The Tackle: Champs, chumps and coaches with questions to answer
Week one of September action is done and dusted. MARK ROBINSON looks through whose legend grew and who was a let-down over week one of the finals in The Tackle.
Teams
‘Saved his life’: Star’s act blows world away
The mum of Swans gun Isaac Heeney has sent a message to a rival star with his classy act of quick-thinking getting attention overseas.
AFL investigates McCartney-Papley clash, MRO hands out fines
The AFL is investigating a confrontation between a Giants official and Swans livewire Tom Papley, with the MRO handing down fines for on-field clashes during Saturday’s tense final.
‘For grandad’: Swans gun’s family heartache ahead of electric cameo
Braeden Campbell would talk on the phone to his grandfather Jim before every AFL game. He didn’t get that call this week, but the Swans gun did hid his grandad proud in the qualifying final.
Young star’s huge show of faith in the Crows
After what he showed late this season, many think Riley Thilthorpe will explode in 2025 – and the young Crow will remain at West Lakes a lot longer than that.
Finals, finally? The key to Crows’ September return in ‘25
Adelaide talked the talk last summer – but failed to walk the walk when it mattered. Will the next six months be different? For Matthew Nicks’ future, it has to be, writes SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON.
Carlton blasted over ‘horrible’ team calls
The Blues went bold at the selection table ahead of their elimination final clash against the Lions, but it didn’t pay off.
Gutted star deletes claim club locked him out
There has been a big twist after a former AFL cult hero claimed he was denied entry to his former club’s rooms after a messy departure.
Silver lining shines out of Port’s weekend from hell
Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters has been cleared of any serious injury after being subbed out of Friday night’s demolition by the Cats while, queries remain over a underperforming spearhead.
Cornes: Hinkley coaching for his career as fairweather vultures circle
From the first bounce, the intent was clear. As the smoke cleared and Port Adelaide were handed an 84-point thrashing, now the head coach is once again in the crosshairs, writes Graham Cornes.
Docherty’s ‘full belief’ in Blues’ 2025 hopes after Lions mauling
It wasn’t the fairytale Blues fans hoped for, but Sam Docherty’s return was a bright spot on a dark night for Carlton. And the veteran himself says, it’s onwards and upwards from here.
Opening Round demons? Inside Lions’ navy Blue exorcism
Brisbane leading Carlton by a huge margin at the Gabba — it felt all too familiar. But in comparison to Opening Round, when Carlton came from 46 points down, there were some key differences. CALLUM DICK unpacks them.
Eddie throws Pies in mix for shock Stringer trade swoop
Ex-Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has speculated on whether Jake Stringer would fit in at the Magpies as the Bomber contemplates his future.
‘They believed’: Why footy fell in love with Pies larrikin Strauchanie
It is 20 years since Bryan Strauchan was ‘drafted’ to Collingwood. The man behind the iconic character — comedian Peter Helliar — reflects on the enduring impact of the Magpies’ self-proclaimed legend.
Tippa’s Imperials climb from wooden spoon to grand final
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti didn’t win a final while he was at Essendon but he’s already achieved the feat elsewhere, helping his club to the Sunraysia grand final.
‘Insulting’ detail of Bombers’ Stringer gamble
Essendon is reportedly “not budging” on its offer to Jake Stringer with new details emerging about a secret meeting behind the scenes.
Freo spearhead’s surprise role in AFLW star’s career-changing move
A forgotten Dockers forward has been revealed as one of the unlikely sources of inspiration behind Fremantle’s best AFLW score under coach Lisa Webb. ELIZA REILLY finds out more.
AFL Finals locked in after absurd final day
In one of the closest finals races in recent memory, the eighth and final place on the AFL ladder has gone right down to the wire.
AFL star facing surgery for fractured skull
The Geelong veteran requires surgery for a scary fractured skull after sustaining the injury competing in the VFL on Saturday.
Hawks dealt mammoth blow with Frost ruled out
Hawthorn’s backline has taken a massive hit with full back Sam Frost ruled out for the rest of the season ahead of the Hawks’ date with Charlie Dixon and Port Adelaide.
Who Gold Coast won’t chase in frantic trade period
Gold Coast will try to fix a major issue by poaching experienced players from rival clubs. But there is one type of player the Suns have ruled out – despite the immediate sugar hit.
Rising Sun set for Hardwick meeting as Pies hover
Fringe Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies’ future is in the balance, with clubs including Collingwood being linked with a trade swoop for the 22-year-old.
Six reasons why Hokball is ‘made for September’
There’s no better show in footy than the ‘Hollywood Hawks’. And after dispatching the Bulldogs on Friday night, Hawthorn is now the third favourite for the flag. Here’s six reasons why.
‘Sky’s the limit’ as young Hawks turn eyes to faltering Power
The Hawks aren’t looking past the Power, but they recognise Port are in their way as they plot to charge through September, led by an unlikely young spearhead.
Revealed: The panel which will oversee Dees’ review after backflip
After rejecting the need for a full-scale review of the club all through 2024, Melbourne has backflipped. JAY CLARK reveals the three men who’ll conduct the sweeping review.
Melbourne boss suddenly quits AFL club
Having initially pledged to see out her time as scheduled in 2025, the underfire president has instead opted to step down immediately.
Roos president turns up heat on Clarko
The Kangaroos president has called for coaching stability but laid out her view of the 2024 season in no uncertain terms.
How Roos can complete never-ending rebuild
North Melbourne’s rebuild is blowing out like a Victorian construction project. Is 2025 the year the rebuild finally begins to take flight? Or is there simply too much more work left to do?
Prized Tiger’s huge contract call
An AFLW superstar has made a big career decision after breaking new ground with one of her club’s highest honours.
Revealed: Eagles put pick three on table in Baker chase
Richmond could hold two of the top-three picks in this year’s draft, with West Coast putting its top selection on the table in the race for Liam Baker. JON RALPH wraps up the latest trade talk.
Revealed: Saints’ $6m last-ditch bid to keep Battle
St Kilda’s last-ditch attempt to keep Josh Battle at Moorabbin has been revealed as the defender explained why he chose Hawthorn after months after haggling from both clubs.
Saints star makes call despite last-ditch $6m bid
St Kilda interceptor Josh Battle has made a call on his AFL future, with a huge compensation question emerging from his near $6 million contract.
Cats’ midfield masterclass edges King closer to senior coaching gig
West Coast’s coaching search is down to four, and one of them just made an almighty impression by orchestrating a midfield masterclass for Geelong in their finals win.
The Eagles coach hopes bucking ‘big, dumb ruck’ stereotype
That three of the Eagles top choices for senior coach were star ruckmen is no coincidence and completely puts to rest the stereotype that all big men are ‘big’ and ‘dumb’ writes Mark Duffield.
‘Strongarmed’: Dogs coach worried by midfield
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says soul-searching will be on the agenda for his on-ballers, including the superstar captain.
‘Took the piss’: Ginni hails breakout star
Hawthorn has thrashed the Bulldogs at the MCG with the Hawks’ most controversial star paying credit to a young teammate.
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