Sydney FC defender Ben Garuccio and Cong An Ha Noi midfielder Stefan Mauk discuss the biggest topics in Australian football this week in the season finale of Football Friends, brought to you by Football360. On this episode:- Ben reacts to Sydney FC’s Grand Final heartbreak against Auckland FC and reveals what the atmosphere was REALLY like in New Zealand- Why Auckland FC have become the blueprint for the rest of the A-League- The A-League’s biggest winners, disappointments and breakout stars from the 2025/26 season- The Socceroos squad drama: The brutal reality of being cut before a World Cup- Stefan reveals the toughest squad omission of his career- What the future REALLY looks like for the A-League amid salary cap and financial uncertaintyPlus much more!

Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk have enjoyed massive weeks, with Ben scoring the winning penalty for Sydney FC against Newcastle, while Stef won silverware in Vietnam. On this week's Football Friends Podcast, brought to you by Football360, the boys reflect on the weekend, break down where both semis were won and look ahead to the A-League Grand Final.

Ben reflects on his extraordinary season, which almost never happened after Western United's disaster, and the boys talk about some of the current hot topics, including Arthur Diles' departure at Victory and Heidelberg's omission from Asian competition.

In this week’s episode of Football Friends with Ben and Stef, the boys dive into one of the biggest talking points in Australian football… money, after plenty of fan comments last week about Stef's prediction of an A-League 'exodus'. They preview the third week of the A-League finals series, chat about Riley McGree and the latest Socceroos World Cup squad discussion, share their experiences playing at under 17 level, and break down the reality of football salaries in Australia.

In this week's episode of Football Friends with Ben and Stef, available now on Football360, the guys review and preview the huge finals action in the A-League.

With Melbourne Victory's exit, they look at what that means for the future of Juan Mata, and where he stands in A-League marquee history, while Ben discusses the latest whispers out of Western United, prompting a discussion on a potential player exodus into Asia in the off-season.

It's finals time in the A-League and Ben and Stef are back to look ahead to the season climax.

This week's episode of Football Friends, brought to you by football360.com.au looks back at Adelaide United and Melbourne City's wild end to the A-League Premiership, Ben's goal scoring form and celebration in Sydney's clash with Auckland and look ahead to the finals.

FOOTBALL FRIENDS WITH BEN & STEF S3, E17 🗣️Sydney FC defender Ben Garuccio and Cong An Ha Noi midfielder Stefan Mauk discuss the biggest topics in Australian football this week.On this episode:

• Why Marcus Younis should '1000%' be in the Australia's World Cup squad, but 'two things' could stop him

• Stef wants this 18-year-old at the World Cup as a train-on player

• Mohamed Toure on fire at Norwich: What makes him so good? And why he could be PERFECT for the top level.Plus much more!

Football Friends with Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk is back and the lads pull no punches when it comes to some of the hottest topics in Australian football.

The guys review the Sydney Derby, revealing the moment Ben got "hammered" by his teammates for, plus reaction to news that FIFA has written to the Australian Prime Minister about a lack of a home for the Socceroos, crowds in the A-League, the VAR decision that saw Adelaide United's coach go off and much more.

Football Friends is now brought to you by football360.com.au.

Ben and Stef are back with a cracking episode of the podcast, for the first time, brought to you by and available on football360.com.au, Australia's new home for football content.

In this week's episode:

00:18: Introduction00:30: Stef's latest performances and updates from his league. 04:00: Sydney Derby and PK joining Sydney FC. 11:00: Stef asking about Ben's statement that Sydney FC has the best squad. in the league, and what can Sydney do to unlock that talent. 13:00: PK changing the squad and the internal reaction. 15:00: Western Sydney ahead of the derby. 18:00: Concussion issues in the A-League.22:10: Mitch Duke and his World Cup chances and World Cup selection. 26:45: A-League season and why the table is so open. 28:40: Is the overall standard of the A-League lower this year?32:10: Which teams could jump into the Top-6. 33:50: Heidelberg getting AFC Elite spot. 38:00: Juan Mata injury and affects on Johnny Warren Medal.

Golf or football? The boys take inspiration from Gareth Bale this week as they discuss how to best balance professional football with life's other interests.

Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁨⁠⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ ⁠⁠

Join the Football Friends as Stef prepares to take on Harry Kewell in the Vietnam League later this weekend, while Ben's Sydney FC get another tight 1-0 win to keep the hunt alive for the A-League Premiership!

Podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁨⁠ ⁨@RoundBallAus⁩ ⁠

Photo: Leeds

Ben and Stef are joined by Richie Alagich for the second episode of Born Into It! Richie talks about raising his kids during the early days of professionalisation in Australian football, and explains why he asked one of Ethan's early coaches not to pick him in a touring squad when he was young!

Photos: Adelaide United