a sick kid.

No, I agree with that. That is a sick kid.

It's great if they even if they make that the red part just yellow, I think it looks Oh yeah.

It's great if they even if they make that the red part just yellow, I think it looks Oh yeah.

So apparently then apparently they might be a redesign up, but it's not ready to round six. Like, guys, you've just wasted half a million dollars on that read We would have done it for twenty bucks.

So apparently then apparently they might be a redesign up, but it's not ready to round six. Like, guys, you've just wasted half a million dollars on that read We would have done it for twenty bucks.

Yeah, we've got jail behind the camera with something on.

Yeah, we've got jail behind the camera with something on.

I'm not even kidding. I don't or you or me? Or should we make a Gold Coast kid having a new logo for every team?

I'm not even kidding. I don't or you or me? Or should we make a Gold Coast kid having a new logo for every team?

No, just go Leo, Leo. Your job is a social guy by Thursday morning. So yeah, is to come up with a new Gold Coast kid and logo and put it on our socials.

No, just go Leo, Leo. Your job is a social guy by Thursday morning. So yeah, is to come up with a new Gold Coast kid and logo and put it on our socials.

Haven't we just changed? Like we're they're based as well.

Haven't we just changed? Like we're they're based as well.

No, keep my home Gold Coast is fun.

No, keep my home Gold Coast is fun.

You're darling the cross like that Can's crocs. Yeah, Can's Crocs.

You're darling the cross like that Can's crocs. Yeah, Can's Crocs.

The logo is we're just going to go We're just going straight alliteration.

The logo is we're just going to go We're just going straight alliteration.

Here we are. We're still on losers. There is another loser. I just put in here was Bulldogs fans, hopes and dreams.

Here we are. We're still on losers. There is another loser. I just put in here was Bulldogs fans, hopes and dreams.

This is you attacking your family.

This is you attacking your family.

Well, I love my family and I love the hopes. My brother he usually says we're gonna win the flag every year. He said, we're gonna be bottom four now. And look, the Bond literally carries this thing. They've got so many other injuries, depth and things like that doesn't help, but the Bond. You're like, if the Bond's out there, the bors have a chance, just the Bond versus North Melbourne because that's the first game you'd say Bond has a chance, that's how good he is. Else but they've got like it's gonna they're going to struggle for the start of the season without him because he's just their Yeah, their legend.

Well, I love my family and I love the hopes. My brother he usually says we're gonna win the flag every year. He said, we're gonna be bottom four now. And look, the Bond literally carries this thing. They've got so many other injuries, depth and things like that doesn't help, but the Bond. You're like, if the Bond's out there, the bors have a chance, just the Bond versus North Melbourne because that's the first game you'd say Bond has a chance, that's how good he is. Else but they've got like it's gonna they're going to struggle for the start of the season without him because he's just their Yeah, their legend.

Yeah they're good.

Yeah they're good.

They're a loser.

They're a loser.

Cop that worst than bullet anyway. Uh, we're going to hear from our sponsors enough that we are going to talk to Daily Telegraphs gun journalists, the surprisingly tall and the very handsome and the very dapper Lockie McCurdy because nice game is going to be.

Cop that worst than bullet anyway. Uh, we're going to hear from our sponsors enough that we are going to talk to Daily Telegraphs gun journalists, the surprisingly tall and the very handsome and the very dapper Lockie McCurdy because nice game is going to be.

Missed by one on the AFL with Tad you can stay in the game missed by one on any disposal's leg and we'll still pay you out as a winner.

Missed by one on the AFL with Tad you can stay in the game missed by one on any disposal's leg and we'll still pay you out as a winner.

Where on imagine what you could be buying instead.

Where on imagine what you could be buying instead.

All right, how good is this stats guy heading into opening round? And I believe all opening round should be kicked off in Sydney because let's be honest, it's only happened twice since the second year in a row that it's happening with the Sydney Swan starting the season against Hawthorne as well as GWS and Collingwood on Sunday. We are joined by the surprisingly dapper he looked very good in his suit last night, the very tall and the very handsome Luckie McCurdy. Lucky, how are we mate.

All right, how good is this stats guy heading into opening round? And I believe all opening round should be kicked off in Sydney because let's be honest, it's only happened twice since the second year in a row that it's happening with the Sydney Swan starting the season against Hawthorne as well as GWS and Collingwood on Sunday. We are joined by the surprisingly dapper he looked very good in his suit last night, the very tall and the very handsome Luckie McCurdy. Lucky, how are we mate.

An boys, We're finally back. It is an honor to get that intro from you, Alex, and it's an honor to be back like usual for another big season.

An boys, We're finally back. It is an honor to get that intro from you, Alex, and it's an honor to be back like usual for another big season.

It is so the season launch happened in Sydney last night, you were there. Kind of funny that it wasn't in Brisbane, but also kind of good given the cyclone. Of course, what was the vibe light and the chatter like given of course we have had these two game postponements and just the general feeling there, I guess.

It is so the season launch happened in Sydney last night, you were there. Kind of funny that it wasn't in Brisbane, but also kind of good given the cyclone. Of course, what was the vibe light and the chatter like given of course we have had these two game postponements and just the general feeling there, I guess.

Yeah. Well it was at Luna Park in Sydney, which is a great spot for anyone who hasn't been right in the harbor. There a lot of people getting the ferry in. It's a gorgeous way to kind of to start it a lovely I mean, it still felt like a summer's evening. It's still warm up here in Sydney at the moment, so that was good. But yeah, there was clearly a little bit of anxious energy throughout the last couple of days because there's been a few events in Sydney going oh there's going to be the other games that actually go ahead, and obviously that got confirmed yesterday afternoon. Andrew Dyllon was there to do a little bit of press beforehand. But I think there was still a really good energy. I mean, there are a few of us just counting on our hands, Okay, how many quips are they going to make about two nights? Oh sorry, three sleeps to go and good little throwaway lines like that. But I think for the most part that it was a sensible conclusion that they came to the decision to postpone. I think it was the smart thing to do. I think it would have looked foolish. It's much better for it to be sunny accidentally tomorrow night or on Thursday in Brisbane and people go, oh what have you done, then for it to be the opposite and for it to be the worst type a scene and the footage to be going on. So I think it was the smart decision and I think people, I think the majority of people will kind of see that.

Yeah. Well it was at Luna Park in Sydney, which is a great spot for anyone who hasn't been right in the harbor. There a lot of people getting the ferry in. It's a gorgeous way to kind of to start it a lovely I mean, it still felt like a summer's evening. It's still warm up here in Sydney at the moment, so that was good. But yeah, there was clearly a little bit of anxious energy throughout the last couple of days because there's been a few events in Sydney going oh there's going to be the other games that actually go ahead, and obviously that got confirmed yesterday afternoon. Andrew Dyllon was there to do a little bit of press beforehand. But I think there was still a really good energy. I mean, there are a few of us just counting on our hands, Okay, how many quips are they going to make about two nights? Oh sorry, three sleeps to go and good little throwaway lines like that. But I think for the most part that it was a sensible conclusion that they came to the decision to postpone. I think it was the smart thing to do. I think it would have looked foolish. It's much better for it to be sunny accidentally tomorrow night or on Thursday in Brisbane and people go, oh what have you done, then for it to be the opposite and for it to be the worst type a scene and the footage to be going on. So I think it was the smart decision and I think people, I think the majority of people will kind of see that.

Yeah, you got to say it's the right decision. We always have a chat down here, a lot of people here saying they hate opening Round, especially where from Melbourne. I said, people in Melbourne are very biased, very I don't know, we're a bit spoiled down here. So what are your thoughts on opening Round just as a whole concept? Yeah, as a concept?

Yeah, you got to say it's the right decision. We always have a chat down here, a lot of people here saying they hate opening Round, especially where from Melbourne. I said, people in Melbourne are very biased, very I don't know, we're a bit spoiled down here. So what are your thoughts on opening Round just as a whole concept? Yeah, as a concept?

Yeah, Look, in terms of the concept, I think it's an important one. Like talking to clubs here in Sydney obviously, the Swans and Giants, talking to my counterparts who work in Brisbane and Calum up there who talks to Brisbane and the Gold coast. It's almost immeasurable the impact that it has to be able to start this season and start the momentum from the very first week as we saw. I think the Swans are the perfect example. Last year they had just incredible crowd numbers over half a million through the gates across the season, an average of thirty nine thousand for the year, clearly their best every year in Sydney. And I think while their form had a lot to do with it, having that big opening round fixture, that Marquee match started that momentum early and it's a big reason why they had those numbers. So I think, yes, there are ways we can fix is. There's ways to get more clubs involved and a better way to do it. But I kind of buy into the argument that you look at last year, you had the four opening round fixtures sold out and then you had the record Round one attendance, like it gave people extra footy. It wasn't taking away, it wasn't Melbourne missing out on footy. It was just giving extra footy to fans around the country. So I think, yes, there could be a few tweaks here and there. I don't think I know, we saw a few different people go, oh, let's have a Sydney GWS game in round one and then how all the games? It's just yeah, they will sell out regardless. This is about giving these markets more marquee fixtures to give them fans a reason to come to games. And I think that's what it's doing. In Sydney. The Segs on track to set out. The Giants are hopeful that it should sell out even though it's the sort of later Sunday afternoon time slot, and I think it's here to stay for a while.

Yeah, Look, in terms of the concept, I think it's an important one. Like talking to clubs here in Sydney obviously, the Swans and Giants, talking to my counterparts who work in Brisbane and Calum up there who talks to Brisbane and the Gold coast. It's almost immeasurable the impact that it has to be able to start this season and start the momentum from the very first week as we saw. I think the Swans are the perfect example. Last year they had just incredible crowd numbers over half a million through the gates across the season, an average of thirty nine thousand for the year, clearly their best every year in Sydney. And I think while their form had a lot to do with it, having that big opening round fixture, that Marquee match started that momentum early and it's a big reason why they had those numbers. So I think, yes, there are ways we can fix is. There's ways to get more clubs involved and a better way to do it. But I kind of buy into the argument that you look at last year, you had the four opening round fixtures sold out and then you had the record Round one attendance, like it gave people extra footy. It wasn't taking away, it wasn't Melbourne missing out on footy. It was just giving extra footy to fans around the country. So I think, yes, there could be a few tweaks here and there. I don't think I know, we saw a few different people go, oh, let's have a Sydney GWS game in round one and then how all the games? It's just yeah, they will sell out regardless. This is about giving these markets more marquee fixtures to give them fans a reason to come to games. And I think that's what it's doing. In Sydney. The Segs on track to set out. The Giants are hopeful that it should sell out even though it's the sort of later Sunday afternoon time slot, and I think it's here to stay for a while.

McCurdy saw me tweeting angrily at six thirty this morning with Eddie McGuire's idea.

McCurdy saw me tweeting angrily at six thirty this morning with Eddie McGuire's idea.

You're a tweeting anger.

You're a tweeting anger.

No, but it was like his plan was basically, no Victorian team travels in round one and we'll play a Q clash and a Battle of the Bridge. It's like, come on mate, this is a terrible idea.

No, but it was like his plan was basically, no Victorian team travels in round one and we'll play a Q clash and a Battle of the Bridge. It's like, come on mate, this is a terrible idea.

Yes, spread out, Like like you're saying you've got to just spread out of the big games.

Yes, spread out, Like like you're saying you've got to just spread out of the big games.

It don't even have been round Not like Eddie to think of the Victoria's is it anyway? We'll move on to obviously Friday night the SCG Dean Cox takes his first game in charge of the Swans as head coach. Now he was on a podcast that We're a part of True Bloods in the lead up, and he's been doing the media rounds. The vibes around Sydney seem pretty good heading into this. You've been a lot of training and the scratch matches. How are you feeling from your point of view looking at the Swans, Well, it was.

It don't even have been round Not like Eddie to think of the Victoria's is it anyway? We'll move on to obviously Friday night the SCG Dean Cox takes his first game in charge of the Swans as head coach. Now he was on a podcast that We're a part of True Bloods in the lead up, and he's been doing the media rounds. The vibes around Sydney seem pretty good heading into this. You've been a lot of training and the scratch matches. How are you feeling from your point of view looking at the Swans, Well, it was.

Such a big question of how they'd kind of respond from last season and all reports and from what I've seen as well, it's just it's given them a hunger. But then a fresh voice in Dean Cox has been the change that they needed. And none of this is a slight on John Longmeyer at all. Isn't about what he was doing bad, because it clearly they were the best team across the majority of the season and then just didn't show up like they should have on Grand Final Day. But having that fresh voice, a fresh way to do things, and a bit of extra motivation, I think it's given them a lot of hunger. There's an intensity at Swan's training that I think we obviously saw at times last year, but to see it this early in the year is a good sign. And yeah, I think it's going to be a good thing for the Swans in total that you've got a team that wants to kind of prove that that was an aberration. But it's going to be hard if obviously the record's against them, and it's going to be hard to judge until they maybe get back to that stage.

Such a big question of how they'd kind of respond from last season and all reports and from what I've seen as well, it's just it's given them a hunger. But then a fresh voice in Dean Cox has been the change that they needed. And none of this is a slight on John Longmeyer at all. Isn't about what he was doing bad, because it clearly they were the best team across the majority of the season and then just didn't show up like they should have on Grand Final Day. But having that fresh voice, a fresh way to do things, and a bit of extra motivation, I think it's given them a lot of hunger. There's an intensity at Swan's training that I think we obviously saw at times last year, but to see it this early in the year is a good sign. And yeah, I think it's going to be a good thing for the Swans in total that you've got a team that wants to kind of prove that that was an aberration. But it's going to be hard if obviously the record's against them, and it's going to be hard to judge until they maybe get back to that stage.

They're not wrong. Obviously, this one's heading into opening a round playing against the Hawks or as everyone's saying the howkball and things like that, you're already sick of that. But how do you think that matchup is going to go? And just the head to head of the young guys going head to head. I'm really excited for so that it's going to be a really close matchup. I think it literally come down to a kick. But yeah, what do you think on that?

They're not wrong. Obviously, this one's heading into opening a round playing against the Hawks or as everyone's saying the howkball and things like that, you're already sick of that. But how do you think that matchup is going to go? And just the head to head of the young guys going head to head. I'm really excited for so that it's going to be a really close matchup. I think it literally come down to a kick. But yeah, what do you think on that?

Yeah, I think it's going to be close. I mean we're probably seeing Hawks potentially started a year slowly of late, like they've obviously worked into seasons last year, they had that amazing run at the start. At the end of the year, they were pretty poor at the start of the year. So it's about whether Sam Midgell can kind of get that going from opening round. Obviously, and even a week earlier this year as well, so I think that'll be fascinating. And then the Swans are also trying a few things. Obviously we've got the Tom McCartin forward experiment, we've got a few different midfield guys with obviously Erra Goldon Calor Mill's not going to be there for at least the first month or so. And then you've got a bit of a different defense with Nick Blaky probably playing a bit tall. So it's going to be fascinating to see what those different little Magnet moves and how those matchups work for a team that almost it's impossible to completely match up against because the Hawks have this youthful energy and exuberance where it's like, okay, you never know what to expect. They could just burst out of the gates and hit the ground running. So I think it's a really good matchup to have a side like Hawthorne early this early in the year. For the Swans, it's a good perometer for where they're at, and I think we'll know in the first three weeks where Cox and his side kind of see.