anyone’s game

Welcome to our first mini-episode for 2026 We’re so excited to bring you this new format and to make this kind of content easier to locate in our feed. 
We kick off the mini-eps for the year by chatting about the new rules to expect in the AFL for the men this season. 
This week’s information is sourced from: 
Explainer: The seven AFL rule changes coming in for 2026 on afl.com.au 

‘No ruckcraft’: Gawn’s concern after early look at new ruck rule on afl.com.au 

AFL reveals SEVEN rule changes for 2026 season in huge attempt to solve growing issue by Jack Jovanovski for Fox Sports 

Join our tipping comp and the anyone’s game community by signing up on the AFL Live app or tipping.afl.com.au with comp code H0TZOKL6. 
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.

Welcome back to anyone’s game for 2026! We’re so excited to be back in your ears again. This year, we are trialling a new format of episodes. Every second Thursday we will be in your feed for a bumper episode of all the footy news and headlines from the previous 2 rounds. And every other Thursday we will drop a mini education focused episode - covering all the questions you didn’t know you needed the answers to.
We kick off the ep this week covering our own personal headlines, followed by the biggest headlines from the offseason before we finish up with everyone’s favourite segment - best on feed. This week, Monica shares this TikTok from Collingwood’s Pat Lipinski and Marielle shares this Reel from Hawthorn.
This week’s sources are: 
2026 AFL Season Wikipedia 

Tom Silvagni, son of AFL star, outlines rape conviction appeal grounds by Leanne Wong for The ABC 

Why we haven’t touched the Jules Neale story until now by Bek Day for Mamamia 

‘I have been betrayed’: Neale’s wife Jules speaks out on marriage crisis by Jackie Epstein for The Herald Sun 

Victoria overcomes spirited WA in enthralling Origin clash by Nathan Schmook for afl.com.au 

The Kyneton women’s football team’s story was always about more than just one club by Marnie Vinall for The ABC 

How the Wedged-Tailed Eagles won their fight to play footy by Brayden May for The Herald Sun 

Time running out for Kyneton women on midlandexpress.com.au

They stood up to a toxic boys’ club. Now these women have been barred from the game entirely by Claire Murphy for Mamamia  

RDRNL breaks silence by Tara Murphy for Star Weekly 

Wedge-Tailed Eagles Football Club Website

Join our tipping comp and the anyone’s game community by signing up on the AFL Live app or tipping.afl.com.au with comp code H0TZOKL6. 
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.

This week’s ep is a light-hearted one — and also our final one for the year. It was recorded late last week, and we’re very aware that a lot has happened since then. We don’t cover the AFL news that has unfolded since the AFLW Grand Final, but we’ll do our best to summarise the key stories when we return in 2026. While this sits outside our usual focus, we want to acknowledge the events of the weekend and extend our thoughts to the Jewish community and everyone affected by the Bondi tragedy. We’re sending love to anyone in our community who needs it and we hope this space can offer a brief sense of refuge.

With that said, welcome to an episode of elegance, excellence, and mildly questionable award categories. It’s the inaugural Anyone’s Game Best and Fairest Awards Night. We celebrate the moments that made this season unforgettable — the hot takes, the bold celebrations, the accidental genius, and the very deliberate nonsense. These are the awards no other show is cool enough — or foolish enough — to hand out.

So settle in, and get ready for an episode full of highlights, laughs and plenty of high fives. 

Best Goal Celebration Finalists: 
​Sophie McKay
​Oleg Markov
​Gemma Houghton 
​Seth Campbell 
​Jack Ginnivan 

Best Viral Moment Finalists: 
​Gold Cost Meta Hack 
​The Centra Bounce
​Ken Hinkley Lolly Teeth 
​Coin Toss Hamstring Injury 
​Nasiah Robbed of 3 Votes 
​Chloe Molloy Boundary Goal

Best TV Crossover Finalists: 
​Trent Cotchin
​Mia Fevolva 
​Zachy Tuohy 
​Nonno D’Ambrosio 

Best Coaches Quote Finalists:
​“I’m unemployed” 
​“I’m Off to Vegas” & “Nepo Babies” 
​“We’ve been underdogs for 10 years” 
​“They play a bit like us for some reason” 

Best Accessory Finalists:
​Mason Cox Eye Goggles 
​Kamdyn McIntosh Headbands 
​Jesse Wardlaw Headband 
​Alastair Clarkson Short Swap 

Best Hair Finalists:
​Will Ashcroft 
​Georgie Prespakis 
​Rory Lobb 
​Anne Hatchard 
​Isaac Kako 

Best Sibling Squad Finalists:
​Will & Levi Ashcroft 
​Sophie & Abbie McKay 
​Chad & Corey Warner 
​The Duursma Siblings 

Best Celeb Cameo Finalists: 
​Guy Sebastian 
​Leslie Mann 
​The Veronicas 
​Taylor Swift 

Best Debut Finalists:
​Jayden Nguyen 
​Levi Ashcroft 
​Zippy Fish 
​Blaithin Bogue 
​Kaitlin Barr, Greta Miller & Melissa Sambrooks 

Best Socials Pick Finalists 
​Isaac Quaynor 
​Captain’s Following 
​Taste - Wizard Remix 
​Tom Papley Mosman Swans Clinic 
​Joy’s GRWM 
​Conrad vs Jeremiah with AFLW Captains 
​Undercover at KFC 

Best Socials Pick Honourable Mentions: 
​“Right on the Doodle”  
​Least Likely to Shout a Coffee 
​Inspirational Quotes 
​AFL Clubs as Pop Culture 

As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to every single one of you who listened, shared an episode, or sent us a message. Your support has meant more than we can properly put into words. You’ve made the late nights, the edits, the research and the big footy feelings all worth it. 

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 season!

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.

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.

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 SEN

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.