Australia tighten their grip on the Ashes, and the second test has shifted the series from intrigue to authority. Bazball, once the great disruptor, is now being labelled dead - exposed by pressure, preparation, and a growing gap between the two sides.

I sat down with Code Sports' Dan Cherny to unpack what this result really tells us. We break down why England’s fearlessness has faded, how over-training left them under-prepared, and why falling 2–0 behind is historically almost impossible to recover from.

We dig into the defining moments that separated the teams: Steve Smith’s calm control of the match, Australia’s ability to limit damage when things weren’t going their way, and why England’s worst periods continue to cost them Tests.

Dan also takes us deep on Mitchell Starc’s evolution - how he’s removed the bad balls from his game, why this is no longer high-risk, high-reward bowling, and why he’s now a deserved front-runner for Player of the Series.

Plus, we assess Joe Root’s long-awaited Australian hundred, what it means for England going forward, and whether this Ashes is already slipping beyond reach.

A sharp, honest review of where the series stands - and why the margin between Australia and England is wider than the scoreline suggests.

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In episode 229, Max chats with high-performance and leadership expert Damien Taylor! Damian takes us through through purpose, values, and what makes great teams tick. He breaks down why preparation builds confidence, how elite teams stay aligned under pressure, and the simple “hot wash” method he uses with leaders, athletes and organisations around the world.

We explore the biggest gaps in modern leadership - from the rise of AI and data to the decline of emotional intelligence - and why the best leaders can still read the room, stay calm in tension, and influence situations with consistency.

Damien opens up on his philosophy around purpose-driven performance, understanding yourself before you lead others, and the importance of curiosity, self-awareness and everyday learning.

Plus, we dive into the Zach Merrett situation at Essendon - how a captain walks back into a club after exploring a trade, rebuilding trust, and leading through honesty, actions and presence.

All this and much more in episode 229 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 228, Max chats with Western Bulldogs Assistant Coach Daniel Pratt! Daniel takes us through his coaching trip to the US - spending time with the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, Cavs, Detroit Lions and Tigers - who’s lit up the track so far, and what the Dogs need to do to become a premiership team.

We dive into his journey: starting out under Dani Laidley at North Melbourne, getting delisted and watching Brisbane win a flag from the sidelines, returning to North, and the brutality of Laidley’s coaching - being told you’re dropped on Monday, then by Friday you’re suddenly training in the A-team.

Daniel opens up on his transition into coaching, what stood out during Hawthorn’s golden era, the heartbreak he experienced at West Coast before the 2018 premiership, and takes us inside the coaches box as Dom Sheed kicked the match-winning goal.

Plus, we chat lessons from Luke Beveridge, the standards at the Bulldogs, his new company he’s started alongside Matt Spangher, Pocket Mentor, and the conception behind it.

All this and much more in episode 228 of Sporting Max!

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Pocket Mentor

https://www.pocket-mentor.com.au/

Australia takes a 1–0 lead in the Ashes, and the first Test in Perth had everything - chaos, brilliance, and a statement performance from Mitchell Starc that puts him within touching distance of Wasim Akram on the all-time list.

I sat down with former Australian Test spinner Bryce McGain to break down one of the most dramatic Ashes openers we’ve seen in years. We unpack Travis Head’s electric walkout, his game-changing innings, and why his mentality makes him a genuine long-term opening option.

Bryce also dives into the big questions around England’s attack - why Wood and Archer’s pace fell away, whether they can sustain it over five Tests, and the selection pressure now building on their squad.

We cover the tactical battle too: Steve Smith’s control of the game, the “defining moments” Australia seized, and how Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett flipped the match with discipline and patience.

Plus, Bryce shares insight on Usman Khawaja’s form lines, Josh Inglis pushing for selection, Pat Cummins’ pink-ball prep, and why the Gabba day-night Test is perfectly set up for another Mitchell Starc masterclass.

A huge wrap, a heap of insight - and a cracking chat ahead of an even bigger week in Brisbane.

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In episode 227, Max chats with Melbourne Stars GM Max Abbott! Max takes us through how the club managed to retain a core of superstars in Haris Rauf and Tom Curran, the strong start to the WBBL season, the greatness of Annabel Sutherland, and how committed Glenn Maxwell is to the success of the Stars.

He takes us inside the club’s mindset heading into BBL15 - the hunger to finally lift the trophy, and how continuity in their list year on year is crucial to building sustained success.

We also dive into how the Stars are capitalising on a huge summer of cricket with the Ashes!

All this and much more in episode 227 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 226, Max chats with West Coast Eagles High Performance Manager Phil Merriman! Phil takes us inside his move from Fremantle over the off-season, why West Coast is one of the most exciting young groups in the AFL, and what it actually looks like to develop a large cohort of emerging talent all at once.

From starting out in hockey, to being shaped by two of the best in the business - Andrew Russell and Darren Burgess - Phil shares the principles that underpin his philosophy today.

We unpack how he balances educating players without overloading them, and the challenges of working with athletes who absorb (and action) information in completely different ways.

Phil also opens up on a turning-point moment in his career - when Josh Carr told him:

“Remember, it’s your program. Take charge, or you’ll end up sacked.”

What followed was a period of “bloody hard work”, elite standards, and a development system that helped drive Fremantle’s young core forward.

Finally, Phil gives insight into the vision at West Coast from Andrew McQualter, John Worsfold and Gavin Bell, and the key boxes he wants to see ticked off this pre-season.

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All this and much more in episode 226 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 125, Max chats with West Coast Eagles Head of Development Jamie Maddocks! Jamie shares the expectations for the year ahead and what a successful 2026 looks like for the Eagles. We dive into the challenge of developing a large group of young players simultaneously, the role of storytelling in teaching high-performance habits, and why surrounding emerging talent with strong senior leaders is critical.

Jamie takes us through his journey - from Oakleigh and an injury-affected junior career, to rediscovering his passion for footy, the influence of Luke Beveridge, and the lead-up to the 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership.

We also unpack his move to West Coast, Andrew McQualter’s vision for the club’s future, and what’s driving the next phase of growth.

All this and much more in episode 225 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 224, Max chats with the CEO of PGA Australia Gavin Kirkman!

Gavin shares his journey from starting out in retail, to working at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, and eventually stepping into the role of CEO of PGA Australia.

We chat about the Australian PGA Championship, the upcoming Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, and the realities facing professional golf in Australia - from player sustainability to growing prize money and improving governance across the sport.

Gavin also reflects on the day he found out he was appointed CEO, the accomplishments he’s most proud of in his tenure so far, and what’s next for the game in Australia.

Plus, a surprise drop-in from golf legend Ian Baker-Finch!

All this and much more in episode 224 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 222, Max chats with Head of TGI Cricket Simon Auteri! Simon gives us a rare look inside the England camp, where he represents Head Coach Brendon McCullum, and shares the mindset that’s shaped England’s resurgence.

He also reflects on his journey - from learning the ropes in Andy Murray’s management team during the tennis star’s rise, to launching his own talent agency, and eventually combining forces with TGI Sport.

We dive into what it takes to build a talent agency from the ground up, how to earn an athlete’s trust, the key conversations that helped land McCullum the England role, and how Simon identifies the next wave of elite talent.

All this and much more in episode 222 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 222, Eddy Cornes jumped on for a huge chat breaking down the AFL Trade Period and the opening week of the NBA season.

We unpack the mechanics behind the failed Zach Merrett move to Hawthorn - Essendon’s media strategy, whether the Hawks should’ve given up more, and what it all means for both clubs.

Plus, we talk Clayton Oliver’s situation, Eddy’s concerns for GWS, and the growing noise around Zak Butters potentially moving out of SA next year.

Then we switch gears to the NBA: Is Wemby already on an MVP path? Can the Warriors contend with their current roster? Who’s our pick to win it all - and why does Eddy think the Lakers are only an 8-seed in the West?

Eddy also drops some hot takes: Cooper Flagg hype, Giannis for MVP, and… the Knicks to win the title?!

All this and much more in episode 222 of Sporting Max!

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