The Early Crow

The Early Crow

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. 3d ago

    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
  2. Jun 17

    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
  3. Apr 14

    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
  4. Mar 17

    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
  5. 12/09/2025

    Ep. 86 - We’re Back Champions! 🔥 Offseason Stories, Swans Buzz & The Ashes!

    We're back for Ep. 66 of The Early Crow! 🎙️🔥 Tom takes the reins as we return from a well-earned offseason and there is PLENTY to unpack! 🙌 The lads dive into Paps' bucks party and his beautiful wedding 💍🎉 before shifting into a full update on the Sydney Swans pre-season and the impact Simon Goodwin is already having on the group 🦢💪 Then it’s onto some personal golf yarns ⛳😂 plus a chat about the Australian PGA in Melbourne before wrapping with a look at the Ashes 🏏🇦🇺 Intro & Offseason 🏖️🍻 Tom and Paps break down what’s been happening over the break, including all things bucks, wedding, and life off the field. Sydney Swans Pre-Season 🦢💪 Insight into the Swans' return to action, how the group is shaping up, and the early influence of Simon Goodwin. Golf Chat ⛳🤣 From personal rounds to professional analysis, the boys talk all things golf and what went down at the Australian PGA. The Ashes 🏏🔥 A quick whip-around on Aussie cricket as we look ahead to what's next. Chapters0:00 - Intro & The Offseason26:00 - Sydney Swans Pre-Season45:40 - Personal & Professional Golf53:35 - The Ashes 👥 Want to Sponsor The Early Crow? Got a brand, service, or business that wants in on the action? Let’s talk sponsorships and social collabs! 📩 theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 🔥 PLUS – We’ve teamed up with The Mailbag to bring you the re-vamped Mailbag Preview Show. Make sure you follow @MailbagTV on YouTube — we’re open to joint sponsorships too! 📩 Contact: theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com📺 YouTube: @TheEarlyCrowPodcast🎧 Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 📲 Follow us on Socials: • Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod • Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod • TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au #TheEarlyCrow #AFL #SydneySwans #Swans #Golf #AustralianPGA #TheAshes #SportsPodcast #AustralianSport #PodcastAustralia

  6. 09/30/2025

    Ep. 85 - Brisbane 🦁 Are Premiers! Lady Shenandoah Flops 🐎 Panthers Dynasty Done? 🏉 | The Early Crow

    Brisbane are Premiers 🦁, Lady Shenandoah flops at The Valley 🐎, Panthers dynasty DUSTED 🏉 & Europe reign supreme at the Ryder Cup ⛳ … WHAT A WEEKEND OF SPORT! We’re back for Ep. 85 of The Early Crow with Paps hosting Dicko and diving into all the biggest moments across AFL, racing, and world sport 🎙️🔥 AFL Grand Final 🏆Paps recounts the big day at the MCG, the atmosphere, and whether they got the Norm Smith voting right. Plus, the big question — how does anyone stop Brisbane in 2025? Eyes On Ponies 🐎From Manikato night to the Golden Rose and Sandown, the lads dissect what to make of Vinrock, Treasurethemoment & Lady Shenandoah. Beiwacht’s Golden Rose win, Sandown insights, and horses YOU must follow heading into spring 🌸 Ryder Cup ⛳Europe get the job done on Sunday! What does this mean for the USA heading back to Europe for the next edition? UFC Perth & NRL 💥Our man gets it done in Perth 👊 Plus, one of the greatest NRL matches of all time on Sunday night — but is the Panthers dynasty finally over? Who comes through, Storm or Broncos? Chapters ⏱️0:00 - Intros01:25 - Weekend Antics05:57 - AFL Grand Final17:34 - Eyes On Ponies: Manikato Night, Golden Rose & Sandown!39:48 - Ryder Cup49:40 - UFC Perth & NRL 👥 Want to Sponsor The Early Crow? Got a brand, service, or business that wants in on the action? Let’s talk sponsorships and social collabs! 📩 theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 🔥 PLUS – We’ve teamed up with The Mailbag to bring you the re-vamped Mailbag Preview Show. Make sure you follow @MailbagTV on YouTube — we’re open to joint sponsorships too! 📩 Contact: theearlycrowpodcast@gmail.com 📺 YouTube: @TheEarlyCrowPodcast🎧 Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 📲 Follow us on Socials: • Instagram – @EarlyCrowPod • Twitter (X) – @TheEarlyCrowPod • TikTok – @TheEarlyCrowPod 18+. Think about what you are really gambling with. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au #AFL #AFLGrandFinal #NRL #HorseRacing #TheEarlyCrow #RyderCup #UFC

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!

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