Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson and Bob Murphy celebrate Melbourne, who are set to play finals for the first time in more than a decade - but there are still some challenges ahead for the Dees. Also this week: our top-four predictions, the problems with free agency, how the Suns could help the Blues land a priority pick and much, much more.

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Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson and Bob Murphy talk the tricky team balance required for success in the AFL, the cultural problem at Melbourne, the teams who can beat Richmond to the flag and the off-field situation at St Kilda. All this plus what the AFL should do with the women's fixture in 2019, whispers about the ex-player who may have won big in Powerball and much, much more.

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Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Jimmy Bartel talk the Andrew Gaff hit, debate whether rule changes should be brought in next season, put the Saints under the microscope and identify the biggest threat to the Tigers this year. Plus, the top eight is shaping up and everything's coming up Hawthorn.

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There's heated debate in this week's episode of The Age Real Footy podcast as Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss a "shocking" week for the league. Plus, why Melbourne belong in the finals, the game-changer in the race for the flag, Sydney and Collingwood get set for the battle of the bruised and beaten at the SCG, Essendon's finals hopes hang in the balance and whispers about the umpiring department.

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Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall are joined by a special guest to discuss the fallout from Geelong's win over Melbourne, the Swans' woes and the upcoming blockbuster between Richmond and Collingwood. Plus, the likelihood of the Blues getting a priority pick, the new faces at Pies training and much more.

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This week on The Age Real Footy Podcast, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss the flaw in Richmond's game, whether the Eagles can win the flag without Nic Nat, the vulnerable Pies and the Giants' sneaky top-four chance.

Plus whispers about coaches, the Collingwood player who looks set to be let go at the end of the season and much more.

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"There are football losses, and there are political losses." This week, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Bob Murphy take a look at the under-fire Blues, including their coach, president and list manager. Plus: Collingwood are home and hosed for top four, the player dubbed the Rolls-Royce of football, Murphy's theory on the Demons and September, whispers about Ross Lyon's contract and more.

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This week Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall put the spotlight on the Demons, who have come crashing back to the bottom of the eight and despite many pre-season predictions, are no lock for September. Plus, Barry Hall's comments, Collingwood's "unbelievably good" week, trade whispers and much more.

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The fight for fourth spot is on - but who of the Pies, Cats, Dees, Roos or Power will win the battle come season's end? This week on The Age Real Footy Podcast Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson ponder that question, and they also wonder what kind of impact Jeremy Cameron's absense will have on the Gians finals hopes. Plus, are Essendon better off without Joe Danher and could Cripps and Curnow be to Carlton what Hodge and Mitchell were to Hawthorn? 

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Richmond haven't lost in 16 consecutive games at the MCG. They look unbeatable there, and if that's the case back-to-back premierships are a lock. But our Real Footy Podcast crew of Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Jimmy Bartel reckon there might be a couple of teams that could test them there. Plus, could Carlton get both McGoverns to the club, how do the Saints move forward after 'The Miracle at Metricon' and have we been too easy on the Bulldogs?

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