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Between the sticks

Between the sticks

by Betweenthesticks

Sports News Sports

Season 2

BTS 2026 Predictions | WILD HOT TAKES🔥 + Season Preview for the Contenders!!

The 2026 AFL season is here and we’re diving into the biggest questions heading into Round 0. In this episode of Between The Sticks, we break down the teams that finished 8–16 last season and what they need to do to push back into finals contention. From Gold Coast’s rising potential and Sydney’s bounce-back, to Fremantle’s next step, the Bulldogs’ defence, Sam Darcy’s breakout hopes, and St Kilda’s offseason moves — we unpack the biggest storylines shaping the season ahead. Plus, we drop our WILD AFL 2026 HOT TAKES 👀 Premiership predictions, Brownlow calls, Coleman medal picks and some very controversial ladder predictions. Agree or disagree? Drop your AFL 2026 predictions and hot takes in the comments 👇

Top 8 Teams Season Preview🧐 | Hawks Star Commits + Is 2026 Now or Never for the Blues?

The 2026 AFL season is around the corner and the storylines are already heating up. In this episode of Between The Sticks, we break down Carlton’s preseason hit-out and what it means for their premiership hopes, react to a Hawks star re-signing despite bigger rival offers, and preview last season’s top eight — who’s rising, who’s sliding, and our early 2026 predictions. Jump into the comments with your ladder predictions and join our 2026 Footy Tipping Comp — weekly AFL chats, banter and big takes all season long. 🏉🔥

From the USA🇺🇸 to the AFL🏉: PACO LUCIANO joins BTS to talks all things AFL & the much more!! S2E2

We’re joined by special guest Paco Luciano all the way from the United States to talk everything AFL. In this episode, we explore Paco’s journey into footy and how he discovered the game, what drew him in, and what he loves most about the AFL community. We also break down the State of Origin clash, including Victoria’s huge performance, WA’s standouts, the Nick Daicos BOG snub, and how State of Origin compares to the NBA All-Star and NFL Pro Bowl back in the States. Plus, we throw Paco into some quick-fire questions covering his favourite player, team, social media takes, dream collaborations, and more. Whether you’re new to AFL or a diehard fan, this is a fun, fresh international perspective on the game we love. 🔥🏉

THE BOYS ARE BACK!! Captaincy Bombshells | Personal Leave Controversy | 2026 Preseason Review📝 E1S2

We’re back for Season 2026 and the AFL is already in chaos. In Episode 1, we unpack all the biggest preseason storylines from wild training clips and mounting injury concerns to the off-field headlines that could shape the year ahead. We break down Carlton’s rocky start, Lachie Neale stepping down as Brisbane captain and what it means for the Lions’ future, the growing debate around player personal leave and privacy, and fresh injury worries for some of the game’s biggest stars. Plus, is Zach Merrett set to lock in his future at Essendon after trade speculation? Season 2026 starts now. 🎙️🔥

Round 2 Chaos Continues: Essendon in Crisis🫣 | Welcome Devils | Prancing Pony Antics + OR Mess

Round 2 delivered shock results, controversy, and plenty to unpack — and we’re breaking it all down. From West Coast’s turnaround to Essendon’s struggles, we cover the biggest winners, flops, and key talking points. We dive into Opening Round debate, rising stars, injury concerns, tribunal drama, and Tasmania’s VFL debut. Plus, our Top Team & Flop Team of the Week and Round 3 tips as the season starts to take shape.

Season 1

Between The Sticks | Episode 4 Round 15

Are Carlton cartoons? We compare some of the GOATS of the game and cover our tips for the upcoming round ahead !

Between The Sticks | Episode 2 Round 13

This weeks episode dives into Carlton and Collingwoods performance, a discussions on whether the game has gone soft, the beef between Max Gawn and Steven May and our tips for round 13.

Between The Sticks | Episode 1 Round 12

In our debut episode, we dive into Collingwood's performance against Hawthorn from round 12, discuss Carlton’s pathway to the Grand Final, and get into a big argument about the umpiring. We'll cover our tips for the week and a whole lot more!

AFL RD18: Umpiring Crisis | Dimma Dilemma | Giant Killers | Cats Catastrophe + Players on BIG💰 S2E18

Round 18 delivered controversy, injuries and major talking points that could shape the rest of the 2026 AFL season. We unpack the AFL’s umpiring inconsistency, confusion around the Stand Rule and dangerous tackles, and whether the game has become too difficult to officiate. We also discuss Damien Hardwick’s emotional post-match comments, Gold Coast’s fading season, GWS’ frustrating inconsistency, Geelong’s alarming form slump and the season-ending injury to Zak Butters. Are the Giants genuine contenders? Can Geelong still make finals? And have we seen Butters play his final game for Port Adelaide?

AFL RD16: Carlton's Charge | WC Madness & Socceroos Dream | Crow’s Issues | Fixture BOMBSHELL🤯 S2E16

ound 16 of the AFL season delivered huge talking points, ladder movement, and major off-field drama!! While the Socceroos continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a massive Round of 32 clash, we preview their knockout match vs Egypt. We also discuss what the possibilities of Australia hosting a WORLD CUP in the middle of the AFL season and what that could look like? THE BLUES ARE BACK!! Are Carlton genuine premiership contenders in the back half of the 2026 AFL season or is this just a beginner coaches luck?? Are Brisbane back to the top of premiership contention?? We have a look at Showdown 60 from the weekend and how Adelaide’s midfield concerns are now progressing past the point of just being ignored. PLUS the AFL drop another Fixture bombshell during the World Cup with many head turning ideas and suggestions presented in their newest bid to re-shuffle and change the structure of the fixture for 2028 and beyond!

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