He really has experienced it all in footy. A two-time premiership player, a premiership coach, even a wooden spoon… and now a man watching it all unfold from the commentary box.

Simmo really has lived every layer of the game. Simmo opens up on the brutal reality of being sacked, when the noise gets loud, the pressure turns personal, and even your own kids are asking, “how haven’t you got the sack yet?”.

But this episode isn’t just about those BIG moments, it’s full of gold. From the legendary $10K Mad Monday cash splash after the 2018 flag, to the coaching mistakes that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring AFL coach needs to hear. There’s the Shinboner spirit of the 90s, wild stories of a different era, and deep reflections on legacy, leadership, and what success really means when it’s all said and done. It’s candid, funny, and incredibly insightful, the full journey of a man who’s truly seen it all.

It’s honest but packed with perspective (and wit!). From leading at the top to fighting through the bottom, and the powerful life lessons that come with both.

***

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Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He really has experienced it all in footy. A two-time premiership player, a premiership coach, even a wooden spoon… and now a man watching it all unfold from the commentary box.

Simmo really has lived every layer of the game. Simmo opens up on the brutal reality of being sacked, when the noise gets loud, the pressure turns personal, and even your own kids are asking, “how haven’t you got the sack yet?”.

But this episode isn’t just about those BIG moments, it’s full of gold. From the legendary $10K Mad Monday cash splash after the 2018 flag, to the coaching mistakes that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring AFL coach needs to hear. There’s the Shinboner spirit of the 90s, wild stories of a different era, and deep reflections on legacy, leadership, and what success really means when it’s all said and done. It’s candid, funny, and incredibly insightful, the full journey of a man who’s truly seen it all.

It’s honest but packed with perspective (and wit!). From leading at the top to fighting through the bottom, and the powerful life lessons that come with both.

***

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/

Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He has played in Premierships. Coached a Premiership. Has been at the top, and at the bottom.

Now, he is taking on the world of broadcast media.

Before we get into his journey, it's time to get an appreciation of his wit and his humour.

Simmo is a RIPPER!

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History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough!

This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015.

Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear.

A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience.

From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching.

There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget.

***

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/

Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough!

This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015.

Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear.

A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience.

From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching.

There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget.

***

Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/

Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years. Thousands of stories. And a whole lot of footy magic.

Incase you have missed anything across the years, Howie has taken a moment to remember some of the AFL players and the stories that have defined The Howie Games across a decade.

From the electrifying brilliance of Cyril Rioli in episode 54, the ultimate “bums on seats” player, and the raw, deeply personal reasons behind his shock mid-season retirement… to the elite mindset of Chris Judd in episode 32 unpacking what it really takes to be the best.

We rewind all the way back to Episode 3! BIG Fev opens up like never before with his highs, the struggles, and the honesty that stopped listeners in their tracks.

Then into the modern era with Kane Cornes episode 218, one of the most influential voices in the game, in a chat where absolutely nothing was off limits.

And finally… a full circle moment. Leigh “Lethal” Matthews. Episode 248. A childhood hero. A legend of the game. And one of the great conversations in Howie Games history.

Catch up on the full episodes!

Episode 56 - Cyril Rioli

Episode 32 - Chris Judd

Episode 3 - Brendan Fevola

Episode 218 - Kane Cornes

Episode 241 - Leigh Matthews

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It could seriously be the most inspirational story we have ever had on the show.

But, before we get into the full journey of this seriously tough human being who just happens to also be a Melbourne Cup winning jockey, let's get to know the legend that is Michelle Payne,

*

A decade after her historic Melbourne Cup win, Michelle Payne shares a raw and inspiring story of resilience, revealing the love, loss and courage that shaped her journey in her powerful new book Ride On. Purchase it online or at all good book stores today.

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When Matt stepped up for his final dive in the Beijing Olympics from the 10 metre platform, he’d already lived it a thousand times in his mind. What followed was Olympic history, but as Mitcham shares, that gold medal has many layers to it.

This Australian legend opens up on the journey behind the moment, from a childhood (and diving career) shaped by chance, to the highs of global success and the challenges that followed.

It’s honest, vulnerable, and at times confronting. A story of determination, resilience, and what it truly takes to reach, and navigate, the top.

Matty is an absolute beauty.

Please note: This episode discusses sensitive topics. We encourage listeners to tune in thoughtfully and take care while listening.

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Catch Matt in the Off-Broadway hit play AFTERGLOW which is at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney NOW. For tickets and more information, go to afterglowtheplay.com.au

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