Geelong lost their semi-final to Fremantle then had the biggest fish of the trade period jump off their hook when Zak Butters declared he wanted to join the Western Bulldogs. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss how the Dogs won Butters’ affections, how they’ll now get the deal done and what he’ll mean for their future. Plus, they assess the weekend’s semi-finals and look ahead to this week’s preliminary finals - Sydney vs Fremantle and Hawthorn vs the Brisbane Lions.

Geelong lost their semi-final to Fremantle then had the biggest fish of the trade period jump off their hook when Zak Butters declared he wanted to join the Western Bulldogs. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss how the Dogs won Butters&rsquo; affections, how they&rsquo;ll now get the deal done and what he&rsquo;ll mean for their future. Plus, they assess the weekend&rsquo;s semi-finals and look ahead to this week&rsquo;s preliminary finals - Sydney vs Fremantle and Hawthorn vs the Brisbane Lions.

How Butters blindsided the Cats and thrilled the Dogs

Finals in Australia’s major sporting codes are in full swing.

And six weeks after the AFL grand final is played, the other biggest show of the year - the men’s, and women’s, draft - begins.

But the work to find the next big thing starts years earlier, when scouts hunt for teenagers who possess unusual qualities.

I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris, and you’re listening to The Morning Edition, from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

Today, explainer reporter Madeleine Heffernan and sports reporter Peter Ryan, on the making of a sports star.

Further reading:
'The winning formula: Do you have what it takes to be the next footy star?'

 

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.


If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Finals in Australia&rsquo;s major sporting codes are in full swing.
And six weeks after the AFL grand final is played, the other biggest show of the year - the men&rsquo;s, and women&rsquo;s, draft - begins.
But <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-winning-formula-do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-the-next-footy-star-20260807-p60m9f.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">the work to find the next big thing starts years earlier, </a>when scouts hunt for teenagers who possess unusual qualities.
I&rsquo;m Samantha Selinger-Morris, and you&rsquo;re listening to The Morning Edition, from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.
Today, explainer reporter Madeleine Heffernan and sports reporter Peter Ryan, on the making of a sports star.
Further reading:
<ul>
<li>'<a href="'https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-winning-formula-do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-the-next-footy-star-20260807-p60m9f.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">The winning formula: Do you have what it takes to be the next footy star?'</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. 
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Australia’s ‘Moneyball’: Finding the next big thing in footy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/5931c888-6d75-480b-8652-b4c200102738/transcript

At just 19, Alexa Leary was a champion triathlete when she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in an horrific cycling accident. She wasn't expected to survive the crash, but she beat the odds, learning to walk, talk and live again – even jumping back in the pool with renewed purpose, winning two gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. In this episode of Good Weekend Talks, Leary talks to Konrad Marshall about living with traumatic brain injury and dealing with acute memory loss, and also reflects on her life before the accident. Now 25, Leary has released a song, Closer, and a biography – Sink or Swim: Defying the Odds.

At just 19, Alexa Leary was a champion triathlete when she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in an horrific cycling accident. She wasn't expected to survive the crash, but she beat the odds, learning to walk, talk and live again &ndash; even jumping back in the pool with renewed purpose, winning two gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. In this episode of Good Weekend Talks, Leary talks to Konrad Marshall about living with traumatic brain injury and dealing with acute memory loss, and also reflects on her life before the accident. Now 25, Leary has released a song,&nbsp;Closer, and a biography &ndash; Sink or Swim: Defying the Odds.

Alexa Leary on surviving tragedy and living a ‘second life’

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/4048e862-d395-4042-ab03-b4c1000ef99a/transcript

This week we’re joining the dots between two different stories: the fight over superannuation, and the colourful past of One Nation’s leader in Victoria, Warren Pickering.

On Monday, Pauline Hanson told voters her party would allow renters and prospective home buyers to withdraw their superannuation early. The policy was scant on details, but it had the desired effect of controlling the national debate.

The same thing happened with the Pickering press conference.

Normally, a leader of a right-wing political party admitting to taking drugs would not be good for electoral prospects. But, as Victorian political editor Chip Le Grand argues, the mea culpa had the opposite effect.

Le Grand joins senior economics correspondent Shane Wright for Inside Politics. Today’s host is deputy national editor Stephanie Peatling, filling in for Jacqueline Maley.

 

Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods.

This week we&rsquo;re joining the dots between two different stories: the fight over superannuation, and the colourful past of One Nation&rsquo;s leader in Victoria, Warren Pickering.
On Monday, Pauline Hanson told voters her party would allow renters and prospective home buyers to withdraw their superannuation early.&nbsp;The policy was scant on details, but it had the desired effect of controlling the national debate.
The same thing happened with the Pickering press conference.
Normally, a leader of a right-wing political party admitting to taking drugs would not be good for electoral prospects. But, as Victorian political editor Chip Le Grand argues, the mea culpa had the opposite effect.
Le Grand joins senior economics correspondent Shane Wright for&nbsp;Inside Politics. Today&rsquo;s host is deputy national editor Stephanie Peatling, filling in for Jacqueline Maley.
&nbsp;
Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, every Friday.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-politics/id1738365431"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/29UKjyueywTgAL0Pk4Er8v"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your pods.

Superannuation and the One Nation press conference that had everyone watching

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/6df4ddf9-472c-4f85-b2ce-b4c10071dc6d/transcript

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/4695a5ca-6ee9-46bf-98ca-b4c1005954b1/transcript

Our master tipster Andrew Wu makes a huge call ahead of the clash between Fremantle and Geelong. Before flying to Perth to cover the game, Wu tells Peter Ryan why he thinks the first semi-final will be the pivotal match of this year’s finals series. The Brisbane Lions versus Adelaide match also gets close scrutiny as our tipsters search for winners at the pointy end of the AFL season.

Our master tipster Andrew Wu makes a huge call ahead of the clash between Fremantle and Geelong. Before flying to Perth to cover the game, Wu tells Peter Ryan why he thinks the first semi-final will be the pivotal match of this year&rsquo;s finals series. The Brisbane Lions versus Adelaide match also gets close scrutiny as our tipsters search for winners at the pointy end of the AFL season.

‘I reckon the winner of this game will win the flag’

This week marks twenty-five years since the United States suffered a terrorist attack that was predicted to change the world forever.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher talks about the lessons that the US learned – and failed to learn – and examines the costs and rewards of Australia's full-throated support of its ally following the attack.

Hartcher also discusses what Australia's alliance looks like today in the face of Donald Trump's presidency.


The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.


If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

This week marks twenty-five years since the United States suffered a terrorist attack that was predicted to change the world forever.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher talks about the lessons that the US learned &ndash; and failed to learn &ndash; and examines the costs and rewards of Australia's full-throated support of its ally following the attack.
Hartcher also discusses what Australia's alliance looks like today in the face of Donald Trump's presidency.
 The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. 
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

From 9/11 to Donald Trump: Why Australia can’t afford to abandon the US

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/1c9547d9-35ba-45f3-83d8-b4c000868adb/transcript

NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.

Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game. The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.

There’s also been a renewed spate of criticism for the NRL’s restart rules, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into “touch football”. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?

Also this week, we’re loving Spencer Leniu. He’s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.

Today’s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.

Further reading:
'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'

NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.
Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game.&nbsp;The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.
There&rsquo;s also been a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-stars-fear-set-restarts-could-decide-a-final-v-landys-says-they-re-not-telling-the-truth-20260907-p60v1g.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">renewed spate of criticism for the NRL&rsquo;s restart rules</a>, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into &ldquo;touch football&rdquo;. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?
Also this week, we&rsquo;re loving Spencer Leniu. He&rsquo;s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.
Today&rsquo;s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/pvl-concedes-rare-ground-after-rlpa-rebuke-for-questioning-integrity-of-nrl-stars-20260908-p60vl0.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'</a></li>
</ul>

Warriors v Dolphins, restart rules, and ‘free’ Spencer Leniu

A far-right party in Germany has just trounced its rivals in a state election – the closest such a party has come to holding power in a German state since World War II.

The result sent shockwaves through a country that has, since the destruction of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime, created a political system that prevents extremist parties from returning to power.

Today's guest, Europe correspondent David Crowe, discusses what the rise of the Alternative for Germany party, otherwise known as the AfD, means for Europe and the rest of the world.

Further reading:
Election shockwave: Meet the smiling new leader set to bring hard-right upheaval to Germany



The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

A far-right party in Germany has just trounced its rivals in a state election &ndash; the closest such a party has <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/election-shockwave-meet-the-smiling-new-leader-set-to-bring-hard-right-upheaval-to-germany-20260907-p60ux9.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">come to holding power in a German state since World War II.</a>
The result sent shockwaves through a country that has, since the destruction of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime, created a political system that prevents extremist parties from returning to power.
Today's guest, Europe correspondent David Crowe, discusses what the rise of the Alternative for Germany party, otherwise known as the AfD, means for Europe and the rest of the world. Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/election-shockwave-meet-the-smiling-new-leader-set-to-bring-hard-right-upheaval-to-germany-20260907-p60ux9.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Election shockwave: Meet the smiling new leader set to bring hard-right upheaval to Germany</a></li>
</ul>
 The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Germany had ruled out extremist parties. Then came this election win

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/1db77f8a-83d8-4af6-b93a-b4bf00466e96/transcript

It’s the Australian government versus big tech yet again in parliament this week, with Labor planning to introduce a bill that would tackle online harm and hand back control of social media algorithms to users.

It comes as toxic online content is increasingly linked to violent sexualised behaviour in young men.
But is what we see on social media a matter for a government? Or has the algorithm become so out of hand that guardrails need to be put in place?

Today's guest is federal bureau chief Michelle Griffin.

Background reading:
Hardline free-speech campaigners demand Coalition block Labor’s latest social media plan

 

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

It&rsquo;s the Australian government versus big tech yet again in parliament this week, with Labor planning to introduce a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/hardline-free-speech-campaigners-demand-coalition-block-labor-s-latest-social-media-plan-20260907-p60v39.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">tackle online harm and hand back control of social media algorithms to users</a>.
It comes as toxic online content is increasingly linked to violent sexualised behaviour in young men. But is what we see on social media a matter for a government? Or has the algorithm become so out of hand that guardrails need to be put in place?
Today's guest is federal bureau chief Michelle Griffin. Background reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/hardline-free-speech-campaigners-demand-coalition-block-labor-s-latest-social-media-plan-20260907-p60v39.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Hardline free-speech campaigners demand Coalition block Labor&rsquo;s latest social media plan</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Government v the internet: Albanese eyes algorithm ‘off switch’

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/d60eb8cc-f01a-44e5-956d-b4be0079b5d0/transcript

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