The ESPN Footy Podcast

It's our first show of the year, and we're unveiling the new stats Champion Data will be capturing in 2026. Plus, our bold preseason calls, teams we're 'bullish and bearish' on, and Jake counts down his 10 players ahead of the new season.

Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

00:00 - Intro

02:25 - Something we noticed from preseason

08:30 - What's new at Champion Data

22:15 - 'Bullish and bearish'

39:37 - Bold calls and predictions

53:00 - Jake's 10 best players for 2026

1:05:28 - Justified hype or hyperbole?

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ESPN's AFL Draft expert Jasper Chellappah joins the team to take a look at the 2025 draft crop. We take a look at each club's draft hand, and preview all the big prospects ahead of the big day. Wanna hear about the top prospects? Listen to the analysis on Richmond, West Coast, Essendon, and Melbourne!

Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Jasper Chellappah on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

00:00 Intro

07:19 Adelaide

12:40 Brisbane

16:15 Carlton

20:50 Collingwood

24:12 Essendon

30:10 Fremantle

34:30 Geelong

38:14 Gold Coast

42:16 GWS

45:09 Hawthorn

50:40 Melbourne

54:21 North Melbourne

56:50 Port Adelaide

58:46 Richmond

01:03:30 St Kilda

01:05:45 Sydney

01:08:27 West Coast

01:15:08 Western Bulldogs

01:19:00 Bolters/conclusion

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Brisbane have gone back-to-back! We analyse how the Lions ran away with the 2025 Grand Final, discuss the Norm Smith Medal voting, look at what went wrong for Geelong, and give Lachie Neale some very big praise ... PLUS a whole lot more!

Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

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On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy go head-to-head on whether umpires should keep control of Brownlow Medal voting after a string of controversial results from Monday night. They also look back on Collingwood’s prelim loss, including Mason’s fiery run-in with Dayne Zorko that ended in a $5,000 fine for the Lions veteran. Plus, the boys dive into some key player stats ahead of the Grand Final, debate whether Jaidyn Stephenson deserves another AFL lifeline, and call out why this year’s mark and goal of the year were underwhelming.

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This week, we review the two preliminary finals and grade the seasons of Hawthorn and Collingwood, plus take an early look at this week's AFL Grand Final -- how can the Cats and the Lions get the job done? Plus, the MRO needs to fix dangerous tackles, Mark of the Year chat, Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Neale, and more!

Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

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Champion Data's secret formula, Jake's magical spreadsheet, and a whole lot more! It's our Brownlow special, so get out your pen and pads...

Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

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On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy take a trip down memory

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This week, we break down what went wrong for the Crows against the Hawks, explore how the Lions dismantled the Suns, and look ahead to two massive preliminary finals. Plus, a Mr. September update, State of Origin, and more!

Join Matt Walsh, Jarryd Barca, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

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On this week’s episode, JB and Coxy break down Collingwood’s qualifying final win and how they’re approaching the week off, as well as the latest on Bobby Hill and Jeremy Howe. The boys also debate whether players should be fined $10,000 for flopping, the AFL’s looming last disposal rule change, and why the cashed-up Saints simply MUST play finals in 2026. Plus, why Coxy thinks tagging is “boring” and a bad look for the game, and the key players and stats you need to watch for in this weekend’s semifinals!

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This week, we review all four finals from a hectic week of September action, and look ahead to the two semifinals. Can we make a case for a straights sets exit? Who is Champion Data's new Mr. September? And why are airlines and the broadcasters in the gun?

Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels, and Champion Data's Christian Joly on the ESPN Footy Podcast.

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