In The Ball Park

This week, Sam and Michael fire up over the AFL’s controversial tackle bans as Paul Curtis cops three weeks, sparking backlash across the footy world. They also break down Jamara Ugle-Hagan’s leave from the Bulldogs, the strange saga of Kane Cornes getting banned by North Melbourne, and the wild $28,000 Uber Eats admission by Jayden Stephenson. Plus, Carlton’s giant win over Geelong, tipping upsets, a spicy Q-Clash preview, and the boys debate whether Melbourne should be on upset alert against West Coast. All that and more in another bumper round of footy chat from In The Ball Park.

This week, Sam and Michael dive into the emotion and energy of Anzac Round, reflecting on the significance of the day and previewing the blockbuster Collingwood vs Essendon Anzac Day clash at the ‘G. They unpack Melbourne's messy form, Richmond’s curfew conundrum, and the SCG’s sandpit surface. Plus predictions for every Round 7 game— Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Lest we forget. 🌺

The AFL season continues to heat up with a thrilling Round 6 ahead, and Sam and Michael are back to break down all the key matchups. They kick things off with a recap of a massive weekend, including Sam’s experience at Adelaide's Gather Round, which has quickly become a new tradition.

The duo dive into the drama surrounding Richmond’s controversial selection of Noah Balta, despite ongoing legal proceedings, and explore the implications for the AFL’s image. They also preview the Good Friday Superclash between North Melbourne and Carlton, discussing the stakes for both teams and the pressure on the Blues to keep their momentum going.

Plus, don’t miss their thoughts on Collingwood’s dominant victory at the Gabba and what that means for the rest of their season. From matchups at Marvel Stadium to emotional battles for AFL coaches, Sam and Michael have all the inside info on what to watch this weekend. Can the Giants continue their rise? Will Fremantle capitalize on Melbourne’s struggles? And who will come out on top in the Easter Monday clash between Geelong and Hawthorn?

This week on In The Ball Park, Sam is LIVE  from the road to Gather Round while Michael calls in from San Diego. We break down Geelong’s comeback win, the high-stakes Carlton vs West Coast clash, and Ross Lyon’s Saints on the rise. We also chat AFL 26’s upcoming release, a bizarre incident involving a loaded gun at the MCG, and Christian Petracca showing real emotion in a brutal loss. Plus, we preview every game of Round 5 – from footy in the vines to the fiery Port vs Hawthorn grudge match.

(Apologies there’s a loss of Sam’s audio midway through the ep)

Footy is heating up as Melbourne cools down and already the pressure cooker is on high for multiple clubs including the Demons, Blues and the Power. Round 4 is full of big headlines as Sam and Michael delve into the Melbourne Football Clubs attendance struggles, and the ongoing debate about Marvel Stadium’s roof. Plus, the October finals proposal—should the AFL break tradition? 

The duo preview the blockbuster Collingwood vs. Carlton, one of footy's fiercest rivalries, and break down key matchups like Geelong vs. Melbourne and Gold Coast vs. Adelaide. Can the Demons bounce back? Are the Gold Coast Suns legit contenders? Will Carlton turn its early season blues around? And which teams are already facing make-or-break moments? 

And we remember Andrew Krakouer, who sadly passed at 42. 

Harley Reid’s middle finger sparked debate, but where does it rank among classic player vs. crowd moments? Plus, the Roos finally notch a win, Brisbane’s new stadium plans, and Ross Lyon’s latest bizarre inspiration. Sam Menhenent and Michael Serpell break down Thursday night’s footy and look ahead to the rest of Round 3.

Round 1 delivered everything—high scores, shock results, and some truly bizarre moments. Hot nights, rain-soaked clashes, and even windshield wipers on the MCG scoreboard?!

Sam Menhennet and Michael Serpell break down all the action, from Carlton’s stunning collapse to Collingwood’s big response. Plus, tribunal drama, the 666 rule debate, and a massive Round 2 ahead—can the Blues bounce back? Will Port respond after their shocker? And do the Bombers have what it takes to stop the Crows?

Big Calls, Big Scoreboards, Bigger Lizards

The real footy season starts now! After last week’s opening round teaser, Round 1 brings back the full nine-game slate, and it’s set to be a scorcher—literally.

Sam Menhennet and Michael Serpell dive into all the matchups, from the traditional season opener at the ‘G to a blockbuster Friday night rivalry and a grand final rematch with a twist. Plus, Sam Menhennet and Michael Serpell chat about the new AFL scoreboards, the Gold Coast Suns’ questionable rebrand, and whether the Pies should be panicking already.

Strap in—Footy’s well and truly back!

The 2025 AFL season is finally here… well, mostly. With Cyclone Albert causing game postponements, the season is already off to a chaotic start!

Sam Menhennet and Michael Serpell break down their bold predictions for the year ahead—who’s rising, who’s sliding, potential top fours, the Fox vs Seven broadcast battle, and of course, some classic Blues vs Bombers banter.

Strap in—it’s going to be a wild season!

Our guest Jose Gonzalez, is an outfielder and first baseman for the High Wheelers originally from Spring, Texas, who played a pivotal role in the High Wheelers' Championship-winning inaugural season in the Pioneer Baseball League. 

Gonzalez was a key figure in the team's success, consistently delivering in clutch moments. In this episode, he sits down with Michael to discuss the season leading up to that point, fresh off a gruelling three-and-a-half-week road trip that positioned the High Wheelers in the playoff race.

Jose shares his journey into baseball, from his standout college years to his time in the MLB Draft League and playing in Mexico. His consistency was remarkable, posting near-identical stats in both his junior and senior seasons. In 2023, he made his professional debut with the Williamsport Crosscutters, ranking in the top 5 for home runs in the MLB Draft League. During the High Wheelers inaugural season he had over 100 hits and led the club in home runs. 

Tune in to hear about Jose's experiences, insights, and the journey that led him to become one of the rising stars of the High Wheelers and professional baseball.

#Baseball #JoseGonzalez #HighWheelers #PioneerLeague #MLBDraftLeague #TexasStateUniversity #NavarroCollege #SportsInterview