Shows
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 16 Recap: “This Is Not An Endorsement of Graffiti”Graffiti suggests keeping one coach, while Benjamin demands another’s sacking. Round 16 might’ve actually been “Geezer Round,” with how so many older players shone through… though a valiant Eagles challenge and a flying Viking (who was somehow snubbed for Rising Star) probably did enough to cancel that out. …Oh, and fuck Tom Lynch.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:03:11 PA v CAR0:14:37 SYD v WB0:30:08 GC v MEL0:38:23 HAW v NM0:46:37 COL v WCE0:58:39 RIC v ADE1:13:34 FRE v STK1:25:15 Aw2025-07-021h 37
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 15 Recap: "The Power of a Siren"The Orange Team’s xScore defiance seems… supernatural, and Ethan has a theory. Benjamin, meanwhile, just enjoyed his Suns hate-watch and the lack of an Eagles game. Both hosts were also proven right about North!Sections0:00:00 Intro / Cricket Talk0:08:01 FRE v ESS0:16:05 GEE v BRI0:26:31 CAR v NM0:38:58 Rugby Talk0:46:39 PA v SYD0:55:59 COL v STK1:05:41 GWS v GC1:22:30 WB v RIC1:31:15 Awards2025-06-251h 43
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 13 Recap: "Bad Side of Tikka Masala"We largely took in this round together, and on Eastern Time while in Ohio. That meant we got to se each other react to our favorite clubs, for better (Ethan) or worse (Benjamin). Round 13’s action meant we had reason to bring back our Indian food comparisons in full.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:03:14 WB v HAW0:14:32 ADE v BRI0:23:06 RIC v SYD0:27:14 GEE v GC0:38:10 GWS v PA0:46:45 NM v WCE0:56:05 CAR v ESS1:04:47 MEL v COL...2025-06-111h 25
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 12 Recap: "The Rabblest Bunch of Rabbles…"Short round, longer rabble… I think that’s how it goes? It was a weird week where the games we didn’t to expect to deliver did, and vice versa. Stick around for a lengthy breakdown of the Kassel Cup between our respective favorite clubs!Sections0:00:00 Intro0:03:39 BRI v ESS0:15:33 COL v HAW0:25:47 GC v FRE0:36:43 GWS v RIC0:48:06 SYD v ADE0:56:59 MEL v STK1:06:53 WCE v GEE1:28:10 Awards2025-06-051h 38
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 11 Recap: "Shirtless Pete Carroll"To call Round 11 front-loaded might be accurate… particularly if you're talking about its opening fixture. Benjamin rode the highs and lows of footy alongside some baseball.2025-05-281h 38
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 10 Recap: "Hi, Didgeridoo Player!"Sir Doug Nicholls Round is one of our favorite parts of every season Ethan and Benjamin are playing catch-up after a busy weekend in San Diego, but both can rejoice in their own teams' victories… though both came at a cost.Sections0:00:00 Intro / Ethan’s Itinerary0:07:40 GC v HAW0:14:20 SYD v CAR0:21:10 COL v ADE0:26:39 PA v GEE0:36:13 GWS v FRE0:44:15 Aside…0:47:52 WB v ESS0:56:58 RIC v NM1:05:44 BRI v MEL1:14:08 WCE v STK2025-05-221h 34
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 9 Recap: "You Can't Quit, You're Fired!"The round of our footy lives! Seriously, did Leo XIV bless this past weekend? Ethan argues not, since both our teams lost… but the compelling nature of the whole slate (sans one game's final quarter) still has Benjamin curious about divine intervention into Australia's game. Yet, amid all of the gripping action, our main character didn't play in the round at all.2025-05-141h 57
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 8 Recap: "Pink and Aquamarine"In which Ethan bestows a new nickname, Benjamin laments the state of Western footy, and both engage in discussion on the round's biggest star: the construction worker behind the goal in Ballarat. (The Geelong one from 2022 was better).2025-05-081h 49
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 7 Recap: "Blessed Be He"In which Benjamin has his least favorite day of footy yet. No, really, Sunday was truly awful for him. We take solace in re-emergences of sorts and the strength of the traditional Anzac games, while lamenting authority in multiple manners.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:02:13 MEL v RIC0:09:19 COL v ESS0:18:00 FRE v ADE0:29:19 STK v BRI0:38:57 PA v NM0:49:48 GWS v WB1:02:35 GC v SYD1:11:11 CAR v GEE1:27:19 HAW v WCE1:36:57 Awards2025-04-301h 45
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 6 Recap: "Turns Into a Werewolf"10 PM has taken on a whole new meaning in the footy world… *sigh* But there’s also so much else to talk about from Easter Round! From a Good Friday massacre to the Bont rising (and healing the injured?) on Sunday, to the immense drama of Monday, we rode the rollercoaster like you all did this past week — and Ethan might have felt it more than others.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:05:18 BRI v COL0:14:13 NM v CAR0:25:47 WCE v ESS0:34:17 MEL v FRE0:45:24 ADE v GWS2025-04-231h 54
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 3 Recap: "Linguine Arms"It's the nickname we never knew needed… or even existed! Benjamin and Ethan saw their fair mix of comedy and tragedy during Round 3. Both their teams disappointed in different ways, while Carlton fell into an open sewer again, and Adelaide and their FTW trio kept on rolling.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:08:46 ESS v PA0:16:59 CAR v WB0:26:23 MEL v GC0:38:44 STK v RIC0:45:23 HAW v GWS0:55:24 BRI v GEE1:08:05 ADE v NM1:15:08 WCE v FRE1:23:08 Awards2025-04-021h 32
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 2 Recap: "If Wario Was in Shape"The title is Ethan's answer to a player comp Benjamin was seeking for weeks leading into Round 2. As we start retooling the show a bit, hear our thoughts on state-level rehab assignments, Christian Petracca's analogy with Terrelle Pryor, and the great goal song debate.Sections0:00:00 Intro0:04:09 CAR v HAW0:13:58 WB v COL0:21:25 ESS v ADE0:27:46 PA v RIC0:33:23 STK v GEE0:48:04 BRI v WCE0:54:35 NM v MEL1:12:20 FRE v SYD1:20:30 Awards2025-03-261h 27
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Round 1 Preview: "LeBroin James?"It's Round 1 in Australia, and it's state basketball championship weekend in California. That's great and all, except for Ethan having to miss Geelong's opener. The Dan Houston Cup is on because Collingwood gets preferential scheduling… and for some reason, there's a "Jack-off" Benjamin wants to see.Sections00:00 Intro03:48 RIC v CAR10:02 HAW v ESS15:58 GEE v FRE22:10 SYD v BRI28:58 COL v PA34:28 WB v NM37:42 ADE v STK43:47 MEL v GWS48:49 WCE v GC...2025-03-1257 min
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Home & Away Preview, Part 3: "Thunth"Benjamin grew up with a lisp, but Ethan now has one too? What's going on here? As we wrap up our team-by-team investigations, find out about a novel idea for rushing the field, and see if the definition of "Nepo Baby" is stretched a bit too far.2025-03-051h 30
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Home & Away Preview, Part 2: "Lachlan Kangaroo"Our team-by-team previews (in random order) continue! Ethan talks hate-watching, Benjamin provides a Kennedy-esque quote, and prior guest Derek helps answer a vital question.2025-03-021h 26
Americans Watching The Footy2025 AFL Home & Away Preview, Part 1: "Footy Tuah"Benjamin has the wheel at the ready, as we start our randomized journey through the 18 clubs! Lists, strategies, schedules and more are all on the table. …Holy cow, it's already footy time again.2025-02-281h 13
Americans Watching The FootyNo Offseason: "A Prediction That Could Not Have Gone Worse"It's finally starting to feel like footy season again! The All Stars match provided the entertainment we sought, match sims are underway… and it was Ethan's turn to talk out of his rear end.The Touchback’s video on Austus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsTeTri7co2025-02-2354 min
Americans Watching The FootyWhat Is Footy? (feat. Derek Daniels) 2/2: "Certified Esava Moment"In a parallel universe, this episode is called “HOT REF,” but it was so necessary for Ethan’s friend Derek to learn about Esava Ratugolea. In the game we had Derek watch — Port Adelaide v Melbourne, Round 3 last year — the great man was at it again.This is part 2/2, so be sure to listen to the previous episode with Derek if you haven’t yet!Inspired by Baseball Bar-B-Cast: “What is Baseball? a New Year's Special with Benji Naesen"https://open.spotify.com/episode/79OISriQNQAKrQWCt8FeAb2025-02-111h 11
Americans Watching The FootyWhat Is Footy? (feat. Derek Daniels) 1/2: "The Nepo Baby Sport"At long last, we present our first guest episode! We introduced Ethan's longtime friend Derek Daniels to Australian rules football via the 2024 Round 3 game between Port Adelaide and Melbourne. Derek… has questions.
Inspired by Baseball Bar-B-Cast: “What is Baseball? a New Year's Special with Benji Naesen" https://open.spotify.com/episode/79OISriQNQAKrQWCt8FeAb2025-02-071h 15
Americans Watching The Footy2025 Premiere: "Not Interested in Castrating Some Bulls?" AFL and MoreWe're back for our fourth season! This premiere runs the gamut, beginning with Benjamin's footy-bet-turned-ridiculous walk and going through all sorts of Australian and American sporting matters.2025-01-1657 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Trade Period Recap: "Where's My LCOEMWE?"Our favorite word from this time last year was nowhere to be seen, but plenty of trade action still transpired — eventually. Find out how much Ethan was able to hide from it all in his second annual footy darkness retreat!2024-10-1757 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Finals Week 1 Recap: "They're Just Kinda Twerps"Finals Week 1 averaged out to be awesome because one game carried it. Benjamin got to enjoy that game with company, while Ethan caught up and missed out on the real-time fun. In each the three less competitive games, we were proven quite correct on the coaching front.
Sections
00:00 Intro
02:10 QF2: PA v GEE
15:07 EF2: WB v HAW
26:07 QF1: SYD v GWS
36:10 EF1: BRI v CAR
48:48 Awards / Conclusion2024-09-1055 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Finals Week 1 Preview: "Decapitated Snake"Finals time is here! Happiness and cheer! …or lots of stress. Benjamin and Ethan give the short and long of why each club can or can't take home the flag as they preview the qualifiers and eliminators. (Don't mind the title.)
Sections
00:00 Intro
02:29 QF2: PA v GEE
14:06 EF2: WB v HAW
27:50 QF1: SYD v GWS
38:01 EF1: BRI v CAR
52:22 Main Characters / Conclusion2024-09-0556 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 23 Preview: "Pining for the Fjords"It's our 200th episode, and we celebrate it with the long-awaited return of Mad Libs! …Well, once Benjamin remembers how to do it. From there, it's a rundown of the ins, outs, and oddities ahead of the penultimate round.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro / Mad Libs!
0:11:24 ESS v SYD
0:16:45 GC v MEL
0:22:16 GWS v FRE
0:27:07 COL v BRI
0:32:39 PA v ADE
0:37:35 STK v GEE
0:41:27 WB v NM
0:45:50 HAW v RIC
0:48:25 WCE v CAR
0:54:31 Main Characters / Co...2024-08-1656 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 Round 21 Recap: "Honey, My Pookie Bear"The title was inspired both by Ethan and by a club we don't support! A very home team-very round saw no middle ground between drama and blowouts — and still no finals spots locked up.
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:56 WB v MEL
0:12:08 WCE v GC
0:20:02 NM v RIC
0:28:20 GEE v ADE
0:37:15 COL v CAR
0:47:27 PA v SYD
0:57:59 GWS v HAW
1:06:55 ESS v FRE
1:12:36 STK v BRI
1:21:48 Nominees / Conclusion2024-08-061h 27
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 20 Preview: "Not Suggesting Coconuts Migrate"Ethan’s heading to New England, so we’re bringing you a pre-list preview! We can already confirm that QClash 27 will have a peculiar feel to it, but we may be most excited for the round finale.
Sections
00:00 Intro
01:54 CAR v PA
08:39 NM v GEE
13:08 GC v BRI
19:28 STK v ESS
25:50 MEL v GWS
33:13 FRE v WCE
39:06 COL v RIC
44:17 SYD v WB
49:56 ADE v HAW
56:30 Main Characters / Conclusion2024-07-2558 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 19 Recap: "Stupidity Round"We only realized just how dumb so much of Round 19 was as we got to recapping it for this episode. …Wait, does that make us the stupid ones? Nah, I think we're still overshadowed by various events over the weekend. Rushing back your captain from a broken arm? Stupid. Missing a clear tunneling call? Stupid? Not giving a flying fuck about concussion protocols? Oh, just wait until you hear Benjamin's diatribe.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:07 ESS v ADE
0:13:08 GWS v GC
0:23:59 STK v WCE
0:30:45 HAW v CO...2024-07-231h 36
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 17 Recap: "START WALKING DUMBASS"Benjamin made a bet. Benjamin lost the bet. Benjamin has quite the consequence for losing said bet. …Oh, and eight other games happened too.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro / Benjamin’s Bet
0:07:45 COL v ESS
0:16:52 NM v GC
0:24:52 PA v WB
0:31:37 GEE v HAW
0:41:14 GWS v CAR
0:49:42 FRE v RIC
0:54:53 MEL v WCE
1:00:09 STK v SYD
1:09:05 BRI v ADE
1:16:09 Awards / Conclusion2024-07-091h 21
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 17 Preview: "I Will Walk from SD to LA"Benjamin is doubling down, completely unprompted, as he risks a 134-mile excursion. Seriously, Ethan didn’t ask him anything this time. This preview was recorded after the lists were released, so enjoy our dive into the ins and outs, and our strategic predictions!
Sections
00:00 Intro
02:25 COL v ESS
07:52 NM v GC
12:24 PA v WB
19:26 GEE v HAW
27:30 GWS v CAR
36:08 FRE v RIC
40:08 MEL v WCE
44:21 STK v SYD
48:33 BRI v ADE
51:52 Ma...2024-07-0554 min
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 16 Recap: "Quick, Low, Spearing Balls"OUCH. That title just sounds painful — almost as painful as Benjamin's Sunday viewing experience. Remember, he's an Eagles fan, and he also sat through the Saints and Power before that one. Well, we should probably just look back to earlier in the round instead for actually good football.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:05:02 BRI v MEL
0:16:48 NM v WB
0:24:21 SYD v FRE
0:33:21 GC v COL
0:41:41 ADE v GWS
0:49:33 GEE v ESS
1:00:28 STK v PA
1:09:44 RIC v CAR
1:14:24 WC...2024-07-031h 25
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 14 Progress Reports: "I Probably Shouldn't Say…"We don’t hold back in these progress reports! Ethan and Benjamin do a it of a switch when it comes to their own teams, though the younger host’s cynical side comes out a bit more… Also, dammit, Petracca’s done for the year. That sucks, plain and simple.2024-06-161h 09
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 14 Preview: "Relocate to Humpty Doo"We just can't get around to fully hating the team's we're supposed to hate (yet). The Hawks (for Ethan) and Pies (for… everyone) fall into that camp, and they're both among the dozen clubs in action this week. Perhaps the most important game, though, is the finals rematch on Sunday afternoon.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro / R13 Loose Ends
0:10:37 BRI v STK
0:17:19 WB v FRE
0:23:30 RIC v HAW
0:35:23 ADE v SYD
0:44:15 NM v COL
0:51:38 GWS v PA
0:58:25 Main Characters / Conclusion2024-06-131h 00
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 13 Progress Reports + SDNR Jumper Rankings: "I Think of Alveoli"Breathe in and enjoy one of our favorite episodes every year, as we show our appreciation for the special uniforms each club used across the Sir Doug Nicholls Round. This year's crop might have been the best yet! Before the rankings, though, we've got two clubs on bye — Benjamin called one "Optimisticmantle," while Ethan confirmed that the other certainly are Port Adelaide.2024-06-091h 01
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 11 Recap: "Steamed Grundys"Why is there smoke coming out of this episode, Benjamin? Well, the Thursday nighter will provide some answers to that. Or maybe it's you form your frustration with the Eagles… or Ethan fuming about a game the Cats easily could've won… or Rossball being ugly and ineffective again? In a round that could be seen as somewhat typical, there are a lot of things about which we can get heated.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:54 WB v SYD
0:14:31 FRE v COL
0:24:45 NM v PA
0:30:32 CAR v GC
2024-05-281h 33
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 10 Recap: "Whoa! Where Did That Come From? Whoa!"Seriously, what the hell were the scriptwriters on when they drew up Round 10? The sheer range of scores and outcomes against what we expected lent itself to one of our longest episodes of the year. Ethan is ready for a Chris Scott axe-swinging, Benjamin is saying “I told you so” about some young Eagles, and we’re both still reeling from how the Adelaide clubs ended each of their fixtures.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:13 GC v GEE
0:16:31 SYD v CAR
0:23:26 COL v ADE
0:31:46 GWS v WB
...2024-05-211h 35
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 8 Preview: "Rocky Curnow?"Rivalry Round is upon us! Ethan tries to make fetch happen with a new nickname, Benjamin calls his shots on debutants, and we both continue with our cracking talk from last week.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:29 ADE v PA
0:12:17 CAR v COL
0:20:08 SYD v GWS
0:29:12 STK v NM
0:37:15 MEL v GEE
0:45:23 WCE v ESS
0:50:09 RIC v FRE
0:56:53 WB v HAW
1:03:07 BRI v GC
1:13:34 Main Characters / Conclusion2024-05-021h 16
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 7 Recap: "Guys Bein' Dudes"What a cracking Anzac Round we witnessed, highlighted by an "even-up ballgame" on Thursday. Elsewhere, "defensive harmony" took center stage for the Demons, while a lack thereof hindered other expected contenders. Ethan bitches about one club and gets bored with another, and Benjamin reiterates his concerns about multiple club's ball movement trends.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:01:53 RIC v MEL
0:09:33 ESS v COL
0:17:19 GWS v BRI
0:30:13 PA v STK
0:38:25 NM v ADE
0:47:50 GEE v CAR
1:01:32 FRE v WB
1:11:13 GC...2024-04-301h 33
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 6 Recap: "Wave the Hungry Jack's Flag"Up the Burgers in multiple ways! Benjamin and Ethan both have lots to celebrate, thanks to their AFL and VFL clubs of choice all winning. More ticks for the Bulldogs (whether or not it's because of their coach) and the depleted Blues, but the crosses and question marks pile up for Dimma and Longmuir.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:31 STK v WB
0:11:39 ADE v ESS
0:23:37 COL v PA
0:28:13 CAR v GWS
0:36:02 BRI v GEE
0:45:37 WCE v FRE
0:59:31 SYD v GC
2024-04-231h 19
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 5 Recap: "Great Call from the Haters"Round 5 was a round of surprises — but which was the biggest? Conventional wisdom would suggest 0–4 beating 4–0 out of state, but Ethan begs to differ. (And amazingly, the spooners getting off the mark was not considered by either brother.)
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:57 MEL v BRI
0:11:41 WB v ESS
0:20:49 GWS v STK
0:31:02 CAR v ADE
0:41:52 GC v HAW
0:50:49 PA v FRE
0:59:47 GEE v NM
1:09:50 WCE v RIC
1:23:02 Main Character / Conclusion2024-04-161h 27
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 3 Recap: "That Meme Can Drive"Amazing how much of a toll a five-day round takes on even the most ardent footy fans' memories… Even with the winless Holy Thursday clash, we've got more to say about the actual weekend's fixtures. Which game would we show to virgin footy viewers? What did Ethan think when he actually had to watch the Eagles? And who should've gotten more praise on Easter Monday? Listen and find out!
Sections
0:01:58 BRI v COL
0:09:16 NM v CAR
0:14:42 FRE v ADE
0:22:20 ESS v STK
0:32:59 Non-Footy Sports Ta...2024-04-021h 31
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 3 Preview: "David Mundy Thursday?"Another preview means another slate of sound bites, terrible puns — and, because of when we record this, Thursday Team Mad Libs! The spread-out nature of Round 3 also means we can really focus on each games as it happens. Benjamin is most excited for Port and Melbourne, but Ethan has another game on his radar aside from Easter Monday…
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:05:21 BRI v COL
0:19:01 NM v CAR
0:23:26 ESS v STK
0:39:39 PA v MEL
0:48:13 WB v WCE
0:53:09 RIC v SYD
0:59:54 HAW v GE...2024-03-281h 13
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 2 Preview: "By Far the Best Thing About Communism…"This preview takes a dramatic turn when the Thursday night teams drop in the middle of the recording session! Ethan tests Benjamin on just how the Saints and Pies changed their lineups. Along with further game previews, we discuss the Tasmania announcement and jumpers, as well as Australians in the NCAA Tournament.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro / Devils
0:09:00 STK v COL
0:20:34 ADE v GEE
0:26:26 NM v FRE
0:36:18 HAW v MEL
0:42:02 SYD v ESS
0:49:24 WB v GC
0:58:20 RIC v PA
1:03:46...2024-03-211h 12
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Round 1 Recap: "Introducing the Polished Turd"It’s a size XL episode for our first full-round recap of the season! Ethan presents his newest and greatest invention yet, while Benjamin checks in on his sleeper picks, and we both do better lineup analysis than Luke Beveridge.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:05:22 CAR v RIC
0:16:53 COL v SYD
0:23:51 ESS v HAW
0:31:46 GWS v NM
0:39:06 GEE v STK
0:54:08 GC v ADE
1:03:02 MEL v WB
1:14:13 PA v WCE
1:21:16 BRI v FRE
1:36:34 Awards / Conclusion2024-03-191h 40
Americans Watching The Footy2024 AFL Opening Round Recap: "For the Funny"Why, yes, it's extremely easy for two brothers to string out a discussion of four games to nearly an hour. Opening Round did have a full slate's worth of storylines, though — from high attendance in NSW and QLD, to one ruck's domination and another's zaniness, and in between all that a comeback/collapse combination that we'll likely remember at season's end. Plus, Benjamin is validated for his prior talking points, and Ethan opens up the goal song discussion again.
Sections
00:00 Intro
02:10 SYD v MEL
12:34 BRI v CAR
...2024-03-1259 min
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Best by Number, Part 2: "Ring the Bell"Our “Best by Number”… count-up (I guess that’s right) continues with the middle of the AFL number range — and as many sound bites as we’ve ever had in an episode. Benjamin counts two dozen different clips he’s added in post thanks to his and his brother’s tomfoolery. One more to go for this series and our second season!2023-12-281h 35
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Best by Number, Part 1: "The Human Cen-Tag-Pede"Ethan is to blame for this ghastly title… but he's also the one who came up with this retrospective! Instead of typical, lifeless "year in review" drivel, we take a different approach to looking through the AFL for one last time in 2023. Merry Christmas!2023-12-241h 07
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Trade Period Recap: "LCOEMWE"Yup, that's the title, and you'll know why if you saw Port's Twitter! Ethan tried to shut himself out of the last three days of trade news, and it... sort of worked? He and Benjamin talk through all the moves, many revealed to him for the first time in this recording. Reactions galore!2023-10-181h 06
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Grand Final Recap: "America House Played Its Part!"It's the 69th episode of Season 2, and we're here to do a lot of things — including but not limited to celebrating American success! Mason Cox and Collingwood eked out a victory in the best Grand Final of our time knowing this amazing sport. We talk the game, the non-footy entertainment, and more extraneous material that fits into the general vicinity of our footy experience.
And here's the song Ethan mentioned early on: https://youtu.be/Yqp-J1fQ-mY
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:24 Pregame Talk
0:16:24 GF Discussion...2023-10-031h 03
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 24 Recap: "Hypotheticaled Themselves In Their Clavicle"After 207 games, we have our 8… and as he's writing this description, Benjamin remains surprised by who nabbed the final spot! While no games were down to the wire, Round 24 was a culmination of the past 6 months of AFL drama, and it had enough twists and turns to make us do some double-takes. Join us as we take a look back at this final nine-game slate, from Souv kicking an anti-tank bag to a key defensive out in the Sunday night clash.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:01:42 ESS v COL
0:11:08 NM v GC...2023-08-291h 31
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 23 Preview: "Benjamin Button"Round 23 is a curious case — a penultimate weekend with just a single dead rubber, even though the top 2 face each other! The pack for spots 5 through 8 remains extremely tight, and the last three games on Saturday will have the most say toward final-round scenarios. Join us as we discuss 1v1s, play styles, tiny towns, and Thai restaurants.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:00 COL v BRI
0:09:27 RIC v NM
0:15:04 GC v CAR
0:24:35 GWS v ESS
0:30:25 STK v GEE
0:38:17 ADE v SYD
0:44:11 WB...2023-08-181h 03
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 21 Recap: "This Episode Has a Lot of Internet Things"It's a soundbyte-heavy, but efficient round recap! We completely called how Friday night would shake down, only to be shocked by happenings into Saturday afternoon. Ethan can breathe a slight sigh of relief after his Cats got the job done at home. That game and Sunday's affairs helped prime us for even more drama in the final three rounds, with a three-club race for P2 and a jumbled pack beyond the top four.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:16 WB v RIC
0:11:52 ESS v WCE
0:21:17 ADE v GC
0:28:51...2023-08-091h 35
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 21 Preview: "Stop Hitting Yourself!"Ethan's in Georgia and is feeling the effects of some particularly spicy Ethiopian food, so hopefully that heat translates into this preview and this round of footy! Friday night has some extra desperation after both the Dogs and Tigers fell last week, but our eyes are firmly on late Saturday, between the Cats taking on the Power and Sydney Derby XXVI. GWS fans: please prove Benjamin wrong and show out at the Showground!
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:13 WB v RIC
0:11:59 ESS v WCE
0:17:34 ADE v GC
0:23:58...2023-08-031h 18
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 19 Preview: "Dayenu!"We recorded well ahead of list announcements, so let's see how close we got in those assessments. This preview has a bigger share of match strategy than most, which makes the talk of the fixtures involving finals contenders all the more compelling. Friday Night Footy may literally be a tall task for Essendon's backs, while all eyes will be on the top two in Adelaide on Saturday night. Ethan, however, is most excited for the Sunday opener, in which a couple of Round 18's surprise winners will square off in the ACT.
Sections
2023-07-201h 14
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 17 Preview: "A Lot of Sore Groins"Ethan's in North Dakota of all places as we take on another preview! Round 17 begins with Buddy's last H&A game at the 'G, before the Bulldogs and Collingwood play Friday in a real prove-it game for the host. Saturday is highlighted by a likely slow but meaningful Saints–Dees clash with a father-son debut (one of two for the round), but we're most excited for Sunday. For one, Zach Tuohy will break the Irish games played record. Then, Essendon and Adelaide play what's being touted as a mini-final, while out west, Freo and Carlton can set themselves up fo...2023-07-061h 10
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 16 Recap: "Two Nickels"In the return to nine-game weeks, Round 16 had just about everything — margins big and small, surprise results and close games, and even after-the-siren heroics. Ethan slept through another siren goal, but he was wide awake for the second draw of the season. Meanwhile, Benjamin can be happy about his Eagles for a bit… but he's still soured by the final quarter of the round.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:01:49 BRI v RIC
0:08:44 SYD v GEE
0:21:00 ADE v NM
0:26:34 WB v FRE
0:37:02 GC v COL
0...2023-07-051h 34
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 16 Preview: "A Team of Pylons"Leave it to the resident Eagles member to come up with that description for his club. Benjamin will be underwhelmed by the round's final game, but we'll have plenty of fun footy ahead of that with the return to a full slate! Brisbane and Richmond's last two meeting have been phenomenal, and Grand Final rematch part II ought to be better than the first time around in R6. Saturday is headlined by Collingwood visiting the Gold Coast, but don't miss the Dogs and Dockers rematching that afternoon. Then on Sunday, Hawthorn have a chance to do something really funny at...2023-06-291h 00
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 15 Recap: "Unhinged"The bye rounds ended with a bang, with Geelong's inspiring Thursday night comeback and the hype / controversial Pies–Crows rematch on Sunday proving to be highlights. However, the big story of Round 15 has nothing to do with any of those teams. It doesn't even have to do with a club putting up 200! …well, it kinda does — it has to do with the side that conceded 200. Benjamin called that his Eagles would do the somewhat thinkable.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:08 GEE v MEL
0:17:01 STK v BRI
0:28:58 SYD v WCE
...2023-06-281h 17
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 15 Preview: "No Wonder He Went to Colorado!"The last bye round is here, and Ethan's got his fingers crossed that a returning premiership Cat will bring good results with him. The setting of Friday Night Footy makes it a more intriguing matchup, and while the same can be said about Sunday night, the Pies–Crow game earlier that day will have a tough time living up to their earlier meeting.
Plus, our first footy matchup returns, Benjamin laughs about the Ashes, and we dish on the scandal rocking NCAA bowling (no, really)!
Sections
00:00 Intro...2023-06-2254 min
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 13 Preview: "Olive Garden Saturday"When you're listening, you're family… or something like that. Round 13 should get off to a sizzling start with weekday action, and the high-profile ending ought to deliver. In the middle, though, is where Ethan takes a restaurant metaphor and extends it to never-before-seen levels. Also featured: an incredible venue streak, Eric Andre, and the mighty sun.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:33 SYD v STK
0:11:01 WB v PA
0:18:00 HAW v BRI
0:28:43 ADE v WCE
0:38:09 FRE v RIC
0:45:21 NM v GWS
0:52:06 CAR v ES...2023-06-081h 16
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 12 Recap: "Good Loss"Two fewer games, but the same amount of discussion! Round 12 was a slow burner to start, but it took off beginning Saturday night. Ethan's happy for obvious Geelong-related reasons, while Benjamin got to gobble up the Darwin nightcap. Sunday's two games didn't disappoint either, with modern rivalries coming to the forefront and the perceived lesser teams showing well. We also take some time to discuss multiple codes of football and representative competition.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:04:27 MEL v CAR
0:15:58 PA v HAW
0:25:23 WCE v COL
0:35:41 WB v GEE
2023-06-061h 40
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 4 Recap: "You Don't Need to Eat Leavened Bread…"We remain shocked by both Ethan's correctness and BT's steadfastness in two of the most discussed games from this lengthened fourth round. Good Friday had great energy surrounding it, while it was the Saturday slate that delivered the most. And hey, every team has a win now… so I guess the Easter Monday result is obvious, though it certainly wasn't at halftime.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:18 BRI v COL
0:14:06 NM v CAR
0:25:20 ADE v FRE
0:37:57 RIC v WB
0:53:35 STK v GC
1:03:36 SYD v...2023-04-112h 02
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 3 Recap: "His Eyebrows Raise Themselves"Round 3 was defined by dissent, rivalries, milestones, and more dissent… though it did begin with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan taking a stand and echoing one of the greatest moments in footy history. The weekday games may have somewhat been slogs, but the later Saturday and Sunday games — particularly Showdown 53 — more than made up for what other matchups lacked. The ladder is beginning to take a more definite shape, so we hope you like where your club stands; Ethan definitely doesn't.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:24 WB v BRI
0:15:28 COL v RIC
0:24:23 HAW v...2023-04-041h 55
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 3 Preview: "Ze Pitter-Patter of Tiny Feet"...don't ask, the title will be explained in due time if you listen. As Daylight Savings comes to a close in Australia, a club anniversary, a couple other marquee MCG contests, and two state rivalries all vie for footy fans' attention. It's a shame where certain overlaps lie. Also, some baseball info from Ethan — with an Australian tinge, of course — as MLB's Opening Day looms.
Sections
0:00:00 Intro
0:03:24 WB v BRI
0:10:37 COL v RIC
0:18:45 HAW v NM
0:25:45 GWS v CAR
0:33:33 STK v ESS
2023-03-301h 28
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Round 2 Recap: "He Still Has Plenty of Time..."Just how much time do clubs have to get on track if they aren't already? It's a fair question to ask of Geelong after the reigning premiers showed more troubling signs against Carlton. Brisbane righted the ship, but their stadium didn't… and there was another sort of power failure the next day too. Saturday's highlights included a Daicosian double-down and a second-gamer's desperation winning play, while Sunday featured a late Essendon stand and an Eagles home opener that had Benjamin talking plenty — importantly, putting West Coast's effort into short- and long-term perspectives.
Sections
0...2023-03-282h 00
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Pre-Season News Update: "Baby-Making Footy"...okay, we'll go with that for the title, Ethan! From a bevy of leadership changes to fresh injury concerns, a lot's happened since we last hit the airwaves. We catch ourselves and all of you up on recent AFL happenings, plus we talk about the intricacies of the league's salary cap and more. Listen to the end for a fun footy thought experiment!2023-02-221h 10
Americans Watching The Footy2023 AFL Fixture Focus: "The Baby Looked At Me"With the full fixture now out, we assess strength of schedule, alternate sites, the Gather Round, and all that good stuff. Ethan shares his research into various team streaks and droughts, some of which may be broken this season based on matchups being at certain venues. Plus, a changing of the guard at Hawthorn — and lack thereof for the Bulldogs...2022-12-191h 01
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Trade Period Check-In: "We Didn't Bounce the Sherrin"Welcome to our offseason programming! Thanks to all the news from the trade period, we've got a lot of teams and transactions to parse through. Plus, Essendon's a joke... and stick around until the end for a musical treat from Benjamin.2022-10-0853 min
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Grand Final Recap: "I'm Pretty Sure I Was Cleaning Poop"Don't worry, neither of us missed any of the big game — Ethan more than anyone had no excuse to do so, with his cat Gryan by his side. We talk about our (very different) Grand Final viewing experiences and give postmortems for both participating teams. Also included: player and coach movement updates, talk of on-field entertainment and medal presentations, and a review of the first year it's been for our podcast!2022-09-291h 11
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Grand Final Preview: "Final Boss Matchup"The big day arrives Saturday, and Ethan's fired up as his Cats get set to take on the one team they haven't beaten in the past two years. He emphasizes Sam De Koning's importance in matching up against Sydney, as he was out concussed when Buddy kicked his 1000th and the Swans put up triple digits in Round 2. We also go over other facets of the matchup, but before getting into Grand Final talk, we give our postmortems for those left behind in the prelims. We also confront the biggest and most difficult news story of the week, a...2022-09-221h 01
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Preliminary Finals and Brownlow Night Recap: "Take Their Whole Team's Wallets"What drama this past weekend in the AFL contained! ...Well, aside from the first prelim. The Cats cruised to victory, though not without an injury concern for their bright young winger. The next two nights, however, provided more than enough entertainment for a full week. Sydney and Collingwood played a thriller — surprise, Collingwood and thrillers — which swung and nearly switched hands after another injury for the ultimate victors. It all sets up a Grand Final matchup Benjamin has wanted to see all year, but to which Ethan has only recently come around. We also discuss the Brownlow Medal count and...2022-09-201h 09
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Semi-Finals Recap: "Where Nobody Sucks... Except for Flanders"About which team did Ethan make this reference? And which player, if any, is Flanders? That and more can be found in this rundown of the pair of semi-finals. These two games actually had a lot in common: venue, Victorian v interstate, and even the home team's final score. However, one affair was very much a reversal of home-and-away results form this season, while the other largely stayed the course.2022-09-1352 min
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 22 Recap: "Tikka Masala"To which player does Ethan draw a comparison to the Indian restaurant staple, and why? Guess you'll have to listen and find out as we break down the penultimate home-and-away round. Multiple top-8 clashes have set the stage for a tumultuous final weekend, with a single game taking out a winning streak and a place in the top-4 for an upstart side. But that wasn't the game with the best finish — no, that one came on Saturday night. Oh, and even in games without finals implication, there's a lot to discuss. How about a long-awaited return for a beloved ve...2022-08-171h 25
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 21 Preview: "Maybe We Should've Named Him Lachie"...wait, name who what? Believe it or not, we don't spend all that much time talking about the AFL's various Lachies in this episode. In terms of individual players, there's Angus, Sam, Rhys, and of course, a Josh ahead of his curtain call. In a round with 8 teams in the top 10 playing others in the same boat, every list change is magnified going in, and every strategic expectation will be reckoned against what we see on the oval this weekend. Highlights include Melbourne and Collingwood to begin the round on Friday night, the Dogs and Dockers under the roof...2022-08-0453 min
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 18 Recap: "Like Popeye When He Eats His Spinach"Why did Ethan call this an "EA Games: Challenge Everything" round? Well, it made us rethink what we thought of many teams and of the finals race! Take the Bulldogs bouncing back with a big win over the Saints, then receiving help from North to potentially revive their chance at the 8. Or how about the Swans, figuring out how to work through Freo's full-court press of a defense? Not to mention Melbourne being less rigid with their structure, Essendon performing as a complete team once again, and more! This interstate episode — with Benjamin recording from Oregon — may be our most...2022-07-211h 46
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 17 Recap: "Happy Singing in Uganda"Exhale, everybody. Took us a while to get our heads around this past round, because it started with a bang as the Cats took the top spot on the ladder, and it only got more hectic from there. While Friday's lone game wasn't close, a couple on Saturday more than made up for that. North actually did something, and Gold Coast... did more than something. Multiple teams in the 8 solidified their positions, but on Sunday the Lions' top 4 case took a hit. The round ended with one of the strangest scoring-trend games you'll ever see, and because the Eagles...2022-07-141h 37
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 16 Recap: "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"In just a little more than a few words, we provide our takes on a fairly zany round of footy, which we took in halfway across the United States from each other. From the Bay Area, Benjamin exudes encouragement for multiple losing sides from the weekend, with his Eagles and the Suns particularly highlighted. However, there's much less (if any) of that positivity provided for surprise defeats like Carlton and Sydney, at the respective hands of St Kilda and Essendon. Meanwhile, from Michigan, Ethan vaunts praise upon the upset winners before once again lambasting the hapless Kangaroos for taking...2022-07-071h 41
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 13 Bye Progress Reports: "I Told You He Would Give Bailey Smith His Wallet Back!"Why is this progress report longer than the previous one? The answer is this simple: both our favorite teams, the Eagles (Benjamin) and the Cats (Ethan), are off this round, and we dive headfirst jnto relaying our analysis of the clubs we watch most closely. Also on their bye and profiled here are the developing Crows, the might-finally-be-something Suns, the recently surging Swans, and a Bulldogs side that has shown respectably as of late, but has already played through the easier part of their schedule.2022-06-081h 02
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 9 Recap: "Ah, Well, If It Wasn't the Simp!"Round 9 had a couple moderate surprises — like just how quickly the Bulldogs came out of the gate against Collingwood, and how Hawthorn had a good fourth quarter but only after a pre-halftime flameout — but there was an air of predictability to a lot of the round. We saw Port easily dispatching an undermanned North squad, Sydney playing like they should again versus Essendon, and the Lions and Demons picking up easy road wins in Adelaide and Perth respectively. I hate to admit it, but I also saw GWS falling flat early and never being on exactly the right foot in L...2022-05-191h 17
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 9 Preview: “Defeat the Giant Monkeyman and Save the Ninth Dimension”It’s the rounds that don’t grab your eye initially that end up providing a swath of pre-match headlines. Ins and outs on both sides of the round opener, Collingwood v Bulldogs, beckon at least a partial reconfiguring of our understanding of the matchup. The same goes for both early Saturday games, Hawthorn v Richmond and North v Port; in each case, the home team is copping the blows more than the visitors. St Kilda and Geelong is arguably the marquee matchup of the round, with top-four aspirations potentially slipping away from the loser. The Swans look for thei...2022-05-131h 06
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 8 Recap: "Not Even the Dabbing Boombox Could Save Them"Round 8 may not have been the most eye-catching as a whole from a matchup standpoint, but a couple of the results certainly caught us off guard. Take the round opener, for instance, in which Port's midfield outdid that of the Dogs while the visitors' defense crumbled again. Add a spate of injuries, and 2021's runners-up are in a somewhat dire state. Fremantle dispatching North was easy to see coming, and while we expected Richmond to defeat Collingwood, I don't think anyone predicted how much Tom Lynch would dominate in his matchup with Darcy Moore. Then, we threw all out...2022-05-121h 26
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 8 Preview: "Lynchie Is Love, Lynchie Is Life"With how many list changes and late-breaking news items there were leading up to Round 8, I'm still surprised we got this episode out when we did! It's no for the Bont, but yes for Buku as the Dogs look to even their record at Port Adelaide to open the round. Fremantle are without a half-dozen pieces for their clash with North… but that's against North, so they're fine.
Five games take up three time slots on a high-octane Saturday, with returns highlighting the first slot — Dustin Martin for Richmond against Collingwood, and Paddy McCartin and Logan McDonald for...2022-05-061h 06
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 7 Recap: "Old and Dried Out, Like That Man Right There"Well, both our teams lost in the first two games of Round 7, so we take a lot of time figuring out what went wrong for the Eagles and Cats… and what went right for their opponents, especially Freo, who are looking increasingly legit by the week. The round's true shock result came next courtesy of GWS rediscovering themselves in Adelaide, before Melbourne and Hawthorn displayed the transient aspects of their style in a well-fought battle. The Saturday night slot undoubtedly saw two games played… the Saints and Port in the calamitous conditions of Cairns in one, and a more trad...2022-05-041h 17Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 7 Preview: "And You Know What Big Shoes Mean"Holy list changes, Batman! If we had more time this week we’d probably have another list-based bonus episode, but instead all that information is in the same place as everything else for our Round 7 preview. The Eagles and Tigers kick off the round out west, neither at full strength and both with all sorts of questions considering their dip in form compared to the past decade. Fremantle are without their top ruck and leading goal kicker as they head to the Cattery, but that by no means should rule them out. Adelaide and GWS, maybe the two teams we...2022-04-2957 min
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 6 Recap: "Take It With the Whole Salt Mine"This Anzac round only had one close ending (Bulldogs v Adelaide) and a couple real blowouts (North v Geelong, QClash), which makes our discussions of each game's events all the more nuanced. From teams battling inaccuracy on the way to victory (St Kilda, Adelaide, Geelong, Melbourne) to clubs whose latest defeat draws the panic button nearer yet (GWS, Bulldogs, Richmond), nothing is as simple as it seems… unless you're playing the West Coast Eagles. Congrats, Port.
The hyped-up matches kept our intrigue, with Fremantle’s victory over Carlton highlighting the Dockers' strengths while also confirming a painful Blue...2022-04-281h 24
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 6 Preview: "I Assume Victoria" *laugh track*From games in 5 states + ACT to rivalries old (Richmond v Melbourne, Essendon v Collingwood) and new (QClash 22, Hawthorn v Sydney), Round 6 has all the markings of Anzac week. Add on the rest of the round's slate, and you're likely as grateful as we are that none of the fixtures overlap! Toby Greene and Braydon Preuss rejoin GWS in Canberra to face red-hot St Kilda on Friday night, while the 2–3 Bulldogs and Crows get Saturday started in the Central Highlands. Port Adelaide and West Coast should be an all-out Sickos affair, but it'll also be the prelude to what we ea...2022-04-221h 01Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 5 Recap: "I Recant This Statement"Easter weekend solidified a lot of what we had thought about various clubs over the first four rounds. The Lions solidified their place among the league’s best, while the Pies showed they’re coming along well. On Good Friday, North Melbourne remembered they were North Melbourne, and the Bulldogs remembered how to kick straight. The Buddy-less Swans flew while the Eagles fell mightily without Jeremy McGovern. Saturday saw the Saints continue their hot start as the Suns’ use of Matt Rowell prompted further questioning of Stuart Dew; additionally, Adelaide were up to the task of the Tigers at home...2022-04-201h 16Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 5 Preview: "You Can't Suspend Whiplash"We’re thankful that none of the games in this Easter Week round overlap, because there’s not a dull fixture in sight! Brisbane and Collingwood open the action with a couple milestones, a debut, and some tall forward lines. The Kangas and Dogs should be a whole lot closer than their early-season meeting in 2021, while West Coast and Sydney have a lot of list questions but also plenty of room for excitement. In the Saturday affairs, Adelaide v Richmond has the potential for high scores, and Melbourne v GWS should have intrigue in terms of both sides depth, espe...2022-04-141h 07
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 4 Recap: "Ten Dabbing Boomboxes Out of Ten"Round 4 was the most unpredictable yet, with results (and some teams’ set shots) going every which way! Benjamin and Ethan each take plenty of time to go through their clubs’ wins; the junior brother remains in disbelief that West Coast actually broke through. Before that, though, they put Port Adelaide on blast, with one specific moment in their loss to Melbourne in mind. Also in this episode: commending David Noble in defeat; discussing the Dogs’ biggest list issue; saluting the Saints and Suns, the former made bittersweet by a tribunal decision; and trying to figure out just who the Bomber...2022-04-131h 32
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 4 Preview: "You Gotta Keep 'Em Separated!"Round 4 may not be the most eye-catching outside of the weeknight matchups — with winless Port hosting Melbourne in a massive game for their overall trajectory, and Selwood-less Geelong and Big O-less Brisbane locking horns at the Cattery — but there’s no shortage of talking points leading into all of this week’s action! The most curious matchups overlap, and Benjamin and Ethan lament that, but they still eagerly preview the competing Saturday night games: Richmond and the Bulldogs, both 1–2, have a whole lot to play for at the G, while Freo and GWS might actually lend some insight into what each...2022-04-0751 min
Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 3 Recap: "This Isn't Hammurabi's Code"The Kassel brothers are still catching their breath after a hectic third round of the season. The weeknight games were all compelling despite being marred by terrible kicking accuracy, but both Thursday and Friday night saw games decided in the final minutes, including the unparalleled 51st edition of Adelaide’s Showdown. Ethan leads a walkthrough of the Cats’ rollercoaster affair with the Pies, the clear highlight of the Saturday slate, while Benjamin is… far less enthused by his Eagles’ performance in Western Derby 54; thankfully, the other Sunday games were also heart-pounders. These first few rounds leave our hosts wondering a lot ab...2022-04-061h 42Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 3 Preview: "He Thinks About It in the Bathtub"Round 3 of the 2022 AFL season is upon us, including a pair of huge rivalries with the Adelaide Showdown and Western Derby! Port Adelaide is one of four teams that have started the season 0-2. What do the Power need to do to get on track? How about Essendon facing a tough task against Melbourne, GWS in a sneakily compelling game against Gold Coast or the Western Bulldogs when they host Sydney? Which play from the first two weeks does Benjamin think about in the bathtub? Find out all that and more in this week's preview!2022-03-311h 03Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 2 Recap: "The Significance of the Passage of Time"The New Jersey Radio Gambling Parlay flopped, and we're here for an autopsy. Shaky starts from the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide have inspired us to introduce the Are-You-Screwedometer, in which the status of struggling teams can be measured on a helpful scale. Aside from answering how screwed those two are, we're also introducing the Legitometer, which is used to evaluate the three 2-0 teams with new coaches. Ethan and Benjamin will also be answering a series of important questions that arose from Round 2 of the 2022 AFL Season, including: Are the Swans premiership contenders? Was 2021 a one-year absence from relevance...2022-03-301h 35Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 2 Bonus: List-omaniaIt's our first emergency pod! In the 24 hours since we recorded our Round 2 preview, numerous shockwaves were sent around the AFL with the official team selections. Another COVID wave has hit the West Coast Eagles, a Geelong star makes a surprising return while Richmond and Fremantle see theirs sidelined, and Adelaide and North Melbourne have some surprising omissions.2022-03-2520 minAmericans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 2 Preview: "Get Some Nice Spumoni"After a thrilling Round 1 which saw eight of the nine matches retain serious interest into the fourth quarter, Round 2 is set to begin as 2022's storylines start to take shape. The weeknight affairs are both blockbusters in their own right, and Saturday and Sunday both present plenty of opportunities for teams to take big steps forward... and backward. Each of the Kassel brothers have revenge on their mind, as Geelong and West Coast seek to avenge 2021 defeats to Sydney and North Melbourne respectively, while Richmond and GWS may be the most meaningful matchup of 0–1 teams in a long while. Th...2022-03-2458 minAmericans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 1 Recap: "Two Giant Paint Bubbles"Ethan and Benjamin are recording in person for the first time, breaking down all of the action from Round 1 of the 2022 AFL Season! In the weeknight matches, Melbourne won a Grand Final rematch, Carlton finally got the best of Richmond, and Collingwood started the Craig McRae era on a winning note. Geelong kicked off Saturday with a dominant showing, Sydney earned local bragging rights with a great fourth quarter, and Brisbane came back from down 24 to top a banged-up Port Adelaide squad at The Gabba. On Sunday, Hawthorn beat North Melbourne in the Tasmanian Timeshare Tussle, Fremantle avoided a...2022-03-231h 33Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Round 1 Preview: "YES ... HA HA HA ... YES!"Footy is back! We've got previews of all nine Round 1 AFL matchups, featuring a Grand Final rematch between the Dees and Bulldogs, the traditional Richmond-Carlton opening round battle, a Sydney Derby and two other rematches of teams that made the finals in 2021 with Geelong facing Essendon and Brisbane hosting Port Adelaide. The five matches between teams that didn't make the finals last year all have compelling storylines as well, including a Sickos Special between West Coast and Gold Coast to close out the round.2022-03-161h 19Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Home & Away Preview, Part 2We're picking up right where we left off with previews of the nine teams we didn't get to last time! As we know, there's nobody you'd trust more for your AFL information than a pair of Americans who have watched the sport for all of two seasons.2022-03-151h 15Americans Watching The Footy2022 AFL Home & Away Preview, Part 1We're back to preview the 2022 regular season, or to use the Australian terminology, the home-and-away season! We're looking at the first nine of the 18 teams. While most podcasts and shows organize teams alphabetically or by standings, we'll be going in random order, so get familiar and join us before the chaos begins!2022-03-141h 01Americans Watching The FootyGood for FootyWhy do we love footy so much? We'll tell you! In the spirit of the tagline from some of the Toyota ads you see during matches, we discuss things that we consider to be good for footy.2022-03-1347 minAmericans Watching The FootyFooty Origin StoriesWelcome to Americans Watching The Footy! In our first episode, we explain how we became footy fans.2022-03-0835 min