The 2026 AFL home-and-away season is officially over, and finals footy is here! 🔥

This week on Between The Sticks, we unpack all the fallout from Round 24, preview the wildcard round and finals, and tackle the huge stories already shaping the AFL off-season.

We discuss Mark McVeigh taking over at Essendon, James Hird missing out on a return, and what the Bombers must change after another disappointing season.

With the wildcard match-ups locked in, we examine the biggest finals questions: Did Collingwood make the right call playing Scott Pendlebury late in the season? What does the future hold for one of the greatest Magpies ever? Should finals be played at Marvel Stadium? And which teams are looking vulnerable heading into September?

We also put the spotlight on rising star Logan Morris. How good can he become—and is he already the AFL’s best young forward?

Plus, Zak Butters and Ben King have informed their clubs of their decisions to leave, setting up a massive player-movement period. Where could they land, and what would their departures mean for Port Adelaide and the Suns?

Finally, we discuss the troubled “Swans Five.” Will they play for Sydney again? Would rival clubs take a chance on them? And what does the situation mean for the club’s culture and supporters?

All that and more on a massive episode of Between The Sticks!

Round 23 of the 2026 AFL season delivered one of the wildest weekends of the year, featuring two draws, major finals implications, off-field controversy and growing questions surrounding some of the AFL’s biggest decisions.

We begin with the serious allegations involving Sydney players that emerged following the round. We carefully discuss the developing story, the wider conversation surrounding it and what may happen next as the matter unfolds.

On the field, Carlton secured a crucial draw, while Collingwood’s youngsters battled Hawthorn to another stalemate—the second draw between the two clubs this season. What do these results mean for the finals race, and should the AFL reconsider how drawn games are handled?

We also debate whether the AFL should have a say in clubs resting players ahead of finals. Should clubs have complete control over team selection, or is intervention justified when competitive integrity and betting implications are involved?

With one round remaining, we break down the Top 10, the possible finals scenarios and where each contender could finish. We also question the decision to select the All-Australian team before Round 24 has been completed and whether doing so undermines the credibility of one of the game’s biggest individual honours.

Finally, we recognise premiership stars Steele Sidebottom, Dion Prestia and Tom McDonald as they prepare to call time on their AFL careers, reflecting on their achievements and impact on the game.

Round 22 delivered controversy, huge upsets, major finals implications and one of the biggest potential player moves of the year.

We unpack the developing concussion controversy surrounding Geelong’s Jake Kolodjashnij and discuss what it means for the Cats and the AFL’s handling of concussion.

Could Zak Butters really become a Magpie? With Collingwood reportedly preparing a monster eight-year deal worth $1.8 million per season, we break down what Butters would bring to the Pies and whether they could make the move work.

We also review Melbourne’s massive performance, put the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda under the microscope, and name our Flop Team of the round.

Plus, Stay or Go returns! We decide the futures of some of the AFL’s biggest names, including Zak Butters, Zach Merrett, Lachie Neale, Jacob Weitering, Toby Greene, Ben King, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and more.

This week on Between The Sticks, we unpack a massive Round 21 as Carlton stun reigning premiers Brisbane, Geelong re-emerge as genuine premiership contenders, and the race for September heats up.

We also discuss player pay during personal or mental health leave, whether the AFL is doing enough to support Indigenous players and players from disadvantaged backgrounds, and finish with our annual Ladder Predictor—forecasting the final top eight and finals match-ups.

This week on Between The Sticks, we unpack all the fallout from Round 20. We discuss Collingwood’s dominant win over Adelaide, the Christian Petracca–Leo Lombard incident, Fremantle’s growing premiership credentials and why the GWS Giants have fallen short of expectations in 2026.

Are the Dockers now the team to beat? Have the Giants wasted another season? Tune in for our full Round 20 review.

Round 19 delivered huge upsets, rivalry drama and a major coaching announcement. We unpack Essendon’s shock win over GWS, Collingwood’s latest victory over Carlton, Ken Hinkley’s appointment as Tasmania’s inaugural coach, Adelaide’s premiership credentials and St Kilda’s fading finals hopes. Are the Bombers turning a corner, can the Crows contend, and where do the struggling Saints go from here?

Round 18 delivered controversy, injuries and major talking points that could shape the rest of the 2026 AFL season.

We unpack the AFL’s umpiring inconsistency, confusion around the Stand Rule and dangerous tackles, and whether the game has become too difficult to officiate.

We also discuss Damien Hardwick’s emotional post-match comments, Gold Coast’s fading season, GWS’ frustrating inconsistency, Geelong’s alarming form slump and the season-ending injury to Zak Butters.

Are the Giants genuine contenders? Can Geelong still make finals? And have we seen Butters play his final game for Port Adelaide?

ound 16 of the AFL season delivered huge talking points, ladder movement, and major off-field drama!! While the Socceroos continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a massive Round of 32 clash, we preview their knockout match vs Egypt. We also discuss what the possibilities of Australia hosting a WORLD CUP in the middle of the AFL season and what that could look like? THE BLUES ARE BACK!! Are Carlton genuine premiership contenders in the back half of the 2026 AFL season or is this just a beginner coaches luck?? Are Brisbane back to the top of premiership contention?? We have a look at Showdown 60 from the weekend and how Adelaide’s midfield concerns are now progressing past the point of just being ignored. PLUS the AFL drop another Fixture bombshell during the World Cup with many head turning ideas and suggestions presented in their newest bid to re-shuffle and change the structure of the fixture for 2028 and beyond!

Round 13 of the AFL season brought huge performances, big questions, and plenty of debate.

This week on Between The Sticks, we break down Kozzy Pickett’s incredible King’s Birthday display after he lit up the MCG, claimed Best on Ground honours, and helped lead Melbourne to a massive win over Collingwood. Is Kozzy the most exciting player in the AFL right now?

We also look at Collingwood’s future as injuries, form concerns, and an ageing core raise questions about whether the Pies can still contend, or if a rebuild is starting to creep closer.

The boys also debate Hawthorn’s confidence. Are the Hawks simply playing with swagger, or are they starting to cross the line into arrogance?

Plus, we unpack St Kilda’s latest close-game collapse, discuss whether pressure should be building on the Saints, and finish with some Rapid Fire Questions covering all things AFL and what the 2026 season could look like.

Round 12 delivered massive storylines, coaching speculation and some of the biggest debates of the AFL season so far.

This week on Between The Sticks, the boys break down Carlton’s resurgence, Collingwood’s concerns, Essendon’s coaching future and the ongoing debate around AFL rules and umpiring.

We ask:

Who should be Essendon’s next coach? Should James Hird return, or do the Bombers need a fresh start?

Should Ross Lyon and St Kilda be under more pressure?

Are Carlton officially back? After a huge win over Geelong under Josh Fraser, are the Blues a genuine finals threat or just enjoying a new coach bounce?

Are Collingwood in trouble? With injuries mounting and Nick Daicos carrying a heavy load, can the Pies still contend or is a rebuild coming?

Plus, we debate what is hurting the game more: the rule book or the umpires?