Even before Free Agency opened, trade talk went into overdrive. But forget the couldas, shouldas and wouldas - here's why West Coast must stick fat with the #1 selection and resist the urge to split the pick. Plus why the Bulldogs' new 8-year contract for Aaron Naugjton reveals they either have no list management plan or are secretly trying to revolutionise the game.

They were the best team all year, but what did Craig McRae do to unlock his side's potential? His champion team was greater than the sum of its parts. Yet their ability to adjust to their opponents game plans and systems throughout the year, as well as playing to their own strengths is now rewarded with a premiership. What does this mean for McRae's legacy? Conversely, does this mean Chris Fagan will forever be seen as a 'bridesmaid', depsite taking significant steps with his squad towards the ultimate success?

Plus, you can moan all you want about North Melbourne's compensation picks, but what should the Kangas actually do with them? Adam sends a few thoughts their way.

So the season comes down to this: Collingwood and Brisbane in the Grand Final to decide the 2023 AFL season. The boys try and find an angle to separate the #1 and #2 sides of the season. What will history say about either victory, how will they achieve it and, more importantly, who will be proven right?

Plus where to for the Preliminary finalists Carlton and GWS, and with the Brownlow about to be handed out, the boys hand out some of their own awards.

Ouch! For the second season in a row, Melbourne has wasted a top four finish and failed to win a final. While Port Adelaide's 13-match winning streak propelled the Power to a double chance, both were blown before the Prelims.

Where does this leave Melbourne and its hopes for a dynasty, and after 11-years at the helm, Adam ponders what will it take for change at the top at Alberton? Is it a player revolt? Because the current results don't appear to hold sway with the club's hierarchy.

Plus is there any room left on the Blues Bandwagon? The boys predict there'll be plenty when it returns from Brisbane. And are the Giants now a genuine threat of upsetting the Pies at the G in front of 90,000? They've shown no fear so far in the finals.

All the favourites may have taken the chocolates in the first week of the finals but that only adds to the intrigue of where we're heading on the final Saturday in Septembe.

Are there really on two major contenders? Adam argues Collingwood are in the box seat but look vulnerable, but it is hard to argue against Brisbane throwing down the hammer and potentially premiership favouritism.

Plus, based on what we saw this year, where will Sydney and St Kilda end up in 2024, and what do they need to exceed their current standing?

Finals footy is almost upon us and is there a clear favourite?

In this pod, Adam and Joe sit down to cast their eye over the top four prospects and the wildcard that's in the pack.

Adam and Joe burn the midnight oil to crown an inaugural MVP.

Plus where to for Essendon and the Western Bulldgos; have Collingwood stabilised, how much damage can the Giants deal in the finals; and do we believe in Melbourne yet?

It's the non-review that has reverberated around the league. The Crows season brought to a sudden and abrupt end with a goal umpire's call that was wrong. Where to for the Crows which outperformed some of the best teams in the competiiton in 2023 but won't play finals?

And so too the Western Bulldogs who are danlging by a spider's thread? Has Luke Beveridge been given too much leeway? Yes, he's won a premiership. Yes, he's made a subsequent Grand Final... but why can't he get his team to finish in the top four, or, frankly, play consistently?

Plus the Premiers' back-to-back campaign is over. Is their dynasty also done?

As Season 2023 continues its topsy-turvy nature, the boys ask the question - can the real MVP please stand up: Is it Marcus Bontempelli Zak Butters or other?

Plus which of the top four teams has the better form line, and why is Brisbane's carry the least confidence?

And what to Gold Coast need to make the finals next year? Would Damian Hardwick bring that with him if he walked in the door?

We thought it was nerves at first, not the alarm bells are going off for the topw four teams. What's brought on the Collywobbles; Can Melbourne kick a winning score; how sore is Port and does Brisbane lack a killer instinct?