The ESPN Footy Podcast

This week, the team breaks down the Western Bulldogs' capitulation to Fremantle, and grades every team that missed finals - who gets an F, and who gets a B? Plus, Izak Rankine, the 'phantom behind' explained, and can the Dons actually win?! 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/adchoi...

This week, the guys dive into the fallout from Izak Rankine’s alleged on-field slur, with Coxy giving a rare player’s perspective on how news like this actually filters through a club, how the Magpies handled it internally, and what impact it has on a playing group. Plus, they debate whether Harry Sheezel’s 54-disposal game is more impressive than Jeremy Cameron’s 11 goals, and give their take on...

This week, we consider whether or not Fremantle has lived up to expectations in 2025, and look at Hawthorn and GWS's recent form. Plus, Harry Sheezel's 54-disposal game, Shannon Neale love, the best dual-position players, Izak Rankine latest, 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 podcastchoice...

On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy marvel at Nat Fyfe’s incredible career and the mind-blowing stat from his unstoppable peak. Coxy takes us inside Collingwood amid their current form slump and what’s being done to turn it around, while they also discuss the Saints’ big contract decisions, delve into a huge edition of Start-Bench-Drop, look ahead to a massive weekend of footy, and, of course, hav...

This week, we rank each team in the finals race by the level of 'trust' we have in them to win the flag. Plus a look at Essendon's injury crisis, 'the runway', a Ben King update, and Nat Fyfe's legacy. 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

On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into the bombshell sacking of Simon Goodwin and what it means for Melbourne’s immediate future. They also weigh in on the awkward airport moment involving Jack Ginnivan and a news reporter, and how “uncomfortable” doorstops can affect player-media relationships. Plus, they talk all things Steele Sidebottom’s 350th, who the biggest finals X-factors will be,...

This week, we look at the machinations of the final few weeks of footy, and break down who is most likely to finish top four and top eight (hint, the Pies might be in strife!). Plus, the Cats' soft draw, Tex Walker's kicking, and some AFLW! 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/adchoic...

On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy laugh about Toby Greene and Tom Papley’s cheeky exchange and discuss whether the AFL is becoming too precious when it comes to on-field language. They also dig into Collingwood’s increased training loads ahead of a tough three-week stretch, and rank their favourite after-the-siren goals after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s wild moment on the weekend. Plus, after Patr...

This week, we analyse the crazy finish to the St Kilda vs. Melbourne match and consider Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's future. Plus, a look at which flag contenders are nailing Champion Data's 'runway', and we break down a few hard-to-believe stats from this week's spankings. Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy dive into the AFL’s big player movement and contract debates, such as player salaries being public, and is the game ready for stars to announce their offseason moves in the middle of the season? They also weigh in on Greg Swann’s mission to shorten games and whether it’s time to rethink the father-son rule, the centre bounce, and the pre-finals bye. Plus, we cou...

This week, the team debates whether the Eagles -- now three and a half games behind 17th -- deserve a priority pick. Plus, can we trust the Pies to finish top two, and can we trust the Dockers to keep winning?! 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

On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy go inside Collingwood’s half time chat against Gold Coast and what’s actually said when you’re goalless at the break. They also discuss where the AFL’s 20th license should go, Tristan Xerri’s three-match ban, and inconsistencies in footy punishments. Plus, they investigate the AFL’s weirdest visual mystery -- why are some No. 11 guernseys practically touching, w...

This week, we look at which teams have the best premiership profile heading into the home stretch of the season. Plus, why Richmond vs. Essendon wasn't that bad, the scheduling nightmare which faces the AFL, Harley vs. JHF, plus a heap 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/adchoi...

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 Bomb...

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. L...

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 defender...

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

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...

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 podcastc...

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 betwe...

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

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,...

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

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 mo...

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