There wouldn’t be many more qualified candidates for the final SACKED AFL episode of season six than Scott Cummings.

There wouldn’t be many more qualified candidates for the final SACKED AFL episode of season six than Scott Cummings.

The laconic goal kicker cycled through four clubs in three states across a nine year career that promised a great deal but ended due to injury at the age of just 28.

And yet Cummings could really play. He was the leading goal kicker at three of his four clubs and kicked 95 goals to win the Coleman Medal at West Coast in 1999.

But it was Collingwood - where he played just five games for six goals in one final AFL season - that set him up for his post footy life.

There wouldn&rsquo;t be many more qualified candidates for the final SACKED AFL episode of season six than Scott Cummings.
The laconic goal kicker cycled through four clubs in three states across a nine year career that promised a great deal but ended due to injury at the age of just 28.
And yet Cummings could really play. He was the leading goal kicker at three of his four clubs and kicked 95 goals to win the Coleman Medal at West Coast in 1999.
But it was Collingwood - where he played just five games for six goals in one final AFL season - that set him up for his post footy life.

What really happens when the axe falls in the AFL world? Some of the biggest names in the sport reveal the remarkable true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.

AFL coach sackings: Go behind the scenes on the biggest dismissals

SACKED: AFL

Some of the biggest names in AFL reveal the true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.

What really happens when the axe falls in the AFL world? Some of the biggest names in the sport reveal the remarkable true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.

To listen to the podcast first, see galleries, videos and read the stories behind SACKED: AFL, search Herald Sun Subscription or download the Herald Sun app at your app store

Scott Cummings - Bordering on overqualified

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/60047e90-b47e-4733-bec5-b34d0037bd73/transcript

Ben Brown - the unlikely footy star from Tassie who always did footy a bit differently.

Ben Brown shares the highs and lows of his AFL career, from going undrafted to becoming a premiership player with Melbourne. Hear how he overcame adversity and self-doubt to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

In this episode of Sacked, Ben Brown opens up about his AFL journey. From getting drafted by North Melbourne at pick 47 after being overlooked in previous drafts, to becoming their leading goalkicker, and then being delisted. He shares how COVID-19 and hub life impacted his mental health and derailed contract talks with North Melbourne. We learn how he bounced back from injury and self-doubt to find form and contribute to Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership.

Key Moments:
2:30 - Getting drafted by North Melbourne after 4 tries
8:00 - Kicking his first AFL goal, a tribute to his late grandfather
15:30 - The challenge of blokey footy culture as a young player
22:00 - Struggling mentally during the 2020 hub season
32:30 - Getting delisted by North Melbourne after 10 years at the club
37:00 - Joining Melbourne and their belief he could contribute
55:00 - His resilience to regain form in the VFL and make the senior team
1:05:00 - Being part of Melbourne's epic 2021 Grand Final comeback
1:15:00 - The challenge of injuries late in his career before retirement

Listen now to hear Ben's incredible story in his own words. You'll be inspired by his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds.

Ben Brown shares the highs and lows of his AFL career, from going undrafted to becoming a premiership player with Melbourne. Hear how he overcame adversity and self-doubt to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
In this episode of Sacked, Ben Brown opens up about his AFL journey. From getting drafted by North Melbourne at pick 47 after being overlooked in previous drafts, to becoming their leading goalkicker, and then being delisted. He shares how COVID-19 and hub life impacted his mental health and derailed contract talks with North Melbourne. We learn how he bounced back from injury and self-doubt to find form and contribute to Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership.
Key Moments: 2:30 - Getting drafted by North Melbourne after 4 tries 8:00 - Kicking his first AFL goal, a tribute to his late grandfather 15:30 - The challenge of blokey footy culture as a young player 22:00 - Struggling mentally during the 2020 hub season 32:30 - Getting delisted by North Melbourne after 10 years at the club 37:00 - Joining Melbourne and their belief he could contribute 55:00 - His resilience to regain form in the VFL and make the senior team 1:05:00 - Being part of Melbourne's epic 2021 Grand Final comeback 1:15:00 - The challenge of injuries late in his career before retirement
Listen now to hear Ben's incredible story in his own words. You'll be inspired by his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds.

Ben Brown - Footy done differently

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e9befdc1-b95d-4f91-9ccf-b33e0027d2dc/transcript

Hannah Mouncey's fight for transgender inclusion in the AFL

Hannah Mouncey shares her experience as a transgender athlete fighting for inclusion in professional sports. Get an inside look at the challenges and discrimination she has faced.

Overview:
Hannah Mouncey, former Australian men's handball player, opens up about her journey as a transgender athlete. She talks about realizing her gender identity as a child, coming out to her family, and beginning hormone therapy. Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft and being barred from playing due to concerns over physical advantages. She describes lacking support from sporting organizations and facing restrictions despite lowering testosterone levels. Mouncey shares her perspective on blanket bans against transgender athletes and argues they should be allowed to compete after proper hormone therapy. She emphasises hard work over natural talent and says trans athletes are not successful merely for being trans. Mouncey remains hopeful her advocacy will have a positive impact on trans rights.

Timestamps:
00:15 - Mouncey shares when she first realized she was transgender
10:34 - She describes coming out to her mom and transitioning 
18:45 - Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft
32:12 - She argues against blanket bans on trans athletes
42:34 - Mouncey talks about continuing to advocate for trans rights

Mouncey shares a powerful first-hand account of the challenges facing trans athletes. Tune in to hear her unique perspective.

Hannah Mouncey shares her experience as a transgender athlete fighting for inclusion in professional sports. Get an inside look at the challenges and discrimination she has faced.
Overview: Hannah Mouncey, former Australian men's handball player, opens up about her journey as a transgender athlete. She talks about realizing her gender identity as a child, coming out to her family, and beginning hormone therapy. Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft and being barred from playing due to concerns over physical advantages. She describes lacking support from sporting organizations and facing restrictions despite lowering testosterone levels. Mouncey shares her perspective on blanket bans against transgender athletes and argues they should be allowed to compete after proper hormone therapy. She emphasises hard work over natural talent and says trans athletes are not successful merely for being trans. Mouncey remains hopeful her advocacy will have a positive impact on trans rights.
Timestamps: 00:15 - Mouncey shares when she first realized she was transgender 10:34 - She describes coming out to her mom and transitioning 18:45 - Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft 32:12 - She argues against blanket bans on trans athletes 42:34 - Mouncey talks about continuing to advocate for trans rights
Mouncey shares a powerful first-hand account of the challenges facing trans athletes. Tune in to hear her unique perspective.

Hannah Mouncey's hard fight for inclusion 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/9a9597ab-c9d2-4938-af8c-b33700262c64/transcript

Jaidyn Stephenson kicked two goals in a grand f inal at 18 but was gone from the AFL by 25.

Former AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson opens up about the highs and lows of his short-lived career, from winning a Rising Star to getting caught up in a gambling scandal that derailed his promising start at Collingwood.

Overview: In this candid interview, Stephenson reflects on his rapid rise to fame as a teenager, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and how off-field mistakes led to his untimely exit from the Pies. He also discusses the difficulties adjusting to a struggling North Melbourne side after being traded, and what ultimately led him to walk away from footy at just 25.

Key Takeaways:

2:30 - On being drafted to Collingwood as an 18-year-old and living the dream his first year, including winning a Rising Star award.

8:00 - Getting caught placing bets on Collingwood games, resulting in a long suspension.

15:30 - Being abruptly traded from Collingwood to North Melbourne after just two seasons.

21:00 - Struggling at North as the losses piled up and scrutiny intensified.

27:00 - Getting injured after drunkenly crashing his bike down the stairs.

32:00 - Losing his passion for footy and deciding to retire at just 25 years old.

37:00 - Reflecting on his short AFL career and the challenges of transitioning to a "normal" job.

Don't miss this raw and unfiltered look into the real world of an AFL footballer. Tune in to hear Jaidyn's incredible story in his own words.

Former AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson opens up about the highs and lows of his short-lived career, from winning a Rising Star to getting caught up in a gambling scandal that derailed his promising start at Collingwood.
Overview: In this candid interview, Stephenson reflects on his rapid rise to fame as a teenager, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and how off-field mistakes led to his untimely exit from the Pies. He also discusses the difficulties adjusting to a struggling North Melbourne side after being traded, and what ultimately led him to walk away from footy at just 25.
Key Takeaways:
2:30 - On being drafted to Collingwood as an 18-year-old and living the dream his first year, including winning a Rising Star award.
8:00 - Getting caught placing bets on Collingwood games, resulting in a long suspension.
15:30 - Being abruptly traded from Collingwood to North Melbourne after just two seasons.
21:00 - Struggling at North as the losses piled up and scrutiny intensified.
27:00 - Getting injured after drunkenly crashing his bike down the stairs.
32:00 - Losing his passion for footy and deciding to retire at just 25 years old.
37:00 - Reflecting on his short AFL career and the challenges of transitioning to a "normal" job.
Don't miss this raw and unfiltered look into the real world of an AFL footballer. Tune in to hear Jaidyn's incredible story in his own words.

Jaidyn Stephenson - Free from the AFL at 25

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/9f8f0255-2205-427e-9df6-b33100165d40/transcript

Scott Cummings - Bordering on overqualified

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