🎙️ Jeff & Zac Sport Show

Rebuilds and Resilience – Bassett’s West Adelaide Reset & Motley’s Such Is Life

Broadcast live from the studios of Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network, powered by GameReady Performance, Jeff kicked off the first Saturday morning show of 2026 with a big AFL preview, SANFL insight, and two powerful in-studio interviews blending football analysis with inspiration.

With Zac on the sick list, Jeff was joined by Joey from Gauchos Restaurant as they unpacked the major talking points heading into the new season.

🏉 AFL 2026 – Where Do the Crows Really Sit?

The show opened with Adelaide’s pre-season hit-out and the big question: are the Crows ready to push into the Top Five?

The forward line looks strong. Riley Thilthorpe continues to grow as a key target, Taylor Walker’s leadership remains vital, and young ruckman Lachlan McAndrew (210cm) impressed with his presence and work rate. A dual-ruck combination with Riley O’Brien could become a real weapon.

But the midfield remains the big question.

Can Adelaide find more speed and physical presence at the contest? Will Izak Rankine spend more time in the middle? And who becomes the player that takes the next leap?

The discussion also touched on rising soft tissue injuries across the league and whether modern pre-season demands are playing a role.

⚡ Port Adelaide – A New Regime Begins

Port Adelaide enters 2026 with major change across its football department.

Key talking points included:

• Defensive concerns after finishing 15th last season
• Forward line consistency
• Cultural reset across the club
• How long fans should allow for the new system to take shape

Change brings uncertainty, but also opportunity. The big question: can the group fully buy in and execute the new direction?

🔥 State of Origin – Is There a Place for It?

The show also debated the return of State of Origin football.

With strong crowd numbers and high intensity, it delivered excitement. Financial incentives and player motivation were discussed, along with whether the concept needs reinvention to truly regain its cultural significance.

Marketing opportunity — or unfinished business?

🎤 Special Guest – Nathan Bassett (West Adelaide Coach)

Nathan Bassett joined the studio to discuss his return from AFL assistant coaching back to senior SANFL coaching with West Adelaide.

After more than a decade in AFL systems at Essendon, Port Adelaide and Melbourne, Bassett spoke about:

• The realities of AFL pressure
• Why West Adelaide was the right opportunity
• Building sustainability over chasing quick fixes
• Strengthening local pathways
• Improving high-performance systems to reduce injuries
• Creating long-term cultural stability

His message was clear: improvement must come before wins, and sustainable growth is the real success.

He also shared insight into 2026 SANFL rule changes, including ruck nominations and the removal of centre bounces.

📘 Special Feature – Peter Motley: Such Is Life

The show then shifted from rebuilding clubs to rebuilding life.

Sturt and Carlton great Peter Motley joined the studio with author Paul Rouse to discuss the release of his book, Such Is Life – My Story.

The book covers:

• His SANFL career with Sturt
• His AFL journey with Carlton
• Playing in the 1986 Grand Final
• The car accident that ended his career at just 22
• His resilience, humour and outlook on life

Peter’s story isn’t about what was lost — it’s about what was built afterwards.

Proceeds from the book support the Clown Doctors (Humour Foundation), bringing laughter and light into hospitals across Australia.

It was a powerful, uplifting segment and a reminder that football is bigger than the game itself.

Jeff & Zac Sport Show – live every Saturday at 9am.

More sport. More insight. More stories that matter.

Jeff and Zac kick off the show with a strong focus on cricket, celebrating packed crowds and outstanding performances at the Adelaide Test.

Travis Head’s dominance at his home ground and Alex Carey’s growing influence are highlighted as South Australian sport continues to thrive despite extreme heat and a busy sporting calendar.

The conversation then turns to SANFL, with Paul Thomas, coach of Central Districts, sharing insights into player development, recruiting, and the challenge of closing the gap on competition benchmarks like Sturt and Glenelg. Paul discusses the importance of junior pathways, organic growth, and staying competitive in a league heavily influenced by AFL-listed talent.

Next, Sam Jacobs, coach of Woodville-West Torrens, joins the show to reflect on a season disrupted by injuries. Sam speaks candidly about leadership, resilience, player retention, and the lessons learned from adversity. He also outlines how opportunity emerged for younger players and why the Eagles are well-positioned heading into 2026.

The final segment features an in-studio conversation with Angelo Picca, who brings a global football lens shaped by his experience with Adelaide United and European football. Angelo offers forthright views on the A-League’s struggles, declining crowds, governance challenges, and the urgent need for stronger community engagement and strategic leadership to revitalise the competition.

Jeff and Zac open Episode 6 with a deep dive into a premiership-winning season, joined by coach Marty Mattner, who reflects on a remarkable year that saw his side lose just one game. Marty speaks candidly about shifting the club’s offensive mindset, managing expectations, developing resilience, and why process and culture matter more than win–loss records. He also shares his thoughts on SANFL rule changes, pre-season planning, and the challenge of being the hunted in 2026.

The focus then shifts off the field with Alison Surjan, President of the West Adelaide Football Club. Alison provides a powerful insight into governance, culture change, and bold leadership, explaining how stability, bravery, and long-term vision are reshaping the club. She discusses the importance of female participation, facility redevelopment, improved infrastructure, and how attracting high-quality people on and off the field is transforming West Adelaide’s future.

Next, Michael Petrillo, Football Manager at Melbourne City, joins the show following the club’s A-League premiership success. Michael explains why this championship was particularly satisfying, highlighting the impact of youth development, academy investment, and mental resilience. He also addresses injury challenges, player workloads, and the pride of seeing academy graduates thrive on both domestic and international stages.

The episode wraps with a spotlight on the next generation as Vinko Stanišić shares his journey from school football to signing a professional scholarship with Adelaide United. Jeff and Zac also round out the show with fast-paced commentary on cricket, basketball, and the A-League, delivering another comprehensive Saturday morning sports fix.