Rip Through It

Robbo and Matho go deep this week, reacting to the aftermath Matho’s ban, ranking the top 5 draft years since 2008, and previewing the AFLW finals. Plus, Jackson’s Halloween off it's head, the Chicken interview feedback and whether delisted players deserve a second chance.

Ricky Nixon was once one of the most powerful figures in Australian Rules Football. Through his management company Flying Start, he represented over 100 AFL players including a third of the league’s captains during the 1990s and 2000s.From Wayne Carey to Ben Cousins, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Akermanis, Anthony Koutoufides, Jonathan Brown, Barry Hall, and Brendan Fevola, Ricky was the middleman in some of the biggest player deals, contracts, and controversies the AFL has ever seen.In this episode, we dive deep into how Flying Start grew into a player-management empire that reshaped the AFL landscape. Ricky opens up about some of the wildest trade stories and unforgettable Mad Monday tales, shares what it was really like managing delisted players and aging veterans, and explains how the media always seems to uncover player secrets. He also reveals the hardest player he ever had to manage, while offering a few raw and honest reflections on what truly went down behind the scenes during his time at the top.This is one of the most raw looks into AFL’s player-agent era, straight from the man who lived it.

Rhys “Beast Mode” Mathieson talks on being banned by ASADA.From bodybuilding dreams to the random game-day test that flipped everything. Matho takes us through exactly how it all went down.He opens up about the moment he realised his AFL career was over, why he turned to bodybuilding, and the timeline that led to his positive test, from signing with Grange in January, stopping supplements in February, getting his bloods done before the QAFL season, and still getting hit with a “random” test months later.We also dive into the AFL’s use of his old transformation photo, what really happened on August 3rd and 10th, and how long it took before he was actually told the results. Matho doesn’t dodge responsibilit but he owns it, but he’s got plenty to say about the process.

State of Origin is back on the agenda, Robbo blind-ranks the biggest AFL trades, and we reveal the most valuable sporting teams in Australia. Plus, Joe asks who’ll shine at their new club and we make some way-too-early 2026 Grand Final predictions.

2× premiership Lion Kai Lohmann joins Rip Through It again after another huge season.He chats offseason plans, lessons from 2025, and relives every finals moment — from the early loss to Geelong to that roaring win in front of 96k at the ‘G.Hear how the Lions went back-to-back, the inside jokes (Andre? Avocados? Boost Juice?!), and what it’ll take for a three-peat in 2026.

The 2025 AFL Trade Period went off and the boys break down every major move, from Curnow’s shock switch to Sydney to Petracca and Ugle-Hagan teaming up on the Gold Coast. Robbo reckons the Saints cleaned up, Matho’s wrapped on the Lions, and no one’s safe in this recap. Chaos, rumours, and a few reality checks it’s all happening!

We break down the NRL vs AFL ratings war, the biggest trades and free agency moves of 2025, and reveal our early top 4 and bottom 4 predictions. Plus, Best & Fairest reactions, Gubby Allen mad dog comments and all the latest on the trades ft Ricky "Chicken" Nixon!Timestamps0:00 Intro1:29 How good was the NRL Granny!3:28 Shout-out @footy.finds 3:53 NRL vs AFL debate is back!10:14 Revisit 2024 best and worst trades14:25 Rate the 2025 best and fairest winners!23:23 Ricky "Chicken" Nixon joins the poddy!39:20 Recap the latest Trade news43:20 Demons have treated Clayton Oliver shit47:00 Top 4 and Bottom predictions for 2026

We sit down with Dayne Beams to unpack an incredible AFL journey, from premiership glory with Collingwood to captaining Brisbane, battling injuries, and stepping away at just 29. Beams opens up on the highs of his 2012 All-Australian season, the pressures of leadership, mental health struggles, and life after footy through art and fatherhood. Raw, honest and unfiltered! This is Beams like you’ve never heard him.

The Lions shock the Cats in one of the most historic Grand Finals ever. Robbo & Matho break down the underdog story, Lachie’s epic sub move, Harro’s defensive clinic, and Charlie’s match-turning goals. We share raw post-game emotions, Norm Smith votes, and ask: could this be the start of the greatest Lions team ever?

Robbo & Matho break down everything ahead of the Lions vs Cats decider: Hodge & Selwood presenting honours, Snoop Dogg’s pre-game show, Fages taking out AFLCA Coach of the Year, and Brisbane chasing a third straight granny. We dive into past finals history, the key matchups, and lock in our predictions for first goal, Norm Smith, and the 2025 premiers.

The prelims are done and dusted, and we’ve got plenty to unpack. From the Brownlow, Mark of the Year, and Goal of the Year debates to huge performances across both prelims, we’re going head first into the biggest storylines of the weekend.Has the Brownlow, MOTY and GOTY lost credibility? Should the Coaches Votes mean more than the umpires’ call? We break down the controversy, including Sam Darcy’s mark, Noah Anderson’s GOTY, and whether better highlights were overlooked.We also dive into Nick Daicos’ insane start to his career, Matt Rowell’s monster voting year, and whether the Brownlow system needs an overhaul.Prelim Recaps:Cats vs Hawks: Geelong’s class shines despite Tom Stewart’s concussion, Dangerfield winds back the clock, and Bailey Smith delivers his best game in the hoops.Pies vs Lions: Brisbane’s stoppage dominance, Ty Gallop’s breakout, McCluggage running riot, and Collingwood missing Bobby Hill at the worst time. Pendles goes down, Berry’s shoulder is a worry, and Lachie Neale’s fitness becomes the big question heading into the Grand Final.Plus, we crown our My Muscle Chef Strongest Player and the Hahn Hold My Beer moment of the week presented by Hahn SuperDry

The AFL Preliminary Finals are here! In Episode 47 of Rip Through It, Robbo & Matho break down VIC vs WA State of Origin talk, debate if players should have to see out long-term deals, and reveal their Muscle Chef Stronger Player of the Week.We dive into massive Prelim Previews, Cats vs Hawks and Pies vs Lions, with stats, storylines, and bold predictions on who’s booking a spot in the 2025 Grand Final.

The boys break down a massive AFL Semi-Finals week! Joe asks who pulls the biggest crowd at the ‘G, we dive into Dunkley’s record 18 tackles, Hawks sending the minor premiers packing, and Brisbane smashing the Suns in the biggest QClash ever. Plus all the key stats, moments, and what it means heading into prelims.

Finals Week 2 is here. We test each other on OG Suns players, debate the new last touch rule, and unpack the AFL’s record membership numbers. Then it’s all about Crows v Hawks and Lions v Suns - the matchups, the key players, and Robbo’s plan for Brisbane without Lachie Neale.

Week 1 of AFL Finals delivered chaos! Suns break through in their first ever finals, Pies stun the Crows, Cats dismantle the Lions, and the Hawks hold off GWS. Plus, our Hahn “Hold My Beer” moment goes to Swallow’s fairytale match-winner after 248 games.

Jake “The Package” Stringer joins us for a raw chat on his AFL journey, from the highs of a 2016 premiership and 2015 All-Australian season, to Essendon pressure, off-field scrutiny, and a fresh start at GWS. He opens up on the nickname, fatherhood, and what drives him heading into another finals run.

It's officially been one year of Rip Through It and what better way to celebrate than with the first week of AFL Finals! The boys are back and fired up as we break down all four mouth-watering matchups:Adelaide vs Collingwood: Minor premiers vs early dominators – can the red-hot Crows break through again?Geelong vs Brisbane: A modern-day rivalry returns to the MCG, with the Lions aiming to prove their flag defence is no fluke.GWS vs Hawks: Tight history, big names, and a serious midfield battle brewing.Freo vs Suns: The Suns' first-ever finals, but can they handle the heat against a gritty Freo?Plus:The shocking lack of Victorian teams – is it a crisis or a refreshing change?Secret Agent trade whispers: Jack Silvagni's next move, Buku Khamis interest & moreWe call up Dave Hughes for a injury update And of course, we take a swing at the media's most annoying clichés (yes, we’re looking at you “MCG hoodoo”).🎧 Timestamps0:00 Intro 2:25 Legends Game chat4:53 Dave Hughes Chat12:40 Who's playing finals for dumb dumbs16:00 Don’t say that to me segment17:59 Secret Agent chat19:07 Jack Silvagni19:47 Buku22:18 Blake Acres23:32 Elijah Hollands24:02 Malcolm Rosas24:46 Luke Breust to weigh up North offer25:45 Kamdyn McIntosh26:22 Robbie Fox26:50 Buckley Dees job if he wants it30:25 Adelaide vs Magpies Preview37:03 Cats vs Lions Preview44:20 GWS vs Hawks Preview47:47 Freo vs Suns Preview51:17 QUICK TIPS!

What a massive few days for footy! We wrap up all the big AFL awards – from the All-Australian team reveal and individual medals, to the Legends Game that had fans buzzing. Big names, huge honours, and plenty of talking points you won’t want to miss.

We go head first with Sydney Swans superstar Isaac Heeney in one of our biggest chats yet. From the Swans Academy draft drama and debut fireworks, to Grand Final heartbreaks, a monster $1M a year offer from North Melbourne, and his career-best 2022 and 2024 seasons.Heeney opens up on bouncing back from losses, life as Sydney’s poster boy, and what Buddy’s 1000th goal was really like in our new 5th Quarter segment (thanks to Hahn SuperDry). With 225 games and nearly 300 goals, Heeney has cemented himself as an AFL A-Grader — and this is his story.

The last stop before finals and it’s WIN or GO HOME. Robbo & Matho unpack:Rankine’s 4-week ban and what it means for Adelaide.Joe asks: does finishing top 4 really matter?Trade season predictions – who’s the biggest name on the move?3 blockbuster games: Bulldogs v Freo, Lions v Hawks (Zorko’s 300th!), and Pies v Demons.Finals energy, quick tips, and a few rogue hot takes.The finals race is on a knife’s edge, don’t miss this one.