The ESPN Footy Podcast

AFL: The Dees are great fun BUT there's a caveat...

The ESPN Footy Podcast

Show Notes

This week the team looks at the Demons' win over Fremantle, and judges whether Melbourne is not just a finals threat, but a premiership threat. Plus, North finally got reward for effort, the Hawks' midfield has some issues, Matt Rowell and Izak Rankine played wet weather footy, and a lot more!

Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

00:00 Intro and Something you Noticed

12:10 Melbourne's win over Fremantle

29:30 North Melbourne's much-needed win

36:55 The Hawks' midfield issue

40:15 Swannies under the radar?

43:13 Is the hype justified or is it hyperbole? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from The ESPN Footy Podcast

Sep 27, 2026

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.

Sep 23, 2026

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.

Sep 21, 2026

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!

Sep 16, 2026

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.

Sep 14, 2026

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!

See all episodes →