In this special midweek episode we discuss:

The appointment of new Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler, why he was selected, how his role might be different and the importance of the conversations he needs to have with the A-Leagues, the PFA, the state federations and government.

The PFA's report, READY FOR TAKE OFF, The Players' vision for the A-League Women, the four strategic pillars and the 21 recommendations. Who will get on board.

Lastly, we give our thoughts on the Central Coast Mariners situation and the ideal situation for them going forward.

The Aussie Game Podcast covers Australian football, the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and Aussies playing overseas.

🎧 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

Australian football delivers again with standout performances abroad, late A-League drama and national team heartbreak.

• Sammy Silvera & Adrian Segecic star in England
• Olyroos knocked out of U23 Asian Cup
• Mat Ryan heroic vs Real Madrid
• Hearts stay top despite Cam Devlin injury
• Big Matildas transfer news
• Late drama at Coopers Stadium
• Team of the Week revealed

• Silvera (Middlesbrough): Goal + assist vs West Brom, 2G/2A in 3 games
• Segecic (Portsmouth): Match-winner in league, started vs Arsenal in FA Cup
• Circati (Parma): Clean sheet vs Napoli, win vs Lecce
• Matt Ryan (Levante): 9 saves vs Real Madrid, point vs Espanyol
• Jordan Bos (Feyenoord): Assist in 2–2 draw
• Ajdin Hrustic: Screamer free kick despite Heracles struggles
• Sam Kerr: FA Cup double for Chelsea
• Kaitlyn Torpey: Signs for Newcastle (WSL2)

• Olyroos: Eliminated by South Korea after late set-piece goal
• Joeys U17: Beat Fiji 2-0 (Court, Sikora)

• City 2–1 Auckland
• Roar 2–1 Glory
• Jets 2–1 Wanderers (Eli Adams rocket)
• Adelaide 2–1 Victory (Kitto late winner)
• Mariners 1–1 Macarthur
• Wellington 2–0 Sydney FC

• Jets beat City 3–1 (historic)
• Wanderers draw Roar
• Adelaide beat Victory again
• Wellington beat Canberra
• Mariners draw with Perth

Mat Ryan

Kitto, Circati, Atkinson

Sam Klein

Silvera, Eli Adams, Jonny Yull, Hrustic

Sam Kerr, Adrian Segecic

The Aussie Game Podcast covers Australian football, the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and Aussies playing overseas.

🎧 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

A familiar story for Adelaide: plenty of attacking threat but defensive issues remain. Luka Jovanovic has taken his chance, Josh Smits has been reliable, and Craig Goodwin is still class. Strong at home but light at centre-back.

The benchmark team at halfway. Physically dominant, defensively strong and unbeaten away from home. Some vulnerabilities when conceding first, but Brook, Randall and Cosgrove continue to deliver goals.

Michael Valkanis has restored fight and identity to the Roar. Injuries have tested depth and Jay O’Shea’s absence looms large, but Brisbane are competitive again and difficult to play against.

A tough season for a young squad amid off-field uncertainty. Competitive performances but results have been scarce. Andrew Redmayne has been outstanding, though goals remain an issue.

Quietly impressive. Strong midfield balance, experienced defence and reliable scoring from Sawyer and Duran. Mitch Duke adds depth as they push for a top-two finish.

Elite ACL Elite form but inconsistent in the league. Still one of the league’s best defensive units, though injuries continue to disrupt momentum. Youth minutes may pay dividends later.

After a slow start, Victory surged with four straight wins before another setback. Juan Mata has been superb, but inconsistency and the lack of a reliable goalscorer remain concerns.

One of the stories of the season. Fearless, attacking football with big wins over Auckland. They’ve scored the most — and conceded the most. Entertaining and dangerous.

A turbulent start followed by renewed optimism under Adam Griffiths. Young players have stepped up and HBF Park remains a fortress thanks to passionate support.

Quietly one of the most balanced teams in the league. The competition’s best defence and improved youth integration. Finding results even without Joe Lolley.

Improved goal output but at the cost of defensive solidity. High line has been exposed and derby losses have hurt momentum.

Defensively solid but struggling badly for goals. Pressure mounts on Alan Stajic despite big wins over Sydney FC and Victory.

We'll also review our picks for Golden Boot, Johnny Warren Medallist, Wooden Spoon, Premiers, Champions and throw in a bold prediction for the rest of the season.

The Aussie Game Podcast covers Australian football, the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and Aussies playing overseas.

🎧 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