Rising Star nominee still wants to ‘prove’ himself
Levi Ashcroft has been quick to make an impression in his young AFL career but wants to further show his value in a star-studded Brisbane Lions team.
Teams
Win a pair of signed boots from your AFL club
Tell us in 25 words or fewer why you want to win a pair of signed boots from your club’s star player.
‘Keep it in the memory bank’: Mac v Riley rivalry set to last
Mac Andrew and Riley Thilthorpe clashed all day, with the Sun having the last laugh – and letting his rival know about it. But Thilthorpe will ‘keep it in his memory bank’ for the next time.
‘Umpire froze’: Controversy rocks the AFL
An unlikely AFL blockbuster produced one of the most controversial finishes of the season in the Suns’ one-point win.
‘Laughable’: Scott hits out at AFL after Rankine statement
The AFL conceded Izak Rankine should have received a free kick or a mark in their tight loss. But Chris Scott believes the AFL caved to public pressure and have opened up a can of worms.
The Lowdown: Could rising Crow finish season with a Coleman?
The Crows lost the war, but Riley Thilthorpe won the battle over Mac Andrew on the Gold Coast. How high can his star rise this season? See all the likes and dislikes in The Lowdown.
Who would you rather be? Dees and Blues staring down long years
They are both 0-4 to start the year after coming into the season hoping to play finals. So is Carlton or Melbourne better placed to bounce back now and in the future? Have your say.
The warm-up disaster which sent Carlton spiralling
Carlton was second on the ladder after 15 rounds last season and a genuine premiership contender. Then one moment started a downward spiral which the Blues remain stuck in. ED BOURKE reports.
‘Shock’ as star Pie learns his AFL fate
There was huge conjecture over the penalty Dan Houston would get for his nasty high shot and he’s now learned his Tribunal fate.
Ralph: Unsung heroes fuelling Pies’ push for premiership history
Much has been made of Collingwood’s bold recruiting moves in recent years. But as Jon Ralph writes, it’s the bargain buys who are proving crucial to the Magpies’ hopes of a 17th premiership.
The next Kako? Bombers’ NGA set to bear more fruit
Essendon was the beneficiary of NGA rules changing before last year’s draft, with Isaac Kako joining the club. Now, two more highly-touted youngsters could follow him.
Jobe reveals ‘overbearing pain’ of drugs saga, returning Brownlow
Jobe Watson has opened up on the ‘overbearing pain’ of the Essendon drugs saga, the toll it took on his football and how he felt returning his Brownlow Medal.
‘Full of grit’: Why Dockers’ win is a line in the sand
If the Dockers of 12 months ago had been playing the final term against the Bulldogs, they’d have rolled over. But the win proves the 2025 Fremantle side is ‘full of grit’, writes Eliza Reilly.
Tunnel vision: ‘Predictable’ Dogs too Darcy-focused
Luke Beveridge said the Western Bulldogs became too predictable in looking at their talisman Sam Darcy as they let one slip against a Dockers side left licking its wounds.
VFL notes: BFNL sensation edges closer to debut as Cat responds
Jhye Clark was dropped for Geelong’s win over Melbourne, and he played like he had a point to prove. Plus, a local livewire is now officially banging the door down. See the full notes here.
Back where he belongs: Late in, whipping boy unlock Cats’ weapon
A Geelong late change and a subsequent injury may be a blessing in disguise for the Cats, as a whipping boy helped play a talented tall into form.
Byrne-Jones, Baker banned as MRO dishes out fines for melee
Darcy Byrne-Jones and Oskar Baker will miss Gather Round through suspension, while seven Power and Saints players have been slapped with fines for a melee. Jon Ralph has the details.
Jesse’s world: Giant demolition cements Hogan as AFL’s best
The gulf in class between the Giants and Eagles was stark from the jump, but it might just have proven there’s a gulf between Jesse Hogan and the next-best key forward in the AFL.
‘Storm in a teacup’: Sicily defends Allen’s secret Hawks meeting
James Sicily says he would be prepared to meet with rival clubs when his contract is due to expire and has defended Hawthorn’s clandestine approach to West Coast skipper Oscar Allen.
Hawks take down Giants in eight minutes – but it gets scarier
GWS got the jump on Hawthorn down in Tassie, before Will Day led a Hawks blitz that the Giants never recovered from. But that wasn’t even the most impressive part of the win.
AFL great fumes over viral post-game clip
A four-time flag-winner says a Demons star should have saved his post-game frustrations for “behind closed doors” last Friday night.
‘Never show that kind of emotion’: Petracca, Dees cop TV heat
Christian Petracca, Melbourne, and Carlton dominated discussion across the silver screen on Monday night. Josh Barnes watched Monday night’s footy TV shows so you don’t have to – catch the recap.
The Tackle: Saints jumping rebuild queue on road to TDK
The Saints could be about to speed past rivals on the rebuild ladder, writes Jay Clark. It’s no longer just the money that might entice Tom De Koning anymore, it’s the prospect of finals.
Licence to thrill: New Swan’s breakout game torches Roos
Riley Bice has a licence to thrill from Dean Cox. The mature-age recruit became North Melbourne’s nightmare in a remarkable performance in the Swans’ big Saturday night win.
Wasted year? The daunting task ahead for Port to prove otherwise
If you thought the pressure was on Ken Hinkley with his side at 1-3 – they could be 2-10 after the next two months. Here’s how a game plan tweak led to two losses the Power couldn’t afford.
Anger over Power beast’s divisive act
Jason Horne-Francis was near unstoppable at times against St Kilda, but the footy world is talking about something very different.
More truth about Tigers rebuild revealed in Lions loss
Again, there was plenty to like for Richmond fans on Saturday – but there are also more concerns for Adem Yze, as he starts to learn more about who will actually see the rebuild out.
‘X-factor’ ready to strike for Lions
Whether it’s as the substitute or in the top 22, Brisbane’s Bruce Reville is intent on again making a difference for the Lions on Saturday against Richmond.
‘He can bugger off’: Crows star hits back at Adelaide sledge
Saints player Jack Higgins has earned the ire of an entire city – including one of its star footballers – for cheeky comments made in a post-match interview.
Ken laments midfield outage as heat rises on Port
Port Adelaide has lost a second winnable game on the trot as the Saints broke the Power’s heart at the Adelaide Oval, turning the heat right up on Ken Hinkley ahead of Gather Round.
Sydney’s backbone: Latest gem makes Swans envy of AFL
Riley Bice’s breakout game destroyed the Kangaroos last Saturday, but it also officially put him on a famous list of Swans steals that have made them the envy of the competition.
Swans star’s secret grand final ‘pact’ revealed
Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney has opened up on the promise he and his teammates made in the aftermath of last year’s devastating Grand Final defeat.
The dud deals that could deliver Allen on silver platter to Hawks
List managers are circling Oscar Allen as the Eagles refuse to put a long, expensive deal in front of their captain. Jon Ralph looks at the seven list bungles that have left West Coast gun shy.
Oscar’s confessional: Eagles skipper gives Carey flashbacks
If you didn’t know what Oscar Allen was fronting up for, you’d think he was confessing to a crime. SCOTT GULLAN writes, Hawthorn’s pursuit is the newest wrinkle in a changing landscape.
AFL icon’s huge call after ‘inappropriate’ pic
Nick Riewoldt has told the Bulldogs it is time to cut the cord with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with the St Kilda legend presenting a cunning strategy.
‘They missed one there’: How Doc slid out of Tigers’, Dons’ clutches
Sam Davidson was running around last year in Richmond colours – and yet they let him slip. Jon Ralph and Paul Amy go behind the sliding doors moment which left ‘Doc’ a Dog.
Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/teams