Finals or bust? The pressure, plan and people that will define Nicks
When Graham Cornes says Matthew Nicks will come under ‘enormous scrutiny’, it isn’t hyperbole. So, with everything seemingly now in place, can he handle it? We take a close look.
Teams
Team of the Century: Crows flag heroes overtaken by new era
Robran or Jenkins? Rehn or ROB? Bickley or Dangerfield? The Crows were top of the AFL in the late 90s, but picking a team since 2000 is much tougher. See Matt Turner’s team — and pick your own.
Draper? Lord? Key selection questions facing Power, Crows
The 2025 season starts in just days for the Crows and the Power, yet still so many selection questions remain. SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON assesses the tough calls that have to be made.
Watch: Skipper sends scare through Port camp
Still reeling from losing Zak Butters for up to two months, Port Adelaide has been dealt another injury scare after Connor Rozee limped off Alberton Oval on Friday night.
Lions, Suns lock in Round 1 plans after grounds, facilities soaked
The Lions have been unable to train on soaked grounds in Brisbane, so will fly south early ahead of their clash with Sydney, while the Suns have dodged the carnage felt by NRL neighbours the Titans.
AFL’s big fixture gamble after Opening Round upheaval
Gold Coast and Essendon will play twice in one round after the AFL confirmed where the postponed fixtures from Opening Round will be played.
Voss sounds off on Opening Round as Blues star firms for R1
The Opening Round concept remains under fire, with Carlton coach Michael Voss the latest to hit out at the idea, as the Blues continue to prepare for their season opener against Richmond.
‘Danger everywhere’: Lions on alert for multiple threats
The looming cyclone set to hit Brisbane has the Lions on edge and the coach locking away furniture as another challenge to their premiership defence.
Ralph: Cut the head off the snake, what else does Collingwood have?
The Pies aren’t dead and buried yet, but JON RALPH writes, there’s plenty of questions Craig McRae will need to address to avoid starting 0-2 in back-to-back seasons.
AFL hands down verdict on McRae-Kingsley stoush
Adam Kingsley and Craig McRae clashed on the bench during the Giants’ win over Collingwood, and the AFL have swiftly handed down their verdict on the verbal stoush.
How Parish plans to overcome persistent back, calf issues
Darcy Parish is making a fundamental change on his quest to get back into Essendon’s side after yet another interrupted pre-season. JAY CLARK has the latest from the Essendon injury room.
‘Heartbreak’: AFL great’s wedding called off
The footy legend father of a Channel 7 star has gone public with the family’s heartbreak after his son’s wedding was suddenly called off.
Team of the Century: GOAT call highlights void Freo still can’t fill
The easiest selection was Matthew Pavlich, widely viewed as the greatest ever Docker, writes ELIZA REILLY. But his place in the side also highlights one of the club’s biggest, ongoing issues.
The proof Dockers bolter has jumped the queue
As fourth-year midfielders Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson continue to battle for their spot, is a draftee about to take it from them anyway? ELIZA REILLY asks the big selection question.
Team of the century: An All-Australian line-up of Cats greats
You’d do well to find a better line-up over the past 25 years than what Geelong can roll out. With All-Australians everywhere, SCOTT GULLAN picks out their best side of a dominant era.
Bigger than Ablett? Geelong’s plan to help Smith shun spotlight
Gryan Miers first came across Bailey Smith when he kicked seven goals in a TAC Cup Grand Final. Eight years on, Miers says the Cats are determined to help their high-profile recruit deal with being Geelong’s newest rockstar.
Team of the century: No denying Suns’ litany of superstars
The Suns have been starved of success since their AFL debut, but there’s no denying the level of talent that has come through the Gold Coast’s doors. Callum Dick names their team of the century.
‘Until the day I die’: Rioli’s Richmond pledge, Suns ambition
After nine seasons and three flags, Daniel Rioli’s Richmond departure shattered Tiger fans. The Suns’ speedster says he has no regrets about moving north in the hunt for his fourth premiership.
Day protege reveals inside story of Hawks NGA snub
He’d trained with Hawthorn and been mentored by Will Day. But the AFL has said no to Oliver Greeves being part of the Hawks’ next gen academy. Greeves explains how he took the news.
Star Hawk weighs in amid trade links to Eagles spearhead
Hawthorn star Dylan Moore says he hopes the club is working behind the scenes to lure Eagles spearhead Oscar Allen to Victoria, amid reports linking the Hawks with a trade coup.
Watch: MRO charges Toby Greene again for kneeing Magpie
Star GWS captain Toby Greene has found himself in hot water yet again — this time for kneeing a Collingwood player. Watch the incident and see all the Opening Round charges here.
AFL warns players could be banned for dangerous push
The AFL says players risk suspension if they push an opponent into a marking contest despite a Collingwood star’s view that the game is at risk of going soft.
‘Not the best teammate’: Oliver’s frank admission on year from hell
Clayton Oliver has spoken candidly of the difficulties he faced during 2024 and the annoyance he felt at being dangled as trade bait by Melbourne.
Team of the century: Modern day stars save Dees after barren run
The Demons missed finals for 11 years running from 2007-2017 because, simply, they didn’t have many good players. Josh Barnes picks his team of the century avoiding those forgettable years.
Team of the century: Roos that kept flame flickering at Arden St
This century has been littered with attempts to relocate the Kangaroos — but these players have all contributed to keeping the club at its true home. See North’s best side since 2000 here.
Ex-Tiger wins over Eagles faithful as Roo draftee pushes Rd 1 case
West Coast gave up plenty in their trade for Liam Baker, but the former Tiger might already be a fan favourite. Plus the young Kangaroo in line to play round 1.
Lalor headlines trio of Tiger debutants as new era begins
Richmond will unveil a trio of debutants on one of footy’s biggest stages – Round 1’s blockbuster MCG clash between the Tigers and Blues – to herald the start of its newest era.
The Punt Rd-inspired side business keeping ‘lucky’ Tiger in check
Kamdyn McIntosh has been instrumental in changing the culture at Richmond. Now, he’s taking the footy club lessons with him as he prepares for life after an AFL career.
Team of the century: What could have been for unsung Saints
If not for two wild grand final moments, St Kilda could have a team of the century stacked with dual premiership players. Instead the side is full of under-appreciated stars. See it here.
St Kilda’s injury woes deepen in Port loss
Young gun Jason Horne-Francis gave Port Adelaide fans a glimpse of his 2025 potential as St Kilda lost another player to injury.
Download today: Every AFL club’s 2025 team poster
There’s no better way to show off your footy fandom than with a team poster. Download your club’s for 2025 today and show off your club colours at home and work.
’Heartbreaking’: AFL star cruelly cut down
A Sydney Swans veteran cut a dejected figure after limping from the field in the dying stages of the club’s opening round defeat.
Inside Mini’s rallying cry to lift Eagles off the canvas
New coach Andrew McQualter has his eyes set firmly on lifting the Eagles back into contention. Go inside his inspiring address at West Coast’s season launch.
In the Hunt: Competition for spots heats up at Eagles
Jayden Hunt has been a mainstay for West Coast since his arrival, but the veteran knows there’s plenty of young talent itching to take his place as the new generation of Eagles emerge.
Jamarra months, not weeks, away from playing return
The young Bulldogs forward is still months away from returning to the field despite being back at training. Scott Gullan unpacks why – and what everyone involved does next.
Legend issues dire warning to AFL star
An AFL legend has delivered a stark warning to a young gun as his future in the league remains up in the air as damning reports swirl.
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