Show Notes
This week, the team dissects the two crazy wildcard matches and we give our judgement on the concept. Plus, Melbourne and Collingwood’s seasons graded, four massive finals previews, and Ticketek's cheeky cash grab.
Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.
00:00 Intro and Something You Noticed
09:15 Melbourne vs. Carlton
18:45 Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood
24:20 Was the wildcard a success?
32:55 Scott Pendlebury's legacy
27:15 Grading Dees' season
29:50 Grading Pies' season
35:55 Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
39:55 Geelong vs. Carlton
43:05 Sydney vs. Brisbane
47:35 Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
51: 45 Is the hype justified or is it hyperbole? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from The ESPN Footy Podcast
The duality of footy ... the 2026 AFL Grand Final was a harrowing, living nightmare for Fremantle fans and players, but unbridled ecstasy and jubilation for Lions players and fans as they completed the threepeat. We break it ALL down here.
This week on Red Time, JB and Mason preview the 2026 Grand Final as Freo prepare to take on Brisbane for a shot at the club’s first premiership. Coxy also discusses his unique Grand Final experience, Freo’s finals form, Brisbane’s attacking firepower, and what it takes to handle the biggest game of the season. Plus, the boys debate in-game activations with the AFL preventing ‘Wharfie Time’ from being used, the pre-finals bye, Taylor Walker’s perfect retirement move, and more.
This week, there's almost too much to talk about! From Friday night's amazing comeback and Hayden Young's clutch effort for the Dockers, to the Jarman Impey decision, Lachie Neale ban, James Sicily's conduct, and Nick Watson ... that's before we even preview the Grand Final!
This week on Red Time, JB and Coxy dive into the biggest talking points, including whether prelims are actually harder to win than Grand Finals, the AFL’s potential plans to shorten matches, and what Zak Butters’ arrival means for the Bulldogs. Plus, the boys debate Pat Voss’ set-shot time management, the timing of last week’s Wharfie Time activation, and look ahead to this week’s huge finals clashes with the Hot Stat Checklist.
On the ESPN Footy Podcast, the team breaks down Fremantle and Brisbane's wins and grade the seasons of Adelaide and Geelong. Plus Champion Data's preliminary final previews, Chris Scott punching the 'wall', Zak Butters, a day Grand Final and a LOT more!