The Peter McDonald Premiership finals are heating up, and this week we’re getting the view from the other side.

Dixie Crawford and Macquarie Raiders First Grade Coach Ant Egan-Smith are joined by Mudgee Dragons’ Luke Moody for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the competition’s benchmark teams and what it takes to win at this time of year.

Luke takes us through his rugby league journey from Nyngan to Cobar and eventually Mudgee, before unpacking the Dragons’ outstanding 2026 season, their attacking dominance, the importance of fitness, depth and club culture, and the lessons they’ve carried into this finals campaign.

The trio also break down Mudgee’s finals loss to Macquarie, why that result may ultimately make the Dragons more dangerous, and the adjustments Mudgee made before bouncing back against Orange CYMS. With Forbes now standing between Mudgee and a Grand Final appearance, Luke gives an insight into the physical battle he expects this weekend.

And, of course, attention turns to Macquarie and a massive Dubbo derby as the Raiders continue their own finals campaign.

Three people who love country rugby league, plenty of opinions, a few statistics, a bit of friendly fire and a finals series where absolutely nothing is guaranteed.

Macquarie Raiders First Grade coach Ant Egan joins Dixie to break down a huge opening week of finals, including Macquarie’s 22–8 win over minor premiers Mudgee and Reserve Grade’s commanding 24–6 performance against Dubbo CYMS.

But this episode goes beyond the scoreboard.

Ant breaks down what coaches really mean by “winning the middle”, the importance of post-contact metres and ruck speed, managing scoreboard pressure, defensive decision-making under fatigue and why finals football rewards teams that can stay composed and execute under pressure.

We also review Forbes’ win over Dubbo CYMS and preview the Week Two clashes as the competition moves into sudden-death territory.

The pressure is building. The margins are getting smaller. Welcome to finals footy.

In Episode 6 of the Mac Raiders Podcast, Dixie sits down with Raidettes League Tag coach Kaitlyn Mason for a conversation about footy, leadership, culture and the journey from player to coach.

A proud Yuwaalaraay woman from Goodooga, Kaitlyn has spent much of her life around rugby league. After a significant knee injury changed the direction of her playing career, she turned her attention to coaching and discovered just how much she had to offer the game.

Kaitlyn shares her approach to leadership, the importance of trust, consistency and honest communication, and why developing good people matters just as much as developing good footballers.

They also explore the growth of the women’s game, the importance of rugby league in First Nations communities, creating stronger pathways for young women in Western NSW, and Kaitlyn’s ambition to take her coaching career to the highest level.

It’s a conversation about backing yourself, creating opportunities and building teams that are connected well beyond the scoreboard.

Finals footy is here.

In this episode of the Macquarie Raiders Podcast, Dixie sits down with First Grade co-coach Ant Egan-Smith to reflect on the closing rounds of the 2026 season and look ahead to the Raiders’ finals campaign.

Ant shares his perspective on how the squad has evolved throughout the year, why the playing group has started to find its identity, and the leadership, competitiveness and genuine connection driving the team.

They revisit an emotional Round 13 honouring Perry Meredith, the performances against Dubbo Cyms, Orange Hawks and Parkes and the moments that have demonstrated what this playing group is becoming.

Then it’s all eyes on finals as Ant breaks down the challenge ahead, why the Raiders won’t change their approach and what it will take to compete with the best.

The season has built to this. Now it’s time for finals footy. 

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Matt Lane: Part Two | Building the 2026 Raiders

In Part Two of our conversation with First Grade Coach Matt Lane, we turn our attention to the Macquarie Raiders’ 2026 season and the work happening behind the results.

Matt takes us inside the evolution of a team still discovering exactly what it is capable of.

From a challenging opening few rounds and tough selection decisions, to gutsy road wins, major setbacks and performances that started to shift the belief within the group, we unpack the moments that have shaped the Raiders’ season so far.

Matt talks candidly about raising standards, building combinations, finding the team’s football identity and creating a culture where effort, character and that doing your job for the person beside you matters.

We also break down some of the players making their mark, the emergence of Macquarie’s next generation and why Matt believes this team’s best football is still ahead of them.

Three rounds remained when we recorded this conversation.

The equation was simple: keep turning up, keep improving and keep believing.

What makes someone dedicate nearly two decades to one football club?

In Part One of this conversation, Macquarie Raiders First Grade Coach Matt Lane reflects on the journey that brought him to Dubbo, the people who influenced him, and why he's remained committed to the blue and white since 2008. From premiership memories and coaching philosophy to developing young players and protecting club culture, Matt shares the values that continue to shape the Macquarie Raiders today. He also opens up about leadership, legacy, family, ANZAC Day, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the jersey.

Whether you're a Raiders supporter, a rugby league fan, or simply interested in leadership and community, this episode offers an honest insight into the people behind the club and why the Macquarie Raiders are more than just a football team—they're a family. 

The Dubbo Macquarie Raiders league tag team reveals the secret to their resilience, community and success delivering an inspiring blueprint for any young woman aiming high. In a season full of change, the club’s league tag side reflects on their journey from juniors to seniors, the growth of the team and the lessons that came from tough losses and unexpected challenges. Host Dixie Crawford speaks with Makayla and Taylah about their history with the club, the culture that keeps them coming back, and the standards set by coach Kaitlyn Mason. With a possible three-peat still on the line, this episode shows how hard work, unity, and belief can turn an underdog season into something special. If you love stories about leadership, sisterhood and chasing greatness together, this one’s for you. 

In this episode, Jarryd Meredith, President of the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders, for a conversation that goes well beyond the scoreboard.

Jarryd talks us through all-grade updates, the culture the club is building, its growth and aspirations, the leadership of the coaches, and the players shaping the Raiders this season in 2026. But the heart of this episode is bigger than footy Jarryd opens up about why speaking honestly about mental health and shares the story of his brother Perry, who took his own life.

That's what makes Round 13 so special. This round the Raiders honour Perry's life and the legacy he leaves with the club, including a player of the match awarded in his name.

A powerful yarn about a footy club that shows up for each other. If any of it hits home, please reach out to someone. If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline (13 11 14) and 13YARN (13 92 76) are available 24/7.