Pies' Strange Innovation, Storm Finals Fight & AUS v IRL | Sally Pearson, Ash Riddell & Billy Slater

Abbey Gelmi joins Eddie McGuire for another huge edition of Gold Sport, as they dive into a massive week across motorsport, cricket and racing. From the future of the Australian MotoGP to Australia’s batting woes against South Africa and a Cox Plate contender backed by a star-studded ownership group, Eddie and Abbey tackle some of the biggest talking points in Australian sport. The show kicks off with MotoGP legend Wayne Gardner, who joins Eddie and Abbey ahead of what looms as a historic weekend at Phillip Island. Gardner reflects on his iconic 1989 Australian Grand Prix victory, discusses his emotional farewell lap around the circuit and explains why Phillip Island remains one of the greatest motorsport venues in the world. The conversation also explores the future of the Australian MotoGP, concerns about the event's long-term future at Phillip Island and the growing possibility of a move to Adelaide. Wayne also reveals details of his latest venture, an electric bike brand carrying his name, while sharing stories from his remarkable racing career, including taking high-profile passengers for hot laps and the unique challenges of racing at the elite level on two wheels. He compares MotoGP machinery with Formula One and Supercars, giving an insight into the speed, danger and skill required to compete at the highest level of world motorsport. Attention then turns to cricket as Australian great Matthew Hayden joins the show to discuss Australia’s struggles with the bat during the Test series against South Africa. Hayden delivers a candid assessment of the national side, questioning the flexibility-first selection philosophy currently being employed and arguing for more stability in the batting order. He discusses the futures of Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Travis Head, while explaining why specialist roles remain critical in Test cricket despite modern trends towards versatility. The discussion expands into the broader challenges facing Australian cricket, with Hayden and Eddie debating the balance between winning now and regenerating for the future. They examine whether Australia’s world-class bowling attack has masked deeper issues in the batting line-up and what changes may be required ahead of a crucial home summer that includes New Zealand and the lead-up to the next Ashes campaign. Later, dual Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd joins Gold Sport ahead of the Cox Plate. Judd discusses his involvement in ownership group Nagas, the story behind Cox Plate contender Birdman and what it is like experiencing elite sport from the perspective of an owner rather than a competitor. He reflects on Carlton’s resurgence in recent seasons, explains the emotional highs and lows of racehorse ownership and previews one of the biggest weekends of the spring carnival. Judd also chats about his life after football, balancing family and business commitments and supporting his wife Bec Judd's latest venture. As always, plenty of laughs follow as Eddie and Abbey explore the growing appetite for racing ownership, sporting success and life beyond professional competition. As always, Eddie and Abbey wrap up another massive edition of Gold Sport, celebrating Australian sporting icons, analysing the biggest stories making headlines and looking ahead to a huge weekend across motorsport, racing and cricket. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abbey Gelmi joins Eddie McGuire for another huge edition of Gold Sport, as they unpack a massive weekend across basketball, racing and Australian culture. From devastating injury news for one of Australia’s biggest sporting stars to spring racing's hottest trainer and the enduring legacy of an iconic Australian film, Eddie and Abbey cover the stories everyone is talking about. The show kicks off with the heartbreaking news that Australian basketball star Ben Simmons has suffered another major setback, tearing his Achilles tendon just as he appeared poised to revive his NBA career. Eddie and Abbey reflect on the cruel timing of the injury after Simmons had shown encouraging form during the preseason, before discussing what the latest setback means for both his NBA future and his hopes of representing the Boomers at the Los Angeles Olympics. They also delve into the mental resilience required to return from repeated injuries and whether Simmons can find a way back once again. Basketball legend Lanard Copeland joins the show to provide expert insight into Simmons’ situation. Copeland reflects on his own unlikely rise to professional basketball after not taking up the sport seriously until late in his teenage years, before analysing Simmons’ remarkable talent, the challenges he has faced throughout his career and what lies ahead as he confronts another lengthy rehabilitation. Attention then turns to the spring racing carnival, with Eddie and Abbey reviewing a huge weekend highlighted by the Caulfield Cup and The Everest. They discuss the extraordinary run of trainer Ciaron Maher, whose stable continues to dominate Australian racing. Maher joins the program to reflect on another remarkable weekend of success, the performances of his leading runners and his prospects heading into the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. He also shares the story of building one of the country's most powerful racing operations from humble beginnings on a family farm. The show then takes a nostalgic turn as Working Dog co-founder Rob Sitch joins Eddie and Abbey following the announcement that Australian cult classic The Castle is heading to the stage. Sitch discusses adapting one of the most beloved Australian films of all time into a live theatre production, the challenge of balancing iconic quotes with new material and why the story continues to resonate with generations of Australians nearly three decades after its release. Eddie, Abbey and Rob relive many of the film’s most memorable moments, from "the vibe" to "the pool room", while reflecting on why The Castle has become such a defining part of Australian popular culture. Rob also reveals details about the cast, the production process and what audiences can expect when the stage adaptation opens. As always, Eddie and Abbey wrap up another enormous week in sport and entertainment, celebrating the stories, personalities and moments that continue to bring Australians together across generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abbey Gelmi joins Eddie McGuire for another huge edition of Gold Sport, as they look ahead to one of the biggest weekends on the Australian sporting calendar. With the Caulfield Cup, The Everest and the return of the A-League all taking centre stage, Eddie and Abbey unpack the biggest stories in racing, football and beyond, while taking a trip down memory lane through some iconic moments in Australian sport. The show kicks off with Eddie and Abbey discussing the arrival of Caulfield Cup weekend and what it signals in the sporting calendar, with the spring racing carnival hitting full stride as attention turns towards the Melbourne Cup. They also debate whether Christmas arrives earlier every year, before turning their focus to the Everest and the extraordinary impact outgoing Racing NSW chairman Peter V’landys has had on Australian racing. Leading racing reporter Gilbert Gardiner joins the show to preview the Caulfield Cup, assess the Melbourne Cup contenders and break down the latest racing news heading into one of the most important weekends of the spring carnival. The discussion covers track conditions, key runners, the influence of weather and which horses are best placed to emerge as genuine Melbourne Cup threats. Australian surf lifesaving legend Guy Leach joins Eddie and Abbey for a nostalgic look back at the golden era of Ironman competition. Eddie reflects on hosting the legendary Uncle Toby’s Ironman series and the immense popularity of surf lifesaving in the 1980s and 1990s, while Leach discusses the push to have surf lifesaving included at the Brisbane Olympics. The conversation celebrates some of the sport’s biggest names and explores why the Australian beach culture remains such an important part of the nation’s identity. The focus then shifts to football as former Socceroo Robbie Slater joins Gold Sport ahead of the opening weekend of the A-League season. Robbie previews a blockbuster Sydney Derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, discusses the growing anticipation surrounding the competition and analyses Melbourne Victory’s prospects after their strong finish to last season under Patrick Kisnorbo. He also weighs in on South Melbourne’s Australia Cup success and the ongoing discussion around expansion and pathways into the A-League. Eddie also shares a remarkable untold story from the early days of Australian football, revealing how former Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy once offered him ownership of what would become Melbourne Victory. The discussion explores the role the Lowy family played in shaping modern Australian football and the importance of creating new stars and heroes to help grow the game into the future. As always, Eddie and Abbey wrap up the biggest headlines, stories and debates from another enormous week in sport, celebrating the enduring power of Australian sporting traditions while looking ahead to a massive weekend across racing, football and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abbey Gelmi joins Eddie McGuire for another massive edition of Gold Sport, as they unpack a huge weekend across Australian sport. From the drama and emotion of the Bathurst 1000 to the Wallabies’ tough night against the All Blacks and a major debate over illicit drugs in the AFL, Eddie and Abbey tackle the biggest stories making headlines around the country. The show kicks off with discussion surrounding allegations involving Carlton players following a private gathering that saw two players hospitalised. Eddie and Abbey examine the broader issue of illicit drug use in sport and society, the AFL’s responsibility in protecting both players and the competition, and whether stronger measures are required to address what has become an increasingly prominent issue. They also discuss the balance between welfare and accountability, the role elite athletes play as role models and why the latest developments could prove significant as the league prepares to introduce new illicit drug policies. Attention then turns to the Bathurst 1000, with Eddie fresh from Mount Panorama after witnessing one of the most dramatic editions of Australia’s great race. Eddie and Abbey reflect on the extraordinary atmosphere around Bathurst, the passionate fans who camp for days around the mountain and why the event continues to hold a unique place in Australian sporting culture. They also discuss the future growth of Supercars and why Bathurst continues to resonate with fans across generations. Former Wallaby Justin Harrison joins the show to analyse the Wallabies’ heavy Bledisloe Cup defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park. Harrison breaks down where things went wrong for Australia, the challenge of facing New Zealand at one of world rugby’s most intimidating venues and what improvements are needed before the return clash. He also discusses the progress made under Les Kiss, the positives to take from recent performances and why the Wallabies can still take confidence into the road ahead despite the disappointing result. The focus then returns to Bathurst as race winners Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood join Gold Sport fresh off their incredible triumph. The pair relive the final laps of a dramatic race, discuss the pit-stop issues that threatened to derail their chances and reveal what was going through their minds as they mounted their charge back through the field. They also reflect on the emotional scenes inside the garage after victory, the significance of conquering Mount Panorama and the special role Bathurst continues to play in Australian motorsport. Plus, Eddie and Abbey celebrate another record-breaking sporting event as they discuss the enormous audiences drawn to the AFL Grand Final, NRL Grand Final and Bathurst 1000. They reflect on the power of major Australian sporting events to bring communities together and why the emotional connection between fans, athletes and iconic venues remains one of sport’s greatest strengths. As always, Eddie and Abbey wrap up another enormous week across Australian sport, from football and rugby to motorsport, highlighting the moments, personalities and stories that continue to capture the nation’s attention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abbey Gelmi joins Eddie McGuire for another massive edition of Gold Sport, as they dive into the biggest stories across AFL, NRL, cricket, motorsport and racing. From the AFL trade period and one of the most talked-about player moves in recent memory to Bathurst, the Rugby League World Cup and Australia’s Test series against South Africa, there is no shortage of sporting headlines to unpack. The show kicks off with discussion surrounding Nick Blakey and the fallout from the AFL trade period, as Eddie and Abbey examine the circumstances behind his likely departure from the Sydney Swans, the enormous offers being floated around the competition and what it says about the changing landscape of player movement in Australian sport. They discuss the drama of trade week, the growing influence of player power and why the AFL is increasingly resembling the major professional sports leagues overseas. With Bathurst weekend arriving, six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Garth Tander joins the show to preview one of Australia’s greatest sporting events. Tander reflects on last year’s dramatic finish, the unique challenge of conquering Mount Panorama and why Bathurst remains one of the toughest endurance races anywhere in the world. He also breaks down the leading contenders, discusses life after full-time driving and reflects on the enduring legacy of Peter Brock as the motorsport world marks twenty years since his passing. The focus then shifts back to rugby league as former premiership-winning Sydney Roosters captain Luke Keary joins Eddie and Abbey following the club’s latest Grand Final triumph. Keary reflects on the Roosters’ relentless culture, the celebrations following premiership success and the emotional connection the club has built with the Bondi community. He also looks ahead to the Rugby League World Cup, analysing Australia’s chances and explaining why this tournament appears more open than ever before, with New Zealand, England, Tonga and Samoa all genuine contenders. Cricket also takes centre stage as Australian great Mark Waugh joins the show to preview the opening Test against South Africa. Waugh discusses the intense rivalry between the two nations, the lingering shadow of the 2018 Sandpapergate series and the challenges awaiting Australia in South African conditions. He also weighs in on the pressure facing Marnus Labuschagne, the selection dilemmas confronting the Australian selectors and why the upcoming series looms as a crucial period for a number of players ahead of a huge international summer. Plus, Eddie and Abbey turn their attention to the spring racing carnival, discussing the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup Carnival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.