Captain's Call

If you speak to anyone associated with the AFL, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t revere Geelong Skipper Joel Selwood.

In  the ninth instalment of the Captain’s Call podcast, Paul Marsh is joined by the Geelong captain, who opens up about his celebrated leadership (6:40), his perception and what he is like behind closed doors (33:10), his views on social media (40:15) and the players in the competition he respects the most (55:01).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In the latest Captain’s Call episode, Paul Marsh is joined by his first AFLW guest, Katie Brennan. The Bulldogs skipper looks back at the first two years of the competition (5:40), the pain of missing out on the 2018 Grand Final due to suspension (12:02), the supportive hand Bob Murphy played during that week (16:20) and her ever-evolving leadership style (22:05).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Melbourne Demons co-captain Nathan Jones has had a truly unique AFL journey. In the midst of a finals drought spanning more than a decade, Jones toughed out the poor results and is now at the helm of Melbourne’s resurgence.

In this episode of Captain’s Call, Jones talks about his career to date and Melbourne’s struggles (1:39), as well as his personal journey from co-captain to solo captain and back again (10:51). From that unusual path, Jones discusses the lessons he has learned along the way (32:08) and the areas that he still needs to improve (37:50). And, on a lighter note, he tells the stories of his nickname “Chunk,” a wrestling match against Bernie Vince (66:42), and his unique relationship with his brother, Zak (70:47).

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Scott Pendlebury has faced plenty of challenges as captain of one of the largest sporting clubs in the country. In his five years as captain, the 30-year-old has faced extreme external pressure both individually and collectively as the club searches for their first finals berth since 2013.

In episode six of the Captain’s Call podcast, Pendlebury talks about losing the 2011 Grand Final and the disappointment associated (4:16), opening the door for Patty Mills’ AIS spot (7:25), the role he played as captain during Bucks’ time under relentless pressure, the way Collingwood handled the Jordan De Goey situation (32:00), and his opinion of the media (38:02).

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Dyson Heppell has faced plenty of challenges, both as a player and as a captain. He was suspended as part of the infamous Essendon supplements scandal, and took over as skipper as the banned players returned and the club tried to return to normalcy.

In episode five of the Captain’s Call podcast, Dyson talks about the impact of the scandal (10:07) and taking over as captain from Jobe Watson (18:15), as well as his strong relationships with some of his rivals (21:07). He also winds back the clock with some stories from his country upbringing in Leongatha (47:06).

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Shannon Hurn often flies under the radar of football fans, but the Eagles captain is put in the spotlight for episode two of the Captain’s Call podcast.

Speaking with AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh, Hurn talks about his early years at a club in turmoil (5:56), his development from then to now and the challenges of leading a diverse group of teammates (19:35).

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

North Melbourne are the surprise packet of 2018, and captain Jack Ziebell continues to lead from the front and personify the famous ‘Shinboner Spirit.’

Before the season began, Ziebell joined AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh to talk about leadership and captaincy in today’s AFL. From the success of multiple preliminary finals to the sudden rebuild that followed, Ziebell has seen firsthand how a football club and its players can evolve. Ziebell discusses growing up in Wodonga (1:30), the emotions of losing multiple preliminary finals (6:38) and the famous ‘Shinboner Spirit’ and helping players buy into it (29:20).

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Easton Wood captained a premiership before he was even a full-time captain. Now leading an inexperienced Bulldogs side, he joins AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh to talk about football, leadership and more.

He opens up about that whirlwind 2016 season and standing in as captain (2:58), as well as the influences of beloved Bulldogs heroes Bob Murphy and coach Luke Beveridge. He also discusses the importance of leadership groups (40:05).

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In the first episode of the Captain’s Call podcast, Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe joins AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh to discuss the ups and downs of his time with the Dockers.

From the heartbreak of the 2013 Grand Final loss and contemplating moving away from the game (2:08), to captaining his club and winning a Brownlow Medal (13:47), Fyfe has seen it all during his decorated career. He talks about those experiences as a player and lessons learned from his first year as captain.

Listen on Stitcher.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS