Every now and then, there’s something in the quasi-not-quite-sporting world that catches For &amp; Against’s eye. So imagine our delight when a string of It’s Not Sport But We Like It stories emerged at once in our post-Olympics haze! There was only one solutions – a show dedicated to the passionate, competitive, skilful and oh-so-sporting-in-their-own-way worlds of Hobby Horsing, Snail Racing, Speed Jigsaw Puzzling and Sydney Swan Fan Mingling…oh dear, what could possibly go wrong? If that’s all too much, fear not as a more traditional overflow of Olympic off-field behaviour finds its way into Red Card Yellow Card!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know what you’re thinking. If For &amp; Against can take a week off between episodes, then surely it’s okay for the AFL Finalists to do the same…well, think again! Because the team have something to say it. About that and about Sydney derby TV timeslots, the Carlton-Coach-turned-Coffee-Carrying-Superhero and when a Rugby League Immortal truly becomes immortal. And that’s all before Red Card Yellow Card brings us home with the class or lack thereof you’ve become accustomed to! No byes for us - enjoy the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Episode 140 - Footy Finals, Byes and Immortals

Episode 139 – It’s Not Sport But We Like It – Special Edition

Did we love the Olympics in the city of love…discuss, rant, rave, rate! That’s the mission of the For &amp; Against team as we justify too many late nights, early mornings and frustrations using the official app! There’s also an acronym overload of NBA TV deals, AI overreach, EPL OS to work through. All that plus a special gold-silver-bronze segment of red card yellow card. Oo la la indeed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 138 – Ah Paris, Oo la la and au revoir

Toyota have announced they are leaving The Olympic Partner program after the Paris Olympics – sacre bleu! Quel happened? Well, For &amp; Against is here to break it down. We also look at how the Olympics has flexed its muscles by re-routing the most famous finish in all of sport. Sports funding, sporting capitals, sports diplomacy, sports streaming and Major League Eating. And then the most interactive session of Red Card Yellow Card we’ve had since Rugby League started monitoring their players’ social media accounts! Enjoy another fun episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 137 – Who wants to be on TOP of the Olympics

But did anyone in Australia know? And should a world cup ever be televised by one of these upstart new-fangled streaming services instead of our much loved traditional advertising-supported free-to-air TV channels? Well, you know who knows? The For &amp; Against Team, of course! They’re also keen to tackle the offside rule in football, the AFL’s drug policy and the holy/unholy alliance between sport and gambling being consummated by the CEO of one becoming the CEO of the other. And that’s all before we get to sports people behaving badly in Red Card Yellow Card. Come join us for the fun-filled roundtable of wisdom that is For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 136 – It’s a Cricket Party in the USA

Preaching to the converted, but science has finally confirmed what we always knew, Sport is good for the world – financially, socially and emotionally. And For &amp; Against is here to take you through why! Add in the Holy Grail of selling cricket to the Yanks and MotoGP to Liberty Media, plus a shake-your-head, celebrity-infused segment of Red Card Yellow Card, and you’ve got another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 135 – Sport Is Good For You

Sacre Bleu! Who you gonna call when athletes get prizemoney for winning gold and aspiring Australian Olympians get turfed for drinking a beer between qualifying rounds? For &amp; Against, of course! And what do you wear to the opening ceremony at the fashion capital of the world? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out. We also talk Caitlin Clark, WTA/ATP Merger and, most outrageously of all, Roachy brings up golf...voluntarily...of his own accord...to talk about the quirks of the classiest, most traditional tournaments of them all, the Masters. Wonders never cease, Red Card Yellow Card never gets old and you’ll always have a good time listening to For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 134 – Paris Here We Come

For &amp; Against goes deep into the existential crises facing Tasmanian and Brisbanian sports fans as politicians hold their once-promised stadiums to ransom! But can a stadium be anything other than a white elephant? The team investigate and are pretty clear about what they find. In the Shootout, investment banking takes on sport and brokers take on LA tee times! And then there is arguably the most ridiculous real life story ever told on F&amp;A - where you will learn everything you ever needed to know about proper moose gutting during the dog sledding Alaskan epic, the Iditarod! Add in racing waiters, Trumpian self promotion and another Australian cricketer falling off a moving vehicle, and you have another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 133 - Stadia Tragedia and the Crime of Inadequate Moose Gutting

What to do when a Federal politician suggests that a player sitting out for a side strain might actually be because they tested positive to recreational drugs in off field testing? Well, two things: 1) hold a press conference that yields a thousand headlines and opinions, and 2) listen to For &amp; Against to help make sense of it all!For &amp; Against has always been synonymous with Integrity - well, sort of - so we take that high ground (and Roachie's legendary pedanticism) out for a spin, running the moral eye over Afghan cricket cancellations, British Lions ticket prices, Tassie Devil deals with Warner Brothers and that old chestnut of questionable ethics: sausage dog racing. On top of all that, there are also eyewitness accounts of the recent F1 in Melbourne, the Surfling at Bells and one of our own tossing the coin in the middle of the MCG for Spud's Game. And Red Card Yellow Card! It's a massive episode of For &amp; Against. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 132 - AFL Drug Policy and Player "Protection"

What does the WWE, eSports, Olympic Breakdancing and Pigeon Racing have in common? Well, they all make Roachy's blood boil for a start - that anyone thinks of them as sport! Is he right? There's only way to find out, as For &amp; Against once again tackles the big issues. Seriously (sort of), that's what we do - like whether Wentworth Park should be turned into apartments, or Channel 9 have wasted their money buying the rights to the Melbourne cup, or whether the inclusion report commissioned by the Essendon Football Club is, well, inclusive! There's also two of the best Red Card Yellow Card excuses we've ever heard. To hear them yourself, tune into another great show with the For &amp; Against team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 131 -  It's Not Sport But We Like It...Or Do We?

For &amp; Against predicted this over a decade ago, now a gaggle of billionaires are making it true: an alternative to the Olympics where anything goes! And some of us are NOT happy!Will athletes be go faster, stronger, higher. Will viewers watch a supplement-supported world record! Will Roachy's head explode before the 100m champion's heart?? The team also talk Tay Tay and the Super Bowl, Sports Integrity Australia's overreach and an unforgettable RCYC segment featuring Tinder and Mankinis...you don't want want to know...well, actually...you know you do! So join us for another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 130 - The Enhanced For & Against

The For &amp; Against team have seen a few summers of sport - perhaps too many, but still never enough. And every summer, we see challenges to the status quo: basketball on Christmas Day, shorter then longer then shorter BBL seasons, the eternal optimism that football will take over riding the wave of the miraculous Matildas or a shift in broadcast rights that promises to redefine summer sport. But is summer sport reinventing itself?  Or is it a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same? The FANDA team are here to break it down and put it back together again in ways you never thought of! And then it’s a trip down memory lane as we assess The Guardian’s top Australian sports moments and determine what achievements are eternal and which might be bright and shiny with a recency bias. Outrageously not mentioned is a three-peat Australian world champion…thank goodness we were here! And hang around to the end, when Red Card Yellow Card, which shines the spotlight on sport and sportspeople behaving badly, features some outrageous electric pulses, late night over partying and mindless misogyny. We hope you enjoy this episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 129 - The Hottest Summer Ever…or was it?

What would the 80s think of cricket in 2024? Well for one thing, they would think we would be discussing whether we should or shouldn’t play cricket on Australia Day. Or that it’s a surprise the Windies won a test. Or that the Poms would get upset about Alex Carey being picked in the Test Team of the Year (well, they couldn’t, because Alex wasn’t born yet). Or whether Private Equity should buy a stake in city-based twenty over cricket!Well, that’s what For &amp; Against is for…to do battle with the preconceptions of the 80s about what sport looks like in 2024…and, well, I think we just shared something surprisingly psychological about the whole F&amp;A team. Hmmm. The team also cover what it means as Tiger breaks up with Nike and whether gambling on the Australian of the Year is, well, UnAustralian. All this, plus a repeat offender in Red Card Yellow Card and you have another great episode of For &amp; Against! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 128 - Summer of Cricket, Tennis and Netflix

Just when Rugby thought all hope was lost, Netball and For &amp; Against’s team are here to reminds us all that any sports administrator can have an annus horribilis. The team’s Wing Attack breaks down the pros and considerable cons of Amazon Prime winning the rights to the next few Cricket World Cups. Our Goal Defence weighs up defragmentation (after figuring out what it is) and how Gen Z sees sport differently. Finally, Red Card Yellow Card comes in off the bench for an absolute balls up - a bit like Netball’s last twelve months! Join us for another great full contact episode of For &amp; Against! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 127 - Netball’s Annus Horribilis Makes Rugby Feel Better

Football Fair Pay, Fair Play and Rahm’s Giant Pay Day…it’s all about the money as For &amp; Against dissect Australian Football’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which breaks new ground achieving pay parity for the Matildas and the Socceroos. They also rage against the VAR that penalises Everton but is yet to blow the whistle on Man City. And of course, once again to Roachy’s chagrin and Johnno’s delight, golf is on the menu as we find out just how much Jon Rahm’s PGA integrity is worth…it’s a lot! As are the antics of this show’s Red Card Yellow Card! It’s another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 126 - The Matildas and Rahmbo Strike It Rich

FIFA are handing out World Cup hosting duties like they’re Oprah… “You get to host a game! You get to host a game! You get to host a game!” …and so it falls to your fearless For &amp; Against team to hold the world’s biggest sporting machine to semi-serious account. Meanwhile, there’s a lot of fun and judgement to be had as Netflix make their own cross-over for TV sport and the AFL make plans for Sydney while the NRL is away in Vegas! What could possibly go wrong? There’s also Nerfball (yes, you read that right) and Red Card Yellow Card, in another fun episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 125 - Living La FIFA Loca!

Whoa, that sounds serious! Well yes, contrary to popular opinion, For &amp; Against does take sport seriously…sometimes. And so, after their winter hiatus, the team put what passes for their game faces on to discuss the calamitous state of Rugby Union. In other segments, Roachy continues his impassioned if misguided defence of One Day Cricket, Johnno continues his doomed defence of public golf courses, and Reills just smiles when anyone suggest Peter V’Landys and the Everest are going to take over racing! It’s important and serious - unless it isn’t - don’t forget Red Card Yellow Card - and have a great time listening to For &amp; Against. Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 124 - The Failed State of the (Rugby) Union

It’s the most traditional rivalry in the world: the Ashes! But can it survive in a world where tradition is for sale? You bet it can as Pat Cummins, Bazball and For &amp; Against come to the rescue! Plus we ask if Esports has jumped the eShark, if Tasmania can jump its AFL stadium issues and whether the Westminster Dog Show is sport or not (hint: it’s not sport, but we like it).Please join us for another fun ride through the world of sport as we know it. Produced by DM Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 123 - Ashes to Ashes … Cricket That Is!

As sports across the country line up to support the Voice, the team asks why. To understand should they or shouldn’t they, and why it matters, the team brings in no less than PR expert Lachlan Johnston. It’s a great conversation about how times are a-changing and the rise of player power. Then there’s coach burnout, CEO shakeout and the world’s most valuable football match (hint: it’s not what you think). Not to mention Red Card Yellow Card. This one’s a special one. We hope you enjoy this episode of For &amp; Against. Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 122 - It’s The Voice, Try to Understand it

ChatGPT would never create an episode like this...would it? If For &amp; Against has proven anything over the years, it's that intelligence in sport is rare. So if you think artificial intelligence would be welcomed to a coach's strategy, a player's training, a commentator's analysis...well you'd be right! Join Roach, Johnno and Reills as they document the rise of AI across the sporting world. There's also the bankers coming for rugby, the Saudis coming for cricket, and patrons at Marvel Stadium about to do a "runner" from Amazon's new food and beverage facility. All that and Red Card Yellow Card...a robot couldn't do that, could they? Could they? Could they? Could they...  Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 121 - The Robots Are Coming - AI in Sport

Could Adelaide actually be the centre of the sporting universe? The Gather Round, LIV Golf and our special guest, Andrew McGarry, certainly suggest so. Or could it be Las Vegas, which is collecting sporting teams and events like they were Celine Dion or Frank Sinatra. And the NRL wants to go there too…what could possibly go wrong? Well, that’s what For &amp; Against is here for! All this and more, including Australia’s new world champions in It’s Not Sport But We Like It. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 120 - Action Action Action When Adelaide Comes Alive

As litigation relating to concussion and CTE mounts, is some of the physical confrontation that is inherent in sport at risk of being regulated out? Also, the launch of Major League Cricket, crazy sporting related dinners, and Slamball....when basketball meets trampolining! Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 119 - Head Injuries: the Knockout Blow for Sport As We Know It?

Gary Linekar assists a BBC own goal in the Free Speech League, while locally, Pat Cummins gets a free kick. We’re assisted in our discussions by journalist Kevan Sangster. Also, the NRL and A-League bloat…sorry, float expansion plans, FIFA sees the light on Saudi sponsorship, and is Supercars starting to run out of the ‘cars’ bit? Red Card Yellow Card throws up the usual joys, including in-flight wifi issues at the Yankees, plus a deluded Gianni Infantino (part 56 in a series).  For enquiries contact alex@dm.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 118 - Free Speech Just Ain’t That Free Anymore

Saudi money is creating controversy in golf, football, F1 and more. But is the Saudi Arabian investment vehicle, PIF, government affiliated or not? Well, it depends on who’s asking - so to cut through the different answers going on around the globe, now it’s the For &amp; Against team asking! Joined by F&amp;A Alumni and global footballing guru, David Gill, the team get stuck into the truth, not to mention FIFA, EPL fans and even Stephen’s beloved WWE. There’s also drama at the home of golf as well-meaning members try to fix an ancient bridge but forget to keep off the grass! All this plus sports stars behaving badly in Red Card Yellow Card - join us for a hard-hitting, truth-telling, insightfully-irreverent episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 117 - Saudi Sportswashing Will Eat Itself

The Women’s Indian Premier League takes women’s sport to unprecedented heights. Joined by award-winning journalist, lawyer and Indian sports afficianado, Ritam Mitra, the team breaks down the history-making TV deal and player auction which sees the game’s top female players earning more than half a million dollars for six weeks work.  It’s a big moment which could redefine the landscape for women’s sport around the world.  The team also talk about the new Olympic TV deal, whether sheep dog trials should be an Olympic sport and, of course, Red Card Yellow Card. Join us for this very special episode of For &amp; Against. For partnership enquiries please contact alex@dm.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 116 - Women’s Cricket Makes History

At the start of the year, Cricket Australia surprised the sporting world by announcing an early resolution of their next TV rights deal. But did they go too early, take too little money and choose the wrong partner? Who better to take us through it than the For &amp; Against team and special guest, Dr Hunter Fujak sports management lecturer from Deakin Business School and author of Code War$: the Battle for Fans, Dollars and Survival! On that theme, we also talk about the prospect of Apple getting its hands on the EPL and the highest earning clubs in football. We also revel in the knowledge that Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, is a member of two Whatsapp groups called “Legends” – but who is in each group and what could possibly go wrong? And that’s before we even get into Red Card Yellow Card! Join us for another great episode of sport taken seriously, sometimes, with For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 115 – Cricket Legends of the Fall in TV Deals

They’re out again, those lists about the highest paid sports people in the world! And who better to tease out the big winners and the big surprises than your For &amp; Against team! In keeping with the theme, those multi-million dollar NFL contracts get put under the microscope for what is and isn’t guaranteed (spoiler: most isn’t) and the NRL try to agree a collective bargain in their own inimitable way (spoiler: their way is bumpy, argumentative and lots of fun to talk about). And in one of our most personal and psychologically revealing segments of the decade we’ve been doing this, Johnno talks us through how being Mankadded as an 8 year old turned him into the man he is today – and why he doesn’t think the Mankad is the affront to the spirit of cricket that some people make it out to be (spoiler: not everyone agrees, but that’s why we call it For &amp; Against). On top of all that, there’s the latest chapter of Rugby Australia questionably supporting Australian rugby and a star-studded Red Card Yellow Card (spoiler: Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Clarke, Sri Lankan prophets). Please enjoy another great episode of For &amp; Against. For partnership enquiries please contact alex@dm.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 114 – More Money, More Problems, More Mankad?

Who needs enemies when you can get broadcast networks to pay you millions of dollars for the privilege…welcome to 2023! It’s the Australian summer, which can only mean one thing: cricket! Well, two things: cricket and a host of opportunities for the For &amp; Against team to ask what Cricket Australia will do wrong next. TV rights are up for bids and the team give CA all the wisdom they will ever need. There’s also wisdom for and from tennis, as the team get excited (or otherwise) about Break Point, the ATP’s version of Drive to Survive. We hope you’re excited about 2023 and the first show of the year. It’s sharp, it’s fun, it’s 2023 - enjoy! For partnership enquiries please contact alex@dm.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 113 - TV Rights Just Ain’t What They Used to Be

Carnivals actually! The World Cup is over. 2022 is over. And another year of For &amp; Against is over. World football expert (and For &amp; Against alum!) David Gill joins the team to dissect the world game’s showpiece in Qatar, and whether Australian football has once again wasted its greatest opportunity. Speaking of carnivals, we check in on the David Warner circus and a golden final red card yellow card of 2022. This one’s a good one! Thanks so much for being with us this year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 112 - The Carnival is Over

Boxing gets a rare run, with an equally rare example of a sport delving into the archives and reversing a 30 year-old result, setting quite the precedent.....ESG finds its inevitable way into sport.....the Cappuccino Kid, Alex Watson, turns good guy and is trying to save Modern Pentathlon from itself (and the animal rights fraternity).....and the 'G chucks its twenty cents worth into Red Card Yellow Card. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 111 - A VAR Decision 31 Years in the Making...and the return of the Cappuccino Kid!

The World Cup plunders on, providing more material than we know what to do with: armband bans, Infantino's multi-personality diatribe, the beer sales backflip, etc. etc. And was the early morning Socceroos opener the real reason no-one turned up to an Aust v Eng ODI? Red Card Yellow Card has a football focus, with a can't-be-unheard nomination for Wayne Rooney. After impressing in the qualifiers last show, journo Kevan Sangster comes in off the bench, deputising for Reills ('soreness').See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 110 - The World Cup Runneth Over

Show me the money! Or at least where a savvy advertiser should place it. The team work through the usual suspects and a few surprises on this year’s Most Marketable Athletes List. They can’t agree about the future of Pickle Ball or the Giteau Law, but they do agree that this show has one of the most fun interviews ever: one half of Australia’s recently crowned Wife Carrying Champions, Nick Topham (yes, you did read that right…and yes, we are very very careful). Enjoy!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 109 - The World’s Most Marketable Athletes and How a Trip to the Singleton Show Created Australia’s Latest Champions

The World Cup is about to kick off in Qatar and the team talk to journalist, Kevan Sangster, who helps us navigate player protests, FA remedy petitions and Denmark’s black kit. We also venture into the virtues of Netball sponsorship and the values of the Essendon football club and its one day CEO! The banter in this one is deep and meaningful, though there’s also $50,000 NFL lunches and a star-studded Red Card Yellow Card. It’s another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 108 - Virtue, Values, Value and Sport

The ink is barely dry on the AFL’s new $4.5b contract and the team bring in Dr Hunter Fujak to put it under the microscope…and bring the hammer down on the NRL (who must be feeling very sorry for themselves). We also object to a Scottish legal ruling that sport is not a religion and discuss the holy relics known as sporting collectibles. Amen to another great episode of For &amp; Against! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 107 - 4.5 Billion Reasons Why AFL is a Religion

In this show, the For &amp; Against team get serious - if just for a short time - to discuss head injuries, concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). And given that they can barely pronounce encepha… encephalo… CTE, they bring in Dr Alan Pearce, world-renowned neurophysiologist, to talk about how we might reduce the chances of our sporting heroes spending their later lives suffering from cognitive impairment, depression, suicide and short-term memory loss. To lighten the mood, they also talk LIV Golf (much to Roachy’s chagrin), Bledisloe on a Thursday and why everyone should crush their medication and take it to the casino in a plastic baggie! Please enjoy another great show of For &amp; AgainstSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 106 - More Than Just a Headache

Yes, we’re making up words, but only because words can’t describe the high drama and controversy that For &amp; Against’s intrepid investigative team uncover in this show!The NRL is looking for bidders to host their Grand Final, Super Bowl-style. Will it catch on? Or is it just another piece of V’landys brinksmanship?  And the noble sport of Cornhole has been rocked by allegations of cheating by the game’s elite…Simon’s world has been rocked and you’ll never look at competitive bean bags the same way again…as I said, words can’t describe! But For &amp; Against is here to make sense - and fun - of it all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 105 - Super Bowlification and Cornhole-Gate!

First it was One Dayers, now it’s the jewel in the traditionalist’s crown, Test Cricket, whose life is on the line. South Africa might be the number one ranked team in the world, but does their lack of sponsors mark them as a canary in a coal mine?Fear not, because the For &amp; Against team is all over it! Listeners should also take heart that Ash Barty has a new job, we have discovered the Excel world championships and sporting champs are being called out for acting like chumps in Red Card Yellow Card.It’s another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 104 - Is Test Cricket Dying Too?

He’s back! Sound the trumpets! Wave your flags! The walking encyclopaedia of all things football, David “Bear” Gill, is back from sabbatical to celebrate and reminisce over the 30th Anniversary of the introduction of the back pass rule! We also cover other great rule changes, Sam Kerr achieving legendary status on the cover of FIFA2023 and Australia’s secret championship credentials in Obstacle Course Swimming. The back pass was introduced to reduce time-wasting, but you won’t want to miss a minute of this - another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 103 - Don’t Waste Our Time!

Is it sacrilegious to watch sport on Christmas Day? Or sacrilege not to? To figure it out, the team interview Sydney Kings Co-Owner, Paul Smith, who recently announced the NBL’s intention to break the taboo and own Christmas Day. Paul gives an off-the-cuff, sports business masterclass on potential benefits of first mover advantage, the risks that he and the NBL are taking and, most important of all, why it just might work. Also on the show: Has Ben Stokes signalled the end for 50 over cricket? Has Roachy had enough of LIV Golf? And is there anything Johnny can’t stomach about the Tom Brady of Hot Dog Eating? This one’s got everything - we hope you enjoy another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 102 - All I Want For Xmas is a Game of Basketball

After the team celebrated a century in our previous show, it’s time to get back down to business - specifically, the business of spending billions on cricket and football. The ever-insightful Ritam Mitra joins us to dissect the IPL’s latest jaw-dropping deal and what Apple might be thinking taking Major League Soccer to the world. The team also dig into the most important part of the Commonwealth Games - the opening ceremony fashions! - and the potential behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing to secure the 2026 World Cup Final. And lastly, Red Card Yellow Card takes aim at a former world champion, a misguided singing superstar and a would-be authoritarian sporting CEO. We know you’ll enjoy another great show of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 101 - IPL and MLS Big Deals!

Welcome to a very special edition of For &amp; Against: our one hundredth show! 77 on ABC Grandstand and 23 on the Diamantina Network. And in a first for the team, we discuss whether we owe Greg Norman an apology. Speaking of sell-outs, the spontaneous sale of the Netball Grand Final venue gets examined as do the chances of the FFA spending the bounty of a fifth straight World Cup qualification. Last but not least, in fact maybe most important of all, we celebrate one hundred shows with a seminal segment of Red Card Yellow Card, highlighted by a return of the usual suspects (AFL players behaving badly) and a doozy of a nomination for Nick Faldo. Thank you to everyone who has joined for our previous 99 shows. We hope you enjoy this special 100th!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 100 - LIV Golf Lives!

We're joined by former Aussie cricketer and now coach Nathan Hauritz, to talk about bridging the generation gap in coaching (and his very recent appointment to Ireland). Still on cricket, is the giant awakening in the US? If the money is any guide, that's a yes. And to the disbelief of many, FIFA dumps FIFA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 99 - The Dark Art of Coaching Across the Generations

Wimbledon takes a stand against Russia and the ATP/WTA return serve…where’s the moral high ground? Probably a lot closer to US soccer, where gender pay parity has arrived. And was the federal election coverage better than watching sport? As with sport, depends who you support…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 98 - Play Equality at Wimbledon, Pay Equality in the US

Where will it end? And do we want it to? In this episode, For &amp; Against discuss the next sports looking to emulate the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. We also count the costs of Ash Barty’s retirement…to the cost of TV rights to next year’s Australian Open! And there’s an absolute classic nomination for It’s Not Sport But We Like It: Extreme Ironing! It could only be another episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 97 – The Netflix Effect takes on the Matildas and…Golf?

For &amp; Against gets tribal as Rugby League great, Brad Clyde, joins the team to debate whether Rugby League should break with tradition and move the Grand Final north of the border to Lang Park! The team also discuss the Wimbledon sanctions, the not-dead-yet Saudi golf league and the legacies of two departing administrative giants, John Coates and Gil McLachlan. And of course, there’s Red Card Yellow Card. Join us for another great episode of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 96 – Stadiums, CEOs and the End of Some Eras

Does live sport have a future? Will the crowds come back as COVID recedes? Join Paul, Simon and Stephen, as they discuss what sports need to do to get people buying tickets again. Or is the future of sport virtual, and coming soon to a metaverse near you? Find out on another great show of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 95 - Will Live Sport Ever Be the Same Again?

Ash Barty's retirement shocked the world and blindsided sports-mad, hero-worshipping Australia. Join Paul, Simon and Stephen as they explore whether her actions are unprecedented or enlightened! The team also covers the march of private equity into sport and the consequences of Italy's failure to make the World Cup for the second time in a row. It's an extra-sensitive, game-changing episode of For &amp; Against. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 94 - On Ash and 'Early' Retirements

Who says sport and politics don’t mix? No-one on For &amp; Against, that’s for sure. The team tackles Russian sporting sanctions, with a special interview with sporting economist and sanctions afficionado, Tim Harcourt, and discuss their impact on the hearts and minds of fans…and the budgets and sponsors of sporting administrators like FIFA and the IOC. They also look at 2022’s 'new and improved' Formula One, speed sky diving and Phil Mickelson hitting himself with a nine-iron. And that's before Red Card Yellow Card. Get ready for another exciting episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 93 - Who Says Sport and Politics Don't Mix

The fall of Tim Paine, the rise of Crypto-in-Sport and how the Great White Shark plans to unite the world in peace and harmony...these topics and a whole lot more can only mean one thing...it's time for another great episode of For &amp; Against! The team dissect whether Tim Paine fell on his sword or was pushed (can you be pushed onto your own sword?) and debate whether anyone can meet the standards of the world today. They also interview the Sports Geek himself, Sean Callanan (https://sportsgeekhq.com), to help them make sense of cryptocurrencies, NFTs and the blockchain, and how they are finding their way into sport and the business of sport. Then it's on to Red Card Yellow Card, where the show's own personal marriage celebrant, Greg Norman, tries to save the world. Only on For &amp; Against...well, and all over Instagram! Please note that this episode contains commentary and banter about cryptocurrencies, NFTs and other potentially investable collectibles. Please note that all comments are general, in nature, and do not in any way represent financial advice.  No matter how knowledgeable, humorous or good-looking the team sounds, the information presented in this episode has been prepared for entertainment purposes and does not take into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives and is therefore not suitable to be acted on as investment advice. You should assess your own financial situation and may wish to consult an adviser before you make any changes to your financial affairs. And now that you've read the blurb and the disclaimer, it's time to enjoy the show!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 92 - The Fall of Tim Paine and the Rise of Crypto-in-Sport

It's a party in the USA! Well it is if you are an F1 fan. The team dissects how the world's most popular motor sport is finally drawing fans and TV ratings in the final frontier known as America. If that's not enough, there's more sportswashing, expansion club economics in the IPL and NRL, lawnmower racing and the most philosophical red card yellow card ever! And if THAT'S not enough, Paul finally acknowledges the most unlikely of sports as a sport. We hope you enjoy another great show of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 91 - Formula One Conquers the New World

Football ownership and the hot topic of "sportswashing" is the headline topic of today's show - and it's no surprise to hear the team each take the unequivocal high ground, only to find themselves in obvious disagreement! To settle matters, they bring in leading barrister and former football administrator, Simon Philips, to sort it out, Just when you think too much sanctimony is never enough, the boys tackle biennial World Cups, Rugby 12s, night-time grand finals, WADA's authority over cannabis and the economics of shirt numbers. Effortlessly moving from the sublime to the ridiculous...let's face it...mostly ridiculous, as only For &amp; Against can, it's another great show. Have a listen, have a chuckle, have a rant and subscribe, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 90 - Sportswashing and the Most Sanctimonious Show on Earth

Like they say at childcare: No jab, no play! As the sporting world scrambles to retake the field, controversy rages about whether sport can force players to be vaccinated before they can play. To tackle this sensitive subject, the team interview expert employment lawyer, Jack de Flamingh, who masterfully covers what's legal, illegal and "not unlawful" - well, it was the team's fault for bringing in a lawyer! There's also a recount of Olympic medals, Field of Dreams and Lord Beefy Botham! And Red Card Yellow Card! It can only be For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 89 - No Jab No Play - Should Sport Demand Mandatory Vaccinations

Recorded midway through the 2020 Olympics (why do they keep calling it that, when it's 2021!!!), the team analyse the ups and downs of the Tokyo Games so far and how gold medals and a favourable timezone have seen higher-than-expected ratings as Australia jumps on an old-school bandwagon. We also celebrate Brisbane being named host of the 2032 Games...or do we? The team debates whether the Tokyo Games are a good omen or a sign that we have done a deal with the devil. Of course, there's also Red Card Yellow Card highlighting sporting crimes and misdemeanours off the field of play. Come for the For, stay for the Against and enjoy (and subscribe for) another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 88 - And the winner is Brisbane...but are the Olympics worth winning?

As only For &amp; Against can, this show is one of extremes as the team tackle on one hand, the intrusion of "popularity payments" into golf and "youtube sensations" into boxing, and on the other, the incredibly serious topic of mental health in sport, as highlighted by Naomi Osaka and Matthew Wolff at recent major events. We interview former Socceroo, Michael Thwaite, about his own experiences with mental illness at the very top level and how his new mentoring program, "That's Football", is helping people create mental wellbeing and transition into a profession they value.As always, there is also Red Card Yellow Card, poking fun at sportspeople behaving ridiculously off the field of play. We also see just how much damage Cristiano Ronaldo did to Coke's share price by taking their bottles off the table at a press conference.Join us for another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 87 - The Future of Sport and How Sport Decided to Stand Up for Mental Health

The Tokyo Olympics are only weeks away, but the battle against Covid still rages around the world. There are billions of dollars at stake, if the powers-that-be decide to cancel it...but who are these powers really? And what should their decision be? As usual, the boys can't agree - some are for, some are against...but they've brought in legal sporting expert Darren Kane to help sort it out.Speaking of things they can't agree about: now that Phil Mickelson is history's oldest major champion, why can't Reills start the tennis career he's always dreamed of?And why can't the sporting world stop providing Red Card Yellow Card candidates?All this and more as Paul Roach, Simon Johnson, David Gill and Stephen Reilly debate all that matters off the sporting field of play in another great episode of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 86 - Who Decides Whether to Cancel the Tokyo Olympics

Sparks fly as the team dissect how the ESL and IPL imploded in very different ways and whether either will return. Not to mention crucial, world-changing issues like the new canary-yellow Olympic uniforms and Red Card Yellow Card. Whether you're for or against, you'll enjoy the latest episode of For And Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 85 - European Super Disaster...I mean...League

The team takes a knee to national anthems and their place in sport. We look at the world's most marketable sports properties (spoiler: table tennis beats cricket, what the ...). We interview public relations expert, Amanda Bull, about how (not) to handle public relations disasters, focusing on Australia's favourite and most reliable source of public relations disasters, the NRL. We even find an excuse to discuss the sport of US Elections, day versus night grand finals, dodgy LA Dodgers and the closet where Boris Becker hides his trophies. Whether you're for any of the above or against, we trust you'll enjoy another great show of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 84 - Taking a Knee to National Anthems, Elections and Public Relations in Sport

Is this the end for sport? The team tackles the shock of a low-rating Super Bowl, the potentially disastrous etiquette of Covid-fearing tennis fans and the similarities of David Bowie to young baseballers. It's another great show of For &amp; Against.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 83 - Sport Faces Declining Ratings and Misbehaving Fans

Join the team as they discuss how private equity is circling vulnerable sports, how a Netflix show is reinventing Formula 1 coverage, and WTF are NFTs and why they are worth so much. Plus a fond farewell to Murray Walker. It's another great show of For &amp; Against!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 82 - Should Sport Sell Out to Private Equity

As the Australian Open struggles to lock down their star attractions, so too do the team wrestle with how the year's first Grand Slam...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 81 - Tennis Goes Into Quarantine and the Indian Juggernaut Emerges

Channel 7 takes the second new ball and sends a revenue-crusher down to Cricket Australia. Qantas walks from Rugby Australia, with the...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 80 - Contract Sports

For and Against returns with another grab bag of big issues in sport. Bubbles of a different kind are infiltrating sports bubbles, while an outrageous attack is launched on Formula 1...is it really a sport? Warnie's new scent gets a run (obviously) and we look at the IP issues surrounding the use of the Aboriginal Flag. Finally, Red Card Yellow Card features burst bubbles, a famous pub and the return of an old, old friend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 79 - Infiltrating Bubbles...What Is A Sport Anyway?....Warnie on the Nose...the Caxton Gets Carded - Ep 2

Coming out of iso, For and Against makes its debut after it's life on radio, setting out to make sense of what Covid means for sport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 78 - The Return

Trailer for the upcoming season of For and AgainstSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Episode 139 – It’s Not Sport But We Like It – Special Edition

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