Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen!
Nishan Velupillay’s return to form & fitness has coincided with Melbourne Victory’s rise up the A-League Men’s table, and placed him back in the frame for Tony Popovic’s World Cup squad. Nishan reflects on the ill-timed injury now behind him, and forecasts ambitions abroad.

Henry Winter (newly of Sports Illustrated) then discusses Michael Carrick’s first-up win (in his second stint) as Manchester United interim boss - over Manchester City, no less. Henry also speaks on Spurs’ ongoing woe, and the wild AFCON final which descended into chaos in Rabat.
Also on the agenda: the scenes and fallout from that final, Martin Kugeler appointed by Football Australia, Josh Cavallo’s discontent, and Damon Hanlin’s Mariners involvement.
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This week on Box2Box Stoppage Time, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen are joined by PFA Co-President Tameka Yallop, following the release of Ready For Takeoff - the Player’s Vision for the A-League Women.
Comprised of four key pillars, Ready For Takeoff advocates for the professionalisation of the ALW and an overhaul of the APL into an independent commission, among numerous other recommendations.
Tameka reflects on the stand taken by the 2015 Matildas squad - of which she was part - to demand the professionalisation of the national team, and why the union feels now is the time to force a similar result for Australia's domestic women's league.

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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen!
Western United have secured a last-minute stay of execution at the Australian Tax Office, and now present as a possible returnee to the A-Leagues in the face of all expectation. But would the APL’s door swing open? Michael Lynch returns to assess the latest turn in the saga.
Then to Italy, where the Azzurri are awaiting their date with destiny that will define either a return to the World Cup, or a third dose of national torture. Adriano Del Monte speaks to their desperation to qualify, and to the (once-again) enthralling Serie A season unfolding before us.
Also on the agenda: AFCON quarter finals, FA Cup upsets and Mariners instability…
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen!
Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC kicked off 2026 in contrasting fashion to that of their respective 2025s, while the Phoenix’s Women’s team could develop into one of the stories of 2026 if recent indicators are accurate. Sky Sports NZ’s Jason Pine returns for a kiwi football wrap, as they enter a Men's World Cup year for the first time in sixteen.
Then to South America, where hopes and dreams of a successful World Cup spread right across the continent. How will Brazil fare, and what of holders Argentina? Esteemed South American football journo Tim Vickery (BBC, ESPN et al.) joins us from Rio, for a comprehensive eye to the showpiece event.
Also on the agenda: Aussie managers become hot property in China, Enzo Maresca departs Chelsea, NPL Vic star scores at AFCON & loads more…
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Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen!
The A-League Women’s continues to throw up extraordinary results with Canberra, Victory and City top of the table, all while the Matildas’ ambition at the 2026 Asian Cup continues to loom. Ten/Paramount+ commentator Taryn Heddo wraps domestic proceedings, and casts forwards to the biggest event on the 2026 Aus women’s football calendar.
Then to Perth, where Glory recruit Scott Wootton has provided stability amongst turbulence, and now improved fortunes under Adam Griffiths. Scott reflects on his early career at Manchester United, and provides considered opinion on the game in Australia.
Also on the agenda: Aston Villa dominate the festive period, Mozambique and South Africa enjoy AFCON success, tight at the top in Serie A, and Sydney FC displaced again.

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Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen!
Former Sydney Olympic director/chairman Damon Hanlin’s proposal to take over Central Coast has been before the APL for some weeks, but club & media discussion has been minimal. Championship Mariner Daniel McBreen (10/Paramount+) returns to get to the bottom of things, and assess the varied on-field characteristics of Perth, Brisbane & Newcastle.
As 2025 draws to a close, Simon Hill also returns to reflect on the year that has been in Australian football, its administration, and Socceroos and Matildas - and provide an update on his relocation back home.
Also on the agenda: AFCON kicks off in Morocco, Wellington’s women hit seven goals, Sam Kerr hits three goals in a week, & more…

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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen!
With 2025 drawing to a close, Joey Lynch reviews the year that was for the Socceroos & Matildas - with majour tournaments to come for both in 2026. Joey also casts his eye over the big issues from the weekend’s A-Leagues round, both on and off the pitch.
Then to Liverpool, where a week has again proven a long time in football; a win in Europe and the League has Arne Slot’s side in better form, while Mo Salah has returned to the squad against expectation. The Athletic’s Reds reporter James Pearce returns.
Also on the agenda: FIFA World Cup ticket price outrage, Donovan says Popovic ‘got that smugness about him’, Newcastle Jets back in the winners’ circle and more…
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen!
The PFA’s annual reports into the A-League Men’s & Women’s competitions are always essential reading, but the damning nature of this year’s edition - released last Thursday - felt particularly important. Union Chief-executive Beau Busch returns, with well over half the men’s competition ‘dissatisfied’ or worse with the APL.
The Socceroos World Cup Group has been (almost) decided, set to play a host nation for the first time since 1974. Daniel Garb forecasts what looks a generous group by previous standards, as well as a word on the A-League Men’s on the field, and sad state of affairs at Anfield as Mo Salah goes nuclear.
Also on the agenda: South Melbourne win the Australian Championship, Adam Griffiths turns into self-proclaimed Lion, Wayne Gretzky fails his geography test & loads more!
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