Shows
Down The GutsWe're (sporadically) back! Down the Guts - Season 2025 - The first four round blockWe're back! It's going to be a bit more sporadic this season, but we're checking in and trying to break down blocks of the season. Tiers and MVPs are back, plus Who Would You Rather?, and Who's Sinking or Who's Swimming? Plus we're trying to find the trends with our Trend Setters.
2025-04-061h 49
Down The GutsDown the Guts Season Finale 2024 - What a draft to finish on!Summer is almost here and for many of us, there's a few months off before the next AFL season roars back into life - but the latest draft period has many wondering what 2025 will bring.
Who got what they needed in the AFL National Draft? Is there a clear strategy for clubs like North Melbourne, St Kilda and GWS? Did Carlton overplay their hand by moving to pick #3 to take Jagga Smith? And did Essendon play it too safe in not wanting to trade up in the draft?
And a bg thank you to everyone who contributed and tuned in...
2024-11-241h 43Down The GutsDown the Guts - Decade draft: The best players drafted from 2000 to 2010If you're a long time listener to Down the Guts, you will have heard the boys' redraft series, where Adam and Joe have re-examined and re-drafted the years 2000 to 2010.
Now comes the mega-draft - ranking the best players of a decade, the decade which dramatically shaped modern football. A decade which started with an unbelievable and almost unbeatable Bombers outfit, and ended with a drawn Grand Final, a feat we'll never see repeated. It saw a three-peat, dour defence, and birth of Hawthorn and Geelong dynasties.
So who are the best players, and which draft classes were they from?
Plus...
2024-11-171h 54Down The GutsDown The Gut - What Gold Coast's inaugural national draft in 2010 will teach TasmaniaHow to build a list like Gold Coast? In their first 14 years, the Suns are yet to play in the finals, while fellow expansion club GWS have played in multiple campaigns and even made it to the Grand FInal. Although, that's not exactly comparing apples with apples.
Adam and Joe go back to 2010 and examine what the Suns did well and the picks they'd like again, plus the lessons learned for Tasmania when they head to their first draft.
2024-11-101h 29
Down The GutsDown The Guts - What have Richmond learned from their last mega draft hand of 2004?At the end of the 2004 season, Richmond were one of three clubs which had priority picks, having just won the wooden spoon. They also had 5 of the first 20 picks - not too dissimilar to what they have in 2024.
Adam and Joe cast their eyes over the 2004 draft, redrafting the first round, and see what could have been for the Tigers as well as what lessons they could learn as they look to rebuild for the 2025 season and beyond.
2024-11-031h 52Down The GutsDown the Guts - What would Carlton have been if they had the 2002 top draft pick?At the end of the 2002 AFL Season, Brisbane has completed back-to-back flags, and thanks to a shrewd trade shipping Des Headland off to Fremantle, jag pick #3 in the following draft. That pick was supposed to be pick #4, had it not been for Carlton paying a hefty price for breaching the salary cap and being stripped of their #1 draft pick, which cost them Carlton supporter Brendan Goddard. This was also the same draft period that Adelaide tapped out of, having traded Kane Johnson to Richmond, only to use the majority of that trade haul for a 32 year old Wayne Carey.
In...
2024-10-281h 05
Down The GutsDown the Guts - Who used what strategy in trade week?The AFL's trade period has again thrown up choas as it came to a close. But it's struck Adam and Joe there were several clubs on the sideline who should have been in the fray.
The boys run their eye over whether each club has improved their squad or seen a regression, plus looked at the strategy the clubs are employing with their remaining list spots remaining.
Richmond 3:05
North Melbourne 8:22
Carlton 13.35
Adelaide 19:10
Melbourne 23:43
St Kilda 28:17
West Coast 32:49
Port Adelaide 38:11
Fremantle 45:14
GWS 49:35
Western Bulldogs 54:45
Sydney 59:21
Brisbane 1:03:41
Essendon 1:07:33
Hawthorn 1:12:37
Gold Coast 1:16:57
Geelong 1:22:01
Collingwood 1:25:34
2024-10-201h 34Down The GutsDown the Guts - A trade bomb blows up Broadway tradesA trade bomb lobbed by Hawthorn has put a fork in the road for several clubs and several headline trades.
Adam and Joe look at who's got the leverage after the reshaping of the trade landscape, as well as look at the remarkable deals Geeloing has pulled off in recent years.
Plus why it is the clubs that have the power to enforce the right prrice is paid for top draft picks, and why this is the year they need to do it.
2024-10-131h 06Down The GutsDown the Guts - Bulls out of the Free Agency gate, plus the DtG Trade Value DraftThere's never been a better time to be a mid-tier player coming out of contract with free agency beckoning. That's shown by the stream of players switching clubs as soon as the AFL's Free Agency period opened up and the salaries they're being offered to register Band 1 compensation.
With that in mind, the boys look at the players on the trade market, who are trying to find new homes are really worth. Joe's number 1 pick might surprise you. It knocks Adam's socks off
2024-10-061h 45Down The GutsDown The Guts - Brisbane's redeeming roar bellows beyond 2024Brisbane triumph in a roarsome performance, leaving the Swans tasting grand final defeat twice in three years. The Lions also become the first club to simultaneously hold both the AFL and AFLW cups at the same time. Adam and Joe explore how they got to this point, and whether they truly have the beginnings of a dynasty.
They're joined by special guest commentator Matt Clinch from ABC Sport, as well as check in on their Lions spirit animal Ash from the "We are the Footy" and "We are the Pride" podcasts.
Plus a look at the beginnings of the AFL...
2024-09-291h 54Down The GutsDown the Guts - Preliminary triumph paves way for ultimate battle for redemptionIt's going to be a battle of the north! But the city of Melbourne won't feel like it's missing out either. The AFL Grand Final is almost here and Adam and Joe break down where they think the game is going to be won and lost, plus they touch base with spiritual leader in chief for the Brisbane Lions Ash from the 'We are the Footy' and 'We are the Pride' podcasts. Plus the boys speak with rising RIchmond AFLW star Emelia Yassir.
2024-09-221h 48Down The GutsDown the Guts - Semi final truths exposed as Port find a way and Brisbane come from the cloudsYou couldn't have scripted a more thrilling semi final weekend, with tense, tight and tough contests and a sprint finish to behold from Brisbane. And not to forget a drama filled spray post game in Adelaide which leaves big questions ahead of the preliminary final weekend. Adam and Joe delve into the truths of the semi finals, plus the big questions ahead of the penultimate weekend of football in Season 2024, and they're joined by special guest Ash from the "We are the Pride" and "We are the Footy" podcast.
2024-09-151h 26Down The GutsDown the Guts - The truths of Week 1 of the finals feat. Rohan ConnollyIn an incredibly rare event Adam apologises! The first week of the finals in 2024 offered up delight and disappointment across the board, but it exposed a few ugly truths. Adam, Joe and special guest Footyology's Rohan Connolly go through some of the questions those truths exposed, including Port Adelaide suffering stage fright in the big games, the Kardinia Kittens turning into big Cats and Sydney's three tenors go large or they go home.
2024-09-081h 42Down The GutsDown the Guts - The Keys to Week One of the FinalsSeptember is finally here, and so are the mens footy finals! Adam and Joe attempt a 'speed run' of sorts, outling how each finalist can win their respective finals, the keys to each match, and what the storylines are depending on which result.
2024-09-031h 01Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 24, 2024: A new DtG MVP is crownedA new DtG MVP is crowned after a gruelling season, the length of which we have not seen before. What led to the boys putting the crown on a new King's head in Season 2024?
Plus what is the ceiling of expectation for Port Adelaide having finished the home and away season second, despite some Power fans calling for Ken Hinkley to be sacked mid-way through the season?
While the finalists are recognised for the brilliance across the year, who's been the biggest disappointment?
2024-08-251h 19Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 23, 2024: Houston's problem leaves hollow Showdown feelingDan Houston has been sent straight to the tribunal after a massive bump that not only left Izak Rankine concussed and ended his season, but has left a hollow feeling for many watching on. But as the bump takes the attention away from Port's showdown triumph, has the Power actually announced themselves as a genuine contender?
Plus the boys, joined by a special podcast co-host, take a look at Melbourne and where this season's result (and pre-season prediction) leaves them heading into 2025 and beyond.
2024-08-181h 13
Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 22, 2024: Why Richmond are the BANK at the draft tableIs this the year of the 'Nationals'? Adam and Joe break down why this is the year the non-Victorian teams could make the finals series a nightmare for AFL House. Plus why Richmond is the BANK at the AFL trade and draft table in 2024. The boys explore why letting Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Jach Graham and Daniel Rioli is beneficial for the Yellow and Black. And is there any movement in the MVPs with a fortnight to go?
2024-08-111h 33Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 21, 2024: Top two tumble in a top four rumbleWill season 2024 see a Cathy Freeman golden sprint to the finish line or a Steven Bradbury skate through the fallen pack? This AFL season continues to throw up remarkable and unpredictable results throwing weekly tips and ladder predictors into choas. The top two from two weeks ago has tumbled and there's a rumble for the top four, let alone the top eight.
Plus with the AFLW season merely weeks ago, the boys speak with new Hawthorn recruit Hayley McLaughlin.
2024-08-041h 22
Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 20, 2024: Are the frontrunners suddenly sluggish or styling for September?The MVP race has been blown wide open, with wholesale changes made across the boys top 5. The boys also entertain the possibility that someone who potentially wins a third brownlow medal, may not be named the MVP.
Plus Sydney and Carlton have hit a rough patch on their trajectory to finals. Is it sluggish form or are these teams actually styling for September?
Plus... more footy movies make their premiere on the pod. Port Adelaide, Fremantle and Western Bulldogs take a stroll down the red carpet.
2024-07-281h 24Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 19, 2024: When will Essendon take off from the tarmac?The rollercoaster of a season continues with twists and turns, complete with a couple of contenders for game of the year. But it's left Essendon on the tarmac waiting to launch into the finals, Collingwood staring down the barrel of missing the finals, and Brisbane eyeing off a return to the top four.
Adam and Joe strike out more teams in their tiers, plus grade the runs home for the teams (technically) still in contention.
2024-07-211h 06Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 18, 2024: Does West Coast need a West Australian saviour as coach?West Coast have made the big move that many thought was coming, but still saddened many by ending Adam Simpson's tenure as head coach. But who actually wants to coach the Eagles? Does it need to be a West Australian who understands that football ecosystem, and perhaps their media environment?
Plus the logjam around the top eight continues. the boys try to put their best traffic cop uniforms on and find a way to get everyone moving in the right direction.
And there's movement at the MVP station. Finally there's someone different at the top of the MVPs! Well, for...
2024-07-141h 20Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 17, 2024: Is St Kilda in danger of becoming the next North Melbourne?The boys bring back the tiers for the first time since the byes, take a look who can least afford the wooden spoon, and put their list management hats on and cast their eyes over the Saints and see who's part of their next premiership, and who needs to be traded.
2024-07-071h 54Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 16, 2024: Which club is getting a tax return?As we tick over into a new financial year, the plethora of games with an eight-point result is throwing the ladder into a roller coaster. So who's asking the tax man for a tax return, and who's looking at an audit?
Plus the MVP's return - there's a few movers and shakers!
2024-06-301h 23Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 15, 2024: The Sinn's of Port AdelaideCheese and crackers after Round 15 - with the Blue Stilton Baggers announcing themselves, while Port Adelaide looks wafer thin at the moment.
Adam and Joe also hand out their mid-season awards, and welcome Port Adelaide's Josh Sinn to the podcast.
2024-06-231h 37Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 14, 2024: The three tenors of Sydney's midfield is in tuneThey're the leaders of the team that is leading the pack: Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Guldon. Intorucing the three tenors that leads the best midfield of the comp.
Plus time to shake up the magic 8-ball. There are lots of 8pt games in the next 8 rounds - will the boys ladder be any different to what it is now?
Plus the ringleader of chaos - the boys pay tribute to Dusty in his milestone 300th.
2024-06-161h 06Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 13, 2024: We've seen this movie beforeNorth Melbourne and Richmond are bringing the feels as they notch up memorable wins in Round 13.
But if the Kangas are 'Back to the Future' and the Tiges are "Rocky", where does that the leave the Adelaide Crows? And are the Gold Coast the movie we've already seen in the trailers?
Adam and Joe are off to the movies on the edition of Down the Guts.
2024-06-091h 27Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 12, 2024: Reality bitesAt the halfway mark of Season 2024, reality bites for several teams who see their fortunes all take a whack.
The boys ask, what's the reality for the Crows after a low blow; Melbourne after a Demon demilition; and Port Adelaide after another final quarter power failure?
Plus who has the best midfield in the comp? A surprise contender emerges from the pack, but can they take the crown?
2024-06-021h 23Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 11, 2024: Who wants to make the eight?We're almost at the half-way mark of the AFL season and the boys need to mark a few things, including their MVPs.
Plus with at least 10 teams within 10 points of each other on the ladder - who actually wants to make finals?
And the Draw Debate - is it even necessary?
2024-05-261h 32Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 10, 2024: How to help the Western Bulldogs?Sir Doug Nicholls Round has left one contender, like Leo Barry emerging from the pack in 2005, standing above all else after round 10. Where does your team rate with the boys tiers?
Plus what to do about the Western Bulldogs? Adam and Joe put their List Manager hats back on, and try to divide and conquer the list to set ip for both immediate and sustained success. Who makes the cut, who do they go after, plus who do they think will stay loyal to the club?
2024-05-191h 31Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 9, 2024: What can you trust, who can you trust?Who can you trust after some scintinlating football in round nine? Did Carlton's white knuckle ride fill you with hope, or were the Dees on a roller coaster that didn't quite go full speed? Are the Bombers being shown enough respect, or are GWS actually flat track bullies? And how do you determine which result says more about when the Crows and Lions can't be seperated?
Adam and Joe attempt to just that, plus who makes the top five of the DtG MVP this fortnight?
2024-05-121h 12Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 8, 2024: What are you holding on to? cc PTA & WBDTwo results stick out like sore thumbs, which lead to a big question for two clubs at the round eight - what are you holding on to?
Plus the boys update their tiers, and look at the fringes.
2024-05-051h 51Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 7, 2024: Diagnosis Brisbane, what's got the Lions sick?The Lions form line tells you they are sick at the moment, but what the diagnosis at Brisbane, and is there a prescription that can help get them back on track?
Plus the Cats have all the cream at round seven, did anyone see this coming?
Adam and Joe check back in on their MVPs, and also look ahead to the SA Showdown and the moments of rivalry that burn deep.
2024-04-281h 13Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 6, 2024: Life father, like son?We finally have our first complete picture of the AFL season and we see West Coast begin to soar off a back of a roaring Harley, Geelong purring nicely and Carlton score important wins while undermanned.
Plus Adam poses the question, why should the Father-Son (see also Father-Daughter) draft rule continue to exist?
2024-04-211h 34Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 5, 2024: Who are you buying/selling on the DGX?The Down the Guts Stock Exchange is open for business. Adam and Joe float a few teams and where they think they're currently priced. Are you buying, selling or holding at these values?
Plus the MVP returns. Who's in the boys respective top 5s?
2024-04-141h 12Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 4, 2024: Magic, the Gathering in Adelaide, despite umpire controversyThe AFL's second 'Gather Round' was a roaring success, ask anyone who attended including Adam.
But how many Gather Rounds should there be in future seasons and where?
Also, do you bacak the Umpires to make game-changing calls for indiscretions like dissent as seen the Fremantle v Carlton match? Put the whistle away or hold your tongue? This is a debate you won't want to miss.
2024-04-071h 18Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 3, 2024: Staying humble or be humbled"Staying humble". You hear it all the time from athletes in sports all over the world... well, round 3 threw out a few lessons in humility for a number of clubs.
The Crows are one step away from being completely humiliated, Port were humbled at home (despite long periods of dominance), and Richmond found a way to pinch a win off a contender despite their humble list.
Plus Adam and Joe do a few site inspections on a few AFL clubs who are quietly building their lists.
2024-04-011h 23Down The GutsDown the Guts - Round 2, 2024 - The systems that are reigning supremeWhich team is the clear frontrunner after two full rounds of the AFL 2024 season and why is it Sydney?
Plus is St Kilda's emerging brigade better than the teams around it who are vying for a top eight spot?
And a special tribute to Travis Boak after another milestone win - this time notching up game 350.
2024-03-241h 07
Down The GutsDown The Guts - Round 1, 2024 - Time to be concerned or let's all settle down?Everyone's now joined the party after Round 1, and there was a bit of ghosting from a few teams. Should we be concerned, or do we need to all settle down?
2024-03-191h 08Down The GutsDown The Guts - Opening Round overreaction vibesOnly four games in the inaugural Opening Round of the AFL 2024 Season, but some storylines and results that are almost impossible not to overeact to. Carlton's coming of Age? Collingwood with the Collywobbles early? Giants into flag favouritism? New dawn rising at Gold Coast?
Adam and Joe sit down to discuss it all, plus where Opening Round sits in the grand scheme of things.
2024-03-101h 13Down The GutsDown the Guts - Opening Round, 2024 Speed Run previewHow will the AFL's Opening Round be received? It's about to kick off and Adam and Joe explore if it's having the desired effect for fans and the AFL, as well as the major storlyines and the ramifications of the opening round matches.
2024-03-0631 minDown The GutsDown the Guts - Separating the stars from the superstars in 2024In a game filled with stars, how do you separate out those that shine the brightest?
Adam and Joe hand out their superstar status for the class of 2024. Who makes the cut? Who do you think should have get a jacket?
Plus have the pre-season games changed your mind about the prospects of any club this year?
2024-03-031h 32Down The GutsDown The Guts - Season 2024 Premiere (part two)It's probably the best time of the year to be wrong, but doesn't it feel amazing to be right!
Badges handed out left, right and centre on this pod for the team the boys are most excited, nervous or intrigued about.
The boys go through the final nine teams including:
- Essendon 2:14
- Hawthorn 18:30
- North Melbourne 28:13
- Geelong 38:04
- St Kilda 50:55
- Adelaide 1:05:58
- Western Bulldogs 1:22:31
- Port Adelaide 1:36:43
- Fremantle 1:53:46
The time capsule is now complete in podcast form - how right were the boys in terms of ladder prediction, number of wins and the players to watch?
2024-02-252h 06Down The GutsDown The Guts - Season 2024 Premiere (part one)Is it that time already? Season 2024 is sneaking up on us like Heath Shaw on Nick Riewoldt in a Grand Final, so Adam and Joe begin their season preview looking at what lies ahead and the players who need to be in the spotlight (if they're not already).
Who will they deem the teams they are:
- Most excited about?
- Most nervous about?
- Most intrigued about?
In this pod: Sydney (3:36), Melbourne (19:08), Brisbane (30:47), Carlton (44:52), Gold Coast (57:33), Richmond (1:06:54), GWS (1:17:25), Collingwood (1:28:09), West Coast (1:41:31).
It's a time capsule podcast - how right were the boys in terms of ladder prediction, number of...
2024-02-181h 56Down The GutsDown The Guts - Season finale 2023Summer is almost here and for many of us, there's a few months off before the next AFL season roars back into life - but there's plenty left to ponder heading into 2024.
Who got what they needed in the AFL National Draft? Is there a clear strategy for clubs like Richmond? Did West Coast play it safe by holding on to their first round picks in the 2023 and 2024 draft?
Plus what's the solution to the grumbling around the NGA and father son picks? Some clubs have more than raised their eyebrows after the Suns were able to secure their four...
2023-11-261h 10Down The GutsDown the Guts - Draft day is upon us, so will this year's #1 be a Nick Riewoldt from 2000?What will West Coast do - hold or trade #1? And can they get back into the first round? And will the top pick of the Class of 2023, be like Nick Riewoldt, and top the class of 2000 in 20 years time?
The boys look at the ramifications of the lead up to this year's draft by also taking a look back at the 2000 AFL Draft. Nick Riewoldt is in a rare class of his own as going as the #1 pick and then being redrafted as the #1.
2023-11-191h 49Down The GutsDown the Guts - 20 years from the 2003 draft, who makes the top five?Adam Cooney was the prized #1 selection in the 2003 draft and went on to win a Brownlow, but does he go #1 20 years later? Adam and Joe take a look back at the draft, as well as discover a few of the lessons clubs learned two decades ago which may still be relevant today.
2023-11-121h 12Down The GutsDown the Guts - Scott Pendlebury top of AFL draft class of '05 - but who's second?At the end of the 2005 AFL Season, the Swans are celebrating a drought-breaking premiership, but at the draft that's to follow, a young Scott Pendlebury makes it on to an AFL list and sets in motion a career that is now destined for elevation to Legend status in the AFL Hall of Fame.
But who else goes in the top 5 of the class of '05? Adam and Joe try to reshuffle the picks and reassign the first round.
2023-11-051h 07Down The GutsDown the Guts - What West Coast must heed from the 2001 SuperdraftAs West Coast's list management team fields offers for the top pick in the 2023 draft, the lessons from 2001 draft loom large when their cross town rivals Fremantle traded the top pick to Hawthorn.
Adam and Joe revisit the 2001 'Superdraft' and try to rearrange the vast array of talent, while delving into lessons key lessons from the first round. Who's nailed it and who should have their picks again?
2023-10-291h 23Down The GutsDown the Guts - Ehhhh, what's the strategy Doc?The trade period is done, as all attention turns to the AFL draft.
But who's improved their list, who's regressed and who's stayed the same? The boys go through all 18 clubs.
Plus does trade period need to be condensed or turned into a larger window like other codes?
2023-10-221h 41Down The GutsDown the Guts - Deals gotta get done, but who's actually got the leverage?The trade period has thrown up an early flurry of activity, but who's cooking and brewing something that could detonate the final few days?
It could be Melbourne having seen James Harmes, Brodie Grundy and James Jordan all depart, with only Tom Fullarton arriving. They still have a chronic need for a power forward.
And with several key deals yet to be done, the boys look at who actually has the leverage?
2023-10-151h 02Down The GutsDown the Guts - Free Agency Opens and so does the trade talk frenzyEven before Free Agency opened, trade talk went into overdrive. But forget the couldas, shouldas and wouldas - here's why West Coast must stick fat with the #1 selection and resist the urge to split the pick. Plus why the Bulldogs' new 8-year contract for Aaron Naugjton reveals they either have no list management plan or are secretly trying to revolutionise the game.
2023-10-081h 19Down The GutsDown The Guts - Collingwood Chameleons are the ChampionsThey were the best team all year, but what did Craig McRae do to unlock his side's potential? His champion team was greater than the sum of its parts. Yet their ability to adjust to their opponents game plans and systems throughout the year, as well as playing to their own strengths is now rewarded with a premiership. What does this mean for McRae's legacy? Conversely, does this mean Chris Fagan will forever be seen as a 'bridesmaid', depsite taking significant steps with his squad towards the ultimate success?
Plus, you can moan all you want about North Melbourne's compensation...
2023-10-011h 36Down The GutsDown The Guts - And then there was #1 & #2So the season comes down to this: Collingwood and Brisbane in the Grand Final to decide the 2023 AFL season. The boys try and find an angle to separate the #1 and #2 sides of the season. What will history say about either victory, how will they achieve it and, more importantly, who will be proven right?
Plus where to for the Preliminary finalists Carlton and GWS, and with the Brownlow about to be handed out, the boys hand out some of their own awards.
2023-09-241h 48Down The GutsDown The Guts - Straight sets semi finals exits pose lengthy legacy questionsOuch! For the second season in a row, Melbourne has wasted a top four finish and failed to win a final. While Port Adelaide's 13-match winning streak propelled the Power to a double chance, both were blown before the Prelims.
Where does this leave Melbourne and its hopes for a dynasty, and after 11-years at the helm, Adam ponders what will it take for change at the top at Alberton? Is it a player revolt? Because the current results don't appear to hold sway with the club's hierarchy.
Plus is there any room left on the Blues Bandwagon? The boys...
2023-09-171h 42Down The GutsDown The Guts - Few surprises in first week of finals leaves two major fanciesAll the favourites may have taken the chocolates in the first week of the finals but that only adds to the intrigue of where we're heading on the final Saturday in Septembe.
Are there really on two major contenders? Adam argues Collingwood are in the box seat but look vulnerable, but it is hard to argue against Brisbane throwing down the hammer and potentially premiership favouritism.
Plus, based on what we saw this year, where will Sydney and St Kilda end up in 2024, and what do they need to exceed their current standing?
2023-09-101h 15Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - The calm before the finalsFinals footy is almost upon us and is there a clear favourite?
In this pod, Adam and Joe sit down to cast their eye over the top four prospects and the wildcard that's in the pack.
2023-09-021h 49Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 24, 2023 - A MVP is crowned as a big sound reverberates at DocklandsAdam and Joe burn the midnight oil to crown an inaugural MVP.
Plus where to for Essendon and the Western Bulldgos; have Collingwood stabilised, how much damage can the Giants deal in the finals; and do we believe in Melbourne yet?
2023-08-271h 54Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 23, 2023 - An asterisk at the wrong time of the seasonIt's the non-review that has reverberated around the league. The Crows season brought to a sudden and abrupt end with a goal umpire's call that was wrong. Where to for the Crows which outperformed some of the best teams in the competiiton in 2023 but won't play finals?
And so too the Western Bulldogs who are danlging by a spider's thread? Has Luke Beveridge been given too much leeway? Yes, he's won a premiership. Yes, he's made a subsequent Grand Final... but why can't he get his team to finish in the top four, or, frankly, play consistently?
Plus the Premiers...
2023-08-201h 40Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 22, 2023 - Can the real MVP please stand up?As Season 2023 continues its topsy-turvy nature, the boys ask the question - can the real MVP please stand up: Is it Marcus Bontempelli Zak Butters or other?
Plus which of the top four teams has the better form line, and why is Brisbane's carry the least confidence?
And what to Gold Coast need to make the finals next year? Would Damian Hardwick bring that with him if he walked in the door?
2023-08-131h 47Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 21, 2023 - Alarm bells now ringing for the top fourWe thought it was nerves at first, not the alarm bells are going off for the topw four teams. What's brought on the Collywobbles; Can Melbourne kick a winning score; how sore is Port and does Brisbane lack a killer instinct?
2023-08-061h 37Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 20, 2023 - An upsetting round of uncomfortable truthsAre the top four getting nervous? Because here comes Carlton and GWS!
In a tipping nightmare, some uncomfortable truths have been exposed particularly at Collingwood and Port Adelaide.
Plus what can North Melbourne and West Coast take from Season 2023 into season 2024?
2023-07-301h 34Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 19, 2023 - Time for a session on the footy therapy couchThe boys need to spend some time on the therapy couch this week after both of their teams went down by less than a kick. But where does this leave Port Adelaide and Collingwood mentally? Are Port Adelaide scarred by getting so close and failing to get the win? Or are Collingwood seemingly invincible if they're winthin 20 points at 3/4 time? Meanwhile Joe is incredibly husky after verbally willing the Crows on in a thriller at the G.
What does those results do to the boys tiers?
2023-07-231h 04Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 18, 2023 - Top four narratives take a twist and turnAs more and more teams clambour to make the top eight, the rather settled top four experienced some turbulence. What does the Dees come from behind victory against the Lions do for the rest of their respective seasons? How much of a hit did Port take after being pummelled by Carlton? And hwo far are Geelong away from being a genuine title threat after smashing Essendon? All the while the Black & White army marches on.
Plus are there any suprise additions to the boys MVPs this week? It's hardly any surpsie who's number one.
2023-07-161h 15Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 17, 2023 - Twelve teams don't go into eightA couple of 'eight-point' matches have created a crunch - eight teams, from fifth to twelth, only serparated by six premiership points, and all in the mix to make finals. But twelve doesn't go into eight - so who's going to book their place in September from Essendon, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Adelaide, GWS, Carlton and Richmond?
Adam and Joe go heavy on the tiers in this edition of 'Down The Guts'.
2023-07-091h 26Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 16, 2023 - A Giant upset blows the top four wide openHas the top-four tribe voted out a contender? GWS's upset win over the Demons has blown the top four race wide open. But the race to make the eight is just as heated - which is why the Essendon V Adelaide match in Round 17 looms as season defining for both clubs.
Plus who's at the crossroads? The boys take a careful look at a few players who might be considering their futures, for different reasons, and try to engineer what might be the best solution.
2023-07-021h 38Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 15, 2023 - Bye, bye Byes as Collingwood continues the close finishesFinally the Bye rounds are done, but normal transmission has already resumed with Colingwood collecting another close win. But is this a trend the Magpie faithful need to be worried about?
Does the AFL need to be worried about West Coast's poor form hitting a new low? And do the Demons need to be worried about their avenues to goal?
Plus the tiers return as the boys cast an eye over how much has changed since the bye rounds began a month ago.
2023-06-251h 25Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 14, 2023 - The top four tribe emerges as others look to surviveThe top four tribe has emerged, as Port show they're capable of overcoming many challenges to go top of the table.
And while Carlton may have finally clicked, Fremantle and the Gold Coast are among those that have let opportunities slide in the Bye rounds.
Adam's had a gutful of Ken Hinkley's contract conversation outside of the club.
Plus what did the boys get right and what did they get wrong in the preseason? Will their do-over get them any closer to the mark come season's end?
2023-06-181h 13Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 13, 2023 - Who to chop in the Bulldog Forest?Round 13 is the round of defiance: The Demons defy the Pies in a close one; Hawthorn defy a top four team; Essendon begin to defy gravity; Port defy the record books and are the Bulldogs defying themselves?
There's a lot to love about the Hawks and the Bombers, but who to chop in the forest that is the Bulldogs forward line, or is there a way they can make it work with at least three talls sitting forward?
Plus the boys have some mid-season awards to hand out including:
The Prematurely Finished Award
The Unexpected Rising Star
The Breakout Superstar
...
2023-06-121h 44Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 12, 2023 - What to do about Carlton?The first of the bye rounds throws the boys MVPs into disarray - but not before a lasting nod to the top five before taking a break.
The Suns rise continues to claim significant scalps - so can they make the finals for the first time ever? Plus the curious case of canine inconsistency - why are the Bulldogs so hot and cold? And to bring it home... what to do about Carlton? Do they back their man in Michael Voss - and what does he need to finally get the Blues back into the finals?
2023-06-041h 47Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 11, 2023 - An upsetting round, as baffling as the Bermuda TriangleFirst it was Hawthorn stealing a win from the Saints. Then the Dockers demonised Naarm, before the Giants clawed the Cats at Kardinia as the Suns shone brightest against the Dogs in Darwin... while the Crows blew Brisbane away in Adelaide. If you tipped more than five in Round 11 of the AFL season, you've done very well!
But what does this round of upsets actually show? It's shuffled the boys tiers around, who also decide to take an in-depth look at the Tigers' list as Damien Hardwick makes the first move off the coaching merry-go-round in 2023.
2023-05-281h 59Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 10, 2023 - Click-clack, who deserves a whack?Some teams just need a little while to 'click' so with 10 games now in the bag, Adam and Joe cast their eye over who's finally clicked, who's almost clicking and who's clacking so far in the 2023 AFL season.
Plus plenty of movement in the MVPs. And don't forget to let us know who you want to see have their list thoroughly examained in the coming weeks.
2023-05-211h 41Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 9, 2023 - Will the Crows return to the finals in 2023?Round 9 of the AFL season has laid down some key questions as teams mount a challenge for the 2023 Finals Series: Are the Tigers of old, strong and bold enough to grasp their way back into the final eight? (39:00) Has the Grand Finalist curse struck down Sydney? (50:42) Can the Crows book their tickets to September just yet? (1:01:35)
Adam and Joe dissect it all, plus movement in the tiers (3:04) and the fallout from the West Coast list management proposal hits home (1:20:42).
2023-05-141h 35Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 8, 2023 - How to help West Coast?We're a third of the way through the 2023 AFL Season, and we're celebrating (updating) our MVPs (1:55).
Key Questions:
- Is Carlton cooked?(20:40)
- Have the Suns actually come of age a la "Looking for Alibrandi" or is Melbourne not ruthless enough? (27:18)
- Are Port Adelaide actualy a tier above Essendon? (38:52)
- Do you stop Nick Daicos to stop Collingwood? Results say no (44:20)
PLUS - How to help West Coast? The time to hit the draft is now, so how far do you cut the list and who do you give up to maximise the Eagles draft hand? Would you keep...
2023-05-071h 43Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 7, 2023 - A tier-changing round with Tassie on the horizonWho do you believe more in right now: Port Adelaide or Sydney? The Power's "Untenable Ken" outcoached Ross the Boss, while Sydney had another 4 points stolen from them. Are last year's Grand Finalists counting themselves out of finals action in 2023?
Plus what does Tasmania need for long term success when they're granted an AFL license? And who comes in after them as the 20th team? is the NT and Darwin assured of a team or does someone else want it more.
It's a monster pod!
2023-04-301h 42Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 6, 2023 - Would you trade players against their will?ANZAC Day clashes rarely disappoint and Collingwood did it again! Does it propel Nick Daicos to the MVP? Who would you rather be: Carlton or Essendon? The boys track a couple of bid trades from the off-season plus how to address the power imbalance in the trade week, should players be able to be traded against their will?
Some big questions posed on the pod - some big answers laid down.
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Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 5, 2023 - They came, they saw as Gather Round conqueredFair to say the AFL's Gather Round concept was a raging success, Adam gives the lowdown on why this festival of footy hit all the right notes after watching 6 out of the 9 games live.
Plus there's movement amongst the tiers, a line is drawn with Richmond's season, the Gold Coast's development under the microscope and what is Essendon's ceiling?
0:45 - What it was like to be amongst it in Adelaide for Gather Round
4:15 - "I've had a gutful!"
11:36 - Movement amongst the tiers
35:32 - Why the media needs to have a "good hard look at themsleves"
49:07 - Are Richmond done...
2023-04-161h 15Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 4, 2023 - Freo alarm bells ring, while Geelong finally singRound Four of the AFL 2023 season concludes with all teams now opening their winning accounts. The lid is struggling to stay on at Carlton, while the Bulldogs are up after a gritty win over the Tigers. But the alarm bells are ringing at Fremantle, while Sydney let one slip they shouldn't have let get away. Plus the boys reveal what they're looking for in their MVP and other awards to be revealed later in the season.
1:52 - Who's up? CARLTON
6:01 - Who's up? WESTERN BULLDOGS
9:15 - Who's down? SYDNEY
15:43: Who's down? FREMANTLE
How Gather Round will separate the pack
28:35...
2023-04-101h 12Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 3, 2023 - Rivalry Round shakes the pod and its tiersA big Round 3 of the AFL season, with key rivals shaking the foundations of the boys revela of the their tiers for the first time during the season.
Plus what will it take for people to believe in St Kilda's unbeaten start? And where does Port's showdown loss leave the club? Adam says they've got to take a step back to go two steps forward.
2023-04-021h 41Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 2, 2023 - Belief vs Concern, Collingwood code crackedDo you believe in your team's start to the 2023 AFL season, or do you hold concerns? Adam and Joe cast their eye over the teams that have started 2-0 and those that are 0-2.
Plus... has Adam cracked the Collingwood code? And what is the difference between a star of the competition... and a superstar?
Do you believe in...
Sydney's start - 2:39
St Kilda sitting second - 3:41
Essendon's undefeated opening - 7:54
Collingwood? Yes. But here's how to crack the Collingwood code - 11:41
North Melbourne/Clarko - 25:28
Are you concerned about?
Hawthorn - 28:30
Western Bulldogs - 33:11
Gold Coast - 40:23
Adelaide - 43:40
...
2023-03-261h 45Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL - Round 1, 2023 - A Brutal OpeningA brutal opening to the 2023 AFL Season, with horrific injuries, brutish bumps and teams exposed in round one.
Adam and Joe look at just a few of the storylines that emerged from Round One including, Richmond can't win the close ones like they used too; Collingwood deserve more respect, Port WERE hiding something before the season started; the extraordinary leeway Adam Simpson has been given at West Coast and the Crows flaws exposed when the heat was on.
2023-03-191h 12Down The GutsAFL Round 1 Speed Run PreviewThe AFL season is almost here, we can almost taste it. Adam and Joe get stuck into what the major storylines of the opening round of the AFL season are - who needs a win more between the Blues and the Tigers; why Geelong's unbeaten streak could break the all time record; and will the Crows walk the walk, after talking the talk?
2023-03-1532 minDown The GutsDown The Guts - Season 2023 Premiere (part two: Hawthorn through Western Bulldogs)The season premiere continues, as we fill up the time capsule with the predictions for the remaining AFL teams ahead of the 2023 Premiership season.
Hawthorn (0:45), Melbourne (14:39), North Melbourne (26:35), Port Adelaide (40:34), Richmond (1:03:02), St Kilda (1:20:11), Sydney Swans (1:31:09), West Coast (1:41:56), Western Bulldogs (1:51:36)
2023-03-122h 10Down The GutsDown The Guts - Season 2023 Premiere (part one: Adelaide through to GWS)We're back! With Season 2023 bearing down on us Adam and Joe get stuck into a lengthy preview and some leading theories about nine of the AFL teams.
Adelaide (1:37), Brisbane (28:52), Carlton (43:40), Collinwood (1:00:25), Essendon (1:16:40), Fremantle (1:31:12), Geelong (1:47:25), Gold Coast (1:58:12), GWS (2:09:18).
It's a time capsule podcast - how right were the boys in terms of ladder prediction, number of wins and the players to watch?
2023-03-052h 20Down The GutsDown the Guts - Season finale 2022The 2022 seasons have been won, the premiership songs sung, the trading and drafting both can't be undone - but there's plenty left to ponder heading into 2023.
Who got what they needed in the AFL National Draft? Is there a clear strategy for clubs like Hawthorn?
Plus the AFL fixture for round one has been made public and it features some traditional and emerging rivalries. But what are the off-Broadway matchups that you want to see take centre stage?
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Down The GutsDown the Guts - Redrafting 2009 in 2022There's a clear top three in terms of players who emerged from the 2009 AFL Draft, but who would you have taken if you were Melbourne, and is Max Gawn one of them?
It's one of many debates Adam and Joe have looking at this draft class. Who nailed it and who failed it?
2022-11-201h 42Down The GutsDown The Guts - Redrafting 2008 in 2022Who's the greatest player to have emerged from the 2008 AFL Draft? Let's just say there's some alternative thinking as Adam and Joe sit down to redraft the first round of the 2008 AFL Draft. Who's nailed it and who should have their picks again?
2022-11-141h 51Down The GutsDown the Guts - redrafting 2007 in 2022It was always going to be a hard act to follow for the AFL Draft Class of 2007, given who ended their careers that season (Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, James Hird, Anthony Koutoufides, Glenn Archer, Chris Grant etc). That's not to say some haven't stamped themselves on the game from that draft year. Adam and Joe rearrange the first round of the draft as to who they think should have been drafted and the impact they could have had.
2022-10-301h 46Down The GutsDown The Guts - Redrafting 2006 in 2022Who's the greatest player drafted in the Class of '06? Who could have made an even greater impact if they were selected at a different club? Very few players from the 2006 draft remain playing, but the achivement this group made as a collective has Adam calling it the 'Lost Superdraft'. So how do Adam and Joe rearrange the first round of the 2006 draft? Who's nailed it and who should have their picks again?
2022-10-231h 17Down The GutsDown the Guts - AFL Trade week 2022 completedTrade week is done! So why have the Saints decided to sack coach Brett Ratten and have they sacked the wrong person? Everyone wants to know who's won trade period... but it's more than that. Which clubs improved their current playing list and draft hand and who's regressed? And how has trade week affected the-way-to-early teirs for 2023? Adam and Joe go over every single club.
2022-10-161h 46Down The GutsDown the Guts - AFL Trade week 2022 week 2The clock is ticking - so will the AFL see a mega four-club trade that satisfies Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, GWS and West Coast? Adam says YES! And show how it can be done. Plus other dominoes to fall - will they fall the right way for Fremantle and Luke Jackson, and Brisbane and Josh Dunkley? Adam and Joe dissect the trade period which has some twists and turns to go.
2022-10-091h 29Down The GutsDown the Guts - AFL Trade week 2022 part 1 & 2They say a week is a long time in footy, a day is almost an eternity in trade week. In this mega-episode, recorded over two days, Adam and Joe look at what the bottom 10 teams in 2022 should be looking to do with their list and what stage they're in (complete rebuild, building, resetting or ready to launch) plus they dissect the TRADE BOMB dropped right on the eve of the Trade Period officially opening - the ramifications of this go beyond the player and the clubs directly involved. Massive pod!
2022-10-042h 04Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL Grand Final 2022 EditionGeelong has capped off one of the best single season runs ever seen in the AFL era. Adam and Joe breaks down why and where it sits. But while some enjoy the flowing beers and champagne bottles being popped, questions now loom over Geelong's list long-term, Sydney's ability to bounce back, all the while the trade winds are blowing.
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Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL Finals Week 3 & epic Grand Final previewIt's finally here! We enter a most fitting Grand Final for an amazing season full of highlights and unpredictability. Adam and Joe take a look at what the Preliminary Final exits mean for Brisbane and Collingwood, plus make the cases for why Geelong and Sydney can win the ultimate prize.
2022-09-181h 50Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL Finals Week 2 - The semis lead us to pressurized prelimsMaybe the first week of the AFL finals series in 2022 was such a treat that anything that came after it was going to leave a slightly bitter taste, or maybe that's just for Melbourne fans after a straight sets exit. Adam and Joe go through it all and the key questions for the Demons and the Dockers. But what it also means is the penultimate weekend of the season, will bring two highly pressurized preliminary finals. Adam and Joe look through it all, as the trade talk begins to intensify.
2022-09-111h 17Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL Finals Week 1 - A footy feast for the ages!The first week of the AFL finals was a footy feast; Brisbane and Richmond brought the delicious cocktails which barely touched the sides; Melbourne and Sydney were the entree, with playful flavours dancing on the tongue; Geelong and Collingwood were the main course, a flame-licked steak with all the trimmings; and Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs were a sweet dessert paired with some cheese. How could you not be satisfied with what was on offer? Adam and Joe go through it all and what it means for the semis.
2022-09-041h 28Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL - The 2022 Bye Round Before the Finals StormIt's supposed to be a week off, right? No chance! In a monster Adam and Joe discuss the start of AFLW Season 7, as the men begin their ascent to the crescendo of the AFL finals, on the backdrop of Awards season. Plus the trade period hasn't officially begun yet, but does the speculated trades of Izak Rankine and Luke Jackson give us insight into how clubs are going to target players in the future?
2022-08-281h 46Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL Round 23, 2022 "The Round of Finality"Adam and Joe look at the turbulent, twisting and tumultuous final round of the home and away season. Do Carlton receive a pass mark for their season after missing out the finals by a solitary point? Where to for Brisbane on the eve of the finals? And what in the world to Essendon do now?
2022-08-211h 37Down The GutsDown the Guts AFL Round 22, 2022 "The Round of Opportunity"With finals just around the corner, this was the Round of Opportunity! Adam and Joe discuss who took theirs and reshaped the tiers. And with one round to go, there's is still plenty to play for in the final round - whether it be the top four, the top eight or parochial hometown pride.
2022-08-141h 09Down The GutsDown The Guts AFL Round 21, 2022Joe and Adam sit down to discuss the "Round of Truth" as the AFL's Round 21 comes to a conclusion. From movement in the final front-tiers, to a close look at where Melbourne and Collingwood sit ahead of their tilts at the finals. Plus what would some of the rumoured trades actually mean for the clubs involved.
2022-08-071h 26