$160k Discussing Australian Fantasy Football - Side Hustle Nation

      Side Hustle Nation aims to enhance your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that have a similar vision. If you register or make a purchase through one of our partners’ links, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Ryan “Heff” Gerlach launched The Keeper League Podcast and keeperleaguepod.com.au while working full-time as a teacher.

      The podcast focuses not just on football or fantasy football, but on a very specific type of fantasy football related to Australian Rules Football. This represents a niche within a niche within a niche—where enthusiasts don’t merely draft players but create teams designed to last for years. It has since become the central resource for player data, drafting tools, and expert insights for football keeper leagues.

      Listen to Episode 658 of The Side Hustle Show to discover:

      - How to transform a niche passion into a profitable venture

      - How to foster a committed community around a specific interest

      - How to monetize skills and expertise through various avenues

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      The free Podcast Starter Kit includes everything you need to know about podcasting equipment and software, producing a high-quality show, expanding your audience, and generating income.

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      This journey began in 2018, around the time Heff welcomed his son. He was teaching music and tech full-time, instructing students on how to record bands, use microphones, and engage in studio recording. At that time, Heff was really passionate about podcasts. So, why fantasy football? Heff and his friends had been operating their Keeper League since around 2013, which means they had five years of conversation about it before the podcast launched. They continually discussed it in WhatsApp groups.

      In Australia, nobody was really covering this type of fantasy football—not just fantasy, but keeper leagues, similar to Dynasty leagues in the U.S. The distinction lies in the fact that instead of drafting an entirely new team each season, you retain your players year after year, requiring a long-term perspective on who to keep, cut, or trade. It’s akin to managing your own team, and that strategic aspect is what really captivated Heff and his friends.

      The Podcast's Launch

      The podcast initially spotlighted players who were under the radar—those who hadn't played a game yet or were struggling in the reserves. Thanks to Heff’s background in music production, the audio quality of the first few episodes was outstanding. This proved beneficial when the individual behind the official AFL Fantasy podcast retweeted their episode, praising it and noting the growth of the fantasy community.

      That endorsement provided their first meaningful uptick in listeners, growing from about 100 to around 400. While not a massive jump, it was solid for a new podcast. Additionally, the timing was advantageous; the following season, AFL Fantasy introduced Keeper Leagues to their platform for the first time and invited Heff to contribute articles for them. Shortly thereafter, they started performing live shows with the AFL Fantasy team, kicking off their events with brief 10-15 minute segments.

      Identifying a Market Opportunity

      They had realized others were interested in Keeper Leagues based on their own discussions. Given their frequent conversations about it, it made sense that others might be seeking similar content. Furthermore, upon exploring the online fantasy world—forums, social media, etc.—they discovered a lack of dedicated coverage for Keeper Leagues.

      The path was not entirely smooth. During the initial years, the podcast barely generated enough revenue to cover hosting fees and basic costs, yet Heff genuinely enjoyed the work. There was a sense of potential, the feeling that if they persisted, things could eventually expand. And they did. It started small, with a few hundred listeners and a $2 Patreon subscription that was just sufficient to meet essential expenses. Over time, that core group of supporters enabled them to upgrade equipment, enhance production quality, and ultimately create their own website.

      Expanding Through YouTube and TikTok

      Heff soon recognized the importance of video, so they began by recording clips of the podcast and sharing them on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Initially, they took a DIY approach using GoPros attached to mic stands and syncing audio and video. However, to alleviate the hassle,