Could smaller stadiums and a $100K-per-match model help solve one of the A-League's biggest problems?On this week's Football Friends, Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk tackle the economics of Australian football, questioning whether smaller clubs with lower operating costs could hold the key to a more sustainable future.The boys discuss the Australian Championship, Sutherland Sharks' A-League ambitions, South Melbourne's potential and why bigger stadiums aren't always better.Plus, fresh from a bruising Sydney Derby, Ben reveals the thinking behind Sydney FC's tactical approach, the extraordinary physical toll of the 0-0 draw and why there's more to the match than the scoreline suggests.They also unpack Auckland FC's impressive start, the Newcastle Jets' controversial decision to ban a journalist, and the biggest talking points from the opening round.00:00 – The A-League is BACK!01:02 – What REALLY happened in the Sydney Derby?03:08 – Why the Sydney Derby became a physical battle05:34 – Should derbies be played in Round 1?08:00 – Lachie Bayliss and Auckland FC's incredible start11:46 – What makes Auckland FC so successful?14:01 – Round 1 surprises and standout performances19:36 – Melbourne Derby preview and refereeing controversy22:05 – Should players be interviewed straight after matches?24:30 – Newcastle Jets' controversial media ban27:40 – Could Sutherland Sharks join the A-League?30:10 – The $100K-per-match model: Are smaller stadiums the answer?33:17 – Australian Championship penalty shootouts and expansion35:11 – Stef's upcoming Asian fixtures37:01 – The extraordinary physical toll of the Sydney Derby

The A-League is BACK, and Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk are making some bold predictions for the 2026/27 season!Could one of last season's biggest underperformers become genuine title contenders? Who are the favourites for the championship? And which clubs could be in serious trouble this season?The boys break down their title favourites, surprise packages, Johnny Warren Medal contenders and the players who could force their way into the Socceroos squad ahead of the Asian Cup.PLUS, following South Melbourne's incredible Australia Cup Final triumph over Melbourne Victory, Stef explains why the historic club MUST be brought into the A-League.And with Ben preparing for a blockbuster Sydney Derby to kick off the new season, there's plenty to discuss! 00:20 Stef's birthday and football in Asia 02:29 Life as an ageing professional footballer 04:18 Ben's final pre-season hit-out 07:12 South Melbourne's incredible Australia Cup triumph 10:41 Why South Melbourne MUST join the A-League 14:19 Why this A-League season is so important 16:30 Which A-League clubs are in trouble? 19:07 A-League title contenders and predictions 20:30 Can Ufuk Talay transform Western Sydney? 24:55 The biggest surprise packages this season 29:06 Potential Socceroos bolters for the Asian Cup 34:23 Johnny Warren Medal predictions 39:20 Which A-League coach is under the MOST pressure? 41:18 Sydney Derby and Round 1 excitement 42:37 Australian Championship kicks off

The boys speak to Melbourne Victory's Harrison Sawyer and South Melbourne's Sebastian Pasquali as part of their Australia Cup final preview podcast.

They also discuss this week's key talking points, including Adam Taggart's shock exit from Vietnam, the Olyroos and more.

Ben and Stef are back for a blockbuster episode of football friends - as Avondale FC star Blake Carpenter to discuss his side’s NPL Victoria Grand Final win, discuss the divide between the A-League and NPL and to bury the hatchet with Stef after his comments on the Suited & Booted podcast
Elsewhere on the ep:

• Reacting to the incredible ticket sales for the Australia Cup final
• Ben gives his verdict on his Sydney FC teammate Akol Akon’s impending move to Sydney FC
• Bruno Fornaroli revealed he had to turn down a move to the Australian Championship due to a registration quirk - what’s the boys take?
• A-League expansion: which clubs would the boys want to see come into the league?

🗣️ Stefan Mauk is joined by his former Fagiano Okayama teammate and current PSV midfielder Kodai Sano to explore the differences between Japanese and Australian football development.Sano reveals the demanding training environment that shaped him in Japan, including practising almost every day throughout high school, and explains the mentality driving so many Japanese players to succeed across Europe.The PSV midfielder also reflects on his journey from Fagiano Okayama to NEC Nijmegen, why he chose Champions League football with PSV and the surreal experience of hearing the famous anthem before making his competition debut.00:00 – Introduction and scoring his first PSV goal00:40 – Growing up playing football in Japan03:12 – Japan’s demanding high-school football system07:12 – Choosing the high-school pathway09:14 – Adapting to professional football at Fagiano Okayama11:49 – How Sano became such a versatile player14:06 – Developing the ambition to play in Europe15:16 – Adapting to life at NEC Nijmegen18:10 – Why Japanese players are thriving in Europe21:20 – The mentality behind Japan’s success21:58 – Why Sano chose PSV23:11 – His surreal Champions League debut24:08 – Asian Cup ambitions and facing Australia

Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk debate whether players would really choose the NPL lifestyle over accepting an opportunity to play in the A-League.They also discuss Stef’s dramatic 90th-minute winner for Nam Định, Sydney FC’s Australia Cup semi-final defeat to Melbourne Victory and Macarthur’s major recruitment drive.Plus, the growing investment in the Australian Championship, Sydney Olympic’s ambitious rebuild and Ben reveals the brutal sledge that convinced him to finally shave his head.00:26 – Stef’s dramatic 90th-minute winner02:53 – Sydney FC’s Australia Cup semi-final defeat06:24 – Melbourne Victory’s latest signings08:40 – Macarthur’s major recruitment drive11:25 – Why Australians struggle after moving overseas14:48 – Could Adelaide City become an A-League club?16:55 – Sydney Olympic’s Australian Championship rebuild20:04 – Would NPL players reject an A-League contract?25:32 – Ben reveals his new look27:58 – Australian Championship’s penalty shootout rule

FOOTBALL FRIENDS WITH BEN & STEF: SPECIAL EDITION 🗣️Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk are joined by Australian forward Mo Toure for a special edition of Football Friends.Toure discusses his impressive goalscoring form for Norwich City, the work behind his improved finishing and the influence of manager Philippe Clement.He also reflects on representing Australia at the World Cup, addresses recent transfer interest and explains why he remains happy at Norwich as the club targets a place in the Championship play-offs.

Episode II of this season's Football Friends with Ben & Stef is headlined by a discussion around the Young Socceroos' Asian Cup elimination.

Both Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk came through Australia's national youth teams and they dissect the result and also whether the fallout has been on point.

There's chat around the A-Leagues' ref crisis, Socceroos match payments, both boys' current action on the park and their reaction to some of the online comments they received last week.

Stay tuned to more from the boys, including exclusive interviews as bonus episodes.