🎙️ Jeff & Zac Sport Show

Rebuilds and Resilience – Bassett’s West Adelaide Reset & Motley’s Such Is Life

Broadcast live from the studios of Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network, powered by GameReady Performance, Jeff kicked off the first Saturday morning show of 2026 with a big AFL preview, SANFL insight, and two powerful in-studio interviews blending football analysis with inspiration.

With Zac on the sick list, Jeff was joined by Joey from Gauchos Restaurant as they unpacked the major talking points heading into the new season.

🏉 AFL 2026 – Where Do the Crows Really Sit?

The show opened with Adelaide’s pre-season hit-out and the big question: are the Crows ready to push into the Top Five?

The forward line looks strong. Riley Thilthorpe continues to grow as a key target, Taylor Walker’s leadership remains vital, and young ruckman Lachlan McAndrew (210cm) impressed with his presence and work rate. A dual-ruck combination with Riley O’Brien could become a real weapon.

But the midfield remains the big question.

Can Adelaide find more speed and physical presence at the contest? Will Izak Rankine spend more time in the middle? And who becomes the player that takes the next leap?

The discussion also touched on rising soft tissue injuries across the league and whether modern pre-season demands are playing a role.

⚡ Port Adelaide – A New Regime Begins

Port Adelaide enters 2026 with major change across its football department.

Key talking points included:

• Defensive concerns after finishing 15th last season
• Forward line consistency
• Cultural reset across the club
• How long fans should allow for the new system to take shape

Change brings uncertainty, but also opportunity. The big question: can the group fully buy in and execute the new direction?

🔥 State of Origin – Is There a Place for It?

The show also debated the return of State of Origin football.

With strong crowd numbers and high intensity, it delivered excitement. Financial incentives and player motivation were discussed, along with whether the concept needs reinvention to truly regain its cultural significance.

Marketing opportunity — or unfinished business?

🎤 Special Guest – Nathan Bassett (West Adelaide Coach)

Nathan Bassett joined the studio to discuss his return from AFL assistant coaching back to senior SANFL coaching with West Adelaide.

After more than a decade in AFL systems at Essendon, Port Adelaide and Melbourne, Bassett spoke about:

• The realities of AFL pressure
• Why West Adelaide was the right opportunity
• Building sustainability over chasing quick fixes
• Strengthening local pathways
• Improving high-performance systems to reduce injuries
• Creating long-term cultural stability

His message was clear: improvement must come before wins, and sustainable growth is the real success.

He also shared insight into 2026 SANFL rule changes, including ruck nominations and the removal of centre bounces.

📘 Special Feature – Peter Motley: Such Is Life

The show then shifted from rebuilding clubs to rebuilding life.

Sturt and Carlton great Peter Motley joined the studio with author Paul Rouse to discuss the release of his book, Such Is Life – My Story.

The book covers:

• His SANFL career with Sturt
• His AFL journey with Carlton
• Playing in the 1986 Grand Final
• The car accident that ended his career at just 22
• His resilience, humour and outlook on life

Peter’s story isn’t about what was lost — it’s about what was built afterwards.

Proceeds from the book support the Clown Doctors (Humour Foundation), bringing laughter and light into hospitals across Australia.

It was a powerful, uplifting segment and a reminder that football is bigger than the game itself.

Jeff & Zac Sport Show – live every Saturday at 9am.

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