The Aussie Game Podcast

The Aussie Game Podcast

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The Aussie Game Podcast episodes

  • #118 - The top 5 uncapped Socceroos who deserve a chance plus a huge Australian football round up

    With another Socceroos squad announcement approaching, we debate which uncapped players deserve a call-up for the November window. We reveal our top five picks and share the fans’ opinions.

    We also break down the Joeys squad for the upcoming U17 World Cup, catch up with our Aussies overseas, review the latest A-League and Australian Championship action, and finish with our Team of the Week.

    Key Talking Points1. Top Five Uncapped Socceroos

    Who deserves a chance in Tony Popovic’s next squad?

    Chiefs’ picks:

    • Kasey Bos
    • Zac Sapsford
    • Yaya Dukuly
    • Kealey Adamson
    • Eli Adams

    Moppa’s picks:

    • Kasey Bos
    • Kealey Adamson
    • Daniel Bennie
    • Jed Drew
    • Zac Sapsford
    2. Joeys World Cup Squad Announced
    • Australia’s squad is confirmed for the expanded 48-team U17 World Cup.
    • Six A-League players have already made their professional debuts, including Akol Akon.
    • Four overseas-based players feature in the squad.
    • We profile the overseas contingent and look at the club representation across the squad.
    • Denmark, Argentina and Mozambique provide an interesting challenge in the tournament.
    • Australia finished 24th at the U15 World Cup.
    3. Aussies Overseas

    Our regular international wrap covers the latest performances from Australian players across the globe.

    Highlights include:

    • England: Harry Souttar’s impressive performances for Leicester, Kealey Adamson’s full game for QPR and Zac Sapsford continuing his big-game scoring against Celtic.
    • Women's Champions League: Ellie Carpenter scores off the bench for Chelsea, while Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross help Arsenal to victory over Benfica.
    • Women's Europa Cup: Hayley Raso opens the scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt.
    • Scotland: Zac Sapsford scores against Celtic, while Ryan Strain provides a crucial assist for Falkirk.
    • Japan: Kusini Yengi comes off the bench to provide an assist for Sanfrecce.
    • Norway: Gianni Stensness features in a dramatic 3-2 result between Bodo/Glimt and Viking.
    • USA: Patrick Yazbek returns to a full 90 minutes for Nashville.

    Plus, updates from Germany, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Slovenia, Czechia, Sweden, Croatia and France.

    4. A-League Men
    • Are Wellington Phoenix emerging as favourites heading into the NZ derby after a clinical 3-0 win over Newcastle?
    • The Jets struggle with the demands of competing across two competitions.
    • Macarthur and Western Sydney share an entertaining goalless draw.
    • Melbourne City secure a much-needed comeback win.
    • Brisbane Roar need a late equaliser against Auckland FC.
    • Melbourne Victory and Central Coast remain winless after three games.
    • Adelaide United suffer a heavy defeat to Perth Glory following their midweek ACL2 loss.
    5. Australian Championship

    A look at all four groups and the latest results:

    • Group A: South Melbourne continue their strong form, while Sydney United grab a late winner.
    • Group B: Broadmeadow Magic remain top, and APIA Leichhardt celebrate their return to Lambert Park with a big comeback win.
    • Group C: Sydney Olympic pick up a much-needed victory, while Oakleigh Cannons win the penalty shootout against Bayswater.
    • Group D: Lions FC defeat Wollongong Wolves, while Preston Lions move into top spot.

    We also look ahead to the crucial Group D clash between Wollongong and Preston.

    6. A-League Women
    • Talia Kapetanellis and Central Coast Mariners continue their impressive starts.
    • Sydney FC record their first win of the season.
    • Brisbane remain without a point.
    • Milly Bennett shines for Western Sydney with a goal and an assist.
    • Melbourne Victory defeat Newcastle 1-0.
    Team of the Week

    Goalkeeper

    • Alex Robinson

    Defenders

    • Ellie Carpenter
    • Harry Souttar
    • Laura Pickett
    • Lucas Mauragis

    Midfielders

    • Liam Rose
    • Noah Maieroni
    • Jordi Valadon

    Forwards

    • Michael Ruhs
    • Zac Sapsford
    • Talia Kapetanellis

    All this and more on the Aussie Game Podcast — your weekly wrap of Australian football, the A-Leagues, the Matildas and Aussies making waves around the world.

    #AussieGamePodcast #ALeague #Matildas #Socceroos #AussiesAbroad #AustralianFootball #ACL

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    1 hr 13 min
  • #117 - Akol Akon available to play in World Cup & Socceroos son's eligibility decision
    Headlines & Australians Abroad

    • Club versus country: Sydney FC reverse their decision on Akol Akon’s Joeys availability, while Noa Skoko’s international future remains up in the air.
    • Nestory Irankunda impresses in Europe, Gianni Stensness attracts transfer interest, and Alessandro Circati, Ya Ya Dukuly and Daniel Arzani feature in European competition.
    • Riley McGree delivers two assists for Middlesbrough, Thomas Waddingham scores for Portsmouth, and Zac Sapsford nets a winner for Dundee United.
    • John Iredale scores twice to take his tally to seven goals in five games. Is a Socceroos recall on the cards?
    • Matildas shine overseas, with Caitlin Foord starring in Arsenal’s derby win. Marco Tilio scores in Austria, Kusini Yengi debuts in Japan, and Kevin Muscat’s Shanghai Port extend their unbeaten run.
    A-League Men
    • Wellington Phoenix top the table after two wins. Are the Wanderers genuine contenders?
    • Scheduling, fixture gaps and hot-weather kick-offs come under scrutiny.
    • Sydney FC beat Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar open with a win, and Perth Glory face early pressure after two defeats.
    • Nam Tae-hee produces a moment of magic, while the Melbourne derby ends with both sides still winless.
    Australian Championship
    • South Melbourne win on penalties against Sydney United, while Sutherland Sharks claim their first victory.
    • Broadmeadow Magic stun Avondale and APIA defeat Adelaide City.
    • Bayswater City maintain their perfect start, while Wollongong Wolves move top of Group D.
    A-League Women
    • Can the in-form Central Coast Mariners mount a title challenge?
    • Talia Younis turns 18, with overseas opportunities potentially on the horizon.
    Junior Matildas – U17 World Cup
    • Australia draw 1–1 with Chile before losing 3–1 to Spain.
    • A must-win clash against Mexico awaits as the Junior Matildas fight to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
    Team of the Week

    Noah James; Ryan Strain, Willa Pearson, Alessandro Circati, Danika Matos; Rhys Youlley, Dylan Scicluna, Riley McGree, Caitlin Foord; John Iredale, Thomas Waddingham.

    All this and more on the Aussie Game Podcast — your weekly wrap of Australian football, the A-Leagues, the Matildas and Aussies making waves around the world.

    #AussieGamePodcast #ALeague #Matildas #Socceroos #AussiesAbroad #AustralianFootball #ACL

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    1 hr 23 min
  • #116 - A-League Returns, Aussies Abroad & Matildas Run Riot!

    Football is back in full swing! This week on the Aussie Game Podcast, we cover a huge week of Australian football, from Aussies starring in Europe and Asia to the return of the A-League Men and Women, a dominant Matildas performance and a dramatic opening round of the Australian Championship.

    Aussies Abroad Younes Ibrahim makes his mark for Brighton with a European assist, Nestory Irankunda continues his impressive form, Gianni Stensness shines against Bayern Munich, and Amy Sayer scores a winner in Sweden. We also cover Eli Adams’ starring performance against Newcastle Jets in the AFC Champions League Elite, plus the latest from Riley McGree, Alex Robertson, Garang Kuol and plenty more Aussies overseas.

    A-League Men: Derby Drama & Late Comebacks A crowd of 30,103 watches the Sydney Derby finish goalless, while the Bulls snatch a dramatic late win over Perth Glory. Auckland FC get their title defence off to a flying start, the F3 Derby delivers penalties and drama, and Wellington Phoenix stun Melbourne Victory at the Cake Tin.

    A-League Women: Young Stars Shine The Central Coast Mariners put Brisbane Roar to the sword, Alana Jancevski delivers a stunning free kick for Melbourne Victory, and the opening round brings goals, late drama and plenty of promise from the next generation. Sydney FC and Adelaide United share the points in a 2–2 draw.

    Matildas Smash Haiti 7–1 The Matildas produce a dominant performance, with Leticia McKenna scoring twice and goals from Hayley Ford-Wheeler, Michelle Heyman’s fellow attacking teammates and promising young talent Daniela Galic adding to the excitement. We discuss what the coaching staff can take from the international window.

    Asian Football & ACL Action Adelaide United claim a 2–1 AFC Champions League Two win over BG Pathum United, while Australian coaches continue to make headlines across Asia. John Aloisi’s Chengdu Rongcheng close in on the Chinese Super League title, and Kevin Muscat’s Shanghai Port earn a draw in the ACL Elite.

    Australian Championship Kicks Off Four matches go to penalty shootouts as the new competition delivers drama from the outset. South Melbourne begin their title defence with a win, Bayswater City upset Marconi, and Oakleigh Cannons make a winning debut against Sydney Olympic.

    Team of the Week Paul Izzo, Daniel Wilmering, Gianni Stensness, Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Ryan Strain, Haine Eames, Noa Skoko, Amy Sayer, Skye Halmarick, Nestory Irankunda and Younes Ibrahim make our standout XI.

    All this and more on the Aussie Game Podcast — your weekly wrap of Australian football, the A-Leagues, the Matildas and Aussies making waves around the world.

    #AussieGamePodcast #ALeague #Matildas #Socceroos #AussiesAbroad #AustralianFootball #ACL

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    1 hr 8 min
  • #115 - 2026/27 Bumper A-League Men's Season Preview
    A-League Men’s 2026/27 Season Preview

    The new A-League Men’s season is here! We run through all 12 clubs, their off-season changes, biggest questions and chances of success, before revealing our predicted ladder and season awards.

    Club previews

    Adelaide United

    After a strong season and qualification for Asia, Adelaide must replace the goals and creativity of Luka Jovanovic and Yaya Dukuly while balancing domestic and continental football. Can they find enough firepower?

    Auckland FC

    The defending champions have a new manager in Pedro Moreira and significant departures to overcome. Can Sam Cosgrove and Francis De Vries lead another title challenge?

    Brisbane Roar

    After a promising start turned into a disappointing season, Brisbane face another rebuild. Can they improve their goal output and find consistency?

    Central Coast Mariners

    New owners, a new manager and new players bring plenty of change. Can John Hutchinson guide an inexperienced squad into the top six?

    Macarthur FC

    One of the hardest teams to predict after major squad changes and a new manager. Replacing Luke Brattan and Anthony Caceres will be crucial.

    Melbourne City

    Awer Mabil and Mads Marcondes add quality, but can City integrate their new signings and return to premiership contention?

    Melbourne Victory

    A new manager brings fresh possibilities, but losing Juan Mata and Nikos Vergos leaves questions in attack. Can the younger players step up?

    Newcastle Jets

    After winning the Premiers Plate and Australia Cup, Newcastle face the challenge of replacing six regular starters while competing in Asia. Can Mark Milligan repeat last season's success?

    Perth Glory

    Adam Griffiths begins his first full season in charge after significant player turnover. Will Calem Nieuwenhof and emerging midfielder Will Freney help Perth improve?

    Sydney FC

    With a strong defence and promising additions including Takahiro Sekine, Sydney look capable of challenging again. Can they replace key departures and find enough goals?

    Wellington Phoenix

    Conceding 48 goals cost Wellington last season, while the departures of Ifeanyi Eze and Carlo Armiento leave a hole in attack. Can they fix their defence and finally beat Auckland?

    Western Sydney Wanderers

    After a disastrous campaign at the bottom of the ladder, the Wanderers have recruited promising new players. Can they turn things around and become one of the season's biggest improvers?

    Who will rise, who will fall, and which predictions will look ridiculous by season's end? We break it all down in our 2026/27 A-League Men’s preview.

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    1 hr 15 min
  • #114 - South Melbourne make Australian football history with Australia Cup final win, plus Matildas lose to Germany

    South Melbourne have made Australian football history, defeating Melbourne Victory on penalties in a thrilling Australia Cup Final at AAMI Park. In front of a record crowd of 29,911, Sinisa Cohadzic’s side became the first NPL club to win the Australia Cup, capping off a remarkable turnaround for the historic club.

    On this week’s episode, we break down the historic final, South Melbourne’s incredible journey and what the triumph could mean for the club’s future in Australian football.

    We also discuss the Matildas’ 4–2 defeat to Germany, with Sam Kerr and Holly McNamara finding the net, while Ellie Carpenter and Kyra Cooney-Cross celebrate individual accolades. Plus, we cover Mary Fowler’s withdrawal from the Matildas squad, the upcoming Colombia friendly and the Junior Matildas’ preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

    Elsewhere, we catch up on the latest Australian football news from around the world, including standout performances, goals and injuries across the English leagues, Scotland, Europe, Asia, the MLS and beyond.

    In this episode:

    • Australia Cup Final: South Melbourne defeat Melbourne Victory on penalties to become the first NPL club to lift the trophy.
    • South Melbourne’s remarkable revival: Sinisa Cohadzic’s journey from relegation troubles to national silverware and Australian football history.
    • Matildas: Australia’s 4–2 loss to Germany, goals from Sam Kerr and Holly McNamara, and the latest squad news.
    • Matildas accolades: Ellie Carpenter wins PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year, while Kyra Cooney-Cross earns Arsenal’s Player of the Month for September.
    • Australian footballers abroad: The latest results, goals, assists and talking points from leagues across the globe.
    • Young guns: A look at emerging Australian talent, including goals from Miguel DiPizio and Akol Akon.
    • Team of the Week: Our standout performers from the latest round of action.

    From South Melbourne’s historic triumph to the Matildas and Australians making their mark overseas, we cover all the biggest stories in Australian football.

    Join our fantasy A-League league

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    59 min
  • #113 - The missed opportunity for the Socceroos against Brazil

    The Socceroos’ international window ends with a 4-2 defeat to Brazil, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. Australia led 2-1 at half-time through goals from Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe before Brazil fought back in the second half.

    We look at what the two-game Brazil series revealed about Tony Popovic’s Socceroos, including the decision to stick with an unchanged starting XI, the team’s ability to back up on a short turnaround, and what the results mean with the Asian Cup approaching.

    We also discuss:

    • Whether Australia should have rotated more against Brazil
    • What we learned about Popovic’s approach
    • The Socceroos’ likely Asian Cup XI
    • The wing-back situation and the striker question
    • The Olyroos’ 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic
    • The Joeys winning the U16 CFA Invitational in China
    • Australian players making an impact across Europe, Asia and the USA
    • Martin Boyle receiving a Hibernian testimonial year
    • Reports surrounding Graham Arnold’s future with Iraq
    • Our Team of the Week

    Reminder to share your thought on your A-League Men's club for our season preview:

    • Your team
    • Best player
    • Top goal scorer
    • Breakout star
    • Bold prediction

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    57 min
  • #112 Nestory Irankunda’s stunning freekick almost seals famous Socceroos win over Brazil

    The Socceroos produced one of their most encouraging performances in recent memory, pushing Brazil all the way in Townsville before conceding a heartbreaking late equaliser to finish 1-1.

    Nestory Irankunda’s world-class free kick was the headline moment, but this was a performance built on contributions across the pitch. From a more progressive approach in possession to a growing back three and an exciting group of attacking players, the Socceroos showed clear signs of evolution under Tony Popovic.

    The big question now: can Australia back it up against Brazil again in Brisbane on Tuesday?

    Matildas Squad Announced

    Joe Montemurro has named the Matildas squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Haiti, with three uncapped players included.

    Uncapped players
    • Courtney Newbon
    • Tori Tumeth
    • Hana Lowry

    Alanna Kennedy and Charlize Rule are unavailable through injury, while Kyra Cooney-Cross continues her return to football and will not join the squad.

    The squad also includes established Matildas such as Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley and Emily van Egmond.

    Australians Abroad: Club Football HighlightsEngland
    • Kyra Cooney-Cross starred for Arsenal, winning Player of the Match after creating the most chances and winning the most duels in a 1-0 Champions League win over HB Køge.
    • Mary Fowler came off the bench for Manchester City in their 2-2 comeback draw with Bayern Munich.
    • Four Australians featured as Charlton hosted Manchester City, with City winning 1-0. Fowler played the full match, while Emily van Egmond was forced off with a head injury.
    • Kaitlyn Torpey scored and assisted in Newcastle's 4-1 win over Sheffield United.
    • Ellie Carpenter created the most chances and helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 Champions League win over Austria Vienna.
    EFL Trophy / League One
    • Caleb Watts scored twice for Plymouth Argyle in their 5-1 win over Crystal Palace U21s in the EFL Trophy.
    • Jaylan Pearman played 90 minutes for Swindon in a 2-0 loss to Newport.
    • Hayden Matthews played the full match in Bradford's 2-1 win over Newcastle United U21s.
    • Clayton Taylor played 90 minutes for Barnsley in their 4-3 loss to Leeds U21s, while new signing Rylan Brownlie provided an assist off the bench.
    • Raphael Borges Rodrigues played the full match as Burton defeated Plymouth 1-0.
    League Two
    • Peter Cklamovski has Salford City unbeaten in five and up to seventh after a 4-1 win over Oldham.
    • Jaeden Majekodunmi played the full match as Swindon drew 1-1 with Accrington.
    Europe
    • Max Balard played 90 minutes in NAC Breda's 4-2 win over Eindhoven.
    • Josh Nisbet played 89 minutes in Roda JC's 2-0 win over RKC Waalwijk.
    • Gianni Stensness scored as Viking won 3-0 and moved top of the Norwegian league.
    • Jed Drew came off the bench to score and assist in Hartberg's 3-3 comeback draw.
    • Ella Tonkin played the full match in Torreense's 2-1 Women's Europa Cup victory.
    • Aivi Luik continues to feature strongly in Sweden, playing 72 minutes in a 6-0 win over Norrköping.
    • Daniela Galic opened the scoring in Vittsjö's 3-1 win over Kristianstad.
    USA
    • Sam Kerr scored and assisted in Gotham's 3-1 win over Chicago.
    • Mackenzie Arnold conceded a late equaliser as Washington drew 1-1.
    • Archie Goodwin started for Charlotte in their 1-0 loss to Chicago.
    • Luka Jovanovic came off the bench for 13 minutes in San Jose's 3-1 win over Portland.
    • Kye Rowles and DC United drew 3-3 with Vancouver to keep their playoff hopes alive.
    Transfer News

    Akol Akon has signed for Colorado Rapids in a club-record deal and will be loaned back to Sydney FC for the season.

    Junior Matildas Make History

    Michael Cooper has named the 21-player CommBank Junior Matildas squad for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026, where Australia will compete at the tournament for the first time.

    Group F fixtures

    Australia vs Chile — 20 October

    Spain vs Australia — 23 October

    Mexico vs Australia — 26 October

    Joeys

    The 2010-born Joeys opened their U16 CFA Invitational campaign in China with a 4-2 win over Vietnam.

    Zach Harrison scored twice, with Noah Hooper also finding the net.

    Australia Cup Final

    The Australia Cup final is building into one of the biggest games on the domestic football calendar.

    There's plenty at stake:

    • Asian Champions League Two implications
    • The battle for Melbourne
    • A-League versus the National Premier Leagues
    • The push for greater recognition of domestic football
    • One club chasing another major piece of silverware
    • The chance for one side to return to the top of the Australian football pyramid
    • The opportunity for the other to lift the Australia Cup for a third time

    With the final sold out, it's about much more than just the trophy.

    Team of the Week

    GK: Patrick Beach

    DEF: Kaitlyn Torpey, Lucas Herrington, Alessandro Circati, Ellie Carpenter

    MID: Paul Okon-Engstler, Kyra Cooney-Cross

    ATT: Nestory Irankunda, Jed Drew, Caleb Watts, Sam Kerr

    Coach: Peter Cklamovski

    Moppa's Super Sub: Daniela Galic

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    1 hr 4 min
  • #111 - Will Popovic actually play exciting young talent for the Socceroos?

    Tony Popovic has finally named his 26-player Socceroos squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil.

    The squad features 16 players retained from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, three recalls and seven potential debutants. There are plenty of familiar faces alongside exciting young talent, with Popovic continuing to give opportunities to players pushing for senior selection.

    With Mat Ryan absent, there are questions around the goalkeeping situation, while several players in strong club form will be hoping to make their mark against one of world football's biggest nations.

    Europa League

    Alessandro Circati made his European debut for Benfica at the San Siro against AC Milan, helping his side to a 2-0 win and clean sheet in a huge performance. Australian referee Jared Gillett also made his European competition debut in the match.

    Daniel Arzani scored a spectacular goal on his return to Celtic Park as Ferencváros defeated Celtic 3-1, while Yaya Dukuly started against Bayer Leverkusen.

    England

    Lucas Herrington made his Premier League starting debut, becoming the second-youngest Australian to start a Premier League match after Harry Kewell. He recorded 92% passing accuracy despite his side's 2-1 defeat.

    Alex Robertson continued his strong form for Cardiff City, creating the most chances and completing the most passes in a 3-1 win over Charlton.

    Riley McGree featured in back-to-back 2-2 draws for Middlesbrough, while Mohamed Toure came off the bench against Manchester City in the League Cup.

    Kealey Adamson impressed after coming off the bench early for QPR following a red card, helping his side fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

    In the Women's Super League, Mary Fowler helped Manchester City to a 4-2 win over Liverpool, while Steph Catley started for Arsenal against Manchester United as the Gunners rescued a late 1-1 draw. Ellie Carpenter played the full match in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Birmingham.

    Scotland

    Ryan Strain continued his excellent form for Falkirk, registering an assist in a 2-1 win over Hearts before another impressive performance against St Johnstone, where he created the most chances, completed the most passes and made the most tackles.

    Daniel Bennie assisted in Dundee United's 3-0 win over St Mirren, while Josh Rawlins played the full match.

    Jack Iredale and Martin Boyle featured for Hibernian, with Boyle scoring from the penalty spot.

    Europe

    Nestory Irankunda made his first start for Sporting CP, playing 57 minutes in a 2-2 draw.

    Jacob Italiano marked his return to the Socceroos squad with a goal for Grazer AK in a 2-2 draw with Austria Vienna.

    Marcus Younis continued his scoring form for Brøndby, finding the net in their cup victory.

    Dylan Leonard featured for Alemannia Aachen, while Hayley Raso played the second half in Eintracht Frankfurt's 3-2 win.

    In Sweden, Daniela Galic played 90 minutes for Vittsjo GIK, while Charli Grant started her fourth straight game for Malmö, with Amy Sayer and Courtney Nevin also featuring.

    Asia Champions League

    The Asian Champions League produced a mixed week for Australian players and coaches.

    Ange Postecoglou's side suffered a 4-0 defeat away to Al Ain, while Kevin Muscat's Shanghai Port came out on top in a remarkable 6-4 thriller against Ratchaburi.

    The Newcastle Jets endured a difficult night, losing 7-1 to Kashima Antlers. Pat Wood scored for the Jets from a Joe Lolley assist.

    In the AFC Champions League Two, Adelaide United made an impressive start with a 3-0 win over Tai Po, with goals from Ethan Alagich, Juan Muñiz and Craig Goodwin.

    Mitch Duke and Tete Yengi both scored as Machida Zelvia defeated Svay Rieng 2-0.

    USA

    Aiden O'Neill played 90 minutes in the New York derby as New York City FC lost 1-0 to the Red Bulls.

    Kye Rowles played the full match for DC United, while Archie Goodwin came off the bench for Charlotte.

    Patrick Yazbek played 83 minutes in Nashville's 3-0 win over Chicago as they continued their strong season.

    In the NWSL, Mackenzie Arnold made five saves in Portland's 4-1 win over Orlando, while Sam Kerr played 90 minutes and registered an assist for Gotham.

    Australia Cup Final Set

    The Australia Cup final is locked in.

    South Melbourne produced another comeback to defeat Lions FC 3-1, with Bul Juach scoring another hat-trick in the competition.

    They will now face Melbourne Victory in the final at AAMI Park on 10 October.

    Joeys Announce Two International Squads

    Football Australia has named two CommBank Joeys squads for September and October international tournaments.

    The 2009-born Joeys will travel to Spain for the U17 Copa España 2026, where they will face Panama and Morocco as preparations continue for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

    The 2010-born squad will travel to China for the U16 CFA Invitational 2026, taking on Vietnam, Kyrgyz Republic and hosts China PR.

    Around the A-Leagues

    Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has signed with Macarthur, adding another attacking option to the Bulls.

    We also discuss the latest developments surrounding the Australian Championship and the decision-making around the competition just one month out from its second edition.

    Team of the Week
    • GK: Mackenzie Arnold
    • DEF: Ryan Strain, Dylan Leonard, Jacob Italiano
    • MID: Marcus Younis, Ethan Alagich, Alex Robertson, Daniel Arzani
    • FWD: Annalise Rasmussen, Mitch Duke, Bul Juach

    From the Socceroos' Brazil squad to Australians starring across Europe and Asia, the Australia Cup final, the Joeys and plenty more — there's plenty to unpack this week.

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    1 hr 15 min
  • #110 - Socceroos Asian Cup preparation, Mohamed Toure on the mark & hot prospects back in the A-League

    With just 12 days until the Socceroos face Brazil in Townsville, we look at the players making their case for Tony Popovic’s squad and ask who has done enough to earn a place against the Selecao.

    The Socceroos’ November friendlies against Qatar and Jordan are also confirmed, while we react to the Young Socceroos’ Asian Cup qualification disappointment and look ahead to the Olyroos’ Olympic preparations, including their October clash with Korea Republic in Gosford.

    Gianni Stensness makes Champions League debut

    A huge milestone for Gianni Stensness, who becomes the first Australian to feature in the UEFA Champions League since Milos Degenek in 2023. Stensness played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart but produced an impressive individual performance with eight clearances, four recoveries and a 75% duel success rate.

    Nestory Irankunda was an unused substitute as Sporting made an impressive start with a 3-1 win over Galatasaray.

    Aussies Abroad

    There was plenty to discuss across the major European leagues:

    • Lucas Herrington continues to earn opportunities in the Premier League for Hull City, including a full 90 minutes against Sunderland.
    • Alex Robertson continues to impress for Cardiff City as they search for their first win of the Championship season.
    • Mohamed Toure scored inside the first minute for Birmingham in a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Middlesbrough.
    • Kealey Adamson impressed for QPR, completing 96% of his passes in a 0-0 draw with Charlton.
    • Connor Metcalfe starred for St Pauli in a 1-0 win over Wolfsburg, earning Man of the Match honours.
    • Mat Ryan saved a penalty and kept a clean sheet in Spain, making 10 saves in a 0-0 draw.
    • Marco Tilio came off the bench to assist as Rapid Vienna won 3-0 and continued their excellent start to the Austrian season.
    • Charli Grant provided an assist for Malmö in Sweden, while Remy Siemsen helped Rosengård climb out of the relegation zone.
    • Kaitlyn Torpey backed up another strong performance for Newcastle and continues to strengthen her case for the Matildas.
    • Sam Kerr assisted as Gotham bounced back with a 2-1 NWSL win.
    • Alana Murphy scored for Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the WSL 2 season.
    • Harry Souttar played the full match as Leicester won a seven-goal thriller against Stockport.

    We also run through the latest performances from Australians in England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Denmark, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, MLS and the NWSL.

    Transfers & Australian Football

    There’s movement in the transfer market, with James Overy completing his move to Sydney FC, Mohamed Toure joining Macarthur FC, and reports that Colorado have signed Sydney FC youngster Akol Akon.

    In Australia, Melbourne Victory defeated Sydney FC 2-0 to book their place in the Australia Cup final.

    The Week’s Talking Points

    We discuss whether Mohamed Toure is pushing himself into the Socceroos conversation, how important Kaitlyn Torpeycould be for the Matildas, and what Gianni Stensness’ Champions League debut means for his international prospects.

    There’s also discussion around Cristian Volpato’s injury and reported positive second sample, the latest developments involving Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, and the performances of Australia’s next generation around the world.

    Team of the Week

    Our Team of the Week features:

    Mat Ryan; Kaitlyn Torpey, Gianni Stensness, Harry Souttar, Charli Grant; Alex Robertson, Alana Murphy; Marco Tilio, Connor Metcalfe, Keegan Jelacic; Mohamed Toure.

    Bench: Sam Kerr.

    🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

    Follow us:

    IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

    58 min
  • #109 - The surprise selections in our Socceroos squads vs Brazil

    Socceroos Squad Picks

    With the upcoming friendlies on the horizon, we each picked the Socceroos squad we’d like to see — not necessarily the squad we expect to be called up.

    We run through our selections, surprise inclusions, omissions, and the players we think deserve a chance to impress.

    Let us know who you'd like to see!

    If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review and follow us for weekly coverage of the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and Australians playing around the world.

    🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

    Follow us:

    IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

    44 min

About The Aussie Game Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Aussie Game is your weekly deep dive into Australian football — from the A-League to the Socceroos and Matildas, and everything in between. Hosted by passionate fans of the beautiful game Down Under, we break down the latest matches, spotlight local talent, and tackle the issues shaping football in Australia.