‘Kept me hungry’: Bryan hoping to form dynamic pairing with Draper
Nick Bryan turned his back on suiters to re-sign with Essendon, but has only been rewarded with 19 games in five years. Here’s how he hopes to work in tandem with Sam Draper in 2025.
AFL
The Unlucky Ones: Would second 23 cause upset of the century?
Cripps. Akermanis. Brown. Ricciuto. There were so many big names that missed out in our AFL Team of the Century that Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph have picked a second 23.
Cripps robbed? No Hird? McLeod lucky? Century old debate rages
Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane have named their AFL team of the century so far – and debate is already raging. What do you think? Have your say on eight of the most contentious issues.
Team of the Century: The GOAT leads AFL’s best of past 25 years
It’s been 25 full seasons of the AFL since the turn of the century – so who makes the cut in the best 23? Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane took on the almost-impossible task of deciding.
Track watch: No love lost as spot fires emerge again in Sydney
The Warner brothers didn’t square up for round 2 this time, but yet again Sydney players had to be separated from one another as pre-season heats up. Plus more on a re-signed Swan.
It’s on! Warner bros go at it after Chad lays out Corey
There was no love lost in Sydney on Friday with coach Dean Cox forced to step in when tensions boiled over during match-sim. And it wasn’t the only eye-catching moment of the heated session.
‘Carlton needs more’: Are Blues kids holding them back?
At some AFL clubs, young guns form the nucleus of a premiership challenger. At others, fans are nervous about whether their investment will pay off. Where does your team sit ahead of the 2025 season?
Swan’s icy reply to journo amid trade sledge
Swans star Errol Gulden wasn’t mincing words when asked an awkward question about the team’s “bitter reality”.
‘Positions up for grabs’: Leake keen for Giant start as Devils loom
GWS are looking towards the next generation and Tasmanian James Leake is eager to break into the side. Plus the young Giant touches on his future — with the Devils entering the AFL in 2028.
Coniglio on track for return as young Giants steal the show
Stephen Coniglio faced one of the “most difficult periods” of his career after injuring his shoulder last year, but is on track for round 1. Plus, see the latest from the GWS match simulation.
‘He’s dangerous’: Giants tip big things for Stringer Hogan combo
GWS vice-captain Josh Kelly has tipped the best is yet to come from Jake Stringer as the former Bomber relishes his start to life at the Giants.
‘A class above’: Breakout Giant that can push GWS’ flag chase
GWS have no issue with contending at the pointy end of the year, but haven’t been able to reach their ultimate goal. Which young guns can change that? Lachlan McKirdy previews their season.
Track Watch: Rising Sun’s Opening Round hopes on watch after injury
A rising star at the Gold Coast is racing the clock to not only make their pre-season clashes with Brisbane and Collingwood, but also the Suns’ Opening Round clash with Essendon.
Buddy, Gaz, Dusty? The 10 best AFL players this century ranked
Think naming the team of the century was hard? Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane have narrowed that down to 10 and determined the defining player of the 21st century. HAVE YOUR SAY.
Ranked: Who should really be named SA’s top sporting hero?
We’ve named the top 100 athletes, teams and sporting icons from South Australia. But did we get it right? Rate our full list here.
‘Next man up’: Revitalised Motlop ready to earn back Blues’ ‘trust’
Jesse Motlop is confident a reshaped pre-season program at Carlton will help him make up for a disappointing 2024, as he prepares to pick up the slack in the absence of Matt Owies.
Cornes v Cornes: ‘Contrarian’ Kane grilled by his own dad
What happens when an AFL champion sits down with his footy legend father for a one-on-one interview? See the exclusive video
SuperCoach winner’s surprising advice for fantasy success
The 20-year-old university student who won $50,000 in SuperCoach last year reveals the strategy and players he hopes can carry him to back-to-back titles.
Highlight reel assured in electric All-Stars squad
With three mark-of-the-year winners included, the AFL Indigenous All-Stars squad is sure to provide plenty of highlights on February 13.
Injury lingers over star-studded All Stars as squad named
The Indigenous All Stars squad has been announced with some massive names, but coach Xavier Clarke will have to juggle plenty of injury issues. See the full squad here.
Port young gun eyes big 2025 after ‘frustrating’ injury run
Josh Sinn has spent lots of time sidelined but is now enjoying his first full pre-season. The youngster sheds light on his frustrating start in the AFL and how he has turned his body around.
Training news: Injuries wipe out top SuperCoach picks
Pre-season is ramping up. Stay on top of the latest SuperCoach news here – who’s hurt, who’s flying and which rookies are pushing for a round 1 spot.
Pre-season intel: Who’s training the house down at your club
Pre-season matches begin this month, which means players are stepping it up a notch on the track. Who are the ones impressing at your club? Get all intel from across the league here.
SuperCoach Plus: The secret weapon for fantasy AFL and NRL
Ready to up your game? Unlock the full potential of SuperCoach Plus and make this fantasy season your best yet.
Breakout contenders: The kids to give you big SuperCoach jump
Injury has dashed The Phantom’s breakout hopes for two SuperCoach young guns – but he’s added another big contender who could outdo them all. These are the names to watch in 2025.
Suns’ tipping point: What needs to happen to keep Rowell from Cats
Geelong is yet again in pursuit of a star rival midfielder, this time it being Matt Rowell. But is it actually possible? Callum Dick examines the possibility of Rowell in the blue and white hoops.
The unsigned AFL stars Crows and Power must chase in 2025
Both South Australian clubs have been aggressive in adding to their lists across the past few years, so why should that stop in 2025? Simeon Thomas-Wilson highlights the names to watch.
AFLW deadline day: Harris’ cloudy future after Hawks deal collapses
After two weeks of negotiation, Tayla Harris’ future remains in doubt after the Hawks and Demons could not agree to a deal for the star forward. Recap AFLW trade deadline day here.
Trade latest: Premiership defender requests trade to Hawthorn
With the AFLW trade period about to officially open, and the first fully national draft around the corner, clubs are in deep discussion about how to improve their lists. Here’s the latest.
Seventh heaven: Shelley, McDonald among latest Cats signings
Geelong has further cemented its list for the 2025 AFLW season, signing up to seven players on one-year deals. See who is sticking around.
‘Lit something in me’: The spark that inspired Shaw’s coaching return
Incoming Gold Coast Suns AFLW coach Rhyce Shaw has revealed what inspired his senior coaching comeback four years after parting ways with North Melbourne.
AFL history as Rhyce Shaw’s return to senior coaching revealed
Rhyce Shaw is back coaching in the AFL, but it will be a new role for the former Kangaroos senior coach, as he makes some history with his newest gig.
Dare to dream? Daisy’s training cameo sets tongues wagging
West Coast coach and AFLW legend Daisy Pearce has popped up at a WAFLW training session in Perth, leading one coach to declare “it would be fantastic to have someone of her stature playing in the competition.”
SACKED: AFL
Some of the biggest names in AFL reveal the true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.
The SuperCoach AFL Podcast
In this podcast, listen to AFL SuperCoach advice from our panel of experts every week to ensure you’re always ahead of the game.
The Herald Sun Footy Podcast
Join the Herald Sun’s Lauren Wood and the team as they talk through the big news of the week, and what’s set for the weekend of footy.
Breakout Bulldog? Young gun steps up to fill Treloar void
Just days after Adam Treloar’s injury, a young gun at the Dogs has staked his claim for a spot in their midfield, as Luke Beveridge waits on scans that could cause another selection headache.
‘Worried I’d never return to normal’: My battle with concussion
Just days after her third concussion, award-winning journalist Eliza Reilly fainted in front of Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir. Six months on, she tells her life-changing, emotional battle with her brain.
Blue bolter? Unknown young gun turning heads at pre-season
The Blues are in no rush to decide on their final list spots for the upcoming season, but one VFL livewire is doing all he can at pre-season to get himself on the list.
Kane Cornes drops deeply personal secret
AFL commentator Kane Cornes has divulged a family secret he has always kept hidden away from football fans.
‘Still see him every day’: Neal-Bullen on Goodwin connection
Alex Neal-Bullen might now be a ‘fully fledged Adelaide Crow’, but he still shares a special connection with his former coach. The new recruit opens up on the trade away from the Dees.
AFL legend’s sad Brownlow revelation
Footy great Ian Stewart says he wants his three Brownlow medals back after they were located on the other side of the world
Freo track watch: Pearce injures ankle, All Stars hopes in air
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce was forced off the park on Saturday, with the Indigenous All Stars match just two weeks away. ELIZA REILLY has details and more in track watch.
Dons track watch: Opening Round hints, ruck roles, Tsatas stars
The Bombers took to the track on Saturday for some match simulation, revealing plenty of hints as to how they might shape up for Opening Round against the Suns. More here.
Building brands: How AFL stars are capitalising on fame
Whether it’s a podcast, cooking up a storm or slinging drinks, these AFL stars are making a splash off the field. It’s the new generation – and it’s only the beginning.
‘Big tick’: Why cult hero Shark deserves second AFL chance
Southport ruckman Brayden Crossley is out to follow in the footsteps of teammate Ben Jepson and earn an AFL list spot. What it means to the club and why he’s ready.
Track watch: Port gives glimpse into Lukosius plans
Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius has long been adamant he is best used as a forward – but, as we learnt on Friday, Ken Hinkley might have other ideas. Get all the latest match sim intel.
Harley breaks down as Eagles go best v rest in match sim
In a concern for West Coast, young gun Harley Reid failed to complete match simulation on Friday – a session that revealed more about Andrew McQualter’s possible round 1 side.
‘Hope he is at peace’: Cats, draft great farewelled after tragic death
Revered football figure Mick Turner has been remembered by plenty of big names he touched at an emotional funeral service, where his five decades in footy and ‘nightmare’ cancer battle were detailed.
Richmond’s message to Balta after assault charge
Noah Balta has been asked to earn back trust after his assault charge as a concussion blow sent a star forward to the sidelines.
Watch: Tigers star stumbles off the track after heavy hit
Richmond fans look away now! Star forward Tom Lynch has stumbled off the track during match sim on Friday – and he wasn’t happy. See the vision and get the latest intel.
Update: AFL great accused of child sex abuse
The prosecution has revealed how many witnesses it is considering in the trial of a former AFL legend accused of historical sexual abuse.
All Stars clash injury fears allayed as AFL makes call on Pickett ban
High performance guru Darren Burgess has promised clubs their stars will be looked after in the Indigenous All Stars clash, while the AFL has decided if Kozzie Pickett can play despite being suspended.
Why Allen needs Eagles more than they need him amid Lions links
It’s a strange statement to attach to the co-captain of a bottom-four club, but Oscar Allen needs the struggling Eagles more than they need him, writes ELIZA REILLY.
Potential Houston replacement puts Port contract talks on hold
He has been touted as a breakout contender for Port Adelaide and is unsigned beyond this year. But for now this Power youngster’s focus is on playing regularly, not a new deal.
Uncovered: The stats that make a premium SuperCoach scorer
Lift the lid on how players score points in SuperCoach AFL – and how you can use that intel to pick a world-beating side in 2025.
1-18: Mick McGuane’s forward rankings will ‘ruffle a few feathers’
The superstars up forward can make or break your season. Who’s got the best crop of goalkickers in the AFL? Mick McGuane dissects where your club is at and ranks every forward line.
‘Cue outrage’: Danger calls for drastic change
The AFL is about commence to its most lucrative broadcasting deal ever and one of the game’s superstars has demanded a change.
Where ex-AFL players will feature in 2025
After their time at the top level came to an end, ex-AFL footballers across the country have found their new clubs. See where every delisted player and retired star will play in 2025.
Kouta’s call on Blues’ presidency amid links to former AFL boss
After a failed tilt to become Lord Mayor of Melbourne, could Kouta’s next role be back at the club that made him famous? The running for the top job at the Blues is starting to become clearer.
Round 1 lock? Verdict on every new face at Crows, Power
It was a big off-season for both South Australian clubs. But a few months on, which new faces have really made their mark? Get the intel and verdict on every draftee and recruit.
The blow that puts pressure on Bevo and his big dilemma
The Western Bulldogs have been dealt another pre-season blow, with star midfielder Adam Treloar ruled out for an extended period. With Jack Macrae gone, who steps up in his absence?
Just like old times for Suns SPP signing Ben Jepson
Ben Jepson played in a school football premiership with Nick Daicos, Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson. Now, he joins the latter two on the Gold Coast Suns list.
‘Shattered’: Kangaroos young gun’s injury blow
A day after a trio of St Kilda stars were put on the sidelines, a North Melbourne youngster has suffered a similar injury fate.
A Brownlow in England: Bizarre tale of medals headed to auction
A random email from the UK that was initially ignored has led to a rare auction that could let someone into footy’s most prestigious and exclusive club.
‘Cue outrage’: Danger calls for drastic AFL change
The AFL is about to start the first year of its most lucrative broadcasting deal ever, and one of the game’s superstar players has demanded a change.
Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl