Penrith Slide, AFL Premiership Curse & Reid vs Smith | AOTG Ep. 25

In Ep. 25 of Ahead of the Game – Sports Chat, Ryan and Jez open with a no-punches-pulled breakdown of Penrith’s post-premiership collapse. They’re 13th, they look flat, and for the first time in years, no one fears them. Ryan questions the grind. Jez brings the data. And both agree—something’s not right in the west.

Then it’s over to the AFL, where the pattern is undeniable. Three of the last four premiers have missed finals the next year. Geelong in 2022, Collingwood in 2023, and Sydney now struggling in 2024. Even Melbourne’s premiership core is facing questions.

The conversation shifts to Harley Reid’s future at West Coast, whether he sticks it out or eventually bolts to a contender. Jez thinks it could be 10 years before they’re truly back.

Then it’s time for GPT KO—the fan-favourite segment returns with an AFL showdown: Harley Reid vs Bailey Smith. It’s pure chaos: shoulder charges, counter hooks, and post-fight nail painting. Smith wins by TKO, and books a date with Daly Cherry-Evans in the semifinals.

Whether you’re into hard stats, hot takes, or hypothetical fights, this episode delivers on all fronts.