The Aussie Game Podcast

The Aussie Game Podcast

The Aussie Game is your weekly deep dive into Australian football — from the A-League to the Socceroos and Matildas, and everything in between. Hosted by passionate fans of the beautiful game Down Under, we break down the latest matches, spotlight local talent, and tackle the issues shaping football in Australia. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, this is your home for Aussie football talk.

  1. 2d ago

    #101 - Should we scrap the A-League cap & Patrick Beach makes overseas move

    The FIFA World Cup may be over in North America, but Australian football is only heating up. This week we cover a huge run of overseas transfers, pre-season performances from Australians abroad, the release of the 2026 A-League Men's fixture, Football Australia's new domestic calendar, Australia Cup Round 32, and the latest developments in the ongoing collective bargaining dispute. This week's topics Canberra United secure new owners.Adam Peacock calls for the A-League salary cap to be scrapped in favour of a salary floor.The PFA rejects the APL's latest collective bargaining agreement proposal.Football Australia confirms the 2026 domestic calendar, with the A-League Men, A-League Women and Australian Championship all kicking off on 16 October after the international window. The A-League Men's fixtures are out: Sydney Derby opens the season on Friday night. F3 Derby also headlines Round 1. Melbourne Derby in Round 2. New Zealand Derby and the Original Rivalry feature in Round 4. A packed festive schedule sees matches played every day from Boxing Day through to 3 January. Australian transfer roundup Patrick Beach → Troyes Charli Grant → Malmö FF Tete Yengi → Machida Zelvia (permanent) Callum Elder → Lincoln City Mark Natta → Cesena Jacob Chapman → St Mirren Dan Hall → JEF United Chiba Ella Tonkin → Torreense Max Anastasio → AC Milan Jake Girdwood-Reich → Motherwell Luka Jovanović → San Jose Earthquakes Younis Ibrahim signs his first professional contract with Brighton & Hove Albion Ryan Strain → Falkirk Grace Johnston → Charlton Aussies abroad Scotland Zac Sapsford scores and assists in a Player of the Match display for Dundee United. Lachie Rose scores for his new club. Josh Rawlins also gets valuable pre-season minutes. Norway Gianni Stensness plays consecutive full matches for Viking, who remain firmly in the title race. England Hayden Matthews plays 45 minutes in Portsmouth's pre-season friendly against Aldershot Town. Austria Marco Tilio opens the scoring as Rapid Vienna defeat Panathinaikos 4-1. Croatia Noa Skoko helps Hajduk Split progress in Europa League qualifying. United States Sam Kerr makes her Gotham FC debut, playing 26 minutes in front of a crowd of more than 42,000. Mackenzie Arnold records four saves despite Portland's defeat. China Ross Aloisi's Zhejiang Professional claim a dramatic late 3-2 victory. Plus Australia Cup Round 32 wrap-up. The biggest talking points from another busy week in Australian football. If you enjoy in-depth Socceroos analysis, Australian football discussion, A-League coverage and the latest transfer news, subscribe and join the conversation every week. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

  2. Jul 5

    What is the state of the Socceroos after World Cup exit to Egypt on penalties?

    The Socceroos' FIFA World Cup campaign is over after a heartbreaking Round of 32 defeat to Egypt on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. In this episode, we analyse Australia's performance, discuss the biggest tactical decisions, examine whether the Socceroos underachieved, and ask what needs to change before the next World Cup. We also break down the key moments from the match, assess the impact of the substitutions, discuss Football Australia's long-term vision, and round up the biggest Australian football transfer news. In This EpisodeSocceroos knocked out of the FIFA World Cup by Egypt on penaltiesFull Australia vs Egypt tactical analysis and player performancesDid Tony Popovic get the tactics right?Was Australia's World Cup campaign a success or failure?Why Australia's attack struggled in the final thirdThe importance of set pieces and aerial dominanceWhat the Socceroos must improve before the next World CupFootball Australia's $15.8 million World Cup windfallHeather Garriock's comments on Australia's long-term football visionThe latest Australian football transfer newsMatch BreakdownVolpato nearly gave Australia the perfect start after rattling the crossbar.Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute after Australia's defensive structure broke down.Australia's long throws created dangerous moments, but set-piece quality remained inconsistent.Volpato continued to threaten before Aiden O'Neill delivered an excellent cross that Irankunda couldn't convert.Jordy Bos was forced off injured before half-time, with Kai Trewin introduced after the break.Australia equalised in the 55th minute as sustained pressure from a quality set piece forced an Egyptian own goal.The substitutes helped Australia regain momentum and control.Thomas Beach produced a brilliant late save to keep Australia's World Cup hopes alive.The match went to penalties, where the Socceroos fell just short.DiscussionWas this simply Australia's current level, or did conservative tactics prevent the Socceroos from progressing further? We discuss the balance between pragmatism and ambition, Australia's technical ceiling, squad selection, player development, and what success should look like heading into the next World Cup cycle. Australian Football Transfer NewsClayton Taylor joins Barnsley.Eli Adams signs with Gamba Osaka.Joe Lolley and Oscar Gonzalez join Newcastle Jets.Bryleeh Henry and Izzy Gomez move to Rosengård.Ange Postecoglou becomes Al Nassr manager.Arthur Papas appointed head coach of Al-Ettifaq. If you enjoy in-depth Socceroos analysis, Australian football discussion, A-League coverage and the latest transfer news, subscribe and join the conversation every week. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

  3. Jun 28

    Socceroos Reach the World Cup Knockout Stage as Mo Salah's Egypt awaits

    Australia is through to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Paraguay. In this episode, we break down the Socceroos' group-stage campaign, analyse the performance against Paraguay, discuss the biggest selection questions ahead of the Round of 32 clash with Egypt, and look at the latest A-League ownership news. In This Episode Paraguay 0-0 Australia Review The Socceroos secure qualification from a difficult group. Why the result was enough—but did the performance answer the big questions? Tactical analysis and key takeaways from the draw. Match Highlights Irvine's early chance created by Volpato. Bos and Volpato threaten before halftime. Irankunda's best opportunity after the break. Beach makes a crucial late save. Why Australia's attacking opportunities consistently came down the right-hand side. Player Talking Points Standout performers. The impact of the substitutes. Beach, Bos, Circati, Souttar and O'Neill: automatic starters? The striker dilemma. Concerns over Australia's set-piece delivery. Injury updates on Leckie and Italiano. Group Stage Verdict How Australia performed across the three matches. What has impressed. What still needs improvement before the knockout rounds. Egypt Preview How Egypt qualified. Their defensive strength and possession-based style. Key players including Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah (fitness permitting), Zico and Trezeguet. Tactical match-ups and Australia's best approach. Who should start in the Round of 32? World Cup Facts & Storylines A record 4.84 million Australians tuned in as the nation stopped to watch qualification. Australia again fielded the youngest starting XI of the tournament (25.7 years average). Previous World Cup meetings between Australia and Egypt. The dramatic final day that saw Australia's Round of 32 opponent change nine different times. Travel, weather and scheduling challenges ahead of Dallas. Could an Argentina rematch await if Australia advances? Around the A-League Central Coast Mariners have new owners, but the women's team has controversially been excluded from the ownership deal. Player re-signings including Diesel Herrington, Storm Roux and Haine Eames. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and follow for more Socceroos, A-League and Australian football coverage throughout the FIFA World Cup. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

  4. Jun 21

    Socceroos vs USA review | What went wrong? Plus blockbuster Paraguay preview

    The Socceroos suffered a 2-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts USA in Seattle, coming back down to earth after their impressive opening win over Turkiye. Tony Popovic's surprise lineup selections failed to fire early as Australia struggled to match the Americans' intensity, conceding two fortunate first-half goals and creating little in attack. Second-half changes sparked life into the Socceroos, with Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Jason Geria making an immediate impact. Christian Volpato's lively 30-minute cameo was one of the major positives as Australia pushed hard for a way back into the contest but couldn't find a breakthrough. In this episode we discuss: What went wrong against the USA?Did Popovic get the starting lineup wrong?The impact of the halftime substitutionsChristian Volpato's exciting performanceWhether this was a reality check or a warning signHow Australia should approach the must-win clash with ParaguayShould the attack be built around the younger generation?What tactical flexibility does Popovic have if Australia falls behind?A-League & Transfer NewsWe also cover the latest transfer and coaching news: Jing Reec and Jonathan Aspropotamitis join Macarthur BullsMitch Duke departs MacarthurMarko Ilic signs for Brisbane Roar as Jay O'Shea leavesPerth Glory retain Charbel Shamoon and add Henry Hore and Calem NieuwenhofWestern Sydney Wanderers release seven players, including Kosta Barbarouses and Steven Ugarkovic BrillanteDan Hall leaves Auckland FC while Steve Corica joins Yokohama F. MarinosGiovanni Savarese appointed Melbourne Victory head coachCentral Coast Mariners release 10 playersKosta Grozos leaves Newcastle Jets, Lucas Scicluna joins Perth GloryTim Payne signs with Club OlimpiaSam Kerr joins Gotham FCPeter Cklamovski lands his first senior head coaching role at Salford CityAFC Champions League NewsAdelaide United will host Vietnamese champions Công an Hà Nội FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 Play-Off at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 11. Plus, we answer your listener questions and look ahead to a decisive final group-stage clash for the Socceroos. Subscribe for weekly Australian football updates covering Socceroos, Matildas, Aussies Abroad, and A-League analysis. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

  5. Jun 8

    Irankunda stars in Socceroos' Switzerland draw & Matildas suffer late heartbreak against Mexico

    With the FIFA World Cup just days away, the Socceroos wrapped up their final warm-up match with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland. We break down the key talking points, standout performers, selection headaches, and what it all means ahead of the clash with Türkiye. Meanwhile, the Matildas suffered a late 1-0 defeat to an in-form Mexico side in Newcastle on a milestone night for Ellie Carpenter, who celebrated her 100th international appearance as captain. We assess where the team stands one year out from the Women's World Cup. Socceroos 1-1 Switzerland: Final World Cup Tune-UpKey TakeawaysAustralia made seven changes to the starting XI, including debuts for Nicolas Milanovic Volpato and Teti Yengi.Switzerland dominated early, exposing Australia's right side and taking a deserved first-half lead.Paul Izzo Beach impressed in goal with several important saves.Nestory Irankunda was Australia's most dangerous attacking threat, creating problems with his pace and direct running.Volpato showed glimpses of creativity and linked well with Irankunda.Australia improved significantly after halftime.Teti Yengi scored on debut after excellent build-up play involving Connor Metcalfe and Cameron Burgess.Discussion PointsHas Irankunda done enough to start against Türkiye?What did Volpato add to the attack?Is Beach now the clear backup goalkeeper?Who should start in Australia's World Cup opener?Matildas 0-1 Mexico: Promise Without RewardKey TakeawaysEllie Carpenter celebrated her 100th cap and captained the Matildas at just 26 years old.Australia started brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances through Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Amy Sayer.The Matildas enjoyed 75% possession and 13 touches inside Mexico's box during the opening stages.Sam Kerr and Foord combined well throughout the match, while Fowler continued to impress creatively.Mexico remained dangerous on the counter and found success exploiting space behind Australia's defence.The visitors scored a late winner after a composed attacking move.Discussion PointsAre the Matildas creating enough clear-cut chances?What is the team's best midfield structure moving forward?How concerning are the defensive vulnerabilities against quality opposition?Where does the squad stand with 12 months until the Women's World Cup?Player & Transfer NewsKasey BosSet to join Sparta Rotterdam on loan after the Dutch club finished 10th in the Eredivisie last season.Sydney FC Departures The Sky Blues have confirmed the departures of: Joe LolleyJoel KingPatrick WoodAhmet ArslanCorey Hollman Additionally: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos returns to his parent club following his loan spell.Piero Quispe also returns to his parent club after his loan concludes.Final WordMixed results for Australia's national teams. The Socceroos showed resilience and depth ahead of the World Cup, while the Matildas produced encouraging signs but were ultimately punished by a clinical Mexico side. With major tournaments on the horizon, selection debates and tactical questions remain front and centre. Subscribe for weekly Australian football updates covering Socceroos, Matildas, Aussies Abroad, and A-League analysis. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

  6. May 31

    Will Cristian Volpato make World Cup squad after Mexico loss?

    Cristian Volpato has officially declared for Australia just days before the Socceroos' World Cup squad deadline. What does the switch mean for his chances of making the final 26-man squad, and where could he fit into Tony Popovic's plans? We also break down Australia's 1-0 defeat to Mexico in Florida. Another sluggish first half raised concerns, but a much-improved second-half display showed signs of promise ahead of the World Cup squad announcement. Is the slow-starting approach part of the game plan, or should fans be worried? In this episode:Cristian Volpato chooses Australia over ItalySocceroos 0-1 Mexico: key talking pointsWhy Australia continues to struggle in first halvesImproved second-half performance: tactical adjustment or coincidence?Mo Toure's isolated role and attacking concernsWhich players could miss out on the World Cup squad?Football Australia AGM: financial losses, governance battles and the future of the gameUpdates on the Australian Championship second divisionAussies Abroad: silverware, league titles and European qualification successNewcastle Jets confirm nine departures and sign Nikos VergosAidan Simmons leaves Western Sydney Wanderers for JapanAussies AbroadCrystal Palace claim UEFA Europa Conference League gloryRoma lift the Coppa ItaliaTeagan Micah wins the French league titleMarco Tilio helps Rapid Vienna qualify for EuropeNoah Botic's Austria Vienna secure Europa Conference League qualification Plus all the latest transfer news, overseas performances and listener discussion. What did you make of Australia's performance against Mexico? Did it improve or hurt your confidence ahead of the World Cup? Subscribe for weekly Australian football updates covering Socceroos, Matildas, Aussies Abroad, and A-League analysis. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: IG: @theaussiegame | FB: @theaussiegame | Threads: @theaussiegame | BlueSky: @aussiegame.bsky.social | X: @the_aussie_game

About

The Aussie Game is your weekly deep dive into Australian football — from the A-League to the Socceroos and Matildas, and everything in between. Hosted by passionate fans of the beautiful game Down Under, we break down the latest matches, spotlight local talent, and tackle the issues shaping football in Australia. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, this is your home for Aussie football talk.

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