Brad Crouch, a sports industry executive, joins Dusty, a well-known AFL personality, Ollie, a competitive sports figure, and AFL player Bailey Smith for a lively discussion. They delve into the challenges facing the AFL, including rule controversies and team dynamics. The group shares lighthearted anecdotes and predictions for upcoming finals, sparking excitement for the grand finals. They also explore player moves and fan reactions, showcasing the balance of loyalty and business in sports, all while keeping the banter humorous and engaging.
The episode begins with a comedic take on avoiding team curses while light-heartedly discussing audience affiliations and football team dynamics.
Hosts share personal stories of engaging with professional players, highlighting the contrast between amateur experiences and professional expectations in football.
The podcast addresses frustrations with AFL rule changes and predictions for upcoming grand finals while emphasizing the importance of supporting women's football.
Deep dives
The Curse of the Bandwagon
The episode opens with a humorous plea from the host, cautioning listeners against jumping on the bandwagon of certain football teams. Acknowledgment of a 'curse' associated with the audience and a specific team, Chopsticks FC, sets a light-hearted tone. While recounting this, the host humorously expresses their personal affiliation with a team to avoid being cursed. This playful banter establishes a fun atmosphere before the more serious discussions about football commence.
Football and Life Updates
The hosts transition into sharing personal anecdotes related to football and their social lives, revealing insights into their week. One host mentions a casual kick with a professional player, leading to discussions about anxiety and expectations while kicking the ball. This interaction highlights the contrast between being an amateur and engaging with professional athletes, reflecting their humorous takes on social interactions. Their chemistry and camaraderie keep the focus on the engaging blend of football and personal narratives.
Clubs Voicing Their Concerns
A significant segment focuses on the grievances expressed by AFL clubs regarding recent rule changes and the state of the league. Clubs are reportedly frustrated with inconsistencies in officiating, rule adjustments mid-season, and the impact on strategic gameplay. Players have voiced confusion over what constitutes a tackle, reflecting a lack of clarity in the league's guidelines. This discussion underscores the growing tensions between clubs and governing bodies about the enforcement of rules and the overall direction of the league.
Grand Final Predictions
The conversation shifts to the upcoming grand finals, with the hosts providing predictions for the matches involving Sydney vs. Port and Brisbane vs. Geelong. They analyze team performances, player conditions, and the historical context of their matchups. Discussion about player injuries and the mental state of teams serves to paint a vivid picture of the stakes ahead. The hosts ultimately predict a Sydney vs. Brisbane final, emphasizing the potential excitement of this matchup for fans.
AFLW Challenges and Highlights
The hosts briefly touch on the challenges faced in the AFLW, noting significant player injuries that could impact team dynamics. They highlight how these injuries to key players disrupt the flow of the game and overall participation levels. Despite these setbacks, there is optimism as the crowd numbers for AFLW games are reportedly rising. The segment concludes by emphasizing the need for continued support of the women's league, promoting visibility, and attendance.
We sing Creed, Brad Crouch is an executive, Dusty begs the GC, stories from the vault, Ollie gets one over Bailey Smith and we preview two of the biggest games…
Four teams, three more games. It’s happening.
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