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Lachlan McKirdy is a sports reporter for The Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports, primarily focused on covering the AFL in NSW. On top of his work with the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, he also has a strong passion for covering cricket and the Olympic sports, with previous experience working for the International Olympic Committee. He has won awards for his journalism, including from Cricket NSW, while loves bringing a multimedia edge to his work through video and audio means.

@LMcKirdy7

Lachlan McKirdy

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AFL

Sydney's Jake Lloyd celebrates a goal with fans during the AFL Qualifying Final between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants at the SCG on September 7, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

The Dean Cox effect: New lease on life for Swans milestone man

From his rookie year to his 250th game, Jake Lloyd has had one coach. The Sydney milestone man tells LACHLAN MCKIRDY about how Dean Cox — and Grand Final pain — are driving the Swans.

AFL News

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: James Sicily of the Hawks trains during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Teams: Veterans left behind as Hawks gamble up forward

There’ll be two debutants out there for the Swans in the first AFL game of the season, but selection intrigue lies with the Hawks after sticking with all of their key defenders.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Will Hayward of the Swans and Mitch Lewis of the Hawks pose for a photo during the 2025 AFL Opening Round Launch at Sydney Opera House on March 03, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

NSW over Vegas: AFL doubles down on growing ‘Australia’s game’

While the NRL’s venture to Las Vegas has been a success, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon hasn’t been swayed from his mission to grow Australia’s game domestically – particularly in New South Wales.

UPDATEDAFL

Portrait of GWS Giants players Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer at the Giants team photo and content day on February 11, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

Bizarre thumb injury for Hogan as injuries pile up for Giants, Swans

The Giants will be missing both recruit Jake Stringer and Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan in Opening Round as injuries take their toll on GWS and Sydney. FULL INJURY UPDATE

Essendon

‘Career-best’ Stringer tipped to leave Dons with Giant regrets

Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan has hailed the impact of Jake Stringer and outlined how he thinks the former Bomber will take the GWS attack to the next level. Will Essendon live to regret losing him?

AFL News

Sydney's Nick Blakey dejected after the final siren during the 2024 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at the MCG on September 28, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

‘We got found out’: Swans star’s frank Grand Final admission

Sydney star Nick Blakey has spoken candidly of the club’s Grand Final disaster and why the Swans won’t repeat the same mistakes if they earn another shot at the ultimate prize in 2025.

AFL

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 01: Ricky Stuart, head coach of the Raiders looks on during the round one NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium on March 01, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Dillon: What it would take to see a Sherrin in Vegas

Andrew Dillon, Dave Matthews and Mason Cox all think an AFL game being played for points overseas is coming, especially after the NRL’s glitzy weekend in Las Vegas. Here’s how.

AFL

Into the fire: Burning questions every team will face in 2025

Will LDU re-sign? Will Chad Warner head west? Can the Lions contend without Joe Daniher? We examine the burning questions facing every club ahead of the 2025 season.

AFL

Dejected Sam Taylor and Aaron Cadman during the AFL Semi Final match between the GWS Giants and Brisbane Lions at Engie Stadium on September 14, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

‘It suffocates you’: Inside Giants star’s three weeks of finals agony

Sam Taylor has opened up on the torment he felt after GWS’ agonising finals exit last year and why he’s torn up he won’t get a chance for redemption against Joe Daniher. LACHLAN MCKIRDY reports.

AFL

Errol Gulden is helped from the field after injuring his ankle

Worst-case scenario: Gulden injury disaster confirmed

Sydney superstar Errol Gulden is set to miss a chunk of the AFL season after fracturing his ankle in Friday’s pre-season win over Gold Coast.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/lachlan-mckirdy