The Sports Desk

Trust us. Listener discretion is advised. This is The Sports Desk's 2025 Christmas Special. Featuring Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Tanish Prabhu, Jack Huggett, Justin Schwarze, Yianni Kottaras, Matilda McDermott and Jason Evans. This program marks Jason's last show as a SYN Media volunteer.

For the final time this year, The Sportsdesk hits the airwaves and it's a melancholic vibe in the studio as we bid farewell to THE great man, Liam Cole. A man responsible for a lot of the success the show has seen and someone loved within the family on the desk. He's with Tanish Prabhu and Jerry Ng for a show that is truely for the cricket lovers, discussing the third Ashes test and the BBL.

The final Monday installment for the year and there's a real sentimental feel in the studio, certainly for Ethan Rigg. His weekend of sport was mixed, England 2-0 down, but it wasn't all doom and gloom as Everton close in on Europe and Lando Norris is champion of the world. The flip side is the shared sadness for Oscar Piastri by Yianni Kottaras and Jack Huggett. Ella Zammit returning from Japan lifted the energy, as she always does, as well as providing a review of all that has been achieved this year by this incredible crew!

A hot show on The Sports Desk for your Friday night! Justin Schwarze leads the way through a collection of sporting moments of the year, as the desk meets Spotify for a wrapped, where Jerry Ng reflects once more on North Melbourne's monster year. Liam Cole and Tanish Prabhu are both entranced by the second Ashes test in Brisbane, where despite a Joe Root century, England's bowlers have the visitors on the back foot once more.

The penultimate Monday show of the year sees Ethan Rigg and Yianni Kottaras excited about the spice of Formula 1's three-driver title fight. Jerry Ng is delighted as North Melbourne go back-to-back, the second test promises to shine under lights in Brisbane and Jack Huggett gives a rundown of OKC dominance in the NBA.

The final weekend of sport before summer kicks in, all to be covered on The Sportsdesk. Justin Schwarze thrilled by the stunning run of OKC in the NBA, Jerry Ng excired at the prospect of back-to-back North Melbourne AFLW premierships, Liam Cole on a power trip and Tanish Prabhu after a taste of 2026, confirms that Cummins and Hazelwood miss the second Ashes test.

Never a dull week in the world of sport, with Formula 1 having a bombshell doung disqualification for McLaren, leaving the door open for Max Verstappen's title charge. Despite that, Ethan Rigg and Jerry Ng aren't too worried about the prospect of Norris losing out, nor are Tanish Prabhu and Yianni Kottaras about Oscar Piastri's chance of a comeback. Australia defeat England in Perth on day 2 of the first Ashes test and a big week for AFLW as Brisbane and North Melbourne battle again for the premiership cup.

The fire and fury of the Ashes has hit the studio, where with wickets tumbling on day 1 in Perth, Tanish Preabhu, Liam Cole, Jerry Ng and Justin Schwarze discuss the English woes and Weatherald's early departure. A huge week of AFLW, coaches sacked and finals heating up. As well as the AFL draft, bringing feel-good tales of a new generation.

A huge week of sport coming up with the Ashes starting on Friday, with Ella Zammit and Ethan Rigg offering perspectives from both sides of cricket's oldest rivalry. A big week of NBA action has Jack Huggett wondering, are the Nuggets still contenders? Sky Sports Halo was a real talking point in the week, the panel giving their takes. Yianni Kottaras marvels a bright new era for Greece, who beat a World Cup bound Scotland, who join Norway and the Republic of Ireland on their way to North America in 2026.

Happy Friday on The Sports Desk, a heavy focus on cricket with Ashes fast approaching and the WBBL kicking off, as covered by Tanish Prabhu, Ella Zammit, Jerry Ng and a Movember embracing Liam Cole. The AFLW finals are truely hotting up, as well as the world of the NBA 

In Brazil, Lando Norris has the championship within his grasp as he now sits one full race win of points ahead of the Driver's grid. Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras weigh up the likelihood of that gap closing courtesy of Max Verstappen or Oscar Piastri. Mercedes had a fantastic race, now sitting second in the Constructors and Kimi Antonelli's career best finish to boot. Liverpool are continuing to stumble with a Man City 3-0 thrashing. Man U' spark an impressive comeback to draw with Tottenham. Arsenal lose their winning streak, but only to a draw via a valiant Sunderland. The Roos cook a goaless Hawks, Carlton take a finals victory over the Eagles, the Lions threaten to become the next formidable conquerors after defeating the Demons, and the Crows put the Saints out of their misery, making the AFLW finals series a rather intriguing chase. Elsewhere the team attempt to seek & destroy the incoming 2026 Wild Card round.

To become a SYN success story, one must continue to progress forward in one's aspiring career, and that is what Matilda McDermott will be embarking upon in Adelaide after this edition of The Sports Desk. For one final time, she reviews the week in AFLW, where North Melbourne complete their second consecutive undefeated Home & Away season and doing so by trouncing the next best in the league, Hawthorn. Concerns are raised after a disappointing year for the Tigers, and Carlton celebrate, as a finals campaign has come to town.  The rest of the team, Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras break down how Australia on Halloween night directed a cricket themed horror film at the MCG against India, although vengeance was secured in a chilly Hobart sequel. The weekend's results lead to a discussion as to how prepared are the Aussie cricket lineups shaping with The Ashes just three weeks away. The Melbourne Cup gets previewed, the hearts of baseball fans break for the Blue Jays and a massive week of Premier League Football, complete with a Declan Rice spotlight, is under review. Matilda also gets a very specially dedicated Minute Mondays to poignantly end her Sports Desk tenure.

Spooky season hits The Sportsdesk! A halloween show is a rarity, but always throws up something special and this week it was the debut as host for Tanish Prabhu, as he's joined by Liam Cole, Ella Zammit and Justin Scwarze. They discuss the scary hours ahead for Australian selectors as they start to finalise a squad for the first Ashes test in Perth. Staying in cricket, India come to town in a T20 at the MCG. The Jillaroos enter into a huge clash against New Zealand without star Tamika Upton. Over in the USA, the NBA season is hotting up and the Blue Jays win a huge one on the road in the World Series. The final round before finals in the AFLW, with finals places on the line, what shocks can be thrown up?

Take note on how many Oasis references Ethan Rigg makes on tonight's Sports Desk. He alongside Matilda McDermott, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras call for Oscar Piastri to dig out his soul and soldier on as teammate, Lando Norris dominates the Mexico GP and takes the Championship lead by one single, solitary point. Max Verstappen podiums again, Charles Leclerc performs 40 laps on medium tyres and Oliver Bearman finishes 4th in an absolute belting of a drive. Liverpool are in a 4 losses freefall, Manchester United is getting it's act together. Sunderland shocks the system. In AFLW, the Roos keep on hopping, the Hawks supporters attempt to make their cases as the club that are only true formidable opponents to them.

It's Justin Schwarze in the host chair leading the festivities alongside Jerry Ng and Liam Cole celebrating the return of the NBA. The big news being 'The Alien' and the Spurs dunking Dallas. OKC go 2-0 in back-to-back OT. And the Grizzlies have been watching too much of 'The Godfather' franchise. Cooper Connolly is the steady hand that sealed an ODI series victory for Australia against India.  In AFLW, it's still stumping the team as to who is stopping North Melbourne. Instead, the attention switches to the AFLW All-Australian Squad, where a new segment makes it's debut called, Liam's Locks. Where Liam makes the guarantee of 15 players being selected for one of football's highest honours. Joining them is Monday's Matilda McDermott and Jack Huggett, bringing across Monday sports coverage like a rapid fire review of the week in NHL and a special preview of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix.

A week of scorching weather in Melbourne and some scorching headlines hit The Sports Desk. Justin Schwarze, Jack Huggett, Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu all discuss a massive trade period, as well as India's trip down under for the ODI series against Australia. Can Erling Haaland continue his hot form as City take on Everton? The team let you know their thoughts on that and everything football related.

Back into the wilderness is the now sacked Forest coach, Ange Postecoglou, after only just 39 days in the job. Only one of many crazy narratives to dive into on The Sports Desk. Jean-Philippe Mateta nets a hat-trick in Crystal Palace's draw with Bournemouth. Erling Haaland sinks Everton all on his own, Arsenal take another win on the killing road, and Liverpool fall to Man United 2-1, the Red Devils first win in Anfield in 10 years. The question is asked again for AFLW fans. Who can seriously stop North Melbourne? Cases are made for the Demons and the Hawks, as well as a Round 10 review. In F1, not since Wrestlemania 41 has a triple threat battle had this high stakes with Max Verstappen's big victory in Texas carving a potential path generational comeback to a 5th world title. Oscar Piastri's form continues to slip, and the second placed, Lando Norris, isn't carrying the same burden as the current leader or the 3rd placed title chaser, which could entail an incremental closing of the gap and claim the ultimate prize for McLaren and Britain. That's The Sports Desk, with Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras

Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras turn The Sports Desk into a celebration for the Australian Championship match between South Melbourne vs Sydney Olympic. Football in Australia is brewing something special. NHL coverage returns to the program for the first time in months, hear all about the teams who have gotten off to the best starts after the first week and the season's storylines to follow. It's also the episode where the team introduce their fellow presenters and the beloved Sports Desk community to the strangest niche sports that exist in the world.

Cricket has come around to slide onto The Sports Desk Friday team's, well... desk. Liam Cole, Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu tip their hats to the remarkable century of Beth Mooney in Australia's ODI World Cup victory over Pakistan after a 7/76 peril. Tanish breaks down how India falls to South Africa in their respective World Cup match. Pat Cummins might be on the sidelines with the Ashes fast approaching, does Steve Smith return to the captaincy position? Who can possibly stop North Melbourne in the AFLW? Adelaide vs West Coast is the game to watch this weekend and danger for the Saints, Liam claims, as they meet the 'Pies. Also tonight, a Trade Period update and a return of the ever controversial Sports Desk staple: Unpopular Opinions.

An action packed time of year in sport, where everything hots up for the summer ahead. One which currently for Australia may not be off to the brightest start, Glenn Maxwell out of the ODI series against New Zealand. Where Bayern were off to a bright start in the Champions League, Nottingham Forest struggled in the Europa League, leaving Liam Cole and Jerry Ng to wonder if Ange is under pressure already. A massive week of AFLW and Australia got a massive win against New Zealand in the Women's ODI World Cup.

Sports Desk or Rowdy Desk? Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Yianni Kottaras, a jet lagged Ella Zammit and caffeine pumped Matilda McDermott congregate for the most intense Formula 1 debate of the year. Calling for McLaren to declare an official primary and secondary driver between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after a 1st lap clash in Singapore. A race ultimately won by Mercedes', George Russell. Brisbane crush the Melbourne bias at the desk by way of the Broncos fighting back to win their 7th NRL Premiership, defeating the Melbourne Storm in a kingdom conquering comeback from half time. In the Premier League, Leeds in defeat were spirited, Arsenal stand tall up top from a 2-0 win and by way of Liverpool falling to Chelsea. Elsewhere, Everton come from behind to defeat Crystal Palace in stoppage time and Man City smoulder Brentford.

The review show of the year! Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras sadistically designate Cats supporter, Jack Huggett, to lead you through the breakdown of how Brisbane defeated Geelong to secure the first back-to-back premiership since the 2010's, and is it a sign for a future three-peat repeat? It's not the only Grand Final to talk about, Melbourne Storm take on the dynasty conquering Brisbane Broncos. A titanic clash for Sunday. Big predictions are made. Also a deep dive into match day in the Premier League.

The 2025 AFL Grand Final is this Saturday and The Sports Desk Monday and Friday team have come together like never before to preview the Premiership Clash between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions, not from the SYN studios, but from the RMIT University TV precinct. Liam Cole, Jerry Ng, Matilda McDermott, Justin Schwarze, Jack Huggett and Ella Zammit Breakdown the stories that got both the Cats and the Lions to the Big Dance, the match-ups to look out for once the ball is bounced and reflect on the 2025 AFL season as a whole. Tanish Prabhu also got to mingle amongst fellow Footy players, fans and commentators alike to get their thoughts on which team hoists the Premiership cup. Jerry also catches up with North Melbourne AFLW star Emma Kearney for an exclusive interview about North Melbourne's incredible recent success. This is the first meeting in a Grand Final between the Lions and the Cats in VFL/AFL history. This game will bring a first time occasion in an era where first times are rare to come by.

In the week of Australian sport's magnum opus waiting in the wings. Aussies are doing the nation proud across the world, particularly in the World Athletics Championship. In footy, Prelim' week is considered 'Footy Christmas' and the rewards of a Grand Final spot for a year's great work go to Geelong and Brisbane, the weekend review dives into the stars of the game that booked the tickets to the big dance for their team. Rivalries aplenty in the Premier League, Liverpool defeat Everton, Man United take a 3-1 win in a bizarre encounter and the massive clash between Arsenal/Man City and surprise of the weekend sees Sunderland sitting 7th. The podium in Azerbaijan stood as Verstappen, Russell and Sainz. Piastri crashes out early as Baku's only DNF. Yuki Tsunoda puts in his best race of the year. But it is Carlos Sainz and Williams that have captured the imagination. All that and more, on The Sports Desk. Hosted by the amped up team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras.

Prelim final week in Melbourne is always a huge one, especially with a Victorian home double header. For Tanish Prabhu's Collingwood, they welcome the Lions on Saturday in hopes to return to the final Saturday of September. Ella Zammit's Hawks take on a famous old foe in Geelong, another chapter to one of footy's greatest rivalries is about to be written. Jerry Ng keeps up with the Aussies competing in the World Athletics Championship, with two bronze medals added. In the world of football, Justin Schwarze welcomes back the UEFA Champions League where Liverpool left it late (again) and Mbappe bagged a brace. 

It starts with recapping Week 1 of the NRL Finals, the Panthers strike again in hostile territory. Melbourne Storm capitalise on a rockin' victory at AAMI Park, and one singular point split the Raiders and the Broncos to decide the Prelim'. In the Premier League, Ange's Nottingham start poorly against Arsenal. Aston Villa still haven't scored, and West Ham's defence is causing speculation amongst the team as to whether the road ahead is relegation. The AFL semi-finals saw history continue to be written, Minor Premiers, Adelaide were ousted in straight sets with the fatal blow delivered by the Hawks. For the club's first finals campaign since 2017, What defines the season of the Crows? Conversely, a breakdown was required to assess the Hawthorn victory. Elsewhere, the first Q-Clash final saw the stamping out of the magical Gold Coast maiden finals voyage. Brisbane now stare down the Collingwood army for an MCG prelim'. Bigger still, a Geelong Supporter and two Hawks supporters grace the desk to preview the Friday night, tense, storied rivalry clash. That's all on The Sports Desk. Hosted by Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit & Yianni Kottaras.

In races for all the glory happening all over the world, The Sports Desk team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras recap the wild first week of AFL Finals where the original Sun, David Swallow, poetically seals the history making moment of the Gold Coast Suns' first win in September. As their victory shatters any ceiling placed in their way, it's now the question of just how much bracket busting the club is now capable of. Hawthorn slayed the Giants despite a 3rd Quarter tidal wave of goals, intending to lay waste of a grand hurrah. Weddle, Newcombe and Chol make sure there are still chapters to be written in this silver screen story. Monza was a Verstappen procession, thus the drama was to be found elsewhere, like Oscar Piastri being ordered to swap positions with Lando Norris following a slow pit stop. The performance of Isack Hadjar has caught the eye of the team as well. Also, the NRL Finals are kicking into gear, a preview of the weekend in rugby is delivered. It feels like a tight contest across the board.

A big weekend ahead for the city of Melbourne with the AFL finals kicking off, Tanish Prabhu's Magpies have already booked their place in September's penultimate week, while Toby Hansen's Brisbane will be looking to do the same up against Geelong. The US Open has seen its fair share  of departures this week, as Jerry Ng rounds out all the action in the United States. Justin Schwarze spills the tea on NBA salary caps and Liam Cole dives into Leverkusen's sacking of Erik Ten Hag, merely a month into his tenure.

Spring is here in Melbourne! However, for Jack Huggett and Manchester City the winter blues remain, as they suffered back-to-back defeats. Jack Grealish is blooming at Everton, much to the delight of Ethan Rigg. In Formula 1, Oscar Piastri capitalises on Lando Norris' misfortune as Yianni Kottaras reaffirms the Aussie's title hopes. A big week for AFL, Ella Zammit runs down the AFLW season starting to take shape, while it's time for finals.

Veteran duo Liam Cole and Jerry Ng invite The Sports Desk famity into a chat with two friends talking sport, where the microphones just happen to be live.  Barriers are broken by former West Coast Eagle, Mitch Brown coming out as bisexual. And best wishes are sent to comedian Dave Hughes, Slalom champion & flag bearer, Jess Fox and Cricket icon Michael Clarke for all their respective health scares during the week. In greater analysis, Manchester United lose in penalties to GRIMSBY! Yes, Grimsby. How does a once mighty club like Man U fall to this level? Jerry also takes a deeper look in the Premier League overall across the weekend, plus an update in the US Open, the Aussie women, Daria Kasatkina and Priscilla Hon have very tough matches awaiting but there is a case to be made for them both to continue forward. On the men's side, a 'Burning Question' rocks the desk. In AFL, The AFLW is in it's Indigenous Round. Plenty to preview with a special look at the Dreamtime Clash between the Tigers and the Bombers. In the men's division, the All-Australian team was announced. Let's analyse that!

To unpack this past weekend needs a very astute and keen-eyed group of sports watchers to sit at The Sports Desk. Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras preview Zandvoort and who are the frontrunners. Chelsea win big, Man City fall to Tottenham, and... well... it wasn't a good weekend for Leeds. Who are the teams impressing Matilda after the first two rounds in the AFLW? And in Round 24, Collingwood aren't convincing the footy fans looking to smell some blood amongst the team for only escaping the 'Dees. Freo book a finals spot, and even with 23 behinds, Brisbane secure a top 4 finish to the dismay of Hawks supporters.

It smells like promotions are being handed out on The Sports Desk as Justin Schwarze has invited Ella Zammit on board for her Friday debut, as well as Jack Huggett to accompany Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu in a heated edition of Burning Questions, where the big calls are made right then and there. Who will win the AFL Premiership? Who will win the Premier League? Is Lewis Hamilton washed? The teacher's red marker is also whipped out to some major sporting organisations in the firing line. Otherwise, there's still a top 8 to decide with the final round of the AFL Home & Away season this weekend.

Shaking things up on The Sports Desk for a Monday night. Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Jack Huggett converse about the opening Matchday in the Premier League. Liverpool pick up where they left off, Sunderland shock the system, and the very mention of Leeds summons Matilda McDermott to the studio to raise the stakes for their game against Everton.  North Melbourne won on the weekend! That means Jerry Ng is here to celebrate. Harry Sheezel tied the disposals record against the Tigers. Gunston boots seven against the Dees. Wanganeen-Milera has signed with the Saints to the dubious relief for their supporters, and the Crows defeat the Pies for the first time in nearly nine years to cement the top spot on the ladder. The Sports Desk team also welcome the latest debutante to the Monday panel in Yianni Kottaras, who joins in on the grand Premier League predictions and takes comfort in a dominant Carlton victory.

The summer of cricket has started early in Darwin, Liam Cole and Tanish Prabhu are amazed by Dewald Brevis' ton, as South Africa levelled the series. The football season in England is on the verge of kick off, Liverpool hosting Bournemouth to start the season. A season of change, will Arsenal finally win the league, how will Manchester City fair and how does Liverpool's defence go? Jerry Ng assessing the prospects of every club to start the season. The finals race is almost at its conclusion, a huge weekend of footy ahead can see some teams confirm their place.

Sunny Monday, and the team are glowing. Exciting times as this edition of The Sports Desk features Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Jack Huggett in a pseudo Roundtable Discussion previewing the 2025-26 season of the English Premier League. Hear the team deep dive into the expectations of defending champions, Liverpool. Top of the table is a safe prediction, but is going back-to-back? Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea may continue be the formidable contenders and may be here to stay in the top four. Talking relegation, wilder predictions are made. How does Ethan foresee Brentford as a team that will risk relegation this season? Or how about Ella making a case for Manchester United (yes, Manchester United) fall to relegation. Elsewhere, Jack predicts Everton making some improvements. In Round 22 of the AFL, Geelong professionally get training done at the Cattery, Fremantle enter the top 4 by winning at the Adelaide Oval. Brisbane stumble at home against the Swans, the Western Bulldogs keep breathing down the Top 8's neck in an MCG epic. And the 1st placed Crows, amazingly, had to escape defeat from the 18th placed Eagles.

Happy Friday from The Sportsdesk, who are taking you into an action packed weekend of sport! Liam Cole and Tanish Prabhu relish in India drawing a series in England, Matilda McDermott takes you through the highs and lows of an enthrawling F1 season so far. Jerry gets a Saints shirt on to preview a huge week of AFL, one which sees the Pies already having their wings clipped by the Hawks.

Melbourne is a city of champions once again on this Monday evening, as the Vixens win yet another title, much to the delight of Ella Zammit. Ethan Rigg's England have it all to lose on the final day of the final England vs India test. Lando Norris wins in Hungary to close the gap to Oscar Piastri, who's rise to the top of Formula One has brought huge joy to Matilda McDermott so far this season. While in the world of AFL, Jack Huggett is elated after another emphatic win for Geelong, which sees the Cats get another big percentage boost in the race for a top four finish.

It's the team of Liam Cole, Jerry Ng and Justin Schwarze gathering around at an impromptu debate stage for The Sports Desk. Burning Questions makes its return after a long hiatus discussing the worth of Harley Reid's next contract, Jack Silvagni's contract, off-season winners in the NBA, even predicting who goes all the way and wins the NBL. India are currently 6/204 after one day down at the Oval against England, the team assess England's bowling depth. That said, the batting has been strong and how the pitch plays out may put them in the control of the series outcome. In AFL, the Bulldogs defeat a top 8 side, by 88 points, against the modern rival. Statement made! Pressure is now on for the Hawks who travel to Adelaide Oval and attempt to stone the Crows under the Friday night lights, and the Suns can't fumble against the Tigers at home. 'Pies/Lions on Saturday night entices the team as a 'Game of the Year' prospect, but it is St:Kilda vs North Melbourne that now holds the highest stakes for the team, as Liam and Jerry have put their gurnseys and their respective sporting dignity on the line.

Big British bias infects this Monday evening as Ethan Rigg celebrates the Lions victory over the Wallabies and England retaining a series lead in a draw against India at Old Trafford. Though Piastri's Belgian victory gives Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Tanish Prabhu something to cheer about, even with the one hour twenty minute delay. In AFL, the Bulldogs boost percentage in a Friday night training session, Gold Coast make a booming statement in the Q-Clash. Adelaide short circuit the Power and St:Kilda make AFL history at Marvel Stadium.

All aboard the crazy Sports Desk Friday train as Liam Cole has returned to the drivers seat to preview a big weekend in sport with Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu. Liam and Tanish present their ideas to help save Test Cricket. There is still a Test Match to sink your teeth into, as England vs India are in a high stakes clash at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Australia and the West Indies are competing in a T20 series. The team review Hawthorn's win over Carlton on  Thursday night and the Blues still cannot escape the microscopically dissected disappointment that is their 2025 season. What lies ahead for the rest of Round 20 in what is the round of enthralling interstate derby's. And the team debate the merit of Steven May's 3 week suspension. What you gonna do this Friday night, as all the world's sport runs wild on you?

The Legends Game has returned, and the legends of Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit, Tanish Prabhu and Matilda McDermott are up and about for it. An early celebration was picked up in amongst a recap of the latest in the Tour de France. Matilda leads the preview for a huge preview of the Belgian Grand Prix, the first for Red Bull Racing without Christian Horner. Tanish and Ethan resume their respective nation's cricket hostilities as India vs England head to a 4th Test at Old Trafford. In AFL, the Bulldogs are under the microscope after the prime time loss to the Lions. Hawthorn are 'flying' higher into the eight at the expense of Port Adelaide. Five wins for Richmond is an over-achievement in 2025, and Freo win at the 'G.

Calling all footy fans! The Sports Desk Friday team have the ultimate footy preview prepared for Round 19, and they are 240 meat pies richer doing it. Justin Schwarze, Jerry Ng, Matilda McDermott and the pie supplier, Tanish Prabhu, dissect the Giants finals hype package at Marvel Stadium, give the most in depth analysis for a West Coast vs Richmond game in all of sports media, and find themselves giddy with excitement over the prospect over the Hawks/Port, Pies/Dockers and Crows/Suns clashes. Justin also gives Sports Desk staple segment Minute Mondays a dash of Friday polish and tests the Friday team with a sporting quiz of his own.

The Sports Desk are keeping warm relishing in the bottle jobs of various AFL Finals contenders. Ethan Rigg's Hawks had victory snatched away in the West. Jack Huggett's Cats let their top two aspirations slip against GWS. Tanish Prabhu wasn't pleased with Collingwood's first half performance on the Gold Coast, and Matilda McDermott's Tigers win in what's deemed the worst game of the season. At least it's a win, their opposition deserve the 9th circle of Dante's Inferno. It also marks a cosmic encounter as Ethan and Tanish discuss how the paths to victory for England and India going into the final day of the Test at Lords are likely to be carved.  Matilda breaks down the emphatic Wimbledon victory of Iga Swiatek, a victory never seen before. As well as Jannik Sinner downing Carlos Alcaraz in 4 sets. Also, Oscar Piastri makes a great model!

Bluntly put, Carlton suck, according to Justin Schwarze on this Friday edition of The Sports Desk. How has it gone so wrong for a club pegged to be formidable finals contender at the season's beginning? As the rest of Round 18 is previewed, the big leap to contender-ship now rests with the Bulldogs, Crows, Suns, Giants and Dockers in a really hard weekend to predict.  Tanish Prabhu discusses the ramifications for Red Bull Racing after the seismic news of Team Principal, Christian Horner's sacking during the week after a 20 year dynasty building tenure. What does it mean for Max Verstappen? And Jerry Ng has his eyes set upon Wimbledon. Reviewing the Anisimova/Sabalenka Semi-Final and the finals in both Men's and Women's over the weekend.

What's the story for this Monday on The Sports Desk? Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Matilda McDermott and Jack Huggett review Round 17 of AFL Footy, Fremantle is in their sights as the Flagmantle or Fraudmantle debate comes whispering back, and Adelaide seem to be the most exciting team to watch in the comp'. Where do they stand on the road to September? Tanish Prabhu teleports into the studio to join the team in a wild and wet breakdown of Silverstone, Lando Norris wins on home soil, and that spelt an on-air punishment for Matilda. Yellow flags a plenty affecting Oscar Piastri, Verstappen has a spin and Hülkenberg finished on the podium! Ethan and Ella also continue the tributes from the Friday team and across the world remembering the life and career of Liverpool's Diogo Jota.

Justin Schwarze, Tanish Prabhu and Monday's key anaylst, Jack Huggett have cricket on the agenda with India captain, Shabman Gill, shining at Edgbaston with a 269 run innings bound for the stuff of legends. With only one innings down the question becomes, who from the England batting order Tanish fears as the 2nd Test progresses. The Aussie top order batters are still failing to inspire anyone and the Cameron Green critics are getting louder. Elsewhere, how far can the Bulldogs go in September? How complete is the list? Conversely, is the Thursday night loss for North Melbourne indicative of where they're at? The team also preview rest of Round 17 is preview. Most importantly, the team pay tribute and celebrate the life of Liverpool FC's, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away during the week aged 28. Let's take moment to remember the player and the person.

As well as reviewing the returns at the end of this financial year, the week in sport delivered a monumental return on investment worldwide. Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Jerry Ng review the latest chapter in a myriad of storylines in Formula 1 with a professional first/second finish for McLaren in Austria. Antonelli and Verstappen have an early race bump, and the middle of the grid show some plucky signs. Australia defeat the West Indies in the First Test and despite two tests still to play, the team are glimpsing into what the top order batting lineup struggles entail as the Ashes keep creeping closer. In AFL, Round 16 gets reviewed, and it is the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle that a generating the most excitement across the competition. 

Plenty to review on what is normally the night of previews on The Sports Desk for a Friday evening. Justin Schwarze, Jerry Ng, Tanish Prabhu and Toby Hansen discuss some harsh realities facing some class Test Cricket sides as Australia's batters are merely surviving against the West Indies, and according to Tanish, India really could have defeated England at Headingley but some things must be fixed. Carlton might be in dire straights after a ghastly loss to Port Adelaide, is there any flicker of hope left? The rest of Round 16 in the AFL is previewed.  Australian Basketball gets a chance to be celebrated as four Australian players have been drafted into the NBA. And Justin gets to say his piece on his beloved OKC being crowned NBA Champions. Reveling in the afterglow, he is.

A weekend of sporting talking points, of drama, despair and elation, as well as some new eras dawning. All of which is covered on The Sportsdesk, where Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett and Tanish Prabhu discuss the need for player protection to be improved and attended to in a better manner after Jude Bellingham put off surgery to play in the Club World Cup. England and India are locked in an arm wrestle first test at Headingly, KL Rahul standing out on a batters' wicket. The city of Oklahoma celebrates its first NBA title, beating Indiana in game 7 of the NBA Finals. Geelong have an off night and are the Suns under the pump? All the big questions from a big weekend of footy.

A little bit of a switch up on the panel for your Friday evening on The Sportsdesk. Justin Schwarze debuts as host, alongside Matilda McDermott, Jerry Ng, Tanish Prabhu, Toby Hansen and special guest Jason Evans! Unfortunately for Jason, the Oilers were beaten by the Panthers in 6 for the Stanley Cup Finals, Sinner and Gauff suffer Wimbledon set-backs, the NBA finals are red hot, as are the Dockers in the AFL.