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

Round one of the AFL season promises some spite, with the Bombers and Hawks renewing their rivalry, Roos fans reacquainting with Jason Horne-Francis, Jack Steele facing the Saints and the Pies and Crows meeting for the first time since last year's hostile final. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan strip back the emotion in search of some winners. They find the Lions' lack of discipline could be costly against the in-form Swans, and Pete reveals the type of clothing he "wouldn't be caught dead" wearing.

Round one of the AFL season promises some spite, with the Bombers and Hawks renewing their rivalry, Roos fans reacquainting with Jason Horne-Francis, Jack Steele facing the Saints and the Pies and Crows meeting for the first time since last year's hostile final. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan strip back the emotion in search of some winners. They find the Lions' lack of discipline could be costly against the in-form Swans, and Pete reveals the type of clothing he "wouldn't be caught dead" wearing.

Angry fans, fashion tips and undisciplined Lions

Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury run amok for Collingwood, prompting our panel to ask if St Kilda's Ross Lyon was out-coached and how his playmaker Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will cope with being a marked man. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson also get their first look at the AFL's new rules as well as Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in their new colours. Plus, they debate Andrew Dillon's future - and likely successor - as AFL chief, and Sam Docherty dumping on his old club, Carlton.

Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury run amok for Collingwood, prompting our panel to ask if St Kilda's Ross Lyon was out-coached and how his playmaker Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will cope with being a marked man. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson also get their first look at the AFL's new rules as well as Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in their new colours. Plus, they debate Andrew Dillon's future - and likely successor - as AFL chief, and Sam Docherty dumping on his old club, Carlton.

How a Daicos, Pendlebury masterclass exposed new-look Saints

Charlie Curnow won't know what's hit him when he and his new Swans teammates open the 2026 AFL season against his former club, Carlton. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are back in 2026 to take you through the games and share their wisdom on all things AFL. Hopefully, they can help you pick a winner in your tipping contest. Other games this week include Gold Coast v Geelong, GWS v Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn and St Kilda v Collingwood.

Charlie Curnow won't know what's hit him when he and his new Swans teammates open the 2026 AFL season against his former club, Carlton. Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan are back in 2026 to take you through the games and share their wisdom on all things AFL. Hopefully, they can help you pick a winner in your tipping contest. Other games this week include Gold Coast v Geelong, GWS v Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn and St Kilda v Collingwood.

Why Carlton are one of the biggest mysteries of the season

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