The Mark and The Mic

This is the Player Profile with Wayd Blackburne, perfect for a quick footy hit on the way to the big game!

For Episode 20, Ollie and the team head to the Nelson Bay Marlins Clubhouse to catch up with one of the most respected figures in local football; Wayd Blackburne.

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We're coming to you from a sunny Coffs Harbour for one of the biggest events on the junior football calendar; the 2026 AFL Northern NSW Junior Representative Carnival!

With the best young talent from across the state coming together at C.ex International Stadium, we caught up with players representing AFL Hunter Central Coast across the Under 13s through to Under 17s Boys and Girls.

Representing Hunter Metro, Hunter, Hunter Country and the Central Coast, these young footballers share what it means to pull on the representative jumper, the friendships they've made, their football journeys, and what they're looking forward to throughout the carnival.

Who knows... you might just be listening to tomorrow's senior representatives, state players or AFL and AFLW stars.

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This week on The Mark and The Mic Podcast, we're catching up with one of the brightest young talents in AFL Hunter Central Coast; Cardiff Hawks rising star, Georgia Stubbs.

Georgia's football journey is one built on resilience, determination and self-belief. After narrowly missing selection for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in 2024, she came back stronger in 2025 and earned her place through hard work and persistence.Her outstanding season didn't stop there.

Georgia was named the Cardiff Hawks Under 15 Girls Best and Fairest before going on to claim the AFL Hunter Central Coast Under 15 Girls Best and Fairest in the very same year.

This is an incredible achievement that reflects the dedication she's shown to her football.In this episode, we chat about overcoming setbacks, chasing goals, representing the Sydney Swans Academy, and what it takes to keep improving both on and off the field with the Hawks.

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 Every footy star starts somewhere... and for so many, it begins with Auskick! This week I'm catching up with the youngest players in the game as they take their first steps on their footy journey, on the official podcast of the AFLHCC, The Mark and The Mic Podcast!

We kick things off at the Nelson Bay Marlins @ with Eden, Kruz, Lar, Ellie and Johnny, before chatting with coach Craig Bird. Then it's off to the Cardiff Hawks @ where Jordan and Jack tell us why they love Auskick.

The kids were absolute superstars and this is easily one of the favourite episodes of the year!Check out the promo, with thanks to 2NURFM, and thanks to the clubs, parents volunteers and Auskickers that helped pull this together. Thanks AFL Hunter Central Coast for their ongoing support!

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For the first time on the show, we're catching up with a true pillar of the Maitland Saints Football Club: Riley Newstead.

As captain of the Saints, Riley has spent years leading the club's pursuit of its first Men's Cup Premiership, earning the respect of teammates, opponents and the wider football community along the way. His football résumé speaks for itself. 

Riley was part of Maitland's 2017 Men's Plate Grand Final-winning side, was named the 2023 Men's Cup Best and Fairest, and has now played more than 200 club games in the red, white and blue. An incredible achievement and a testament to his commitment to the Saints.

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This week on The Mark and The Mic Podcast, we packed up the gear and headed out to training with AFL Hunter Central Coast's newest club — the University of Newcastle Seahorses!

For this special episode, we caught up with a talented group of players who have come from all around Australia to study at the University of Newcastle, and pull on the blue, white and black of the Seahorses.

Recorded live during training, this episode features fantastic insights into their football journeys, university life, goals for the season, and what has brought them together at one of the competition's most exciting new clubs.

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Having officiated at high levels across both the Northern Territory Football League and AFL Sydney, Cypress Hart has continued to build an impressive umpiring career since first starting right here in the AFL Hunter Central Coast competition. A dedicated umpire with the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association, Cypress has an incredible story to tell.

He reveals the atmosphere and game day of umpiring a Men's Cup Grand Final, plus the mates and experiences he's had along the way. 
One of the key messages from this conversation is that umpiring is for everyone. Whether you're looking to stay involved in footy, earn some money, make new mates, improve your fitness, or challenge yourself in a different way, umpiring can open doors you never expected. If you've ever thought about giving it a go, the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association (NCCUA) is a great place to start.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having officiated at high levels across both the Northern Territory Football League and AFL Sydney, Cypress Hart has continued to build an impressive umpiring career since first starting right here in the AFL Hunter Central Coast competition. A dedicated umpire with the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association, Cypress has an incredible story to tell.

He reveals the atmosphere and game day of umpiring a Men's Cup Grand Final, plus the mates and experiences he's had along the way. 
One of the key messages from this conversation is that umpiring is for everyone. Whether you're looking to stay involved in footy, earn some money, make new mates, improve your fitness, or challenge yourself in a different way, umpiring can open doors you never expected. If you've ever thought about giving it a go, the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association (NCCUA) is a great place to start.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After an incredible Game 1 of State of Origin, the rugby league world is still buzzing… so this week, we’re switching codes from AFL to NRL to catch up with one of the rising voices in rugby league commentary; James Robertson.

James has called some of the biggest moments in recent junior rugby league, including the 2025 Jersey Flegg Grand Final, NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup regular season and finals, the famous Lachlan Galvin Easter Monday clash, and Jarrod Hayne’s return game.

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In Episode 12, Premiership Panther Jack Grimmond-Lee prowls into the studios for a fantastic chat after a hugely successful (and premiership winning) 2025 Season. Listen to Jack's Player Profile on all the laughs, personal life and aspects of the game he loves most. 

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