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Football Friends with Ben & Stef

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Welcome to Football Friends with Ben & Stef! Your go-to for everything A-leagues, with weekly episodes and special guests, you'll find everything you need right here. Join Western United main man, Ben Garuccio, and former Adelaide United captain, Stefan Mauk, as they chat about their personal stories, keep you across the biggest news coming out of Australian football, and give you an insight into the world of the A-Leagues like you've never seen before. Episodes uploaded weekly on Thursday 6am AEDT
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Episodes

24/25 A-League Men Season Review + Finals Special

The 24/25 A-League Men regular season has officially wrapped - and what a finish it was! Adelaide United just scraped into the finals, and the boys break down every team’s season in detail. From surprise packages to underwhelming campaigns, they leave no club unanalysed. We also look ahead to the finals series kicking off this weekend - including a massive Football Friends Derby to set the tone! The boys make some bold predictions for the finals series including who they think will make it all t...

May 07, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 25

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 24

Round 24 of the A-League Men had it all—goals, drama, and some massive results. We cover all the games, including the wild 3-3 thriller between Macarthur and Newcastle Jets, where late goals and defensive chaos stole the show. And we dive into Stef’s tough night as Adelaide United copped a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory in a heated Original Rivalry clash. We also chat about what these results mean for the finals race, standout performances, and plenty more from an action-packed wee...

Apr 01, 202530 min

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 23

Round 23 of the A-Leagues was one for the history books—33 goals in one weekend, the highest-scoring round ever! We break down all the action, including that wild 4-5 thriller between Adelaide and Macarthur, Wanderers' comeback against Victory, and Brisbane's much-needed win over Perth. We also chat about Newcastle's solid form, a gritty Auckland performance, and the Young Socceroos' U20 Asian Cup triumph—what a moment for Aussie football! Plus, EA FC's FUT Birthday promo is here, so we put the ...

Mar 17, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 33

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 22

Round 22 delivered plenty of action—City’s winning streak continues, Western United put four past Wellington, and Victory made a statement against the Mariners. We break down all the key moments, big calls, and standout performances. Plus, we chat FUT Birthday in EA FC, catch up with the Young Socceroos fresh off their U20 Asian Cup win, and update our rolling Team of the Year.

Mar 11, 202551 minSeason 2Ep. 17

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 21

Round 21 of the A-Leagues had a bit of everything—thrillers, late goals, and some controversial calls! We break down all the action, starting with Melbourne City's solid win over Wellington as Marco Tilio finds form at the right time. Western United put in a shift to take down the Mariners, with subs making a huge impact. Adelaide and Auckland shared an eight-goal spectacle, while Brisbane stunned Victory with a dominant first half. Plus, Sydney got back to winning ways, with Douglas Costa putti...

Mar 06, 202547 minSeason 2Ep. 16

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 20

Round 20 of the A-Leagues had everything—thrashings, penalties, controversy, and a Melbourne Derby that delivered. Auckland dominated Wellington in the Kiwi Classico, Newcastle made it three wins in a row, and Western Sydney put four past the Mariners. Victory and City battled it out in an end-to-end derby, while Perth and Sydney played out a scoreless draw despite plenty of chances. Plus, we break down the key moments from every game, including VAR decisions, top goals, and standout performance...

Feb 25, 202536 minSeason 2Ep. 15

S2E16: DYLAN PIERIAS EXCLUSIVE

Welcome back to another week of Football Friends with Ben & Stef! This week the boys are joined by Dylan Pierias, Adelaide United winger. Having played alongside Ben and Stef for a big chunk of his career, you could imagine the absolute banter that went on in this episode. From growing up in the City youth system, to a massive move to Adelaide with his young family, Dylan tells us all about the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Tune in Now!

Feb 12, 20251 hr 16 min

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 18

Ben and Stef are back to dissect another wild week in the A-Leagues! From controversial referee decisions to last-minute winners, they break down all the key moments that had fans talking. Who’s been the standout performer of the round? Which teams are flying under the radar, and who’s in serious trouble? The boys also make some bold predictions for the rest of the season—will they age like fine wine or backfire spectacularly? Plus, plenty of banter, debates, and classic Football Friends energy....

Feb 10, 202539 minSeason 2Ep. 16

S2E15: ALEX GERSBACH EXCLUSIVE

After nearly a decade overseas, Alex Gersbach is back on home soil! The boys catch up with the Socceroo to chat about his football journey—from breaking through at Sydney FC as a teenager to testing himself in Europe and the U.S. We dive into the highs, the challenges, and what brought him back to the A-League. Plus, some cracking quick-fire questions to round things off. Hit play and enjoy! 🎧⚽

Jan 30, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 15

The A-League Wrap: ROUND 16

Ben and Stef are back for another A-LEAGUE weekly wrap-up, diving into the drama of Round 16! From last-minute heartbreaks to questionable VAR calls, the boys break it all down. Stef shares the highs and lows of his catch-up games, and Ben isn’t shy about handing out some spicy takes on officiating. They chat about standout performances, while pondering the league’s tight race for the top six. Plus, there’s talk of Perth Glory's rebuild, Western Sydney’s struggles, and some good old-fashioned gu...

Jan 27, 202537 minSeason 2Ep. 17

The A League Wrap - ROUND 15

In this week’s Round 15 wrap-up, the boys are all smiles as both their teams bagged 3 points! Stef talks about Adelaide’s gutsy performance in a sold-out Original Rivalry, while Ben celebrates Western’s impressive run of form. Brisbane finally notch their first win of the season, and the lads’ rolling Teams of the Year are starting to take shape. Plus, Stef tries his hand at predicting the EA Sports FC25 Team of the Year – will he nail it? Don’t miss the banter, insights, and plenty of laughs on...

Jan 22, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 15

S2314: JANUARY Q&A SESH

🎙️ Football Friends with Ben and Stef – Ep. 14: Sprinklers, Transfers, and A-League Chaos Ben and Stef are back after a busy January football schedule! In this Q&A special, they tackle your burning questions, from the future of the Australia Cup to why the A-League has been pure entertainment this season. The lads dive into Perth Glory’s rollercoaster moments, player transfers, and the chaos that young players bring to the pitch. Plus, they chat about what’s clicking for their teams this se...

Jan 15, 202545 minSeason 2Ep. 14

S2E13: Beau Busch - PFA CEO

This week, we’re joined by Professional Footballers Australia CEO, Beau Busch, as we dive into his remarkable footballing journey—from his grassroots beginnings in Newcastle to playing professionally across Australia, North Queensland Fury, and even Scotland. Beau reflects on the highs and lows of his playing days, his transition into life after football, and the challenges of leading the PFA through some of the sport’s most turbulent times. We also chat about the latest PFA findings, the future...

Jan 08, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 13

S2E12: JAMES HOLLAND - From Sydney to the Socceroos

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef , we’re joined by Aussie football legend James Holland! From his early days kicking a ball around in Sydney to winning an A-League title with Newcastle Jets, playing in Europe, and wearing the green and gold, James shares the highs, challenges, and lessons from his incredible journey. We cover: ⚽ Breaking into the A-League at 18 and winning a Grand Final. 🌍 Life in Europe with stints in the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany. 🏆 His proudest moment...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 21 minSeason 2Ep. 12

The A-League Wrap - ROUND 10

This Week in the A-League; Adelaide collapse, Perth’s home struggles roll on, and Barbarouses scores a screamer for Wellington. Auckland dominate in Gosford, Sydney cruise past Victory, and Western United grind out a win. All the goals, drama, and that big red card decision—let’s get into it!

Dec 30, 202434 min

S2E11: JACKSON IRVINE - Celtic Wonderkid to Bundesliga Captain

We’re pumped to have Socceroos star and St. Pauli captain, Jackson Irvine, on the pod! From his grassroots beginnings in Victoria to leading one of Germany’s most iconic clubs, Jackson opens up about the big moments in his career. We chat about his move to Celtic at just 16, navigating the highs and lows of football, and what it means to wear the green and gold. Plus, hear Jackson’s thoughts on mental health, his dream 5-a-side team, and whether we might see him in the A-League someday. This one...

Dec 25, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 11

The A-League Wrap - ROUND 9

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef , we dive into the drama, goals, and shockers from Round 9 of the A-Leagues. From Adelaide’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney to Western United’s emphatic win over Auckland, there’s plenty to unpack. Who made our Rolling Team of the Year? And what’s the story behind that controversial ref moment? Tune in for all the banter, analysis, and laughs you’ve come to expect. Don’t miss it! 🎙️⚽

Dec 24, 202436 minSeason 2Ep. 9

S2E10: From Adelaide to the MLS - Lachlan Brook’s Football Journey

This week on Football Friends , Ben and Stef sit down with fellow Adelaide boy Lachy Brook, now making waves in the MLS with Real Salt Lake. Lachy takes us through his journey—from falling in love with football as a kid to signing with Adelaide United, heading to England with Brentford, and finally thriving in the States. We chat about the highs and lows of his career: his A-League debut, life abroad, smashing it at the Wanderers, and what makes the MLS such an exciting league. Plus, Lachy share...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 10

The A-League Wrap - ROUND 8

The A-Leagues are delivering goals galore, drama, and plenty to chat about this week! On Football Friends, we’re breaking down all the big moments from Round 9: from Goodwin kicking off a clinical display for Adelaide, to an edge-of-your-seat thriller in Sydney where Ruhs stole the show late. Plus, we’re joined by Western United’s hero of the week, Ruhsy, to relive his cracking finish and hear what went down after the final whistle. Tune in for all the action, insights, and a few laughs along th...

Dec 16, 202439 minSeason 2Ep. 8

S2E9: OLI BOZANIC EXCLUSIVE

This week on Football Friends with Ben and Stef , the boys sit down with Oli Bozanic, fresh off his retirement announcement. From World Cup appearances to Player of the Month nods (against some very familiar names), he’s done it all. Tune in for insights on his career, hilarious locker room tales, and what’s next for him after hanging up the boots. If you love a bit of banter and football nostalgia, this one’s a must-listen!

Dec 11, 202449 minSeason 2Ep. 9

The A-League Wrap Up - ROUND 7

🎙️ Episode 7: A-Leagues Weekly Wrap-Up We’re back with all the action from Round 7 of the A-Leagues! From thrilling Friday night goals to scrappy encounters and record-breaking moments, this week had it all. Stef relives a personal highlight, we chat about standout performances, and, of course, update the Rolling TOTY. Tune in for all the banter, breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insights on Football Friends with Ben and Stef!

Dec 09, 202435 minSeason 2Ep. 7

S2E8: MARTIN BOYLE

This week, we’re joined by Socceroos star and Hibernian fan-favourite, Martin Boyle . From his early days in Scotland to becoming a key figure for club and country, Martin shares stories from his football journey, the challenges he's faced, and the moments that have shaped his career. We dive into: ⚽ Growing up with a passion for football. ⚽ Breaking into the professional game at just 16. ⚽ Life at Hibernian and what makes the club so special. ⚽ The highs and lows of representing Australia. And,...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 8

The A-League Wrap Up - ROUND 6

Round 6 of the A-Leagues brought the drama – big wins, late heartbreaks, and surprise results. Ben and Stef break it all down, from standout performances to teams that need a serious rethink. We’re also updating our Rolling Team of the Year (some shock inclusions!) and gearing up for Thursday’s exclusive chat with Martin Boyle . Want the full lowdown? Hit play now! 📸 Follow us for extras: Instagram/TikTok: @footballfriendspod 🐦 X: @benandstefpod 🎥 YouTube: Football Friends with Ben & Stef...

Dec 02, 202422 minSeason 2Ep. 6

S2E7: ARCHIE THOMPSON EXCLUSIVE

Archie Thompson: Aussie Football's Mayor This week, we’re joined by Aussie football icon Archie Thompson! From his early days in New Zealand to chasing the European dream in Belgium and becoming a Melbourne Victory legend, Archie shares the highs, lows, and wild stories from his incredible career. We chat about his record-breaking 13-goal game, the 2006 World Cup under Guus Hiddink, and what made him return to Australia to dominate the A-League. Plus, life after football— Celebrity MasterChef , ...

Nov 27, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 7

The A-League Wrap - UNITE ROUND

🎙️ UNITE ROUND 🎙️ Ben and Stef are back to unpack all the drama from Round 3! From a thrilling Sydney Derby to Auckland’s incredible clean sheet streak, and some surprising results across the league, we’ve got plenty to chat about. Plus, our Rolling TOTY gets a shake-up! 🎉 Coming Soon: Don’t miss Thursday’s episode featuring Aussie football legend Archie Thompson! Follow us everywhere 👉 @footballfriendspod on Insta & TikTok, @benandstefpod on X, and subscribe on YouTube!...

Nov 25, 202443 minSeason 2Ep. 5

S2E6: NIC MILANOVIC EXCLUSIVE

🎙️ This Week on Football Friends with Ben & Stef We’re joined by Western Sydney Wanderers ace and former Western United standout, Nicolas Milanovic! 🚀 From humble beginnings at St. Albans to bagging hat tricks in the A-League, Nico takes us through his incredible journey in football. We chat about: ⚽ Where his love for the game began ⚽ Navigating big moves during the pandemic ⚽ The lessons learned in Melbourne and his return to Western Sydney ⚽ What sparked his breakout season and future g...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 6

S2E5: Q&A TELL ALL

This week on the Football Friends podcast, Ben and Stef answer all of your pressing questions. From the best league atmosphere, to how to get back on your feet post-injury, the boys answer it all!

Nov 13, 202432 minSeason 2Ep. 5

The A-League Wrap Up - ROUND 4

We're back with another A-League wrap-up, and let’s just say Round 4 was packed with action, drama, and a bit of heartbreak. Kicking off with the “Football Friends Derby” – Stef’s grinning ear to ear after Adelaide’s win over Western United, while Ben’s still dodging that head-shaving bet! From Western Sydney putting four past the Jets to VAR calls that had us all yelling at the screen, there’s plenty to unpack. Milanovic's hat trick? Absolute scenes. And Melbourne Victory’s solid win over Brisb...

Nov 11, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 4

S2E4: ZACH CLOUGH EXCLUSIVE

This week on the Football Friends pod, we sit down with Zach Clough to talk all things football, from his big debut at Bolton to his move to Australia’s A-League. Zach takes us through his journey, from scoring a game-winning goal at 19, to dealing with injuries, and why he chose loyalty over big-money moves. Now in the A-League, Zach’s hitting new highs—scoring goals, making assists, and growing in confidence. We talk about his future, his goals, and whether he’s sticking around Down Under. Don...

Nov 06, 202436 minSeason 2Ep. 4

The A-League Wrap Up - ROUND 3

Join us for Round 3 of our A-League Weekly Wrap-Up! Auckland City continued their perfect debut season with a derby win over Wellington, while Melbourne Victory staged a thrilling comeback against Macarthur. Stef starred in a 7-goal spectacle as Adelaide United defeated Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC sealed a dramatic 90th-minute victory against Brisbane Roar at a sub-par Suncorp Stadium. Plus, we reveal a few changes to our rolling Teams of the Year. Tune in as we break down all the exc...

Nov 04, 202435 min
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