Libby Birch, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss the teams and coaches under the most pressure in 2025, whether the Hawks can back up their 2024 efforts, how injuries have hit some clubs particularly hard and much more.

Libby Birch, Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson discuss the teams and coaches under the most pressure in 2025, whether the Hawks can back up their 2024 efforts, how injuries have hit some clubs particularly hard and much more.

The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.

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The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.
If you like the pod, please take the time to rate &amp; review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us.
And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe <a href="https://subscribe.theage.com.au/">https://subscribe.theage.com.au/</a> or <a href="https://subscribe.smh.com.au/">https://subscribe.smh.com.au/</a>

News, analysis and insight on the AFL from The Age sports team.

Real Footy

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series. 

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series.&nbsp;

New episodes

Why Carlton are one of the biggest mysteries of the season

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

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’

Sydney are into a preliminary final after a mighty win over the Brisbane Lions, but still face months of uncertainty off the field. North Melbourne’s cold-blooded sacking of coach Alastair Clarkson leaves the legendary coach with deep wounds, and the Hawks ambush Fremantle in front of their adoring, but tense, home-town fans. When Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall cast their eyes over all the news in the AFL it’s a must-listen for all footy fans.

Sydney are into a preliminary final after a mighty win over the Brisbane Lions, but still face months of uncertainty off the field. North Melbourne&rsquo;s cold-blooded sacking of coach Alastair Clarkson leaves the legendary coach with deep wounds, and the Hawks ambush Fremantle in front of their adoring, but tense, home-town fans. When Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall cast their eyes over all the news in the AFL it&rsquo;s a must-listen for all footy fans.

Why Carlton are one of the biggest mysteries of the season

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