The Sports Desk

The review show of the year! Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras sadistically designate Cats supporter, Jack Huggett, to lead you through the breakdown of how Brisbane defeated Geelong to secure the first back-to-back premiership since the 2010's, and is it a sign for a future three-peat repeat? It's not the only Grand Final to talk about, Melbourne Storm take on the dynasty conquering Brisbane Broncos. A titanic clash for Sunday. Big predictions are made. Also a deep dive into match day in the Premier League. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 AFL Grand Final is this Saturday and The Sports Desk Monday and Friday team have come together like never before to preview the Premiership Clash between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions, not from the SYN studios, but from the RMIT University TV precinct. Liam Cole, Jerry Ng, Matilda McDermott, Justin Schwarze, Jack Huggett and Ella Zammit Breakdown the stories that got both the Cats and the Lions to the Big Dance, the match-ups to look out for once the ball is bounced and reflect on the 2025 AFL season as a whole. Tanish Prabhu also got to mingle amongst fellow Footy players, fans and commentators alike to get their thoughts on which team hoists the Premiership cup. Jerry also catches up with North Melbourne AFLW star Emma Kearney for an exclusive interview about North Melbourne's incredible recent success. This is the first meeting in a Grand Final between the Lions and the Cats in VFL/AFL history. This game will bring a first time occasion in an era where first times are rare to come by. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the week of Australian sport's magnum opus waiting in the wings. Aussies are doing the nation proud across the world, particularly in the World Athletics Championship. In footy, Prelim' week is considered 'Footy Christmas' and the rewards of a Grand Final spot for a year's great work go to Geelong and Brisbane, the weekend review dives into the stars of the game that booked the tickets to the big dance for their team. Rivalries aplenty in the Premier League, Liverpool defeat Everton, Man United take a 3-1 win in a bizarre encounter and the massive clash between Arsenal/Man City and surprise of the weekend sees Sunderland sitting 7th. The podium in Azerbaijan stood as Verstappen, Russell and Sainz. Piastri crashes out early as Baku's only DNF. Yuki Tsunoda puts in his best race of the year. But it is Carlos Sainz and Williams that have captured the imagination. All that and more, on The Sports Desk. Hosted by the amped up team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prelim final week in Melbourne is always a huge one, especially with a Victorian home double header. For Tanish Prabhu's Collingwood, they welcome the Lions on Saturday in hopes to return to the final Saturday of September. Ella Zammit's Hawks take on a famous old foe in Geelong, another chapter to one of footy's greatest rivalries is about to be written. Jerry Ng keeps up with the Aussies competing in the World Athletics Championship, with two bronze medals added. In the world of football, Justin Schwarze welcomes back the UEFA Champions League where Liverpool left it late (again) and Mbappe bagged a brace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It starts with recapping Week 1 of the NRL Finals, the Panthers strike again in hostile territory. Melbourne Storm capitalise on a rockin' victory at AAMI Park, and one singular point split the Raiders and the Broncos to decide the Prelim'. In the Premier League, Ange's Nottingham start poorly against Arsenal. Aston Villa still haven't scored, and West Ham's defence is causing speculation amongst the team as to whether the road ahead is relegation. The AFL semi-finals saw history continue to be written, Minor Premiers, Adelaide were ousted in straight sets with the fatal blow delivered by the Hawks. For the club's first finals campaign since 2017, What defines the season of the Crows? Conversely, a breakdown was required to assess the Hawthorn victory. Elsewhere, the first Q-Clash final saw the stamping out of the magical Gold Coast maiden finals voyage. Brisbane now stare down the Collingwood army for an MCG prelim'. Bigger still, a Geelong Supporter and two Hawks supporters grace the desk to preview the Friday night, tense, storied rivalry clash. That's all on The Sports Desk. Hosted by Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit & Yianni Kottaras. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In races for all the glory happening all over the world, The Sports Desk team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras recap the wild first week of AFL Finals where the original Sun, David Swallow, poetically seals the history making moment of the Gold Coast Suns' first win in September. As their victory shatters any ceiling placed in their way, it's now the question of just how much bracket busting the club is now capable of. Hawthorn slayed the Giants despite a 3rd Quarter tidal wave of goals, intending to lay waste of a grand hurrah. Weddle, Newcombe and Chol make sure there are still chapters to be written in this silver screen story. Monza was a Verstappen procession, thus the drama was to be found elsewhere, like Oscar Piastri being ordered to swap positions with Lando Norris following a slow pit stop. The performance of Isack Hadjar has caught the eye of the team as well. Also, the NRL Finals are kicking into gear, a preview of the weekend in rugby is delivered. It feels like a tight contest across the board. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big weekend ahead for the city of Melbourne with the AFL finals kicking off, Tanish Prabhu's Magpies have already booked their place in September's penultimate week, while Toby Hansen's Brisbane will be looking to do the same up against Geelong. The US Open has seen its fair share of departures this week, as Jerry Ng rounds out all the action in the United States. Justin Schwarze spills the tea on NBA salary caps and Liam Cole dives into Leverkusen's sacking of Erik Ten Hag, merely a month into his tenure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is here in Melbourne! However, for Jack Huggett and Manchester City the winter blues remain, as they suffered back-to-back defeats. Jack Grealish is blooming at Everton, much to the delight of Ethan Rigg. In Formula 1, Oscar Piastri capitalises on Lando Norris' misfortune as Yianni Kottaras reaffirms the Aussie's title hopes. A big week for AFL, Ella Zammit runs down the AFLW season starting to take shape, while it's time for finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran duo Liam Cole and Jerry Ng invite The Sports Desk famity into a chat with two friends talking sport, where the microphones just happen to be live. Barriers are broken by former West Coast Eagle, Mitch Brown coming out as bisexual. And best wishes are sent to comedian Dave Hughes, Slalom champion & flag bearer, Jess Fox and Cricket icon Michael Clarke for all their respective health scares during the week. In greater analysis, Manchester United lose in penalties to GRIMSBY! Yes, Grimsby. How does a once mighty club like Man U fall to this level? Jerry also takes a deeper look in the Premier League overall across the weekend, plus an update in the US Open, the Aussie women, Daria Kasatkina and Priscilla Hon have very tough matches awaiting but there is a case to be made for them both to continue forward. On the men's side, a 'Burning Question' rocks the desk. In AFL, The AFLW is in it's Indigenous Round. Plenty to preview with a special look at the Dreamtime Clash between the Tigers and the Bombers. In the men's division, the All-Australian team was announced. Let's analyse that! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To unpack this past weekend needs a very astute and keen-eyed group of sports watchers to sit at The Sports Desk. Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras preview Zandvoort and who are the frontrunners. Chelsea win big, Man City fall to Tottenham, and... well... it wasn't a good weekend for Leeds. Who are the teams impressing Matilda after the first two rounds in the AFLW? And in Round 24, Collingwood aren't convincing the footy fans looking to smell some blood amongst the team for only escaping the 'Dees. Freo book a finals spot, and even with 23 behinds, Brisbane secure a top 4 finish to the dismay of Hawks supporters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It smells like promotions are being handed out on The Sports Desk as Justin Schwarze has invited Ella Zammit on board for her Friday debut, as well as Jack Huggett to accompany Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu in a heated edition of Burning Questions, where the big calls are made right then and there. Who will win the AFL Premiership? Who will win the Premier League? Is Lewis Hamilton washed? The teacher's red marker is also whipped out to some major sporting organisations in the firing line. Otherwise, there's still a top 8 to decide with the final round of the AFL Home & Away season this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaking things up on The Sports Desk for a Monday night. Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Jack Huggett converse about the opening Matchday in the Premier League. Liverpool pick up where they left off, Sunderland shock the system, and the very mention of Leeds summons Matilda McDermott to the studio to raise the stakes for their game against Everton. North Melbourne won on the weekend! That means Jerry Ng is here to celebrate. Harry Sheezel tied the disposals record against the Tigers. Gunston boots seven against the Dees. Wanganeen-Milera has signed with the Saints to the dubious relief for their supporters, and the Crows defeat the Pies for the first time in nearly nine years to cement the top spot on the ladder. The Sports Desk team also welcome the latest debutante to the Monday panel in Yianni Kottaras, who joins in on the grand Premier League predictions and takes comfort in a dominant Carlton victory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer of cricket has started early in Darwin, Liam Cole and Tanish Prabhu are amazed by Dewald Brevis' ton, as South Africa levelled the series. The football season in England is on the verge of kick off, Liverpool hosting Bournemouth to start the season. A season of change, will Arsenal finally win the league, how will Manchester City fair and how does Liverpool's defence go? Jerry Ng assessing the prospects of every club to start the season. The finals race is almost at its conclusion, a huge weekend of footy ahead can see some teams confirm their place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunny Monday, and the team are glowing. Exciting times as this edition of The Sports Desk features Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Jack Huggett in a pseudo Roundtable Discussion previewing the 2025-26 season of the English Premier League. Hear the team deep dive into the expectations of defending champions, Liverpool. Top of the table is a safe prediction, but is going back-to-back? Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea may continue be the formidable contenders and may be here to stay in the top four. Talking relegation, wilder predictions are made. How does Ethan foresee Brentford as a team that will risk relegation this season? Or how about Ella making a case for Manchester United (yes, Manchester United) fall to relegation. Elsewhere, Jack predicts Everton making some improvements. In Round 22 of the AFL, Geelong professionally get training done at the Cattery, Fremantle enter the top 4 by winning at the Adelaide Oval. Brisbane stumble at home against the Swans, the Western Bulldogs keep breathing down the Top 8's neck in an MCG epic. And the 1st placed Crows, amazingly, had to escape defeat from the 18th placed Eagles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Friday from The Sportsdesk, who are taking you into an action packed weekend of sport! Liam Cole and Tanish Prabhu relish in India drawing a series in England, Matilda McDermott takes you through the highs and lows of an enthrawling F1 season so far. Jerry gets a Saints shirt on to preview a huge week of AFL, one which sees the Pies already having their wings clipped by the Hawks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne is a city of champions once again on this Monday evening, as the Vixens win yet another title, much to the delight of Ella Zammit. Ethan Rigg's England have it all to lose on the final day of the final England vs India test. Lando Norris wins in Hungary to close the gap to Oscar Piastri, who's rise to the top of Formula One has brought huge joy to Matilda McDermott so far this season. While in the world of AFL, Jack Huggett is elated after another emphatic win for Geelong, which sees the Cats get another big percentage boost in the race for a top four finish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the team of Liam Cole, Jerry Ng and Justin Schwarze gathering around at an impromptu debate stage for The Sports Desk. Burning Questions makes its return after a long hiatus discussing the worth of Harley Reid's next contract, Jack Silvagni's contract, off-season winners in the NBA, even predicting who goes all the way and wins the NBL. India are currently 6/204 after one day down at the Oval against England, the team assess England's bowling depth. That said, the batting has been strong and how the pitch plays out may put them in the control of the series outcome. In AFL, the Bulldogs defeat a top 8 side, by 88 points, against the modern rival. Statement made! Pressure is now on for the Hawks who travel to Adelaide Oval and attempt to stone the Crows under the Friday night lights, and the Suns can't fumble against the Tigers at home. 'Pies/Lions on Saturday night entices the team as a 'Game of the Year' prospect, but it is St:Kilda vs North Melbourne that now holds the highest stakes for the team, as Liam and Jerry have put their gurnseys and their respective sporting dignity on the line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big British bias infects this Monday evening as Ethan Rigg celebrates the Lions victory over the Wallabies and England retaining a series lead in a draw against India at Old Trafford. Though Piastri's Belgian victory gives Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Tanish Prabhu something to cheer about, even with the one hour twenty minute delay. In AFL, the Bulldogs boost percentage in a Friday night training session, Gold Coast make a booming statement in the Q-Clash. Adelaide short circuit the Power and St:Kilda make AFL history at Marvel Stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All aboard the crazy Sports Desk Friday train as Liam Cole has returned to the drivers seat to preview a big weekend in sport with Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu. Liam and Tanish present their ideas to help save Test Cricket. There is still a Test Match to sink your teeth into, as England vs India are in a high stakes clash at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Australia and the West Indies are competing in a T20 series. The team review Hawthorn's win over Carlton on Thursday night and the Blues still cannot escape the microscopically dissected disappointment that is their 2025 season. What lies ahead for the rest of Round 20 in what is the round of enthralling interstate derby's. And the team debate the merit of Steven May's 3 week suspension. What you gonna do this Friday night, as all the world's sport runs wild on you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legends Game has returned, and the legends of Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit, Tanish Prabhu and Matilda McDermott are up and about for it. An early celebration was picked up in amongst a recap of the latest in the Tour de France. Matilda leads the preview for a huge preview of the Belgian Grand Prix, the first for Red Bull Racing without Christian Horner. Tanish and Ethan resume their respective nation's cricket hostilities as India vs England head to a 4th Test at Old Trafford. In AFL, the Bulldogs are under the microscope after the prime time loss to the Lions. Hawthorn are 'flying' higher into the eight at the expense of Port Adelaide. Five wins for Richmond is an over-achievement in 2025, and Freo win at the 'G. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.