Melbourne are the clear leaders of the competition. But which team can take the spot as second best after the Dees?

This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss the teams that are in contention for the second seed.

The Lions look the best candidates, but have been flaky at times. The Swans have a game style that can hold up in finals; it will be interesting to see those two teams clash on Sunday. Are Geelong in the mix? And Fremantle are performing well, especially in defence. But is there doubt around their star quality up forward?

Essendon and Collingwood’s traditional Anzac Day clash was a good contest, if not a great game. The difference on the day, aside from very accurate goalkicking and Jack Ginnivan’s five goals, was midfield experience when the game was tight. Scott Pendlebury stepped up and his last quarter was influential. But the Bombers did respond with effort after a disappointing loss in round five, and Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Sam Draper were among the best players in the game for the first three quarters.

Also on Anzac Day, Sydney’s Paddy McCartin suffered his ninth concussion. The Swans have said they will be “ultra-conservative” in their approach to his return. Should he think about calling it quits for health reasons, or would re-coaching him help?

Dustin Martin is back at Richmond and training, but when can we expect to see him back on the field? And with Martin and defender Dylan Grimes back in the team, can Richmond make a run for the flag?

We also debate a potential change to the stand rule: should it be play on when the player with the ball moves to kick or handpass? This would avoid the player on the mark giving away a 50-metre penalty when they react to the move. Is it a fair change, or would calling play on go too far the other way? Should the 50-metre penalty for that infringement simply be removed?

And the AFL has sent a delegation to the US to talk to streaming companies ahead of the next broadcast deal being signed. We discuss the companies in the mix, why it’s important for the league to bring in more money and how important that AFL and NRL rights are for Foxtel.

Plus, what the Blues need to learn to do this season, Adelaide’s resurgence, the underperforming Giants, whether North are in priority pick territory and much more.

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