On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy break down the AFL’s potential in-season tournament concept -- dubbed the league’s version of the 'NBA Cup' -- and weigh up whether fans, players and clubs would actually take it seriously. They also discuss the growing frustration with umpires stopping games unnecessarily for minor knocks or boot mishaps, and dive into Damien Hardwick’s ‘compliment’ to the Bombers, asking whether more brutal honesty from coaches is actually good for the game. Plus, they share...
Jul 08, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 32
This week, we look at players with the highest and lowest kick:handball ratios, the players who are under the most pressure when disposing of the ball, and the tackle kings of the competition. Plus, the race for the eight (and why Freo is in trouble), and the latest member of the 1000 metres gained club! Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 07, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 31
On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy react to the AFL’s breaking crackdown on umpire contact, with suspensions now on the table for repeat offenders. Plus, with turf talk dominating the headlines, we get into the nitty gritty of boot studs, surface conditions, and whether the SCG is really that bad compared to some other grounds. Also on the agenda is AFL conferences, a potential award for defenders, and the out-of-this-world goal that hasn’t received nearly enough attention! Learn more about you...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 30
This week, we discuss the chasm in quality from the top nine to the bottom nine on the ladder, plus we touch on the Tom Lynch situation, the young stars usurping the 'old guard', and took a look at Melbourne's big conundrum. Join Matt Walsh, Rohan Connolly, and Champion Data's Christian Joly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 30, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 29
JB and Coxy break down the week’s biggest talking points, including what goes on behind the scenes when clubs know one of their stars is set to cop heavy attention, and the emergence of the next great crop of key forwards (and how long it’ll take them to truly peak). Coxy also sheds light on Graham Wright’s behind-the-scenes impact during a turning point at Collingwood, and what Carlton can expect with him stepping in as CEO. Plus, we try to make sense of why flipping the bird is suddenly in fas...
Jun 25, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 29
This week, the team debates whether Marcus Windhager crossed the line with his tag of Nick Daicos. Plus, a look at Carlton's identity under Michael Voss, what the Dockers are doing well, and Joel Amartey's record-breaking outing (for all the wrong reasons). Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 23, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 28
In this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into Geelong’s bold move to ‘white out’ GMHBA Stadium and ask whether it will spark a new trend or fall flat. Plus, they also explore how mid-season draftees are able to make an instant impact at clubs, whether conditions genuinely impact how players feel about playing somewhere, and they throw out a cheeky crowd prediction for this week’s blockbuster between GWS and Gold Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 27
This week we look at the Lions, and if it's time to worry about their premiership defence. We also delve into the teams hit hardest by injury by using a little-known Champion Data stat, and wonder if Thursday night footy is overdone. Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 16, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 26
JB and Coxy react to the fallout from Jack Ginnivan’s cheeky pre-goal celebration, debating whether it was unnecessary taunting or just a bit of harmless fun, and reflect on the heated exchange between Max Gawn and Steven May. They also deliver Part I of their short mid-season reviews, and dive into the importance of goalkicking accuracy. Plus, the boys feel like a night Grand Final is inevitable, even if it’s not happening in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 25
This week, we discuss the Steven May-Max Gawn blow-up, debate Tom Stewart's bump on Noah Anderson, and look at the stats behind a truly bizarre round of footy. Plus, should every team tag Nick Daicos? Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 24
In this week’s episode, JB and Coxy unpack the fallout from Wayne Milera’s ‘rabble’ comments and question why clubs still feel the need to apologise for player honesty. They also debate who the current face of the league is, and ask what Greg Swann’s first task should be in his new role at the AFL. Plus, they rank their favourite Big Freeze costumes of all time, ahead of the 11th edition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 04, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 23
This week, we discuss Sydney's drop off and Adelaide's rise into premiership contention, and deliver an update on 'the 45 kick' and control vs. chaos games. Plus, the biggest 'rabbles' in footy, and who is the 'face of the league'? Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 22
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca debate whether it’s time for a mid-season trade period in the AFL, and with the NFL voting to allow its players to compete in Olympic flag football, they dream up which footy players could take them on if Australia formed a team. Plus, Mason passionately questions whether the billion-dollar Tassie stadium will ever get off the ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 21
This week, we look at the Demons' turnaround from their disastrous 0-5 start, how the Pies just keep fronting up, and why the Blues just can't score. Plus, Jake issues some apologies, and the Ben King stat that would have Fraser Gehrig blushing. Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 26, 2025•49 min•Season 7Ep. 20
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca ponder what concessions should be handed to Tasmania for their entry into the league, debate which positions on the field are the most valuable in the modern game, ask if the punishment always fits the crime when it comes to 50-metre penalties, and look ahead to a huge weekend of footy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 19
This week, the team looks at Essendon's horrific effort and their broader struggles, and debate who the best coach in the AFL is. Plus, metres gained records, losing streaks, and 'effective spoils'. Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19, 2025•59 min•Season 7Ep. 18
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox, who was on the field when Lachie Schultz was concussed, gives his take on the umpire audio revelations that have the AFL under pressure. We also ponder whether the AFL should have a draft lottery after the wild results in the NBA, and ask if goal umpires should be allowed to pay free kicks. Plus, we rank our favourite Indigenous guernseys, and look ahead to a big round of footy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 17
This week, the team unpacks a wild weekend of footy and looks at how close Nick Blakey came to breaking a unique record. Plus, Christian breaks down exactly what makes up a team's pressure rating and which players apply it the most. And what was the 'expected score' from Aaron Francis' miss from point-blank range? Join Jarryd Barca, Rohan Connolly, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 16
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox explains to Jarryd Barca the complexities of preparing for a game off a five-day break, while the boys discuss the ‘baffling’ score review system and are hellbent on ball-tracking technology being implemented in the game sooner rather than later. Plus, how Ross Lyon’s brutal subbing of Hugo Garcia worked, and will the AFL and its fans ever fully embrace bold and brash personalities like they do in the NBA and NFL? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...
May 07, 2025•30 min
This week, the team exposes Fremantle's 'Jekyll and Hyde' form after a preseason filled with expectation. Plus, the Bulldogs are hitting premiership metrics, some exclusive '45 kick' numbers, and is Jack Crisp's record unbreakable? Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 05, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 14
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca unpack the fallout from Paul Curtis’ three-match suspension, and ask whether the AFL should steal a page out of the NFL’s playbook and ‘glam up’ the draft. Plus, Mason takes us inside the habits and secrets that keep Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury defying age, and we have some bold takes in Don’t Be Surprised If… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 30, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 13
This week, the team looks at the players who have improved the most in 2025, and those who have slid down the 100X rankings. Plus, more bellwether stats, the 'zero disposal' club, and are the Blues actually back? Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 28, 2025•52 min•Season 7Ep. 12
On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca dive into the public debate around Anzac guernseys -- are they a respectful gesture or becoming ‘too’ commercial? They also share their favourite designs revealed by clubs this year. Plus, they ask the question: should the AFL introduce its own 'play-in' system similar to those used in other sports around the world? And unpack the growing issue of social media trolls in footy -- how it affects players, and what can be done about it. Learn more a...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 11
This week, and with the election coming up, Christian looks at 'bellwether' stats, and the players feature the most. Plus, success stories of moving from midfield to half back, the fastest goals on record, and heaps more! Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 22, 2025•52 min•Season 7Ep. 10
On this week's episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca reveal their totally unqualified AFL venue rankings (sorry, ENGIE Stadium), unpack the Dees' struggles and how it could mirror Collingwood's 2021 season, and ask the question: are Gold Coast legit? Plus, they imagine the chaos of a Suns-Giants Grand Final, and each pick the team with the most to prove in Round 6. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 16, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 9
This week, we delve into the AFL's best kicks by looking into retention rates, look at where the Crows need to improve, and what's gone wrong for the Demons. Plus, do the Hawks need to shut up and play footy? Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 14, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Red Time is back for season 2025! On this week’s episode, Mason Cox and Jarryd Barca unpack the rise of Sam Darcy and how defenders can stop him, and debate which rules in the AFL need tweaking. Plus, we chat Bronx cheers, jumper clashes, and which side released the best Gather Round guernsey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 09, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 7
This week on the podcast, Christian delves deeper into the premiership metrics now that most teams have a month of footy under their belt, while he also reveals more about the '45 kick' and speed of ball movement. Plus, coaches in the hot seat, and player gamesmanship. Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 07, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 6
This week, the team discusses Rhyan Mansell's ban, analyses Gold Coast's hot start and if it's sustainable, and looks at the Saints' turnaround offensively. Plus, wind-affected games, the 'second half Blues', and more. Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 5
This week, the team analyses the underwhelming starts of Fremantle and Essendon, looks at some xScores stats and which teams use 'the 45 kick' the most, plus some other interesting nuggets on a number of teams. Join Matt Walsh, Rohan Connolly, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2025•51 min•Season 7Ep. 4
