In episode 231, Max chats with Hawthorn Head of Football Strategy and Projects Matt Spangher! Matt takes us inside his decision to leave the Western Bulldogs, who’s stood out on the track at Hawthorn so far, the standards he’s helping set, and what it really takes to build a team capable of competing for a premiership.

We also dive into Matt’s journey: starting out at West Coast, navigating the highs and lows of being delisted, winning a flag with Hawthorn during their golden era, and transitioning into coaching. He shares the moment Alistair Clarkson told him he was playing in the 2014 Grand Final after a tough prelim - and the key message he took away: enjoy the week, wrap your head around it, and play with confidence.

Matt opens up on his coaching philosophy at the Bulldogs, how he develops young talent while maintaining elite standards, and the behind-the-scenes work required to help a team reach its potential. Plus, he talks about his new venture with Daniel Pratt, Pocket Mentor, and the thinking behind it.

All this and much more in episode 231 of Sporting Max!

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Pocket Mentor

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

In episode 230, Max sits down with former Carlton General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd! Brad takes us through what it’s really like running an AFL club at the highest level - from the inside.

We unpack Carlton’s rise to a preliminary final, the expectations that followed, and how quickly momentum - and perception - can shift in football. Brad opens up on his departure from the Blues, the surreal airport press conference prior to his exit, and what it feels like facing the media when the spotlight is at its brightest.

We dive deep into list management and leadership: how clubs assess risk, when to strike on big calls, and why trading future picks can be both a necessity and a gamble. Brad shares insight into working under Brian Cook, the standards required at an elite club, and how decision-making changes once you’re no longer in the building.

On a personal level, Brad reflects on his own journey - growing up in Avondale Heights, fighting for opportunities as a player, transitioning into football administration, and the pride he felt watching his brother Matthew Lloyd carve out an iconic career.

We also touch on how quickly things move in football, the realities of modern AFL governance, and why clarity and conviction matter more than ever under pressure.

A grounded, insightful look at leadership, power, and performance inside one of football’s most demanding environments.

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Australia are 2–0 up in the Ashes and heading to Adelaide in a position of real authority while England are left searching for answers as Bazball comes under its heaviest scrutiny yet.

I sat down with cricket writer and broadcaster Peter Lalor to unpack where the series is really at. We break down Joe Root’s long-awaited century in Australia, why it mattered, and how he’s quietly become the standard-bearer for what Bazball 2.0 might look like.

We dive deep into England’s identity crisis: why Bazball can’t simply be abandoned, the growing tension between Brendon McCullum’s messaging and Ben Stokes’ on-field actions, and how falling 2–0 behind leaves almost no margin for error.

On the Australian side, we explore why Mitchell Starc is producing some of the best fast bowling of his career - not through chaos, but control - and why he now belongs firmly in the conversation among the greats.

We also cover the defining moments that have shaped the series so far: Steve Smith’s influence as captain, Alex Carey’s fearless wicketkeeping masterclass, and why Australia’s ability to limit damage continues to separate the two teams.

Plus, Peter shares his thoughts on England’s pace attack, Adelaide’s conditions, selection dilemmas on both sides, and why the third Test looms as a must-win for England in every sense.

A sharp, honest assessment of a series swinging fast - and a fascinating look at how philosophy, pressure, and performance collide at the highest level.

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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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