When times are tough, we often look to the past for comfort. And while the shine tends to come off and the cracks start to appear as most things age, sometimes nostalgia for the good old days blurs our vision and skews our memory. That’s because nostalgia makes you feel something – it moves you. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy. It makes you spend …

In February 2016, the eight-team AFLW competition was announced to the media, with 240 players putting on the boots for season one. Today, heading into the eighth year of the competition with 540 players, we’re starting to gain a better understanding of what it is to be an AFLW player. But, the stories are as diverse as the players – both past and …

As expected, the Olympics raised many discussion points around human rights in sport, but it isn’t just global sports where human rights are part of the discourse: footy has been having this very conversation, too. So today, we ask what are the issues that are relevant to this provincial game of Australian Rules Football? And what kind of framework…

Can organisations change? In 2019 there was a fracture between the playing group and the organisation that represented them, the AFLPA. Today the relationship is in an entirely different place. So how did they get there? We handed over the mics to two of the key players in that dispute, Paul Marsh and Darcy Vescio, in a Sanctum version of You Can’t…

Olympics fever has hit the world and Paris has us enthralled. But beyond the dazzle of the Eiffel Tower, is a sporting competition that has subconsciously informed the way we understand why sport exists, and why athletes compete. So, are Olympians athletes or professionals? How should they be compensated for committing themselves to their crafts an…

What does it mean to belong? How do we ensure people feel at home in the AFLW community as the game continues to grow? From Beyonce to global sporting examples, Emma, Lucy and Julia are joined by special guests Dr Kasey Symonds, Rana Hussain, Kirby Bentley and Shaun Harvey to discuss how we foster a sense of belonging, and why it matters. With than…

While we were MIA from podland, there were some significant sport meets culture moments that were VERY The Sanctum. What is the connection between Taylor and the Tillies? Can art inform our conversations about sport? Here, Emma, Lucy and Julia are joined by special guests Dr Kasey Symons, Georgie Tunny, and Shaun Harvey to look at fandom culture fr…

How is your relationship with AFLW footy? What keeps us interested in long term relationships? Emma, Lucy and Julia are joined by special guests Daisy Pearce and Rana Hussain to interrogate where their relationships with the code are currently sitting. Plus, they talk fixtures, distractions as a weapon and the changes to sport globally. With thanks…

With the AFLW season around the corner, The Outer Sanctum is back. Across eight episodes, we’ll discuss the key topics that have kept us busy in the group chats. You’ll hear from some familiar voices as well as some new ones and we cannot wait to be back in your ears - for a good time, not a long time - from this Thursday! With thanks to the AFL Pl…

We say goodbye to footy for 2022 and celebrate a remarkable premiership win for Daisy and her Demons. 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…

Emma, Rana, and Nicole celebrate AFLW season seven and look ahead to an exciting Grand Final between the Lions and the Demons. Plus: the team discuss the the quirks of AFLW they never want to see the back of. You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com The Outer Sanctum is reco…

The AFLW finals series is offering up some sweet treats. Emma, Rana and Lucy shared their highlights, and discussed their reaction to extra rounds in the AFLM, the ongoing floating fixture for AFLW, and a new betting scandal. We mentioned a few articles on gambling: This article calling for more to be done to protect young Australians from sports b…

This week Emma and Lucy share their Monday morning - and afternoon - phone calls as they debrief the finals and the questions around AFLW fixturing. They mention: AFLW: Lessons learned from switched seasons You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Email us at theoutersanctumpodcast@outlook.com The Outer Sanctum is record…

This week Tess, Lucy and Nic discuss the increasing number of athletes finding their political voices, and the role of sponsorship in sport. We review - in true Sanctum style - the AFLW teams whose seasons have ended, and turn to Siren co-founder and commentator extraordinaire, Gemma Bastiani, for her tips for the first week of the finals. We menti…

The Outer Sanctum went on a footy trip... enjoy! 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 …

For two decades Shane McCurry has worked with the biggest names across high performance sport, business, government and education. His practice is dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organisations grow and thrive through a values-based approach focussed on purpose, connection and storytelling. In this extended chat, Rana and Shane talk abou…

Round 8 of the AFLW delivered on and off the field with fantastic contests, milestone moments and celebrations of Pride around the country. Meanwhile, AFLM continued to deliver pure drama and Emma, Lucy and Tess analysed the surprise sacking of Brett Ratten from St Kilda through the lens of the small screen. Plus: Rana catches up with culture consu…

As we close off AFLW Round 7, Emma, Lucy, Shelley and Nic talk about Pride Round, and how far we’ve come since the first Hampson-Hardeman Cup. We tackle recent developments at Essendon, including issues around boardroom governance, the insularity of clubland, and the fraught notion of “culture wars”. Plus, Period Watch. We mentioned the latest epis…

From the first ever Showdown to epic battles and brilliant comebacks, the AFLW served up more highlights than you can poke a stick at – not that Steve Price would have noticed. Emma, Nic and Tess talk about unhelpful media commentary, ways and means of speaking out, and what happens when you think you’re bigger than the game. Plus, Lucy speaks to A…

The AFLM grand final returned to the MCG for the first time in three years. Robbie Williams’ fuchsia suit almost stole the show, but it was Joel Selwood and his Cats that got the cream. Plus, we consider the serious allegations made against former officials at the Hawthorn football club, in a seismic week for footy that has once again raised comple…

Sometimes a good old point is all you need. After a big weekend of AFLW, AFLM prelims, and the Brownlow Medal, Emma, Lucy and Tess had lots to talk about. Plus: Rana catches up with North Melbourne President, Dr Sonja Hood. We mentioned Daisy Pearce speaking on SEN, it's well worth listening to the whole piece here. You can follow The Outer Sanctum…

It was a momentous week in world history, with the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Coinciding with the AFLW’s Indigenous round, questions arose about how we mourn, memorialise and confront complex histories. This week, Kate, Rana and Shelley explore these issues. In the spirit of Indigenous round, we also celebrate Indigenous language, culture and pra…

In the aftermath of our live show supported by Swinburne University, for Social Sciences Week, we dissect a massive week of footy, which saw four electrifying AFLM finals and a terrific display of AFLW, marred by injuries. We consider the legacy of Serena Williams, who has announced she’s evolving away from tennis. Is she the GOAT? And by what crit…

Footy is back! We reflect on an her-storic weekend of footy where the competition finally became whole, with all 18 clubs now fielding a women’s team. We also discuss trailblazers, and the importance of visibility and recognition of our past, both regarding women in sport and when it comes to confronting Australia’s colonial past. REMINDER: We are …

It’s the pointy end of the M and the W is just about to start so Emma, Tess and Lucy got together to share all their big feelings. They were joined by Kelli Underwood, to preview AFLW Season 7, and Akec Makur Chuot, to talk about life as a Hawk. The Outer Sanctum is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge …

This week, Nic, Julia and Shelley discuss the continuing fallout from Adelaide’s 2018 pre-season camp following revelations from Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins, unpacking notions of secret keeping, toxic masculinity, and the dangers of “bush psychology”. Rana talks with eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, about the commission’s work with the AFL…

The top eight is starting to take shape and there is as much going on off-field as there is on the ground. Emma, Lucy and Rana discuss how genuine cultural change takes more work than performative gestures, how sponsorship can undercut other club values, and what might derail Tasmania's bid for an AFL licence. And how will you share the love betwee…

After a thrilling weekend of footy, Emma, Lucy and Tess debate what makes a person 'clutch', whether Jack Ginnivan is being unfairly targeted and what the appropriate vessel would be for the grand final parade on the Yarra River. Plus: animals at the footy and a VERY special announcement. Show notes We mentioned the Dollop podcast (which is hilario…

It's been a huge week in the west, with a new mascot joining the manor. We welcome them into the fold and critically assess the fashion prowess of three of their counterparts. Going around the grounds, we venture to Jurassic Park, where clickbait culture treats women's accomplishments as fodder for gossip and derision, and old-fashioned masculiniti…

Four new teams are joining the AFLW in season seven so let's get to know the coaches. Lauren Arnell is the coach of the inaugural Port Adelaide AFLW team. She caught up with Julia Chiera and spoke about her appointment to the senior role, what she's discovered about the footy world and herself along her three state footy journey and the importance …

Four new teams are joining the AFLW in season seven so let's get to know the coaches. Lucy speaks to Sydney Swans AFLW head coach Scott Gowans. He talks about the role club culture played in his move to the Swans, his approach to building the list and development pathways on and off the field. They also speak about rivalries, and raise the idea of …

Four new teams are joining the AFLW in season seven so let's get to know the coaches. Julia catches up with the coach of the inaugural Essendon team, Natalie Wood. She talks about her playing and coaching journey, how to rally a brand new team, building an impressive list and her hopes for a big round one match up. You can follow The Outer Sanctum …

Four new teams are joining the AFLW in season seven so let's get to know the coaches. First, Emma catches up with Bec Goddard. Bec is no stranger to the Outer Sanctum and to women's footy, having coached Adelaide to a premiership in AFLW season one. She's back and this time she's coaching at Hawthorn, the club she grew up loving. She tells us about…

Tess, Julia and Kate ask what the fight between Melbourne players says about masculinity, mental health and club culture, and consider the debate around the AFL's illicit drug policy, with guidance from Dr Annie Madden AO. Plus we offer up a special edition of omen watch and ask which footy song you'd bring back if you had the chance. You can follo…

Emma, Julia and Rana look ahead to a seventh AFLW season and unpack the fast evolution of the league. In a game of Kiss, Marry, Dump, the team consider what they love about the competition and what they're happy to let go of. Plus, AFLW powerhouse Isabel Huntington talks about her new appointment to the AFLPA board, her life outside footy and a pot…

This week, as debate raged about who should take responsibility for the welfare of retired footballers, yet another mass shooting in the United States saw sporting figures and clubs taking matters into their own hands. Over at Wimbledon, we ask if the call for athletes to use their platform can go too far. Player movements are afoot in the AFLW wit…

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…

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 …

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 abus…

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 child…

With the announcement that AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan will leave the role at the end of the season, we do a temperature check on our relationship with footy and discuss what his legacy will be. 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…

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 S…

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 Ou…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

This week Nicole catches up with Felice Arena, bestselling author of the popular Specky Magee kids’ books. Specky is turning twenty and to celebrate, a 20th Anniversary edition has been released along with Felice’s brand new kids’ book, The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan – about the adventures of a young girl who loves her footy, even though it’s war …

The AFLM is back, and the AFLW finals are finally underway. An impressive Freo put an end to North Melbourne’s season, but in an unexpected twist, a journalist became the biggest story of the week. We consider how we got here, and where we need to go next, in a week that challenged us all deeply. Further resources and reading: https://youtu.be/xYUt…

It's Finals Eve for the AFLW so Lucy called footy analyst, Gemma Bastiani for some good old footy chat. Gemma previews the finals, reviews the season, and makes some predictions. Enjoy the great work of Gemma and other excellent women in sport over at Siren Sport You can follow The Outer Sanctum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Email us at theou…