anyone’s game

• grand final review + bnf invite

  And just like that, the AFL season is officially over. This week, we’re wrapping things up with a massive episode! We kick things off with all the highlights from the W Awards — including Ash Riddell’s incredible acceptance speech and the All Australian squad making their entrance on that moving stage. (You can catch the full 2025 AFLW AA team here, too.)Then it’s time to break down the AFLW Grand Final: the pre-game entertainment, the celebrity spotting, and an inside scoop from our very own on ground reporter, Mon. Plus, a full recap of all the on-field action.It wouldn’t be the season's end without a little off-field chaos, so we also take you through this week’s biggest coaching and staffing changes across the league.And finally, we unpack the AFLW assistance packages handed to GWS, Collingwood and Gold Coast — what they are and why they exist.This week, Mon shares this TikTok from GWS, plus some bonus content from the Mckay Sisters, while Marielle shares this instagram reel from AFL women's, plus a bonus reel from the Gold Coast Suns. This week’s sources come from:​Dockers star, popular influencer to hit the Coral Carpet on afl.com.au ​RECAP: All the winners from The W Awards for 2025 on afl.com.au ​Swans gun wins GOTY, courageous Tiger lands MOTY prize by Kaitlyn Ferber for afl.com.au​Motana Ham wins 2025 NAB AFLW Goal of the Year on afl.com.au  ​2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award: Kate Darby’s fitting farewell to the game on afl.com.au ​Emilie Hill named 2025 AFLW Umpiring Rising Star on afl.com.au ​Roos ball-magnet adds to stunning year with B&F win by Dylan Bolch for afl.com.au ​‘We knew as soon as we got here’: Roos back-to-back but Birch has four by Sarah Burt for espn.com.au ​FULL VOTES: Sheerin shines to claim Best on Ground honours by Alison O’Connor for afl.com.au ​‘We may never lose again’: Euphoric scenes as Roos win back-to-back AFLW flags, go undefeated by Roy Ward, Danny Russell and Russell Bennett for The Age ​abc sport instagram post quoting AFLW GM Emma Moore ​Members make it a momentous AFLW season on afl.com.au ​AFLW GF injury update: Star mid in selection frame on nmfc.com.au ​North Melbourne Kangaroos rally around injured Mia King after AFLW grand final by Jon Healy for abc.net.au ​SUNS appoint Erin Phillips as General Manger of Women’s Football on goldcoastfc.com.au​End of an era as premiership coach departs Demons by Riley Beveridge for afl.com.au  ​Zach Merrett gives up Bombers AFL captaincy after failed Hawks trade on abc.net.au  ​West Coast Eagles Special Assistance on afl.com.au ​“Blatant manipulation”: AFL confirms North Melbourne assistance package as backlash follows by Mitch Keating for Zero Hanger ​Giants to receive no.3 pick, one of three clubs granted League assistance by Riley Beveridge for afl.com.au ​New rules set to shake up AFLW expansion sides given licence to raid rivals by Sarah Burt for 7news ​Local talent concession for Gold Coast team on afl.com.au Want to support the pod? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we’re super thankful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they’re at it. Prefer IRL? An old-fashioned ‘tell a friend’ is equally appreciated.We’re having a post finals bye next week but we’ll be back in your ears soon with the anyone’s game best and fairest episode! Thanks for listening and see you at the BNF!Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of our employers, colleagues, or any affiliated organisations. All content is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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• finals week four

  It’s W GF week and we are buzzing! But first wedding chat, Jeremy Cameron’s entrance at Toby Greene’s wedding is a must see. We break down a huge prelim weekend, starting with North v Melbourne. Check out the tussle between former team mates Eden Zanker and Libby Birch, Taylah Harris’ speckie and Blaithin Bogue’s goals. Brisbane had a dominant win over Carlton but the Blues’ had the vibes coming into this game. Check out their business as usual training entrance and their Veronicas shout-out here. Brisbane brought the energy post game, we loved coach Craig Starcevich and Belle Dawes’ celebratory chest bump. And yes, it’s North vs Brisbane in the Grand Final for the 3rd straight year. We also unpack all the draft headlines. Check out the big-sibling energy from the Duursmas here and pics of Willem’s dance career here. We wrap some retirements, resignations and relocations. Finally, we discuss Sky Sports’ misstep with its female-focused TikTok account with recommended reading from Lauren Beckman (Missing Perspectives) and Bridget McArthur (ABC). This week, Mon shares this TikTok from Port Adelaide, while Marielle shares this TikTok from afl play. This week’s sources come from:​Kanga classic Roos break Demons hearts in thriller to book GF spot by Sarah Black for afl.com.au ​aflwomens instagram post of North vs Melbourne Time in Front ​‘You babes are Untouchable’: Carlton embraced an anthem. The Veronicas replied by Hannah Kennelly for The Age ​Rivals’ best shots fall short as AFLW trilogy awaits by Murray Wenzel for Eastern Riverina Chronicle ​Game on: Roos and Lions locked in for third-straight Grand Final by Sophie Welsh for afl.com.au ​Carlton Cheer Squad Instagram post of the Blues Banner from Saturday Night ​When is the 2025 AFL draft? Here’s your guide to bidding, trades and the official pick order on abc.net.au ​Change is coming: How Lions’ bids would look in 2025 by Dejan Jalinic for afl.com.au ​Best in the west: Eagles crown No.1 pick, Tigers’ surprise shapes draft by Nathan Schmook for afl.com.au ​Duursma heads west with pick No.1 as the ‘bolter’ who had to be smuggled into Marvel steals the show by Shelby Garlick, Hannah Kennelly, Jon Pierik and Marc McGowan for The Sydney Morning Herald ​Date with destiny: Father-son pick ‘pretty honoured’ to join Blues on afl.com.au ​AFL Draft | White continues father’s legacy on melbournefc.com.au ​AFL pre-season and rookie draft: Brisbane premiership hero Callum Ah Chee finally lands at Adelaide by Shane Hope for 7news ​AFL Draft explainer: Everything you need to know by Martin Smith on afl.com.au ​The 6 biggest surprises from the 2025 AFL Draft by Aidan Cellini for zerohanger ​Dancing, driving and diaries: How this mum shaped a footy family by Sarah Black on afl.com.au ​‘Incredibly tough’: Geelong AFLW coach steps down after missing second consecutive finals series on Fox Sports ​Surprise two-year contract detail emerges in Mason Cox’s AFL career lifeline with Fremantle by Glenn Valencich for 7news ​Veteran ruck retires after record-breaking career on afl.com.au ​Lion-hearted: Brisbane wins coveted $1mil McClelland Trophy prize by Sophie Welsh for afl.com.au ​Historic McClelland Trophy enters new era across AFL and AFLW by Michael Rogers for afl.com.au ​“There’s got to be a better system”: Russell’s issue with the AFL’s McClelland Trophy by Lachlan Geleit for SENWant to support the pod? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we’re super thankful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they’re at it. Prefer IRL? An old-fashioned ‘tell a friend’ is equally appreciated.Thanks for listening and see you next round.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of our employers, colleagues, or any affiliated organisations. All content is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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• finals week three

  Happy Wednesday! We kick things off with all the AFLW semi-final action. Don’t miss the ripper tackle sequence between Melbourne’s Kate Hore and Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff, and have a look at Hawthorn’s banners from last week and this week side-by-side after all the chat about their size (including from us… sorry, not sorry!). Over at Carlton, the vibes were high with their finals-series burials to summon good weather. Make sure you check out the Week 1 & Week 2 videos (a collab with @thefootywithbrodenkelly).. Huge thanks to @framedbyrachel_ for walking us through the full sausage-burial tradition—also, if you need an engagement or wedding photographer, she’s your gal. And yes, Sophie McKay is back at it with the goal celebrations… and her family definitely has thoughts.We also shout out Kaitlyn Srhoj for speaking openly about her journey with an eating disorder—an important and powerful moment.Plus, there are fresh records in the 22-under-22 AFLW squad, the men’s 2026 fixture has officially dropped (check out Hawthorn’s & Port Adelaide’s fixture announcements and Marnie Vinall’s insightful analysis of the timing of the wild round annoucement). . Finally, the charges (and suppression order) against Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn have been withdrawn. If you or someone you care about is struggling with eating or body-image concerns, the Butterfly Foundation is available 7 days a week 8am-midnight on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or via online chat. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (24/7). This week, Mon shares this TikTok from aflwomens, while Marielle shares this instagram reel from lionsaflw. Join our tipping comp and the anyone’s game community by signing up on the AFL Live app or aflwtipping.afl with comp code 3C6SJ3FN.This week’s sources come from:​Crow’s over: Dees surge late in SF to set up date with Roos by Sarah Black for afl.com.au ​A legacy to Crow about: Departing coach leaves his mark on club and AFLW by Dylan Bolch for afl.com.au ​‘So far from it’: Hawks lament horror night out, Blues living the dream by Gemma Bastiani for afl.com.au ​Dancing Blues: Prelim beckons for Carlton as Hawks exit in straight sets by Gemma Bastiani for afl.com.au ​Why Do Couples Bury a Sausage Before Their Wedding Day? on framedbyrachel.com.au ​Srhoj Opens Up On Her Battle With Eating Disorder on gwsgiants.com.au ​2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Fixture Confirmed on afl.com.au ​GWS Social Response to Opening Round Fixture on instagram ​AFL fixture: Early Magpies-Crows grudge match in 2026 locked in on espn.com.au ​Prosecutors drop sexual assault, rape charges against Geelong AFL player Tanner Bruhn by Jonathon Kendall and Kristian Silva for abc.net.au ​League defends handling of Bruhn case, rejects no-fault stand down policy on afl.com.au ​AFL rookie draft rules: How does selection an delisting work? by Kieran Francis for sportingnews.com​“Dumbest rule in sport”: Cornes’ take on flawed rookie draft on sen.com.au ​Kevin Sheehan’s 2025 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects: Smalls on afl.com.au ​Rookie List on afl.com.au ​Gold Coast Suns take delisted Fremantle Docker in AFL rookie draft on abc.net.au ​Eddie Betts agrees to return to rookie list to save Blues from squad headache by Tyson Otto on news.com.au ​Eddie Betts Wikipedia Page Want to support the pod? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we’re super thankful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they’re at it. Prefer IRL? An old-fashioned ‘tell a friend’ is equally appreciated.Thanks for listening and see you next round.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of our employers, colleagues, or any affiliated organisations. All content is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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• finals week two

  Welcome to week 1 of the AFLW finals series! Vibes are as high as the on-field tensions and we are here for it, so we kick off this ep unpacking this round. Enjoy this carousel of some of the Carlton gal’s goal celebrations and watch the Ebony Marinoff & Anne Hatchard get the updates on the Brisbane-Melbourne game here. We then cover the AFLW All-Australian initial squad. Sydney are on the hunt for a new W coach meanwhile the AFLM’s second ever female field umpire has been promoted from the rookie list. The AFL’s plans for opening round and a wildcard round have been revealed and lastly, we explain the umpire throw-in rules in the W. Check out GWS’ thread of their job description for their Senior Social Media Manager role here. This week, Mon shares this Instagram Reel from abc sport, while Marielle shares this Instagram Reel from the Crows AFLW. Join our tipping comp and the anyone’s game community by signing up on the AFL Live app or aflwtipping.afl with comp code 3C6SJ3FN.This week’s sources come from:​Ruthless Roos march into prelim after keeping Hawks goalless by Sarah Black for afl.com.au ​abc sport’s instagram post of Emma Kearney’s quotes ​Blues blitz Eagles in the wet to set up Hawks semi-final by Phoebe McWilliams for afl.com.au ​Demons go down fighting by Gemma Bastiani for melbournefc.com.au ​The crows show keeps rolling with comfortable win over plucky Saints by Jason Phelan for afl.com.au ​Aflwomen’s instagram post announcing the night/evening grand final ​Day or twilight Grand Final? It comes down to one question, says Gill on afl.com.ay ​You might not like it, but a night Grand Final is the best thing for footy - if anyone has the guts to change it by Shannon Gill for theroar.com.au​Suggestion AFLW being used as a ‘trial run’ for new rules causes frustration by Marnie Vinall for abc.net.au  ​2025 AFLW All-Australian squad unveiled on afl.com.au ​Scott Gowans to depart Sydney on sydneyswans.com.au ​Sydney Swans AFLW part ways with inaugural coach Scott Gowans after missing finals on abc.net.au ​Tigers mid told to explore trade options, three delisted by Sophie Welsh for afl.com.au ​Three weeks, two hospitals, 14kg lost: Tiger opens up on nightmare pre-season by Riley Beveridge for afl.com.au ​Woman field umpire among six promoted to AFL umpire list for 2026 on afl.com.au ​Opening Round fixture: Charlie Curnow’s Swan to face Blues in AFL season opener, Brisbane host Western Bulldogs by Ben Sutton for 7news.com.au ​GWS Instagram Post about Opening Round Fixture ​Mitch Cleary’s X Post on Wildcard Weekend ​About AFLW - Rules on afl.com.au ​AFLW introduces future pick trading, pre-season draft, as part of 2025 rule changes by Eliza Reilly for news.com.au ​Endometriosis in Australia 2023 on aihw.gov.au Want to support the pod? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we’re super thankful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they’re at it. Prefer IRL? An old-fashioned ‘tell a friend’ is equally appreciated.Thanks for listening and see you next round.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of our employers, colleagues, or any affiliated organisations. All content is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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• finals week one

  We are heading into Week 1 of the W Finals Series this week -  you can grab tickets here. But first, we cover all things Round 12 of the home & away season, including North Melbourne’s history making undefeated streak and Gemma Houghton’s epic after the siren score to become the first 100-goal player in the W. Check out the photo of the Port Adelaide players reaction here. You can admire the workmanship behind Anne Hatchard’s braids here. We then touch on some big retirements that have been announced this week and unpack Richmond’s independent review of their AFLW branch. Plus, don’t forget to vote for your 22under22 squad (vote.22under22.com.au)! Some high profile men’s players have been charged by Victoria Police and there’s a heap of new rule changes for the men’s game in 2026 - this page has videos to help explain these changes. This week, Mon shares this TikTok from the Geelong Cats (and this bonus post from the Brisbane Lions), while Marielle shares this instagram reel, also from Geelong Womens. Join our tipping comp and the anyone’s game community by signing up on the AFL Live app or aflwtipping.afl with comp code 3C6SJ3FN.This week’s sources come from:2025 NAB AFLW Premiership fixture unveiled for milestone season on afl.com.au Can record-breaking Roos go higher or is a downturn coming? By Phoebe McWilliams for afl.com.au A Gem of a moment: Houghton on magic 100th goal by Martin Pegan for afl.com.au Dons spoil Swans’ finals hope with first win in eight weeks on afl.com.au AFLW: From Idol to inspiration - Anne Hatchard’s 100-game story by Daniela Harvey for afc.com.au Inaugural Swans co-captain announces retirement on sydneyswans.com.au Who’s hanging up the boots? Your club’s retiring players by Sarah Black for afl.com.au ‘Now it’s their turn’: Retiring Cats skipper on passing the baton by Sarah Black for afl.com.au Kate Darby Announces Retirement from AFLW on geelongcats.com.au Ex-Blues boss to lead Tigers review after disappointing year by Gemma Bastiani for afl.com.au Tigers ‘embrace’ review into AFLW program by Danielle Croci for richmondfc.com.au Richmond VFLW Alignment Update on richmondfc.com.au Power dominate AGAIN as all-time record for duo-looms: 2025 22Under22 AFLW squad revealed by Will Faulkner for Fox Sports AFL stars Dion Prestia, Steven May charged over Sorrento Boxing Day fight by Hannah Kennelly for The Age Club Statement - Steven May on melbournefc.com.au Clubs break silence on charged premiership pair on sen.com.au Violent Behaviour on legalaid.vic.gov.au AFL reveals SEVEN rule changes for 2026 season in huge attempt to solve growing issue by Jack Jovanovski for Fox SportsWant to support the pod? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we’re super thankful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they’re at it. Prefer IRL? An old-fashioned ‘tell a friend’ is equally appreciated.Thanks for listening and see you next round.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of our employers, colleagues, or any affiliated organisations. All content is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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