There's a new CBA for AFLW Season 7 and there's a lot to celebrate about it. Rana caught up with Paul Marsh from the AFLPA to discuss how the deal was done. And following the election we ponder the parallels between politics and sport, what we can learn from the success of the independents and do we need footy's first referendum? You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and C ..read more

In the lead-up to the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, we reflect on its power and significance. We unpack the recent debate about aggression in footy, and consider current interpretations of the 50m penalty. Finally, we talk to Collingwood AFLW star, Sabrina Frederick, about the impact the uncertainty surrounding the CBA and Season 7 is having on players and their families. SHOW NOTES Lauren Wood on where the AFLW negotiations are at Cheryl Critchley argued passionately for our grand final to stay in the day Neale Daniher 'loses voice, but not spirit in MND fight' You can follow The Outer Sanctum o ..read more

It's been a huge week in international politics, with the rights of pregnant people coming under renewed attack in the USA. What will this development mean for sport? Closer to home, with an election looming, we consider election omens and make our own pitches for your vote. Plus, player privacy, an update on AFLW, and a new report into umpire abuse. You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the Tra ..read more

This week Nicole talks to multi award winning journalist Russell Jackson about the work he’s doing to give a voice to survivors of historical cases of child sexual abuse at some of our biggest and most beloved sporting clubs. CONTENT WARNING: This episode tackles difficult and sensitive issues including child sexual abuse and violence against children. If you or someone you know needs help or to talk: Lifeline - 13 11 14 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 1800 Respect - 1800 737 732 MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978 The most recent piece Russell and Nicole discuss i ..read more

As we refresh and unwind after the AFLW season, take a listen back to some of the great conversations we've had this year. If you missed it, Rana wrote an excellent piece in The Age about the end of the Gillon McLachlan era and what leadership the AFL might look to going forward. Read it here. Links to the full episodes from this week here: Craig Starcevich and Trent Cooper Hayley Miller Michael Wilson Brodie Grundy Liam Elphick You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is recorded on t ..read more

That's a wrap on AFLW season six. We celebrate the Crows big win, deal with breaking trade bombshells and ponder what comes next for the competition. Rana wrote about the Crows dynasty for the Guardian this week - read it here. You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, learn and play, and pay our respects to Indigenous Elder ..read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - AFLW Grand Final week. To mark the occasion and unpack who will win and why, we’re joined by two of the best footy brains in the business - AFLW coaches Craig Starcevich and Trent Cooper. You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, learn and play, and pay our respects to Indigenous Eld ..read more

We’re at the pointy end of the AFLW season, and as we count down to Saturday’s Grand Final, we review the preliminary finals and preview what’s to come. We reveal the inside word from the W awards, and consider the challenges of expansion and the trade season. In the melee we discuss allegations of racism from Cyril Rioli about his time at Hawthorn, and unpack some of the many issues raised. And we bid a sad farewell to women’s footy giant, Ann Rulton. Vale Ann. Show notes: Read Nicole Hayes' piece in the Guardian this week Celebrate Mick Stinear's 50th game as coach by reading Gemma Bastiani ..read more

This week Lucy chats with Michael Willson, Chief Photographer for the AFL, about being on the SCG in the crowd to capture the incredible images when Lance Franklin kicked his 1000th goal. They talk about the anxiety, joy and privilege of working on the sidelines of the game he loves. And he shares his feelings about the images that have stayed with him, and those that got away. You can see some of Michael Willson's photography on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michaelcwillson/ You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodca ..read more

This week saw jubilant scenes at the SCG as Buddy kicked his 1000th goal, chaotic scenes at the MCG as a fire alarm triggered an evacuation, and joyful scenes at the GABBA as Brisbane sailed into the AFLW prelim. Off field, we turned to the Oscars, and while women’s sport was being celebrated, an ableist "joke" and a violent response threatened to overshadow it all. Read what our Rana wrote about footy milestones this week in the Guardian You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com   The Outer Sanctum is reco ..read more