SACKED: AFL

Herald Sun

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WEEKLY SERIES

What really happens when the axe falls in the AFL world? Some of the biggest names in the sport reveal the remarkable true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.

EPISODE 1

Andrew Russell - The high performance guru

When Andrew Russell was called into Kevin Sheedy’s office at the Hilton Hotel as a teenager and offered a job, not in his wildest dreams would he have been able to predict the three decade high performance career that included six premierships across three clubs that was to come. Russell was there at the end of the Bombers dynasty, Port’s ‘04 choke-breaker and the start of the Hawks decade of dominance. From Stuart Dew to Luke Hodge and Cyril Rioli, Russell made a career out of preparing premiership players. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

47 min
EPISODE 2

Andrew Russell - Defeated by the Blues

Players - yes, coaches - definitely. But recruiting new high performance managers wouldn’t usually get the fans excited. And yet, when Andrew Russell made the shift from a four-premiership winning stint at Hawthorn to Carlton, it was seen as joining the missing link holding the Blues back. So why, five years later, did the 26 year AFL industry career of Andrew Russell end in disappointment? So, what happened? Andrew Russell delves into how he feels about his time at the Blues and where the club is headed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
EPISODE 3

Stewart Crameri - The Essendon 34's unluckiest?

Stuart Crameri was one of 34 Essendon players caught up in the infamous supplements saga that rocked the AFL. In this raw and revealing chat, the former Bomber opens up about the highs and lows of his career, including the supplements scandal that derailed the Bombers and the heartbreak of watching his Bulldogs teammates win the 2016 flag while he was sidelined. Crameri takes us inside the Bombers' supplements program, revealing he and his teammates "didn't blink an eye" when told to take injections and didn't realize the trouble it would cause. He talks about the constant "groundhog day" of having to face the media scrutiny, Jobe Watson's incredible leadership through the crisis, and the "devastation" of ultimately being banned for a year. The big-hearted country boy also shares the setbacks and rejections he faced early in his career, moving to Melbourne and staying in a "terrible" hostel to chase his AFL dream, his special bond with coach Brendan McCartney, and how he managed to still perform on the field despite the mental toll of the saga. Crameri's story is one of resilience and perspective. This is an insightful look into one of footy's most tumultuous chapters. [00:02:30] Early career rejections and persistence to make the AFL[00:08:00] Arrival of James Hird lifts standards at Essendon [00:15:30] Breakout season in 2011 after move to forward line[00:23:00] Supplements saga begins to unfold [00:33:00] Dealing with constant media scrutiny during 2013 season[00:40:30] Shifting to Western Bulldogs for a fresh start[00:50:00] Devastation of 12-month suspension ruling in 2016[01:03:00] Watching the Bulldogs win the flag from sidelines [01:10:00] Life after footy and key takeawaysCrameri's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Be sure to listen to the full episode to get an insight into one of the AFL's most challenging chapters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
EPISODE 4

Greg Williams - It's hard being a star

Greg Williams was one of the greatest AFL players of his time, winning 3 Brownlow Medals and a Norm Smith Medal. But his road to stardom wasn't easy - he was rejected by Carlton twice as a teenager before getting his shot at Geelong. In this episode, Williams takes us through the highs and lows of his incredible career, from his rocky start to premiership glory with Carlton. Get the inside story on Williams' battles with umpires, his thoughts on concussion in the AFL, and find out how a last-minute cash delivery from John Elliott allowed Williams to take the field in round 1, 1992. Williams also shares techniques that helped make him one of the game's best ball-getters and handballers. Key Moments: 2:30 - Getting rejected by Carlton as a teenager 7:20 - Transferring from Geelong to Sydney Swans16:30 - Controversy with umpire John Russo and the Brownlow Medal in 199324:45 - Joining Carlton and run-ins with John Elliott32:20 - Winning the 1995 premiership and Norm Smith medal44:30 - Getting suspended after pushing umpire Andrew Coates56:00 - Battling memory loss from concussions1:05:00 - Williams' kicking tips and techniques Don't miss this chance to go inside the mind of an AFL legend. Listen to the full episode now to hear Diesel's incredible story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 8m
EPISODE 5

Jaidyn Stephenson - Free from the AFL at 25

Former AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson opens up about the highs and lows of his short-lived career, from winning a Rising Star to getting caught up in a gambling scandal that derailed his promising start at Collingwood. Overview: In this candid interview, Stephenson reflects on his rapid rise to fame as a teenager, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and how off-field mistakes led to his untimely exit from the Pies. He also discusses the difficulties adjusting to a struggling North Melbourne side after being traded, and what ultimately led him to walk away from footy at just 25. Key Takeaways: 2:30 - On being drafted to Collingwood as an 18-year-old and living the dream his first year, including winning a Rising Star award. 8:00 - Getting caught placing bets on Collingwood games, resulting in a long suspension. 15:30 - Being abruptly traded from Collingwood to North Melbourne after just two seasons. 21:00 - Struggling at North as the losses piled up and scrutiny intensified. 27:00 - Getting injured after drunkenly crashing his bike down the stairs. 32:00 - Losing his passion for footy and deciding to retire at just 25 years old. 37:00 - Reflecting on his short AFL career and the challenges of transitioning to a "normal" job. Don't miss this raw and unfiltered look into the real world of an AFL footballer. Tune in to hear Jaidyn's incredible story in his own words. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 12m
EPISODE 6

Hannah Mouncey's hard fight for inclusion

Hannah Mouncey shares her experience as a transgender athlete fighting for inclusion in professional sports. Get an inside look at the challenges and discrimination she has faced. Overview:Hannah Mouncey, former Australian men's handball player, opens up about her journey as a transgender athlete. She talks about realizing her gender identity as a child, coming out to her family, and beginning hormone therapy. Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft and being barred from playing due to concerns over physical advantages. She describes lacking support from sporting organizations and facing restrictions despite lowering testosterone levels. Mouncey shares her perspective on blanket bans against transgender athletes and argues they should be allowed to compete after proper hormone therapy. She emphasises hard work over natural talent and says trans athletes are not successful merely for being trans. Mouncey remains hopeful her advocacy will have a positive impact on trans rights. Timestamps:00:15 - Mouncey shares when she first realized she was transgender10:34 - She describes coming out to her mom and transitioning 18:45 - Mouncey recounts trying out for the AFLW draft32:12 - She argues against blanket bans on trans athletes42:34 - Mouncey talks about continuing to advocate for trans rights Mouncey shares a powerful first-hand account of the challenges facing trans athletes. Tune in to hear her unique perspective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 4m
EPISODE 7

Ben Brown - Footy done differently

Ben Brown shares the highs and lows of his AFL career, from going undrafted to becoming a premiership player with Melbourne. Hear how he overcame adversity and self-doubt to reach the pinnacle of the sport. In this episode of Sacked, Ben Brown opens up about his AFL journey. From getting drafted by North Melbourne at pick 47 after being overlooked in previous drafts, to becoming their leading goalkicker, and then being delisted. He shares how COVID-19 and hub life impacted his mental health and derailed contract talks with North Melbourne. We learn how he bounced back from injury and self-doubt to find form and contribute to Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership. Key Moments:2:30 - Getting drafted by North Melbourne after 4 tries8:00 - Kicking his first AFL goal, a tribute to his late grandfather15:30 - The challenge of blokey footy culture as a young player22:00 - Struggling mentally during the 2020 hub season32:30 - Getting delisted by North Melbourne after 10 years at the club37:00 - Joining Melbourne and their belief he could contribute55:00 - His resilience to regain form in the VFL and make the senior team1:05:00 - Being part of Melbourne's epic 2021 Grand Final comeback1:15:00 - The challenge of injuries late in his career before retirement Listen now to hear Ben's incredible story in his own words. You'll be inspired by his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 15m
EPISODE 8

Scott Cummings - Bordering on overqualified

There wouldn’t be many more qualified candidates for the final SACKED AFL episode of season six than Scott Cummings. The laconic goal kicker cycled through four clubs in three states across a nine year career that promised a great deal but ended due to injury at the age of just 28. And yet Cummings could really play. He was the leading goal kicker at three of his four clubs and kicked 95 goals to win the Coleman Medal at West Coast in 1999. But it was Collingwood - where he played just five games for six goals in one final AFL season - that set him up for his post footy life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 16m

See All Season 6 (8)

John Ralph

Host
Glenn McFarlane

Host

What really happens when the axe falls in the AFL world? Some of the biggest names in the sport reveal the remarkable true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.