The day Ablett got busted in AFL’s ‘gotcha’ moment
Gary Ablett’s secret meeting with the Gold Coast Suns was supposed to be incognito – but instead was busted wide open. Here’s how – plus the secrets on other trade news is broken.
AFL
Top 10 Docklands moments: North hero relives night for the ages
The top 10 biggest footy moments at Docklands’ Marvel Stadium have been revealed — and Jason McCartney sits top of the pile. See the list and hear from the Kangaroos hero here.
Live Q&A: Your draft questions answered as July top 30 named
Draft expert Chris Cavanagh is answering your questions on the 2025 AFL draft, just after naming his top 30 prospects as the pool stands in July. Have your burning queries answered from 12pm.
‘Carlton man’: Voss responds to trade bombshell
With his No.1 ruckman potentially moving to St Kilda, reports that another star is leaving prompted Carlton coach Michael Voss to respond.
Laidley slams AFL’s handling of homophobia after latest slur
Dani Laidley has slammed the AFL over its anti-homophobia education, saying the league hasn’t taken it seriously – doing tremendous harm to any gay players and staff.
Don’t be fooled by niceties: Sydney derby is bound to explode
From free-flowing compliments to a social media blackout, this week’s Sydney Derby could be one of the ‘nicest’ build-ups to a rivalry game this year. But with so much on the line for both, the game is bound to explode.
The midfield ‘pact’ behind Heeney and the Swans’ resurgence
Isaac Heeney’s record-breaking display stole the show, but it’s the Swans’ midfield revolution that has driven their late-season rise – with one key area shaping their recent dominance.
Heeney, Grundy masterclasses extend Roos’ misery
Isaac Heeney had one of the best individual games this century to light up a dour affair between the Swans and Roos, with the Sydney superstar proving how far off the pace the Roos truly are.
Early Tackle: No malice, but May must be handed a holiday
Steven May didn’t line Francis Evans up when he collided with the Blues forward, but he still got him high – and in today’s footy that’s enough, writes Josh Barnes.
Essendon’s mid-year recruits a silver lining after Giant bombing
The Dons may have suffered another night of misery on the main stage, but coach Brad Scott was able to find the silver lining.
Pass the remote: AFL killing prime time footy with smashed Bombers
Everyone could have predicted how the depleted Bombers taking on the high flying Giants was going to end, and the AFL’s fixturing is ‘killing’ its prime time spots.
Footy world stunned by GWS star’s acts
Jake Stringer was having a field day against his old club on Thursday night and it didn’t sit well with scores of Essendon fans.
Newton soars from Whorouly and back in high-flying homecoming
Michael Newton soared into the AFL’s history books in 2007. Almost two decades later, the former Demon is back doing what he does best — kicking goals — for his beloved Whorouly.
Bombshell trade rumour over Carlton star
In a shock report, Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow has expressed his desire to leave the Blues and play for an interstate rival.
TV Wrap: Showdown deserves more, Curnow floats trade chance
There’s been a renewed push for a standalone Showdown, plus plenty of people weigh in on what a Charlie Curnow trade scenario looks like. All the headlines from Tuesday night’s shows.
‘Best mates’: How Little Master, religion are spurring Cat towards stardom
Ollie Dempsey could have only dreamed about Gary Ablett Jnr being his mentor several years ago. Now the former superstar is one of his best friends. He opens up on their growing friendship and his faith.
Footy’s ‘gotcha’ hotspots: Where the secret AFL deals really begin
In the era of the iPhone, the coffee catch-up between AFL players, their agents and rival clubs is no longer that secretive. Here’s where they happen – and what takes place.
‘Incredibly disrespectful’: Sparks fly on-air
The veteran media performers fired a series of shots at each other live on-air in a shocking moment on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters.
AFL star says sorry in heartbreaking scene
Carlton’s Sam Docherty has left a superstar teammate an absolute wreck after delivering a heartfelt moment during his retirement speech.
The f word on Dawson’s mind: Skipper has always kept the faith
Crows skipper Jordan Dawson has revealed the optimism he’s remained of the Crows’ September chances since he became captain, even through the struggling years.
Eddie’s bold new fixture proposal revealed
Eddie McGuire has proposed a bold new revamp to the AFL fixture, with a three part system he believes the key to solving some of the league’s main issues. Read Eddie’s full proposal.
The nine best SuperCoach trade targets for round 20
There is one week until SuperCoach league finals, and coaches with trades in the bank are in a great position to make a big move. Who should you bring in?
Stats dossier: Unique Daicos double act, big SuperCoach CBA moves
What’s better than one Daicos? Stats reveal how the Magpie brothers score in SuperCoach, and wild shifts in centre bounce time from round 19. Search every player here.
Buy, hold, sell: Sweet SuperCoach stunner, Saint’s dream run
Port Adelaide ruckman Jordon Sweet hit 200 SuperCoach points, and he wasn’t the only player who went big in round 19. And there could be more huge scores to come.
Grundy, Gawn, pray? How experts are tackling SuperCoach crisis
It’s been the most chaotic week in the SuperCoach season, and we’ve assembled the experts to see how they’re tackling injuries to Nic Martin, Jason Horne-Francis and a ban to Tristan Xerri.
Inside story: Why Shiel said no to Blues after lavish Noosa trip
It’s the pitch the AFL industry still talks about – when Carlton’s heavy hitters pampered Dylan Shiel with crayfish and Grange on a private jet to Noosa. So, why did he still choose Essendon? Here’s the truth.
Revealed: The agent behind every AFL-listed player
In a Code Sports exclusive, the ultimate list of player-agent ties lifts the lid on the master negotiators behind your club’s biggest stars, their contract stories and their future. SEE EVERY NAME.
Pies’ draft bounty: South-African born prospect the latest to watch
There’s plenty going right at the Pies in 2025, and the future is looking bright too, with a South African-born draft prospect turning heads after his VFL performance.
The mega deal that could keep NWM off trade table
St Kilda has shown its hand in the chase for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s signature, officially tabling a lucrative offer to convince the star playmaker to stay. Will it be enough?
AFLW mega track watch: The players ready to pop at your club
Position changes, injury news and the draftees who will change the AFLW – this is your one-stop shop for all the latest pre-season intel ahead of season 10.
AFLW keen on new Melbourne stadium, but won’t expand season
The AFL concedes its “breakneck-speed” expansion of the AFLW will slow – but insists there is a clear way forward for the competition.
Teenage running sensation dreams of athletics and AFLW success
A year on from becoming the first Warlpiri woman to compete at the Paralympics teenager Telaya Blacksmith is continuing her dream of competing at the top level with her sights now on the World Champs.
Superstar twins having to fight to live out women’s footy dream
Koonibba twins Kailee and Kaianne Colbung-Ware – both said to have AFLW potential – can’t play for their local club anymore. Instead, it’s a 800km round trip to keep their dream alive.
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.
Maher: There’s too many ‘blokes going to the footy getting drunk’
Front Bar co-host Andy Maher was accosted by a drunken fan at Carlton’s win over Melbourne on Saturday, now he’s called out the MCC members and the drunken fans at the footy.
Pies’ contract juggling, Bont locked away, how Roos kept Colby
Collingwood have plenty of balls in the air over Bobby Hill, Darcy Cameron and an offer to Jack Silvagni. Here’s their state of play, plus the latest on Clayton Oliver, Colby McKercher and more.
Why NFL’s MCG clash could wreak havoc on AFL finals
The AFL could be forced into a major finals shake-up as the LA Rams target a September landing at the MCG. See what date the NFL is targeting, and the major shake-up it could force the AFL into.
Inspirational Blue retires with emotional apology
One of footy’s most inspirational careers will soon come to a close, and retiring Carlton champion Sam Docherty had one parting apology to a great mate in a touching final speech.
Positive update on Stewart’s knee as cursed Cat closes in on return
Tom Stewart was subbed out against St Kilda but he could return sooner than first thought. Plus, some good news for two injury-riddled Cats.
Essendon turf war: Shots fired as Windy Hill code feud escalates
AFLW games and Victorian Premier Cricket matches have been set down for Essendon’s Windy Hill as football and cricket hit heads over the iconic suburban sports ground.
He’s the accidental Blues president — but who is Robert Priestley?
Robert Priestley parachuted Kevin Kline-style into Carlton’s top job. But who is the unlikely 32nd president of the club — and what decision will he make on head coach Michael Voss?
‘I am sorry’: Parting message to beloved Blue
Retiring Carlton champion Sam Docherty had one parting apology to a great mate and shared his favourite three games as a Blue in a touching final speech.
AFL rule could ‘breed out’ next Nic Nat
Another AFL coach has called to eliminate the substitute for 2026 and his concerns surround ruckmen like former No.1 pick Nic Naitanui.
Ch7 star sick of it after ugly footy incident
A popular Channel 7 commentator has spoken out after being caught up in ugly scenes before a man was escorted out of the MCG.
Capel: AFL star’s loyalty lesson echoes footy’s greatest
Club loyalty is becoming increasingly rare while too many scoff at it, writes Andrew Capel.
‘Triumph’: Cancer survivor calls time on AFL career
After twice overcoming cancer and two ACL injuries to fight his way back to the AFL, a Carlton favourite has announced his retirement.
‘All sorts of sports’ on radar after injury spree
Essendon won’t stop at AFL figures to rectify its injury carnage next season and fill a vacant key role.
AFL superstar’s contract saga is over
Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli’s future has been locked in with the football club making an announcement on Tuesday.
Sad rift exposed as AFL legend misses event
Fuel has been poured on a burning rumour surrounding an AFL legend’s relationship with his former football club.
Superstar skipper now a Bulldog for life
The Western Bulldogs champion has sealed his future after a season of speculation.
Young star wants to be a Lion for life
His father Adrian moved around during his AFL career, but young star Jaspa Fletcher only wants to play for the Brisbane Lions.
‘Biggest deal in history’ stuns AFL world
West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid is looking at locking up his future with the club in a deal that would rewrite the record books.
Surgery, clock ticks for star Sun
A star Sun is racing the clock to be fit for September after going under the knife on an injured leg.
‘Grow up’: Hutchy fires back at Caro’s sacking swipe
Monday night is when footy’s silver screen has it all. And this one didn’t disappoint with a fiery back-and-forth between two members of The Agenda Setters over an RSN sacking spree.
Hardest case in a decade: Why May verdict will set new precedent
Francis Evans lost a tooth, was concussed and broke his nose after a collision with Steven May. But what was May meant to do? The tribunal’s verdict could cause the largest shift in the game’s fabric in a decade.
‘Unbelievable player’: Johns the enduring Eastern champion
‘Everything he touched turned to gold,’ an opponent said of Lachie Johns. And, often, goals. The Vermont champion’s ability to hit the scoreboard sets him apart from other top-line Eastern midfielders.
Harmonicas, housemates and kickboxing: Moir’s quirky rise
Ashton Moir reveals how – and why – his parents forced him to become the most ambidextrous player in the AFL, while the Blues rising star reveals his close bond to his teammates and a new skill.
The Tackle: Big money former Blue could win Cats a flag
Jack Martin arrived at Carlton as a big-money recruit who could have changed the game for them. Five years later he was delisted – but could he now be Geelong’s secret weapon in a flag tilt?
Agenda set: The changes new footy boss will prioritise
Greg Swann barely has his feet under his new desk, but the league’s new footy boss has already outlined his agenda. See what he wants to fix about the game – and what he thinks is going well.
Predicted ladder: The crucial factor in solving mid-table logjam
A shock result last round could leave just three clubs at risk of a heartbreaking ninth-placed finish. See who they are, predict your own ladder and see ours here.
Ranking points: Blues’ father-sons star as ruckman pushes No.1 case
Two Blues-linked father-son prospects – one for this year and one for next – starred for Vic Country as a big man pushed his case to be the No.1 pick. See the full ranking points and scouting notes.
Eagles, Panthers dominate 2025 SANFLW Team of the Year
The power of this season’s grand finalists have been reflected in the 2025 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year. See who made the list.
‘Get rid of it’: AFL coach wants tradition gone
Chris Scott and Sam Mitchell joined the AFL 360 panel to discuss the hottest topics in the AFL right now and they did not hold back.
Star midfielder named SANFLW best and fairest
West Adelaide sets a league record with their fourth medal as a Bloods star midfielder was named the 2025 SANFLW best and fairest in a thrilling count at Adelaide Oval.
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