The Mark and The Mic

After an incredible Game 1 of State of Origin, the rugby league world is still buzzing… so this week, we’re switching codes from AFL to NRL to catch up with one of the rising voices in rugby league commentary; James Robertson. James has called some of the biggest moments in recent junior rugby league, including the 2025 Jersey Flegg Grand Final, NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup regular season and finals, the famous Lachlan Galvin Easter Monday clash, and Jarrod Hayne’s return game.

In Episode 12, Premiership Panther Jack Grimmond-Lee prowls into the studios for a fantastic chat after a hugely successful (and premiership winning) 2025 Season. Listen to Jack's Player Profile on all the laughs, personal life and aspects of the game he loves most. 

In Episode 12, Premiership Panther Jack Grimmond-Lee prowls into the studios for a fantastic chat after a hugely successful (and premiership winning) 2025 Season.  We chat about Jack’s football journey, his proudest achievements in the game, and what it’s meant to play alongside his Dad, a moment he holds close to his heart. We also dive into his experiences captaining the Terrigal Avoca Panthers and winning the AFLHCC's Elliott Davey medal not once, but twice. Known for his grit, competitiveness and strong sportsmanship every single week, Jack has built himself into one of the competition’s most respected players and leaders. A great chat with plenty of stories, laughs and insight into the mindset behind his success on and off the field.

Matisse Murray is on The Mark and The Mic Podcast!  Recorded at Pasterfield, we dive into her AFL journey, stepping into leadership within the Women’s Cup side, and her experiences playing with the UTS Bats in Sydney while continuing to grow her game at a high level. But footy isn’t the only talent 👀 In 2025, Matisse also designed the Cardiff Hawks Pride Shirt, making a huge impact off the field too, with goals of one day designing merchandise for a professional AFL or sports club, or becoming a fashion designer. With a positive mindset, strong leadership, and a team first attitude, it’s easy to see why she’s become one of the club’s most respected players. A fun chat, plenty of laughs, and a great insight into one of the rising names around the Hawks!

Fresh off a stunning seven-goal ANZAC Day masterclass against the Cardiff Hawks, Riley Hawes is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. We caught up with Hawes at Feighan Oval before Men’s Cup training, where the Bulldogs star reflected on his red-hot form, the move from AFL Sydney and the excitement building around Warners Bay’s season. Off the field, Riley is a genuine team first character who brings energy, encouragement and leadership to every training session and game day. Humble, approachable and always willing to have a chat, he’s the type of player that makes a club stronger both on and off the field.

Tasmanian Lindisfarne premiership hero. Newcastle premiership coach and player. A career built on leadership, passion, and big moments, Joseph Miller joins us for a seriously special chat. From premiership glory to life in footy, this episode dives into the stories, the lessons, and everything in between. An outstanding person with an even better story. Episode 9 of The Mark and The Mic is LIVE now — don’t miss this one!

ANZAC Day stands as one of the most powerful and meaningful days on the Australian calender. It’s a moment where we pause and reflect on the mateship, courage, and endurance of the men and women who shaped the life we’re lucky enough to live today. It’s A day where the stories of the past echo into the present, grounding us in gratitude, pride, and respect—so that what they gave is never forgotten, and what they stood for continues to live on in all of us. Here at AFL Hunter Central Coast, we play our own small but significant part in that tradition. For seven years now, the Warners Bay Bulldogs and Cardiff Hawks have met on ANZAC Day—and it’s become something special, exciting and memorable.

This week on the show, it's an extra special Round 3 treat! Recorded down in the Adelaide Street Clubhouse, it is with great pleasure I bring you Episode 7, Back-to-Back Bombers. We’ll be chatting with some of Killarney Vale’s eldest and most respected names. In Part 1, we take an overall view of the Bombers with new Club President Corey Shackleton and in Part 2, strap yourselves in because we have 3 massive clubhouse names, Brooke Turner and Beth Wood, join me to talk how the Women are tracking to club’s first ever 3-peat, and then Josh Mifsud, chatting everything Men’s Cup, including refection on the 2022 Premiership!  Thanks to 2NURFM and the AFL Hunter Central Coast for their unwavering support!

This week on the show, it's an extra special Round 2 treat! Recorded down in the Adelaide Street Clubhouse, it is with great pleasure I bring you Episode 7, Back-to-Back Bombers. We’ll be chatting with some of Killarney Vale’s eldest and most respected names. In Part 1, we take an overall view of the Bombers with new Club President Corey Shackleton and in Part 2, strap yourselves in because we have 3 massive clubhouse names, Brooke Turner and Beth Wood, join me to talk how the Women are tracking to club’s first ever 3-peat, and then Josh Mifsud, chatting everything Men’s Cup, including refection on the 2022 Premiership!  Thanks to 2NURFM and the AFL Hunter Central Coast for their unwavering support!

Well footy fans, welcome to the very first episode of The Mark and The Mic Podcast for 2026! This is the place where the league’s best stories are told across AFL Hunter Central Coast. This is Mitch Crawford's Player Profile, where we learn about Mitch off the footy field a little deeper! Mitch has been a cornerstone of the Blues for over a decade, playing for 13 years. He was a key part of City’s back-to-back premierships in 2023 and 2024, coached the Men’s Cup Representative Team in 2025, took out the Elliott Davey Medal in 2023, and was the competition’s leading goalkicker back in 2021. Take a listen! Thanks to the AFL Hunter Central Coast and 2NURFM 103.7 for their unwavering support!

Well footy fans, welcome to the very first episode of The Mark and The Mic Podcast for 2026! This is the place where the league’s best stories are told across AFL Hunter Central Coast. This week, we’re catching up with Elliott Davey Medallist and triple premiership player from the Newcastle City Blues — Mitchell Crawford. Mitch has been a cornerstone of the Blues for over a decade, playing for 13 years. He was a key part of City’s back-to-back premierships in 2023 and 2024, coached the Men’s Cup Representative Team in 2025, took out the Elliott Davey Medal in 2023, and was the competition’s leading goalkicker back in 2021. Take a listen! Thanks to the AFL Hunter Central Coast and 2NURFM 103.7 for their unwavering support!

In Episode 5 of The Mark and The Mic, Oliver Croft sits down with Cardiff Hawks player Bonnie Swan to explore her journey through the Sydney Swans Academy, 2 Grand Finals and her journey through the footballing world. Since this interview, the Hawks have qualified for Finals, and will play Killarney Vale in the Semi Final. 

In Episode 4 of The Mark and The Mic, Oliver Croft sits down with Warners Bay Bulldogs forward Mark Dignam to explore his journey, mindset and team culture to see the Bulldogs go through to their first ever Cup Grand Final. Since this interview, the Bulldogs have been crowned Minor Premiers of the Men's Cup Competition in 2025.  

In Episode 3 of The Mark and The Mic, Oliver Croft sits down with Nelson Bay Marlins 2022 Reserve Grade Premiership Player Billy Barton to explore his journey, goals and plans to see the Marlins go through to their first ever Cup Grand Final.  

In Episode 2 of The Mark and The Mic, Oliver Croft sits down with Warners Bay Bulldogs Captain Jasmine Wellings to explore her journey, goals and plans to see the Bulldogs Women go to their first Finals Series since 2016. More recently, the Warners Bay Bulldogs celebrated 10 years of Women’s Football in 2025, creating a Team of the Decade, to which Jasmine has been selected as Captain of.

In Episode 1 of The Mark and The Mic, Oliver Croft sits down with Cardiff Hawks player Dylan Bonham to explore his journey, goals and experiences through the AFL Hunter Central Coast and AFL Sydney Leagues respectively.