AFL 2024
AFL Briefing
Essendon Bombers
Silver lining to Dons’ ‘gutting’ defeat, according to Scott; Dees dismiss talk of Oliver friction
Brad Scott had his charges “on the edge of their seats” during an unusually lengthy review that delved deeper than just the tactical mechanics behind their defeat, while Melbourne have shot down rumours that there is tension between star midfielder Clayton Oliver and the club.
- by Andrew Wu
Latest
Could James Hird end up coaching his son Tom at Port Melbourne? The club is asking
The former Essendon champion has become a constant figure at the VFL club watching his son Tom play, and powerbrokers are keen to put the question to him.
- by Peter Ryan
Analysis
Collingwood Magpies
The run home: Where the contenders stand in the race for the AFL top eight
While the Swans appear to have top spot locked up, the race for the top eight is well and truly on as we head into the home stretch of the AFL season. Where will your team finish?
- by Jon Pierik
The roadblock to All-Australian defender’s potential return to Victoria
The rumblings about Port Adelaide star Dan Houston’s future, and in particular his links to the Demons, started early last month, while a Collingwood forward’s future beyond this season is uncertain.
- by Marc McGowan
Why the Hawks aren’t worried about Ginnivan and the ‘rascal pack’; Blues hit with another injury blow
The surging Hawks have become the league’s most exciting team, and skipper James Sicily has praised Jack Ginnivan, while Carlton have lost another key player in a further blow to their bid for a top-two finish.
- by Jon Pierik and Andrew Wu
Swans searching for answers to cover injured Papley’s goal kicking
Swans coach John Longmire admits there are no easy solutions to covering the loss of injured Tom Papley’s impact around goal.
- by Malcolm Conn
AFL Briefing
AFL injury ward
De Koning out for home-and-away season; Swans dealt a bitter blow; clubs sent a ‘please explain’
Carlton’s tough win over North Melbourne has come at a cost, with a fractured foot to sideline star ruckman Tom De Koning until the end of the home-and-away season. Meanwhile, the Swans are battling their own injury issues.
- by Peter Ryan, Marnie Vinall and Malcolm Conn
Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw proves why he’s Mr. 1%; Eagle forwards forget to tackle
Sure, his season high 41 touches was profound in the Dockers demolition of the Demons, but just as important in setting the tone was his selfless mindset.
- by Paddy Sweeney
Analysis
For subscribers
Why the Pies can’t get de going and a Hawks wizard finds his magic touch: Key takeouts from round 19
Without his superpowers, Jordan De Goey is struggling, and so are the Magpies. But for Nick Watson and the Hawks the opposite is true. Meanwhile, a key Crow’s talent has been unlocked and the Cats have lost their edge at home.
- by Andrew Stafford
Twist of fate helps Docker Walters star against Dees
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says Michael Walters was all set to be the sub against Melbourne before an unexpected late injury setback flipped those plans around.
- by Justin Chadwick
Exclusive
Australian cricket
This AFL industry bigwig predicted Test cricket’s future a decade ago. He’s been called in to fix it
AFL players’ chief Paul Marsh is working alongside a FIFA expert to help build an alternative calendar and financial model for international cricket amid global concerns about the future of Test matches beyond 2027.
- by Daniel Brettig