Real Footy

This week on The Age Real Footy Podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson and Jimmy Bartel look at where things are falling apart and what has to change for the Bombers, from coaching staff to game style to club leadership. Plus, Trent Cotchin has gone to the next level, Alastair Clarkson is putting himself in a great bargaining position, whispers about James Sicily and much more.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Sydney and Hawthorn are well rested and sitting pretty for the AFL preliminary finals, but Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan question whether the week off and hosting rights are the advantage they’re made out to be. Could Fremantle and the Brisbane Lions both pull off an interstate raid, and who will be the main challengers to Nick Daicos for the Brownlow Medal on Monday night? Our tipsters give you all their best predictions.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geelong lost their semi-final to Fremantle then had the biggest fish of the trade period jump off their hook when Zak Butters declared he wanted to join the Western Bulldogs. Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson discuss how the Dogs won Butters’ affections, how they’ll now get the deal done and what he’ll mean for their future. Plus, they assess the weekend’s semi-finals and look ahead to this week’s preliminary finals - Sydney vs Fremantle and Hawthorn vs the Brisbane Lions.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our master tipster Andrew Wu makes a huge call ahead of the clash between Fremantle and Geelong. Before flying to Perth to cover the game, Wu tells Peter Ryan why he thinks the first semi-final will be the pivotal match of this year’s finals series. The Brisbane Lions versus Adelaide match also gets close scrutiny as our tipsters search for winners at the pointy end of the AFL season.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney are into a preliminary final after a mighty win over the Brisbane Lions, but still face months of uncertainty off the field. North Melbourne’s cold-blooded sacking of coach Alastair Clarkson leaves the legendary coach with deep wounds, and the Hawks ambush Fremantle in front of their adoring, but tense, home-town fans. When Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall cast their eyes over all the news in the AFL it’s a must-listen for all footy fans.Support the show: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.