The Early Crow

The Early Crow
  • 4.0 (29)
  • Sport
  • Updated Weekly

What does an AFL Star, a Professional Punter & a Office Worker have in common??.... This podcast! Join the three larrikins in Tom Papley, Jack Dickens & Michael Pratt as they break down the biggest moments in Australian Sports and Horse Racing. From The Early Crow, where they review the weekends action both on the track & field (with plenty of life s**t talking thrown in between), to The Captains Run, a deep dive into the form and best bets for the upcoming week. This is your GO TO PODCAST for expert punting insights, banter, sports analysis & everything in between!

  1. 3 days ago

    Ep. 94 - Winx Stakes Review | The Early Crow

    We're back with Episode 94 of The Early Crow Podcast, and this week the boys are all about the racing 🐎🔥 The 2026 spring racing season has officially kicked into gear, with the first Group 1 of the season going the way of the brilliant Autumn Glow, who returned with a dominant performance in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick. But before we get to the big one, there's plenty to unpack from around the country. 🏆 Eyes On Ponies – Randwick We kick things off at Sandown, where the boys dissect Saturday's Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m). Cavalry Girl continued her outstanding run of form, producing a gutsy performance to defeat Bazaball Rewarded and Losesomewinmore. The win was her third straight victory and fourth win from her past five starts, with the Tom Dabernig-trained mare now firmly on the spring radar. The big question is now: Can Cavalry Girl take the next step into Group 1 company? 👀 She's been earmarked for the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on September 5, meaning she could be back at the same track and distance in just a couple of weeks. The boys discuss whether her Carlyon Stakes win was enough to suggest she can measure up against the better sprinters in the 2026 Moir Stakes, as well as throwing out a few black bookers for punters to keep an eye on heading further into the spring. Then it's all about Royal Randwick and the biggest race of the weekend — the 2026 Group 1 Winx Stakes. The first Group 1 of the Australian racing season produced the highly anticipated clash between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi, with Autumn Glow returning in style for Chris Waller and James McDonald. Autumn Glow settled beautifully before unleashing her trademark acceleration in the straight, putting the race beyond doubt and defeating Sheza Alibi by 1.39 lengths, with Gringotts running third. After a dominant first-up win over 1400m, the question now becomes: Is she now the horse to beat heading towards the Sydney Spring Carnival and The Everest, and where does she fit against the best horses in Australia? The boys break down her Winx Stakes performance, what we learnt from the Randwick meeting and where Autumn Glow could head next. 🔥 Cavalry Girl. Autumn Glow. The Moir Stakes. The Winx Stakes. The Sydney Spring Carnival. It's all on the agenda in Episode 94 of The Early Crow Podcast. 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @EarlyCrowPod🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au 🏇 Eyes On Ponies – Sandown🏆 Eyes On Ponies – Randwick🤔 What's next for Autumn Glow?

    Ep. 94 - Winx Stakes Review | The Early Crow

  2. 10 Aug

    Ep. 93 - Sickies | The Early Crow

    We're running it back two weeks in a row with Dicko & Paps! 🐓🔥 Episode 93, “Sickies”, is up and about with plenty of AFL, Sydney Swans, horse racing, black bookers and the usual banter. 🦢 AFL The main footy chat centres around the Sydney Swans' clash with Port Adelaide, with plenty to unpack from the weekend. Paps runs through Dattoli's impressive performance after earning his opportunity, before the conversation turns to Logan McDonald, aka Big Bruce, and his growing impact on the AFL competition. 💪 The boys also discuss: 🏉 Will Green making his Sydney debut and holding his own against Jordan Sweet in the ruck. 🔥 Charlie Cameron kicking a bag and making his presence felt. ⚡ Jai Serong running amuck on the wing and showing why he's one of Sydney's exciting new recruits. The lads then cast their eyes across the rest of the competition, looking at the teams sitting around the top of the AFL ladder and which sides could genuinely challenge for the premiership. 🏆 And Paps reveals who he thinks is the toughest team to beat outside of the Swans. 🏇 Eyes On Ponies The attention then turns to the weekend's racing, with the boys reviewing the action from Caulfield Heath and Randwick. 💨 A deep dive into The Missile Stakes 👀 Angel Capital gets plenty of attention, with the boys asking whether it's time to zig while everyone else is zagging. 📕 And then Dicko goes rogue... He brings you TWO black bookers from the weekend's racing — one from Queensland and another from Morphettville. Who are they? You'll have to listen to find out. 👀🐎 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @EarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @EarlyCrowPod🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

    Ep. 93 - Sickies | The Early Crow

  3. 3 Aug

    Ep. 92 - Wedges

    Dicko & Paps are back for another episode of The Early Crow Podcast, covering everything from AFL and the Sydney Swans to horse racing, media life and the ever-changing conditions affecting winter racing. From a gutsy Swans win and some brutal injuries to life behind the scenes in racing and broadcasting, Episode 92 is packed with plenty of laughs, insights and the usual tangents. 🦢 AFL The boys break down the Sydney Swans' hard-fought win over St Kilda, discuss a horror run of injuries across the competition and reveal the surprising reason behind the episode title, "Wedges", after Paps was forced to wear shoe wedges inside his brand-new boots. They also look ahead to what the remainder of the AFL season could hold as clubs begin their run towards September. 🎙️ Behind the Microphone Paps chats about his growing media commitments, including: AFL Special Comments on SENJoining the Channel 7 Racing teamLife balancing football, media and racingThe spotlight then shifts to Dicko, who discusses: Recent appearances on Sky Racing Radio with Dave StanleySpending mornings in the stables with Logan McGill RacingLearning the day-to-day preparation of racehorses through The Mailbag Bloodstock 🏇 Eyes On Ponies The lads dive into one of the biggest talking points in Australian racing right now — how rapidly changing track conditions are affecting horses, trainers and punters. They discuss: Wet tracks turning dryDry tracks becoming rain-affectedHow horses cope with changing surfacesWhat punters should be looking for during winter racingWhether you're an AFL fan, racing enthusiast or just enjoy a good sports chat with plenty of banter, Episode 92 has you covered. 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @EarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

    Ep. 92 - Wedges

  4. 17 June

    Ep. 91 - Plenty Of Tangents

    WE APOLOGISE FOR DICKO'S AUDIO AT TIMES! Paps & Dicko are back for another episode of The Early Crow, and as the title suggests, there are plenty of tangents along the way. 🐓🔥 The lads kick things off discussing Tom's injury, the latest timeline for his return, and what his absence means moving forward. They also take a look at how the Sydney Swans have managed to keep themselves firmly in the mix despite a growing injury list that has seen several key players spend time on the sidelines this season. The Bloods continue to find a way, with reinforcements not too far away. The conversation then shifts north to State of Origin Game 2, with the series heading to the MCG. NSW entered the clash looking to wrap up the series, while Queensland faced a must-win scenario to force a decider. The boys discuss the key match-ups, team changes and where they think the contest will be won and lost. As always, there’s plenty of racing chat with a look at a few ponies, some betting angles, and even a couple of races watched live during the recording. It’s the usual mix of sport, racing, opinions, stories and the occasional complete derailment. 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au.

    Ep. 91 - Plenty Of Tangents

  5. 20 May

    Ep. 90 - "Trying Our Best"

    We are back this week for some dross for your ear drums! We waffle on about how the boys are performing on the track (The Swans this is) sitting pretty at the top of the AFL ladder. Then fumble our way through a bit of Life Chat, The State Of Origin game coming up as well as how the one and only Tom Papleys horses are going, as well as how the now lead Jack Dickens stable is going at Mornington. Sit back and relax, here's 37 minutes of unfiltered entertainment for you this Wednesday afternoon that hopefully doesn't give you Tinnitus. 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs: theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

  6. 14 Apr

    Ep. 89 - No Guard On The Angle Grinder | April 14, 2026

    The boys are back in town with Dicko, Paps & Pratty talking dribble without a filter this week on The Early Crow! 🐓🔥 From AFL headlines to global sport and the ponies, there’s plenty doing — and as always, it’s strong opinions, sharp takes and proper banter throughout. 👇 In this episode:Pratty, Dicko & Paps kick things off with Tom’s 200th, reflecting on the milestone and what it means in the current landscape of the AFL where longevity at the top level is becoming harder to maintain. The spotlight then shifts to the Sydney Swans, who are starting to look seriously dangerous with dominant wins over the West Coast Eagles and Gold Coast. Ball movement, forward efficiency and overall system look to be clicking early — and the boys break down whether this is the real deal or just a hot start. Across the league, it’s all eyes on Gather Round, which continues to grow as one of the marquee weekends on the AFL calendar. The crew dive into the atmosphere, key results and what it means for momentum across the competition. Globally, The Masters takes centre stage with Rory McIlroy making serious noise again. The conversation turns to whether he’s finally cracked it mentally at Augusta and if a back-to-back push is on the cards as he chases that elusive Green Jacket to complete the career Grand Slam. On the racing front, it’s all about Day 2 of The Championships, with elite-level racing out of Sydney delivering big performances, key takeaways and future betting angles. As always, the boys look to find where the edge is heading into the coming weeks. 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

    Ep. 89 - No Guard On The Angle Grinder | April 14, 2026

  7. 17 Mar

    Ep. 88 - Jumper Preso To The Big Thicky | The Early Crow

    🎙️ The Early Crow Podcast – Episode 88 | Jumper Preso To The Big Thicky We’re back for another big week on The Early Crow! 🐓🔥 Footy is in full swing, the NRL is heating up and we’re heading into one of the biggest weekends on the racing calendar. Plenty to unpack across AFL, NRL and the ponies — with strong takes, form breakdowns and a few angles you won’t hear elsewhere. 👇 In this episode:• Sydney Swans: Charlie Curnow’s debut for the club, who’s improved, how the boys looked across Round 0 & Round 1, plus a look ahead to this week’s clash against Hawthorn• Around the AFL: The Doggies are airborne, Adelaide are flying and the Roos are on the rise — plus everything else catching our eye across the comp• NRL: Where are Manly really at? Storm & Panthers continue to set the standard, the Broncos need a response and Paps is very bullish on the Rabbitohs at their current premiership price• Eyes On Ponies: A massive weekend headlined by the Golden Slipper — are the colts or fillies ahead, and is it Sydney form vs Melbourne form? Plus a strong push for a runner heading toward the Sires ⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro02:39 – All Things Sydney Swans24:32 – Rest Of AFL29:15 – Rubga League36:02 – Eyes On Ponies 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs:theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

    Ep. 88 - Jumper Preso To The Big Thicky | The Early Crow

  8. 20 Feb

    Ep. 87 - Five More Years!

    Welcome back to The Early Crow! 🐓🔥 This week we’re diving headfirst into footy headlines and Group 1 racing, with the usual sharp takes, strong opinions and proper punting chat. 👇 In this episode:• All things Swans Pre-Season: Big Charlie, Cruss’ five-year deal & Logan McDonald• Eyes On Ponies: Three Group 1’s at Caulfield & Rosehill Morals• Mailbag Bloodstock: Betting opportunities and runners to follow ⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro01:30 – Swans Pre-Season14:45 – Eyes On Ponies34:42 – Mailbag Bloodstock Runners 📺 Follow & SubscribeHit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop. 📲 Find us on socials:• Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod• Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod• TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 🎧 Listen to the full podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All major platforms 📩 Enquiries & collabs: theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamlinghelponline.org.au

    Ep. 87 - Five More Years!
See All (125)

4
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

What does an AFL Star, a Professional Punter & a Office Worker have in common??.... This podcast! Join the three larrikins in Tom Papley, Jack Dickens & Michael Pratt as they break down the biggest moments in Australian Sports and Horse Racing. From The Early Crow, where they review the weekends action both on the track & field (with plenty of life s**t talking thrown in between), to The Captains Run, a deep dive into the form and best bets for the upcoming week. This is your GO TO PODCAST for expert punting insights, banter, sports analysis & everything in between!

Information

  • Creator
    The Early Crow
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Early Crow
  • Show Website
    The Early Crow

You Might Also Like