Why Melbourne Does Grand Final Week Better Than Anyone

Elliot Garnaut is away gallivanting around London, so Lucy Nettlefold, founder of⁠ Twofold Media⁠, steps into the valet alongside four-time AFL premiership player Isaac Smith. With September in full swing, Isaac and Lucy unpack why Melbourne becomes the sporting capital of the world at this time of year. They discuss the enormous arrival of the NFL in Australia, why the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have taken completely different approaches to jet lag, and how professional athletes adjust their sleep, meals and body clocks when travelling internationally. Isaac also shares what AFL Grand Final week is really like for players, from the chaos of the Brownlow Medal to open training sessions, Grand Final parades and captain’s runs where nobody can kick or catch. Plus, Lucy gives Isaac a crash course in Kylie Minogue ahead of her AFL Grand Final performance, they predict which Australian artists could join her onstage, and they hatch a plan to dress Elliot from head to toe in Kylie merchandise when he returns. In this episode: Why live sport remains essential to live television The enormous impact of the NFL coming to Melbourne How NFL teams manage jet lag and international travel Isaac’s approach to sleep, sunlight and meals while travelling What AFL Grand Final week is really like for players and their partners Why Melbourne’s Grand Final public holiday might be hurting the city Isaac’s memories of Richmond’s Swan Street celebrations Kylie Minogue’s AFL Grand Final performance Which Australian artists could make a surprise appearance The Kylie outfit waiting for Elliot when he returns Follow guest co-host Lucy Nettlefold on⁠ Instagram⁠ and learn more about her publicity, talent, content and events agency,⁠ Twofold Media⁠.