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Mitch Bourke is a sports reporter covering Melbourne’s south-east after stints at the Mackay Daily Mercury and Gold Coast Bulletin.

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Mitch Bourke

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AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Clayton Oliver and Simon Goodwin of the Demons looks dejected after losing the round one AFL match between Melbourne Demons and GWS Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 16, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

‘We’re on the right path’: Goodwin confident after Dees’ Giant shock

It was a heartbreaking start to 2025 after a lean 2024, but Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is confident of his side’s path despite their loss to GWS.

AFL

Brisbane's Levi Ashcroft and Sydney's Tom McCartin during the AFL Round 1 match between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at the SCG on March 15, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - NO ON SALES - copyright Phil Hillyard )

Levi a must? Key SuperCoach takeaways from Super Saturday

It was a big first Super Saturday of the 2025 season – and there were plenty of SuperCoach hits and misses. Recap the action and see what it all means going forward.

SuperCoach

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles makes a break during the round one NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys at 4 Pines Park, on March 08, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

NRL SuperCoach: Five things we learned from Super Saturday

It was raining SuperCoach tons as the Sea Eagles Brookvale Oval dominance continued with an annihilation of the Cowboys. Here are five things we learned from Super Saturday.

Other Sports

Bert Newton’s grandson smashes Olympian’s swim records

His grandfather won Gold Logies, his dad won Olympic medals, now this Melbourne schoolboy is making a splash as he continues his quest to the Australian swim team.

AFL

Josh Lai celebrates one of his two semi final goals this September. Picture: Andrew Keech.

Teen’s hidden trait which impressed Power recruiters

Plucked from the obscurity of Melbourne suburban football to join an AFL list Josh Lai is the feel good story of the summer. His local coach reveals one unlikely trait which could separate him from other wingmen in the AFL.

Cricket

Dandenong District CA Turf 1: Buckley Ridges v Berwick. Lachlan Brown batting for Berwick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

‘Just going off’: Former wicketkeeper’s second hat-trick in two weeks

A Dandenong District Cricket Association wicketkeeper turned tweaker remarkably took his second first-grade hat-trick inside two weeks. Here’s how it all played out.

VIDEOCricket

Parkfield's Jordan Hill is presented the match ball by the umpire after her haul of 7-11 that included a triple hat-trick. Picture: Supplied.

WATCH: Fourth generation player’s ‘surreal’ triple hat-trick

A Parkfield player who comes from a family of six life members achieved the unthinkable when she completed an extraordinary triple hat-trick. Watch the video.

Cricket