SACKED: AFL

Kevin Sheedy reined over Windy Hill for 27 years. After a clumsy and messy search, the Bombers found a replacement in Matthew Knights. Essendon's new coach wanted to create his own legacy, but did so by pushing out a club great.
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On July 22, 2001, Essendon did the impossible from 69 points down, and were just months out from establishing a dynasty. But in reality, it was the start of the downfall of a powerhouse.
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There wouldn’t be many more qualified candidates for the final SACKED AFL episode of season six than Scott Cummings.
The laconic goal kicker cycled through four clubs in three states across a nine year career that promised a great deal but ended due to injury at the age of just 28.
And yet Cummings could really play. He was the leading goal kicker at three of his four clubs and kicked 95 goals to win the Coleman Medal at West Coast in 1999.
But it was Collingwood - where he played just five games for six goals in one final AFL season - that set him up for his post footy life.
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Ben Brown shares the highs and lows of his AFL career, from going undrafted to becoming a premiership player with Melbourne. Hear how he overcame adversity and self-doubt to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
In this episode of Sacked, Ben Brown opens up about his AFL journey. From getting drafted by North Melbourne at pick 47 after being overlooked in previous drafts, to becoming their leading goalkicker, and then being delisted. He shares how COVID-19 and hub life impacted his mental health and derailed contract talks with North Melbourne. We learn how he bounced back from injury and self-doubt to find form and contribute to Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership.
Key Moments:
2:30 - Getting drafted by North Melbourne after 4 tries
8:00 - Kicking his first AFL goal, a tribute to his late grandfather
15:30 - The challenge of blokey footy culture as a young player
22:00 - Struggling mentally during the 2020 hub season
32:30 - Getting delisted by North Melbourne after 10 years at the club
37:00 - Joining Melbourne and their belief he could contribute
55:00 - His resilience to regain form in the VFL and make the senior team
1:05:00 - Being part of Melbourne's epic 2021 Grand Final comeback
1:15:00 - The challenge of injuries late in his career before retirement
Listen now to hear Ben's incredible story in his own words. You'll be inspired by his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds.
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Hannah Mouncey shares her experience as a transgender athlete fighting for inclusion in professional sports. Get an inside look at the challenges and discrimination she has faced.
Overview:
Hannah Mouncey, former Australian men's handball player, opens up about her journey as a transgender athlete. She talks about realizing her gender identity as a child, coming out to her family, and beginning hormone therapy. Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft and being barred from playing due to concerns over physical advantages. She describes lacking support from sporting organizations and facing restrictions despite lowering testosterone levels. Mouncey shares her perspective on blanket bans against transgender athletes and argues they should be allowed to compete after proper hormone therapy. She emphasises hard work over natural talent and says trans athletes are not successful merely for being trans. Mouncey remains hopeful her advocacy will have a positive impact on trans rights.
Timestamps:
00:15 - Mouncey shares when she first realized she was transgender
10:34 - She describes coming out to her mom and transitioning
18:45 - Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft
32:12 - She argues against blanket bans on trans athletes
42:34 - Mouncey talks about continuing to advocate for trans rights
Mouncey shares a powerful first-hand account of the challenges facing trans athletes. Tune in to hear her unique perspective.
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