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Dan BattenDigital Sports Reporter

Dan Batten is a digital sports reporter specialising in AFL, cricket and SuperCoach.

@danbatten_

Dan Batten

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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Matt Rowell of the Suns looks dejected during the round 20 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions at People First Stadium, on July 27, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

‘Everyone gets cut up’: Cats star’s message to critics after Rowell link

Gold Coast bull Matt Rowell has been linked to Geelong, and Gryan Miers has a message for those criticising the Cats’ approach.

Local Sport

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. September 19 , 2024. Ex Geelong skipper Joel Selwood showing his support ahead of this weekends final against Brisbane. . Pic:Michael Klein

Selwood revealed as special guest in Bellarine Aus Day clash

Commentator Mark Howard and Joel Selwood will be in action on the cricket field this weekend. And as Howard explains, the match holds a special significance to him.

Local Footy

Football GFNL - St Albans v LaraSt Albans 31 Jacob Whitfield marks and kicks a goal the celebrates with 2 Hayden ElliotPicture: Mark Wilson

Signing spree behind new coach’s push to lift club from doldrums

St Albans finished last in 2024, but a concerted recruiting drive can help change the club’s fortunes. The club’s new coach explains their bold strategy.

News

Vale Ken: Cats Hall of Famer, goalkicker passes away

Geelong great Ken Newland, who played 216 AFL games and made his debut at 16, has died.

Local Footy

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Ajang Kuol Mun (Victoria - Geelong Cats (VFL)) competes in the 2km time trial during the Telstra AFL State Draft Combine at MSAC on October 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In-demand draft hopeful makes final call on local club

Ajang Kuol mun had clubs in Geelong circling him. Now the rising ruckman — who was on the draft radar last year — has signed with a local side.

News

Hampden FL, South Warrnambool Roosters v North Warrnambool Eagles, at South Warrnambool, South Warrnambool & Jett Bermingham, 32, North Warrnambool, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Dragons land dual league B&F winner as finals hopes boosted

One of the best young talents in country footy will make the move to the Geelong Football Netball League in a coup for Bell Park.

News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Shannon Neale of the Cats looks on during the 2024 AFL Round 12 match between the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers at GMHBA Stadium on June 01, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Emerging Cat opens up on ‘tough’ Hawk selection battle, contract call

As Shannon Neale started to blossom, Cats champion Tom Hawkins was fighting to return from injury. The emerging forward reflects on that time and gives a contract update.

News

A fundraiser has been set up for club stalwart Brian Hodgkins.

Clubs rally behind local footy stalwart after serious injury

The Geelong local footy community has banded together for long-time stalwart Brian Hodgkins after a significant fall.

Cricket

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Oliver Peake of the Renegades poses for a photo with their debut caps prior to the BBL match between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium, on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

‘Like a video game’: Vic prodigy’s whirlwind BBL debut, Test call-up

Ollie Peake’s Big Bash debut was nerve-racking, but there was also a sense of familiarity. The 18-year-old talent opens up on the experience and his rare Test opportunity.

News

Lara's Mitch Heywood bowling. GCA2 match between Bell Park and Lara at Hamlyn Park. Picture: Alan Barber

GCA wrap: How Cats have turned fortunes around after relegation

Lara was relegated from GCA1 after winning two first-grade games last season. Now the undefeated Cats are the favourites for a GCA2 flag. Meanwhile, a top-four shake-up looms in GCA3.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/dan-batten/page/10