Robbo: The evolving aura of coaching master Chris Scott
Chris Scott has astonished even his closest admirers with another top-four finish. Insiders and opponents tell MARK ROBINSON what makes the Cats coach a modern great.
Expert Opinion
Grow up, Ginnivan and Co can have a life outside footy
Get used to AFL stars attending the Grand Prix or red carpet events in a world where social media is a huge second income. So, what did Jack Ginnivan do wrong, asks JON RALPH.
1-18: Robbo’s predicted 2024 ladder
Who will be the big movers and sliders this AFL season? Mark Robinson predicts how the ladder will look after round 24. See where your team sits.
Robbo: Why Dusty had to be in the top 50
He’s not what he was, but it’s hard to argue still that there’s many better than Dustin Martin. Check out where Dusty ranks among the AFL’s best in Robbo’s Top 50.
Why footy’s 2024 premier could simply be last team standing
Both the AFL and its fans can’t get enough of footy, but how much is too much? JON RALPH analyses the marathon that awaits clubs in 2024.
Robbo: Pressure, tackling, rebound – this was trademark Magpies
It truly was a grand final for the ages and maybe the best this century. Mark Robinson gives his take on Collingwood’s famous premiership win.
Robbo: Lethal’s legendary aura surrounds grand final
Coach of Craig McRae, friend of Chris Fagan, legend at Collingwood and Brisbane. And that’s just the start of Leigh Matthews’ influence on the 2023 decider, writes Mark Robinson.
The Tackle: Charlie Dixon should not have played
Port Adelaide took a risk going into the semi-final, and it failed. And its not the only issue the Power has to confront. See Robbo’s likes and dislikes.
The stat Blues rank 18th for and why it’s a big worry
Is Carlton really ready to come from the clouds and make a premiership charge from outside the top four, or will Sydney spoil the party on Friday night? Mick McGuane has the answers.
Robbo: MRO can’t slap Maynard with ‘ridiculous’ charge
As Brayden Maynard faces a nervous wait to learn whether he will be playing in Collingwood’s preliminary final, Mark Robinson says the match review officer only has one option.
Robbo: September stage set for ‘Jordan de Great’
Jordan De Goey starred in his first two finals and the Magpies’ fire starter is primed for another huge September. Robbo names the players who could own the finals.
The off-season trade, list calls every non-finalist must make
The AFL exchange period is almost here – and it’s an important time for the 10 clubs who missed finals. These are the moves, deals and list calls your team should make to bounce back.
The Tackle: Poster boy Parish not the problem at Dons
Darcy Parish is being portrayed as the poster boy for everything that stinks at Essendon, and that’s unfair, writes Mark Robinson. There are real issues – problems that run much deeper.
The Tackle: Do Bombers get a pass mark in 2023?
There was plenty of positivity surrounding Essendon in 2023, that was until they copped a 126-point belting. Jay Clark names his likes and dislikes from a wild round 23.
Robbo: Does Richmond want to be romantic or ruthless?
Trent Cotchin is gone, Jack Riewoldt is gone, it’s time for the Tigers to consider whether or not they need Dustin Martin, or whether they need draft capital, writes Mark Robinson.
McGuane: Why Pies must sacrifice Howe
Jeremy Howe hasn’t been the same since returning from a broken arm, unable to find a role – but expert analyst Mick McGuane has an answer to one of Collingwood’s dilemmas.
The Tackle: Dusty won’t follow Dimma to the Suns
The Gold Coast Suns will almost certainly announce Damien Hardwick as their new coach. They would love to have Dustin Martin go with him – but that won’t be happening.
Robbo: Nasty Hawks have Mitchell’s DNA
Sam Mitchell played on the edge, and his young team won’t back down. And the Hawks could be the most dangerous 16th placed side ever at this stage of a season, writes Mark Robinson.
McGuane: Danger’s moment, big Scott call, Cats playing for careers
Where has Geelong’s premiership defence slipped up, and can the Cats still make a back-to-back charge? Analyst Mick McGuane pulls apart the Cats’ biggest issues.
Ruthless clubs sniff chance to pounce on King
Ben King hasn’t kicked a goal for four weeks. He is so out of sorts, it’s impossible not to believe rival clubs are inquiring about his future. Is it getting too much for him?
How Channel 7 can fix Friday night footy’s glaring issue
Would Channel 7 really give up the money it makes from Better Homes and Gardens to appease footy fans? Incoming AFL CEO Andrew Dillon must give them no choice, writes Jon Ralph.
Why the cost of Hawks pick keeps growing
The Hawks were so intent on getting Josh Weddle last year they traded up to pick 18 to get him. But as the picks they gave up continue to increase in value, did they give away too much?
McGuane: When will Dogs’ mid-tier players stand up?
The Bulldogs top level talent is as good as that at any club. It’s the output of the next tier that is an issue at the Whitten Oval.
The Tackle: Stats scream underrated Pie has All-Aus claim
One of the Pies’ biggest weapons this season has continued to fy under the radar. But no more, with his breakout year primed to make him an All-Australian. Check out the round 18 tackle.
McGuane: The new ‘Package’ firing the Bombers to success
The Bombers have two barometers for success, Jake Stringer is one, but not in the way most fans expect. Mick McGuane analyses where these finals contenders win and lose their round 18 games.
The Tackle: Big issue emerging in Sam Walsh’s game
Sam Walsh had some big moments against Melbourne, but one ‘astonishing’ stat illustrates a problem the rising Blues star has to fix – and soon, writes Mark Robinson. Likes and dislikes.
Trade buzz: Why first-round Blue’s future is up in the air
Carlton fans bemoan the fact that this prized draft pick hasn’t been given more midfield opportunity. But his future remains uncertain for a number of reasons.
Hinkley never doubted he would see out Port contract
After having his position publicly guaranteed, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has revealed he never felt his position at Alberton was under threat for 2023.
Operation beat Geelong: how to topple the ladder leader
How can opposition teams get on top of the ladder leaders? Mick McGuane has the stats that matter when it comes to stopping the Cats juggernaut.
Long-lost discovery gives new voice to footy legend
Haydn Bunton is one of the game’s greats. It was thought there were no existing recordings of his voice but a chance 85-year-old discovery has given new insight into a champion. WATCH
The Tackle: Are the Dees throwing away flag hopes?
The old adage that bad kicking is bad football has never been more true with the flag chances of Melbourne at risk of going up in smoke, writes Mark Robinson.
Ralphy: Shock stat an indictment on Crouch bros
The Crouch brothers have always been able to find a mountain of the footy. But one key stat reveals why Matt will struggle to find a new home if he can’t change. TRADE SPECIAL
Can manager connection get Rankine to Crows?
The fact Izak Rankine is South Australian isn’t the only thing that could get him to the Adelaide, with an important figure having ties to the club.
Robbo: Who really won the infamous Kennedy, Judd deal?
Chris Judd gave Carlton hope at one of its lowest ebbs. Josh Kennedy gave West Coast 15 years of incredible service. Have your say on who won the trade and read Robbo’s take.
Robbo: Are the Blues arrogant, or still learning?
David King labelled the Blues arrogant as they meekly surrendered to Adelaide. Are they just that or still learning to be a good, consistent team? Mark Robinson ponders.
The Tackle: Rankine raid — you’re saying there’s a chance?
Izak Rankine was supposed to sign with the Suns weeks ago. Clubs believe he will stay, but it appears there is plenty of interest from rival suitors.
Why Pies thrillers threaten to supercharge September
The greatest asset Collingwood will take into September should they play finals will be their ability to withstand pressure in tight finishes. Their record proves belief is growing.
McGuane: the gear shift to give Blues some finals grunt
Carlton has firepower to burn up front, but it’s the game plan elsewhere under first-year coach Michael Voss which could flick the switch come September, writes Mick McGuane.
Robbo: It’s time to tell Richmond the truth, Dusty
Dustin Martin wants to play until he can’t play any more, just like his hero NFL legend Tom Brady. But the speculation about where needs to end — right now, Mark Robinson writes.
Robbo: The fresh twist Pies – and footy – needed
Craig McRae is winning – not just the four points, but the hearts and minds of his players. Mark Robinson looks at why the connection has happened so quickly.
The Tackle: Bevo could spin magnets for Australia
After the Bulldogs’ undermanned defence overcame the premier, it’s time to acknowledge Luke Beveridge’s genius moves, writes Mark Robinson. See all his likes and dislikes.
Age rankings: Every club’s list profile under the microscope
Where is your club’s list at? From oldest to youngest, find out where your team sits on the age rankings and what it means for your premiership hopes.
The Tackle: ‘Unedifying’ scene spilt into commentary box
Drop, act, dive, repeat. The ugly free kick issues plaguing the game spilt into the commentary box on the weekend. It’s all become unedifying, Mark Robinson writes. LIKES, DISLIKES
Trade latest: Dogs drop big hint on Dunkley talks
Josh Dunkley almost left for Essendon two years ago. Now he’s at the top of the Bulldogs’ priority re-signing list – and he’s not the only big name out of contract. Here’s the latest.
McGuane: Moves your club should be making in the run home
Whether it be for finals or next year, hard calls have to be made at the pointy end of the season. Mick McGuane looks at what moves your coach should be making at your club.
Hodge: What North needs to turn Clarko’s head
The romance of Alastair Clarkson returning to North Melbourne in its time of need is undeniable. But, there’s a big issue one former skipper says needs addressing first.
Robbo: Will more heads roll at Kangaroos?
David Noble paid the price for North Melbourne’s horror season, but he might not be the last big name in the gun, writes Mark Robinson.
Robbo: AFL must pay free kicks against duckers
The AFL needs to make a big rule change that will dissuade players from an action that can contribute to brain trauma, writes Mark Robinson.
Sacked: Inside Tigers, Blues coaches’ punch on
Tony Jewell and Carlton coach Percy Jones took a swing at each other in one of footy’s most-infamous coaching barneys. The former Richmond mentor reveals why in the Sacked Podcast.
The Tackle: Robbo picks his most disappointing player of 2022
Two years ago, he was inside the top-15 of Mark Robinson’s list of the 50 best AFL players. Today, he wouldn’t be in Robbo’s top 300. See all the round’s likes and dislikes.
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