Tapt Media puts AFLW under the microscope with new podcast

Tapt Media has launched AFLW Inside Out, an audio and video podcast hosted by former Geelong AFLW captain Meghan McDonald and sports journalist and 3AW football presenter Laura Spurway.

The series will examine the on-field, cultural and commercial issues shaping the AFLW. It will run throughout the 2026 season until November and be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

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AFLW Inside Out combines McDonald’s decade of experience as a player and AFL Players’ Association leader with Spurway’s 20-year career in sports journalism.

Inside the first episode

The first episode examines the AFLW’s future growth and several decisions affecting the competition.

• Whether the AFLW can become one of Australia’s top five sporting competitions.
• Criticism of fixture scheduling and AFL general manager Greg Swann.
• The commercial case for expanding the competition’s international reach.

McDonald, who is also an executive producer of the series, said the podcast would give supporters greater access to conversations taking place inside the game.

“I’ve been uniquely placed to understand the issues affecting players from the inside. Now, I can’t wait to bring footy fans across the white line into the real conversations, emotions, and aspirations of the sport,” she said.

“AFLW is growing at a breakneck pace – we wanted to build a space to speak candidly, interrogate what's yet to be realized, and celebrate the culture of the game we love.”

Spurway said the program would examine how decisions made by administrators affect players, supporters and the wider competition.

“We can’t wait to tackle the big issues and have the conversations that have been missing in this space,” she said.

“It’s been incredible watching the game grow, but we’re here to have honest conversations about how it’s growing – from executive decisions to player culture. We’re here to ask the hard questions.”

Tapt Media expands sports podcast slate

Del Fordham, head of podcasts at Tapt Media, said the series was a significant addition to the company’s original sports programming.

“What makes this show so compelling is the dynamic between Meg and Laura,” Fordham said.

“Meg knows what’s happening inside the huddle, and Laura knows what’s driving the headlines. Together, they offer the depth of coverage this league deserves.”

Tapt Media operates Australian radio stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR, alongside its growing podcast portfolio.

Top image: Meghan McDonald and Laura Spurway