The Sports Desk

In Brazil, Lando Norris has the championship within his grasp as he now sits one full race win of points ahead of the Driver's grid. Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras weigh up the likelihood of that gap closing courtesy of Max Verstappen or Oscar Piastri. Mercedes had a fantastic race, now sitting second in the Constructors and Kimi Antonelli's career best finish to boot. Liverpool are continuing to stumble with a Man City 3-0 thrashing. Man U' spark an impressive comeback to draw with Tottenham. Arsenal lose their winning streak, but only to a draw via a valiant Sunderland. The Roos cook a goaless Hawks, Carlton take a finals victory over the Eagles, the Lions threaten to become the next formidable conquerors after defeating the Demons, and the Crows put the Saints out of their misery, making the AFLW finals series a rather intriguing chase. Elsewhere the team attempt to seek & destroy the incoming 2026 Wild Card round. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To become a SYN success story, one must continue to progress forward in one's aspiring career, and that is what Matilda McDermott will be embarking upon in Adelaide after this edition of The Sports Desk. For one final time, she reviews the week in AFLW, where North Melbourne complete their second consecutive undefeated Home & Away season and doing so by trouncing the next best in the league, Hawthorn. Concerns are raised after a disappointing year for the Tigers, and Carlton celebration as a finals campaign has come to town. The rest of the team, Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras break down how Australia on Halloween night directed a cricket themed horror film at the MCG against India, although vengeance was secured in a chili Hobart sequel. The weekend's results lead to a discussion as to how prepared are the Aussie cricket lineups shaping with The Ashes just three weeks away. The Melbourne Cup gets previewed, the hearts of baseball fans break for the Blue Jays and a massive week of Premier League Football, complete with a Declan Rice spotlight, is under review. Matilda also gets a very specially dedicated Minute Mondays to poignantly end her Sports Desk tenure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spooky season hits The Sportsdesk! A halloween show is a rarity, but always throws up something special and this week it was the debut as host for Tanish Prabhu, as he's joined by Liam Cole, Ella Zammit and Justin Scwarze. They discuss the scary hours ahead for Australian selectors as they start to finalise a squad for the first Ashes test in Perth. Staying in cricket, India come to town in a T20 at the MCG. The Jillaroos enter into a huge clash against New Zealand without star Tamika Upton. Over in the USA, the NBA season is hotting up and the Blue Jays win a huge one on the road in the World Series. The final round before finals in the AFLW, with finals places on the line, what shocks can be thrown up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take note on how many Oasis references Ethan Rigg makes on tonight's Sports Desk. He alongside Matilda McDermott, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras call for Oscar Piastri to dig out his soul and soldier on as teammate, Lando Norris dominates the Mexico GP and takes the Championship lead by one single, solitary point. Max Verstappen podiums again, Charles Leclerc performs 40 laps on medium tyres and Oliver Bearman finishes 4th in an absolute belting of a drive. Liverpool are in a 4 losses freefall, Manchester United is getting it's act together. Sunderland shocks the system. In AFLW, the Roos keep on hopping, the Hawks supporters attempt to make their cases as the club that are only true formidable opponents to them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Justin Schwarze in the host chair leading the festivities alongside Jerry Ng and Liam Cole celebrating the return of the NBA. The big news being 'The Alien' and the Spurs dunking Dallas. OKC go 2-0 in back-to-back OT. And the Grizzlies have been watching too much of 'The Godfather' franchise. Cooper Connolly is the steady hand that sealed an ODI series victory for Australia against India. In AFLW, it's still stumping the team as to who is stopping North Melbourne. Instead, the attention switches to the AFLW All-Australian Squad, where a new segment makes it's debut called, Liam's Locks. Where Liam makes the guarantee of 15 players being selected for one of football's highest honours. Joining them is Monday's Matilda McDermott and Jack Huggett, bringing across Monday sports coverage like a rapid fire review of the week in NHL and a special preview of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week of scorching weather in Melbourne and some scorching headlines hit The Sports Desk. Justin Schwarze, Jack Huggett, Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu all discuss a massive trade period, as well as India's trip down under for the ODI series against Australia. Can Erling Haaland continue his hot form as City take on Everton? The team let you know their thoughts on that and everything football related. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back into the wilderness is the now sacked Forest coach, Ange Postecoglou, after only just 39 days in the job. Only one of many crazy narratives to dive into on The Sports Desk. Jean-Philippe Mateta nets a hat-trick in Crystal Palace's draw with Bournemouth. Erling Haaland sinks Everton all on his own, Arsenal take another win on the killing road, and Liverpool fall to Man United 2-1, the Red Devils first win in Anfield in 10 years. The question is asked again for AFLW fans. Who can seriously stop North Melbourne? Cases are made for the Demons and the Hawks, as well as a Round 10 review. In F1, not since Wrestlemania 41 has a triple threat battle had this high stakes with Max Verstappen's big victory in Texas carving a potential path generational comeback to a 5th world title. Oscar Piastri's form continues to slip, and the second placed, Lando Norris, isn't carrying the same burden as the current leader or the 3rd placed title chaser, which could entail an incremental closing of the gap and claim the ultimate prize for McLaren and Britain. That's The Sports Desk, with Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras turn The Sports Desk into a celebration for the Australian Championship match between South Melbourne vs Sydney Olympic. Football in Australia is brewing something special. NHL coverage returns to the program for the first time in months, hear all about the teams who have gotten off to the best starts after the first week and the season's storylines to follow. It's also the episode where the team introduce their fellow presenters and the beloved Sports Desk community to the strangest niche sports that exist in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket has come around to slide onto The Sports Desk Friday team's, well... desk. Liam Cole, Jerry Ng and Tanish Prabhu tip their hats to the remarkable century of Beth Mooney in Australia's ODI World Cup victory over Pakistan after a 7/76 peril. Tanish breaks down how India falls to South Africa in their respective World Cup match. Pat Cummins might be on the sidelines with the Ashes fast approaching, does Steve Smith return to the captaincy position? Who can possibly stop North Melbourne in the AFLW? Adelaide vs West Coast is the game to watch this weekend and danger for the Saints, Liam claims, as they meet the 'Pies. Also tonight, a Trade Period update and a return of the ever controversial Sports Desk staple: Unpopular Opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An action packed time of year in sport, where everything hots up for the summer ahead. One which currently for Australia may not be off to the brightest start, Glenn Maxwell out of the ODI series against New Zealand. Where Bayern were off to a bright start in the Champions League, Nottingham Forest struggled in the Europa League, leaving Liam Cole and Jerry Ng to wonder if Ange is under pressure already. A massive week of AFLW and Australia got a massive win against New Zealand in the Women's ODI World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Desk or Rowdy Desk? Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Yianni Kottaras, a jet lagged Ella Zammit and caffeine pumped Matilda McDermott congregate for the most intense Formula 1 debate of the year. Calling for McLaren to declare an official primary and secondary driver between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after a 1st lap clash in Singapore. A race ultimately won by Mercedes', George Russell. Brisbane crush the Melbourne bias at the desk by way of the Broncos fighting back to win their 7th NRL Premiership, defeating the Melbourne Storm in a kingdom conquering comeback from half time. In the Premier League, Leeds in defeat were spirited, Arsenal stand tall up top from a 2-0 win and by way of Liverpool falling to Chelsea. Elsewhere, Everton come from behind to defeat Crystal Palace in stoppage time and Man City smoulder Brentford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The review show of the year! Ethan Rigg, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras sadistically designate Cats supporter, Jack Huggett, to lead you through the breakdown of how Brisbane defeated Geelong to secure the first back-to-back premiership since the 2010's, and is it a sign for a future three-peat repeat? It's not the only Grand Final to talk about, Melbourne Storm take on the dynasty conquering Brisbane Broncos. A titanic clash for Sunday. Big predictions are made. Also a deep dive into match day in the Premier League. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 AFL Grand Final is this Saturday and The Sports Desk Monday and Friday team have come together like never before to preview the Premiership Clash between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions, not from the SYN studios, but from the RMIT University TV precinct. Liam Cole, Jerry Ng, Matilda McDermott, Justin Schwarze, Jack Huggett and Ella Zammit Breakdown the stories that got both the Cats and the Lions to the Big Dance, the match-ups to look out for once the ball is bounced and reflect on the 2025 AFL season as a whole. Tanish Prabhu also got to mingle amongst fellow Footy players, fans and commentators alike to get their thoughts on which team hoists the Premiership cup. Jerry also catches up with North Melbourne AFLW star Emma Kearney for an exclusive interview about North Melbourne's incredible recent success. This is the first meeting in a Grand Final between the Lions and the Cats in VFL/AFL history. This game will bring a first time occasion in an era where first times are rare to come by. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the week of Australian sport's magnum opus waiting in the wings. Aussies are doing the nation proud across the world, particularly in the World Athletics Championship. In footy, Prelim' week is considered 'Footy Christmas' and the rewards of a Grand Final spot for a year's great work go to Geelong and Brisbane, the weekend review dives into the stars of the game that booked the tickets to the big dance for their team. Rivalries aplenty in the Premier League, Liverpool defeat Everton, Man United take a 3-1 win in a bizarre encounter and the massive clash between Arsenal/Man City and surprise of the weekend sees Sunderland sitting 7th. The podium in Azerbaijan stood as Verstappen, Russell and Sainz. Piastri crashes out early as Baku's only DNF. Yuki Tsunoda puts in his best race of the year. But it is Carlos Sainz and Williams that have captured the imagination. All that and more, on The Sports Desk. Hosted by the amped up team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Ella Zammit, Jack Huggett and Yianni Kottaras. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prelim final week in Melbourne is always a huge one, especially with a Victorian home double header. For Tanish Prabhu's Collingwood, they welcome the Lions on Saturday in hopes to return to the final Saturday of September. Ella Zammit's Hawks take on a famous old foe in Geelong, another chapter to one of footy's greatest rivalries is about to be written. Jerry Ng keeps up with the Aussies competing in the World Athletics Championship, with two bronze medals added. In the world of football, Justin Schwarze welcomes back the UEFA Champions League where Liverpool left it late (again) and Mbappe bagged a brace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It starts with recapping Week 1 of the NRL Finals, the Panthers strike again in hostile territory. Melbourne Storm capitalise on a rockin' victory at AAMI Park, and one singular point split the Raiders and the Broncos to decide the Prelim'. In the Premier League, Ange's Nottingham start poorly against Arsenal. Aston Villa still haven't scored, and West Ham's defence is causing speculation amongst the team as to whether the road ahead is relegation. The AFL semi-finals saw history continue to be written, Minor Premiers, Adelaide were ousted in straight sets with the fatal blow delivered by the Hawks. For the club's first finals campaign since 2017, What defines the season of the Crows? Conversely, a breakdown was required to assess the Hawthorn victory. Elsewhere, the first Q-Clash final saw the stamping out of the magical Gold Coast maiden finals voyage. Brisbane now stare down the Collingwood army for an MCG prelim'. Bigger still, a Geelong Supporter and two Hawks supporters grace the desk to preview the Friday night, tense, storied rivalry clash. That's all on The Sports Desk. Hosted by Ethan Rigg, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit & Yianni Kottaras. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In races for all the glory happening all over the world, The Sports Desk team of Ethan Rigg, Matilda McDermott, Jack Huggett, Ella Zammit and Yianni Kottaras recap the wild first week of AFL Finals where the original Sun, David Swallow, poetically seals the history making moment of the Gold Coast Suns' first win in September. As their victory shatters any ceiling placed in their way, it's now the question of just how much bracket busting the club is now capable of. Hawthorn slayed the Giants despite a 3rd Quarter tidal wave of goals, intending to lay waste of a grand hurrah. Weddle, Newcombe and Chol make sure there are still chapters to be written in this silver screen story. Monza was a Verstappen procession, thus the drama was to be found elsewhere, like Oscar Piastri being ordered to swap positions with Lando Norris following a slow pit stop. The performance of Isack Hadjar has caught the eye of the team as well. Also, the NRL Finals are kicking into gear, a preview of the weekend in rugby is delivered. It feels like a tight contest across the board. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big weekend ahead for the city of Melbourne with the AFL finals kicking off, Tanish Prabhu's Magpies have already booked their place in September's penultimate week, while Toby Hansen's Brisbane will be looking to do the same up against Geelong. The US Open has seen its fair share of departures this week, as Jerry Ng rounds out all the action in the United States. Justin Schwarze spills the tea on NBA salary caps and Liam Cole dives into Leverkusen's sacking of Erik Ten Hag, merely a month into his tenure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is here in Melbourne! However, for Jack Huggett and Manchester City the winter blues remain, as they suffered back-to-back defeats. Jack Grealish is blooming at Everton, much to the delight of Ethan Rigg. In Formula 1, Oscar Piastri capitalises on Lando Norris' misfortune as Yianni Kottaras reaffirms the Aussie's title hopes. A big week for AFL, Ella Zammit runs down the AFLW season starting to take shape, while it's time for finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran duo Liam Cole and Jerry Ng invite The Sports Desk famity into a chat with two friends talking sport, where the microphones just happen to be live. Barriers are broken by former West Coast Eagle, Mitch Brown coming out as bisexual. And best wishes are sent to comedian Dave Hughes, Slalom champion & flag bearer, Jess Fox and Cricket icon Michael Clarke for all their respective health scares during the week. In greater analysis, Manchester United lose in penalties to GRIMSBY! Yes, Grimsby. How does a once mighty club like Man U fall to this level? Jerry also takes a deeper look in the Premier League overall across the weekend, plus an update in the US Open, the Aussie women, Daria Kasatkina and Priscilla Hon have very tough matches awaiting but there is a case to be made for them both to continue forward. On the men's side, a 'Burning Question' rocks the desk. In AFL, The AFLW is in it's Indigenous Round. Plenty to preview with a special look at the Dreamtime Clash between the Tigers and the Bombers. In the men's division, the All-Australian team was announced. Let's analyse that! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.