Podcast Summary – UTS Bats Preview & Summer Series Wrap

This week on the AFL Sydney podcast we preview the UTS AFC Bats Footy Club ahead of the 2026 AFL Sydney Premier Division season.

Men’s Head Coach Dean Cleary joins us to discuss the Bats’ pre-season preparation, new recruits and the style of football the side is aiming to play in 2026.

We’re also joined by Vice President Sam Chadwick, who provides insight into the club’s continued growth to 10 teams, key structural developments including the female football program and junior pathway, as well as major club events and future plans at Trumper Oval.

Plus, we wrap up Week 3 of the AFL Sydney Summer Series.

Next week it the run into Round one and the return of the 'world-famous Crystal Ball Prediction segment'.. Don't miss out.

AFL Sydney Podcast - Episode 4, 2026

Part Two of a massive week on the AFL Sydney Podcast. Next up its the Wolves with a detailed focus on the Manly Warringah Wolves off-season and run into Round One.

We are joined by Louis Cannatelli (Men’s Premier Division Coach), Phil Spratt (Women’s Premier Division Coach) and Jacqueline Wharton (Club President). The trio discuss the Wolves’ pre-season preparations, key new player signings, emerging local talent, and the continued growth of both the men’s and women’s programs heading into 2026.

The episode also explores the club’s off-field momentum, including new partnerships, the launch of the club’s new website, the relaunch of the Coterie Club and the importance of junior pathways and community initiatives.

Wow, the Wolves are on fire ahead of season 2026!

Plus, Sam and Big Marn review Week 2 of the AFL NSW/ACT Summer Series and preview the key matchups ahead of Week 3 with out Sydney teams facing off against AFL Canberra at the magnificent Bob Prenter Oval, Macquarie Fields.

AFL Sydney Podcast - Episode 3, 2026

This week on Sam & The Big Marn AFL Sydney Podcast its a massive two parter. We start this week with a continuations of the AFL Sydney club preview series with Brad Fisher, President of the Macquarie University AFL Club.

Brad shares insights into the Clubs pre-season, the strong energy around the club following a successful 2025, and how both the men’s and women’s programs are shaping up for 2026. We also discuss key player movements, including the return of Lewis Johnston and Tim Cordner, the arrival of Cooper Wright, and the potential appearance of Dan Gorringe.

The conversation also explores the continued growth of the club’s women’s program and the exciting opportunities ahead for Macquarie University as they build momentum heading into the new season.

AFL Sydney Podcast - Episode 2, 2026

Episode 2 of Sam & The Big Marn sees the AFL Sydney Podcast roll into its first club pre-season preview of 2026, with a deep dive into the UNSW-ES Bulldogs as the countdown to the season continues.

Sam and Big Marn kick things off with a review of Week 1 of the Summer Series, where AFL Sydney representative teams took on the GIANTS Academy in a strong early-season hit-out. The boys break down the key moments from both matches, highlighting standout performers and what the results tell us about the depth of talent across the AFL Sydney competition heading into 2026.

The episode then turns to the UNSW-ES Bulldogs, one of the competition’s most exciting clubs heading into the new season. Club President Iain Dunstan, senior men’s coach Jack Wachtel, assistant coach Dion Shaw, and senior women’s coach Tom Williamson join the show to reflect on the Bulldogs’ 2025 campaign, discuss the club’s off-season progress, and share their expectations for the year ahead.

A special highlight of the episode is a conversation with AFL Sydney legend Kieran Emery, who reflects on his career ahead of retirement. Emery shares memories from across his playing journey, the people who shaped his career, and what football in Sydney has meant to him.

To close the show, Sam and Big Marn preview Week 2 of the Summer Series, where AFL Sydney representative sides will take on the Swans Academy, another key test ahead of the 2026 season.

Next week on the podcast:
The Macquarie University Warriors take centre stage in the next club pre-season preview, alongside a review of Week 2 of the Summer Series and a look ahead to the final week of the series.

🎙️ Podcast Preview – Sam & The Big Marn (Episode 1 – 2026 Season Launch)

We’re back for 2026! Episode 1 drops as Sam & The Big Marn kick off a new season with our Premier Division Fixture Release Special and Under 22 Summer Series preview.

We break down the Men’s and Women’s Premier Division fixtures, unpack Round 1, highlight key match-ups to watch, and chat through the outlook for both competitions. We also provide an update on when the competition structure and remaining divisional fixtures will land.

Representative footy is here as AFL Sydney takes on the GIANTS Academy at Henson Park this Saturday.

- Women’s Under 22 at 2:50pm

- Men’s Under 22 at 4:40pm.

Interviews: We’re joined by Men’s Head Coach Ben Roberts and Women’s Head Coach Chloe Davis to preview the squads and what fans can expect.

We wrap up with what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026 — club season previews starting next week and weekly episodes from Round 1 through to the Grand Final.

Season 2026 starts now. Tune in 🎧🏉

🎙️ Podcast Summary – Sam & The Big Marn (Episode 24 – Grand Final Review and Season Final)

In the season finale of the AFL Sydney Podcast, Sam and The Big Marn wrap up 2025 with a bang!

We take a deep dive into Grand Final weekend, covering every division from the U19.5s to Premier Division. Hear the insights, highlights, and big storylines from a massive few days of football, including North Shore and Sydney Uni’s battle for the men’s title, and North Shore taking on Sydney University in the women’s Premier Division decider.

Looking ahead, we chat with Ben Papandrea, AFL Nines Lead for Sydney, about the upcoming AFL Nines Classic — how it works, who can get involved, and why it’s a must for summer footy fans. Plus, Sam outlines what’s to come with the Under 22 Summer Series as the pre-season kicks off.

After 24 episodes in 2025 (including our two-part Grand Final preview special), we’re signing off for the year. Thanks for tuning in across the season — we’ll be back in early 2026 with a fresh fixture release and rep series preview.

See you in 2026!!

AFL Nines Sydney Classic Registration Link is below;Register to AFL Nines Sydney Classic | PlayHQ

Sam & The Big Marn Podcast – Episode 23 (Grand Final Preview Part 2)

The Grand Final build-up continues with a jam-packed second episode as Sam and The Big Marn sit down with the key figures set to shape the biggest weekend of the AFL Sydney season.

We start with Manly Warringah coach Gareth Newman, who shares his thoughts on the Wolves’ journey back to the big stage and what it will take to overcome their archrivals. Then it’s all about the North Shore Bombers, with men’s coach Ryan Meldrum, captain Jake Veale, and women’s coach Craig Tidemann offering their insights ahead of a massive weekend for the club. We also hear from Tilly Eder, one of the Bombers’ Premier Women’s stars, on what the chance to play in a Grand Final means to her and her teammates.

Episode 23 Part 2 gives you inside access to the coaches and players who will decide the Premierships.

Sam & The Big Marn Podcast – Episode 23 (Grand Final Preview Part 1)

A huge week for AFL Sydney calls for a huge podcast – and for the very first time, Sam and The Big Marn are live on location with a video edition from Rebel Sport Parramatta.

In this episode, the boys unpack the biggest night of the year – the Phelan–Mostyn Medal – celebrating the achievements of Sydney footy’s best and brightest, from Rising Stars Ethan Roberts and Heidi De Sax, through to Hannah Woolfe and Finnbar Delbridge taking home the top honours.

We then turn our attention to Finals Week Three, with a full review of the first seven Grand Finals already played, including standout performances in the Men’s and Women’s Premier Division clashes.

Finally, we shift gears to the weekend ahead – eight Grand Finals still to come, capped off by the showcase events. In the Women’s Premier Division, it’s North Shore vs. Sydney Uni, while the Men’s Premier Division serves up another chapter in the ‘Battle of the North’ between North Shore and Manly Warringah.

It’s the business end of the season, and Episode 23 has all the insights, analysis and energy you need heading into Grand Final week.

Episode 22 of AFL Sydney Podcast lands right in the thick of the AFL Sydney finals series, and there’s plenty to break down.

David and Sam start with a full review of Week Two of the finals. In the Men’s Premier Division, North Shore and Manly battled it out for a spot in the big dance, while UNSW and South West Sydney delivered another fierce contest facing elimination.

Over in the Women’s Premier Division, North Shore’s battle with Manly and Sydney Uni’s clash with UNSW-ES had plenty of drama and big performances.

We also take a closer look at the Division One action, with North Shore meeting Parramatta in the Men’s and Sydney Uni taking on North Shore in the Women’s.

From there, attention turns to Week Three — with blockbuster prelim finals on the way. Manly face UNSW-ES in the Men’s Premier Division for a place in the decider, while in the Women’s Premier Division, Manly square off with Sydney Uni in what promises to be a thriller.

And to top it off, we preview our very first seven (7) Grand Finals of 2025. Some clubs will already be fighting for silverware this weekend, and we set the scene for what promises to be an electric atmosphere.

It’s a jam-packed episode full of finals insights, big calls, and the usual banter as we head into the pointy end of the season.

Podcast Summary – Sam & The Big Marn Podcast | Episode 21, 2025
In Episode 21 of the Sam & The Big Marn Podcast, we dive into the first week of AFL Sydney finals for the 2025 season.

Sam and David recap the standout moments from Men’s and Women’s Premier and Division One matches, including thrilling clashes including Randwick vs. Sydney Uni in Women's Division One.

Looking ahead, the team previews Week Two finals action, highlighting key matchups across Men’s and Women’s Premier Division and also jump into a chat about the Under 19.5 and Under 20 Division One competitions and upcoming finals matches.