The MLP Australia 2026 Draft is in the books! 🇦🇺🏓 In this mini-episode of Around the Pod, the team sits down to analyse all 8 team rosters ahead of Event 1 in Melbourne.

We break down draft strategy, debate left-vs-right court positioning, evaluate Dream Breaker capabilities, and share our bold predictions for the season ahead.

Inside this episode:

• Brisbane Breakers: Harry Brown taken #1 overall - how will he pair with Joey Wild?
• Sydney Smash: Joey Farias joins Mitch Hargreaves in an ultra-experienced lineup.
• The Coasters: Danni-Elle Townsend leading a high-octane offensive squad.
• Gold Coast Glory: The wild 3-leftie lineup experiment.
• Melbourne Thunder: Zach Grabovic, Tom Protzek, and 16-year-old phenom Aria Henare.
• Bondi Pickleball Club: Ethan Chung’s rapid rise from beginner to Premier in under 6 months.
• Pacific Flame: Sahra Dennehy and Lucas Pascoe headline a stacked, balanced team.
• Northern Crocs: Solid depth with Andie Dikosavljevic and Prycen Haas.

Who do you think will win the 2026 season? Drop your predictions on our socials!

Rate and review us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—it helps the Aussie pickleball community grow!

HOSTS:
Aaron Blitz
Josh Chia
Michael Murrell
Justin McLeod

FOLLOW US
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Instagram

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MLP Australia, Major League Pickleball Australia, Pickleball Australia, Around the Pod, Pickleball Podcast, MLP Draft 2026, Australian Pickleball, DUPR Ratings, Harry Brown Pickleball, Joey Wild, Danni Townsend, Joey Farias, Pickleball Strategy, Dream Breaker Pickleball

Send us your questions and comments!

Josh Chia and Michael Murrell host Sydney’s Brian Tran and Daiki Tanabe to talk tennis transitions, court shortages, and the growth of Australian pickleball.

• National Academy Memories: Brian on playing alongside Australia's top tennis guns and transitioning to chiro.
• Pickleball Mechanics: Adjusting stroke lengths, mastering quick hands, and why movement efficiency is key.
• Sydney Communities: Celebrating social hubs like Pickle Bears and navigating venue scarcity.
• Hot Takes & Drafts:Tournament seeding variety, singles vs. doubles entertainment value, and drafting an Aussie Pickleball 4-4-2 soccer squad.

HOSTS:
Josh Chia
Michael Murrell

GUESTS
Brian Tran
Daiki Tanabe

FOLLOW US
Youtube
Instagram

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A special thanks to our studio sponsor, Pickle4real — Melbourne’s premier indoor pickleball centre in Mentone.
Pickle4Real features eight climate-controlled indoor courts for social play, coaching, DUPR games, tournaments and private events. Open seven days a week, it also hosts PPA and DUPR competitions and offers venue hire and event support.
Play indoor pickleball in Melbourne at Pickle4real:
■ Website: https://pickle4real.com.au/
■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickle4real/
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194

Send us your questions and comments!

On Episode 5 of Around the Pod, Aaron Blitz and Michael Murrell sit down at Pickle 4real with PPA pros Joey Farias and Mitch Hargreaves!

Joey breaks down his history playing alongside Ben Johns, Simone Jardim, and Catherine Parenteau, and shares the hilarious true story of how the "Nasty Nelson" was used against its inventor using a 14-ounce leaded paddle. Meanwhile, Mitch breaks down his PPA Triple Crown, his run in Tokyo, and what it really takes to train in Australia and compete globally.

Plus, the group tackles whether rally scoring is needed for pickleball to hit the mainstream, and why you should NEVER apologise for a net cord.

HOSTS:
Aaron Blitz
Michael Murrell

GUESTS
Joey Farias
Mitch Hargreaves

FOLLOW US
Youtube
Instagram

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A special thanks to our studio sponsor, Pickle4real — Melbourne’s premier indoor pickleball centre in Mentone.
Pickle4Real features eight climate-controlled indoor courts for social play, coaching, DUPR games, tournaments and private events. Open seven days a week, it also hosts PPA and DUPR competitions and offers venue hire and event support.
Play indoor pickleball in Melbourne at Pickle4real:
■ Website: https://pickle4real.com.au/
■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickle4real/
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194

Send us your questions and comments!