Best On Ground

25/09/2021

Representing the mighty Melbourne Football Club on News Breakfast this morning - what a huge day ahead...

22/04/2021

The European Super League announcement, & subsequent backtrack, not only showcased the inherent greed of the twelve clubs' owners, but was also clearly one of the worst public relations disasters in the history of professional sport.

My take: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/european-super-league-pr-disaster-pete-fairbairn

04/12/2020

WATCH | With the in action for one final time in 2020 tomorrow night, Jim Tucker & Queensland Reds star Bryce Hegarty joined me to preview the game and reflect on the Australian Rugby year: https://youtu.be/NBkOFQf4PQ4

Jim Tucker & Queensland Reds star Bryce Hegarty join host Pete Fairbairn to preview the final Wallabies match of 2020, as they take on the Pumas at Bankwest ...

19/11/2020

Jim Tucker & Scott 'Sumo' Stevenson don the party shirts and joins host Pete Fairbairn to preview the Wallabies & Pumas clash in Newcastle, as well as discussing:

- the temperature towards the All Blacks in NZ

- the Pumas' passion and cohesion

- team selection for the Wallabies, including Hodge at 10 and the backrow mix

- Super Rugby in 2021 and beyond

- Possible new faces to lead Stan Sport's Australian Rugby coverage

05/11/2020

Journalist Jim Tucker joins host Pete Fairbairn and recently retired NSW Waratahs star Damien Fitzpatrick to discuss all the big storylines in Australian Rugby, including

- Wash-up from Bledisloe 3 & mood within the Wallabies squad

- Changes to the 23 this week, insight into the Waratahs debutants & the battle for the hooker's jersey

- Our strong record at Suncorp Stadium

- The 'four year process' - cop out or fair enough?

- Rugby's new Broadcast deal and possible FTA

- Life after Rugby for Fitzy

29/10/2020

Journalist Jim Tucker joins host Pete Fairbairn and Super Rugby centurion Scott Higginbotham, live from Bordeaux, to discuss all the big storylines in Australian Rugby, including

- Team selections for Bledisloe 3

- Who you'd bring in to the Wallabies from overseas

- Having a Kiwi Wallabies Coach

- Life in France and the Top 14

- Steve Hansen's move to the Bulldogs

- The Shute Shield & Queensland Premier Rugby GFs

22/10/2020

Natalie Yoannidis joins Pete Fairbairn for the final Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff of 2020 today, to look at the career of Gary Ablett Jr, Richmond's desire for Grand Final rain, Cameron Smith's extraordinary journey nears conclusion, the Panthers' home-grown focus earning them a GF spot, and whether the national anthem needs a revamp.

The Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff is delivered bright and early, Monday to Friday, and discusses five of the biggest stories happening in the world of sport.

21/10/2020

AAP's Melissa Woods joined me today on the to discuss Melbourne Storm development pathways, AFL players' 2021 pay negotiations, Geelong Cats beating the AFL equalisation system, finding more Indigenous Wallabies, and the legacy the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup can leave in Australia & NZ: https://youtu.be/-aTuz_pX27Y

AAP's Melissa Woods joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to look at the Melbourne Storm's development pathways, AFL players braci...

20/10/2020

WATCH | Great to have Sydney Morning Herald reporter Adam Pengilly on the to look at Viliame Kikau & Ryan Papenhuyzen's roles in the NRL Grand Final, the battle between Dusty & Danger in the AFL Grand Final, all the big Spring Carnival news & cricket's inability to lock in its' fixtures: https://youtu.be/W9stb8nP2to

Sydney Morning Herald journalist Adam Pengilly joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to share Viliame Kikau's family story, talk a...

19/10/2020

WATCH | Huge day of news with Brad Walter Sport on the , starting with the scandal, the Cleary connection at the Penrith Panthers, Cats & Tigers sharing a hub in GF week, Jeremy Cameron leaving the Giants, and why we should be grateful for Argentinian Rugby: https://youtu.be/CmJlNPEqhOg

NRL.com's Brad Walter joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to dissect the NRL's Dally M embargo scandal, the Cleary's family conn...

18/10/2020

Rugby.com.au's Christy Doran joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to dissect all the talking points from Bledisloe 2, including who to bring in for Matt Toomua in Bledisloe 3, the pre-finals bye and it's impact on the AFL, the key talking points ahead of the AFL Grand Final and the Penrith Panthers back on the big stage in the NRL!

15/10/2020

WATCH | Stuff.co.nz's Paul Cully joined me on the to discuss the ramifications of the Springboks' Rugby Championship withdrawal, Bledisloe Cup selection news, a power struggle in the AFL, Cameron Smith nearing the end & the Big Bash League broadcast battle: https://youtu.be/fEG2TEJs5H8

Stuff.co.nz's Paul Cully joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to talk about South Africa's withdrawal from The Rugby Championship...

14/10/2020

WATCH | NRL - National Rugby League expert Brad Walter Sport joined me on today's to discuss:

- Sticky & Bellyache's friendship
- Master media manipulator Wayne Bennett
- the RATTLED All Blacks
- Richmond's challenge against Port Adelaide
- the amazing manner in which Australian sport has kept the games rolling on during COVID.

Check it out: https://youtu.be/xKUWHMxxKEw

NRL.com's Brad Walter joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to talk about the friendship between Ricky Stuart & Craig Bellamy, Way...

13/10/2020

WATCH | Natalie Yoannidis joined me on today's Weekday Kickoff to chat Geelong's finals record, Eden Park looming for the Wallabies, a glut of all0-rounders to choose from for Justin Langer, Cody Walker ahead of Luke Keary for the NSW #6 jersey, and The Everest this weekend: https://youtu.be/wdEgVGcx8jk

Natalie Yoannidis joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to talk about Geelong's last 10 years, the Wallabies chances at Eden Park,...

12/10/2020

The Australian's Courtney Walsh joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to talk in-depth about Iga Swiatek & Rafael Nadal's French Open triumphs, the Brisbane Lions' genius recruiting coup, Adam Treloar's Queensland link, attacking potency of the Rabbitohs & are the All Blacks vulnerable?

The Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff is delivered bright and early, Monday to Friday, and discusses five of the biggest stories happening in the world of sport.

11/10/2020

WATCH | This morning, on the Weekday Kickoff with Christy Doran:

- The Bledisloe Cup in review. What does it mean for Australian Rugby, and which players stood out for the men in Gold?
- Can the Brisbane Lions take advantage of being at home to knock Geelong off in this week's Preliminary Final?
- Sliding doors moments at the Panthers - looking back at how they almost signed Wayne Bennett, and
- Ridiculous Rafa wins his THIRTEENTH title on clay at Roland Garros, and moves to 20 career grand slam wins.

Check it out via YouTube https://youtu.be/gLIODTJs_t8 or subscribe via the Apple Podcasts app: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/best-on-ground-weekday-kickoff/id1519698333

Rugby.com.au's Christy Doran joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today to review yesterday's amazing Bledisloe Cup match, discuss the ...

08/10/2020

Jim Tucker joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at Dave Rennie's first Wallabies starting lineup, South Africa's Rugby Championship decision, players to watch in the NRL Semi Finals, QLD AFL clubs as destinations, and 'culture' in a sporting sense.

The Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff is delivered bright and early, Monday to Friday, and discusses five of the biggest stories happening in the world of sport.

07/10/2020

WATCH | Great to have The Age's Chief Racing Writer Damien Ractliffe on the for the first time to chat all things Daniher & Crouch, AFL finals double chances, Aus women's cricket team and racing, with a huge weekend ahead & a fascinating ruling in the Ben Melham case with possible ramifications for all jockeys.

Damien Ractliffe from The Age joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at Joe Daniher's trade request, Brad Crouch's possibl...

06/10/2020

Natalie Yoannidis joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at Michael Hooper's 100th Test match, Adam Saad's Essendon departure, St Kilda's hopes against Richmond, State of Origin challenges for the Maroons and the glut of sport we'll enjoy over the next 4-6 weeks.

The Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff is delivered bright and early, Monday to Friday, and discusses five of the biggest stories happening in the world of sport.

05/10/2020

Rugby.com.au's Christy Doran joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at the Wallabies big selection calls, Super Rugby in 2021, Geelong fans' unhappiness with Chris Scott, the summer of tennis, and can the Eels or Bunnies win the NRL premiership?

The Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff is delivered before 8am, Monday to Friday, and discusses five of the biggest stories happening in the world of sport.

30/09/2020

WATCH | Wonderful to welcome Mel Woods to the for the first time, to chat Geelong vs. Port Adelaide, SANZAAR Board Minutes leaked, Wayne Bennett back to the Maroons, the challenge for the news Matildas coach & the newest team name in the NBL... oh dear! https://youtu.be/RCjlIebYHPI

AAP's Melissa Woods joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at the experience of Geelong's team for tonight's first finals,...

29/09/2020

WATCH | Darren Parkin joined the today to chat about Brisbane's hopes vs Richmond, Collingwood's challenge in the West, Ryan Papenhuyzen and the Melbourne Storm, Australian Cricket's two overlapping tours & Aussies at the French Open: https://youtu.be/nlEo0sg7X5c

Darren Parkin joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at Brisbane's clash with Richmond, Collingwood's challenge in the wes...

28/09/2020

WATCH | Natalie Yoannidis joined me on the to chat South Africa's Super Rugby exit, the Dogs & Saints elimination final, Kieran Foran's Manly return, good news for the Boxing Day Test & BBL, and the A-League's summer conundrum: https://youtu.be/sYeRey10M40

Natalie Yoannidis joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at the imminent SA departure from Super Rugby, the Dogs & Saints'...

27/09/2020

WATCH | Heaps to chat about with Brad Walter Sport on the today:

- Fittler's NSW Origin train-on squad
- Sydney Roosters' bid for NRL history
- Can the NZ Warriors find consistency & play finals in 2021?
- Wallabies selection speculation ahead of Bledisloe 1
- Will Richmond's finals experience make the difference in 2020?

https://youtu.be/4iwK7yRFVKI

NRL.com's Brad Walter joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We look at the first players named in the NSW Origin squad, the Sydne...

24/09/2020

WATCH | Today, Jim Tucker and I reflect on the life of Australian cricket great Dean Jones, as well as looking at Craig Bellamy's possible shift to the Brisbane Broncos, SANZAAR's fixturing own goal, the Australian Women's Cricket team's statement against racism, and pressure on the No. 1 AFL draft pick following Jack Watts' retirement: https://youtu.be/O95nzPbD8-A

Jimmy Tucker joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We begin today with a reflection on the great Dean Jones, who passed away yest...

23/09/2020

Awesome to welcome Benny Jones to the for the first time today, chatting plenty of AFL, Cricket, A-League & NRL: https://youtu.be/3F3D-Qbo3cY

Listen on the go via the Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/best-on-ground-weekday-kickoff/id1519698333

AFL Nation's Benny Jones joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. Today, we discuss the news Ben Brown will leave the Roos, Kevin Sh...

22/09/2020

WATCH | The Australian's Courtney Walsh joined me on the today to chat about the AFL All-Australian squad, Geelong's Joe Daniher interest, the Qld Firebirds indigenous round scandal, Dave Rennie's first training session & Novak's 287 weeks as world number one: https://youtu.be/QtlKvOmQO-w

The Australian's Courtney Walsh joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. Today, we discuss the AFL All-Australian squad of 40, Geelo...

21/09/2020

WATCH | Nat Yoannidis dialled into the bright & early to dissect:

- Collingwood's WA finals quarantine
- Essendon's list profile
- Who's in the Wallaby back row?
- Tough summer of cricket hubs
- Who's benefited from COVID in sport?

Check it out below or search for the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff via the Podcasts App.

Natalie Yoannidis joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. Today, we discuss Collingwood's WA quarantine, Essendon's list profile, t...

20/09/2020

Great to welcome Sam Bruce back to the Weekday Kickoff this morning, to chat all things Super Rugby AU & Bledisloe Cup, AFL & NRL finals, and English Premier League.

Prefer to listen without my ugly mug? Subscribe to the podcast (and rate) via https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/best-on-ground-weekday-kickoff/id1519698333

17/09/2020

WATCH | Great to have on the today to chat:
- Rugby's broadcast negotiations
- Dan McKellar turning down the Wallabies
- AFL confirming shorter quarters in 2021
- Australia's ODI series win
- And what's changed in sport this year!

https://youtu.be/c7l9wpnf5XE

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Tom Decent joins Pete Fairbairn on the Best On Ground Weekday Kickoff today. We discuss the latest in the Rugby Australia TV b...