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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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AFL

Rookie Bible: Final SuperCoach verdict on every cash cow

Rookes are integral to SuperCoach. And our experts have given their final BUY, PASS, CONSIDER verdict on every cheapie. Plus, they have answered your questions.

News

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Bailey Smith of the Cats looks to pass the ball during the AFL practice match between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at GMHBA Stadium on February 17, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Baz, De Koning: Burning questions facing the Cats ahead of opener

Geelong’s season begins on Saturday, and there are several questions left unanswered.

SuperCoach

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Edward Allan of the Magpies trains during a Collingwood Magpies AFL training session at Olympic Park Oval on March 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

SuperCoach: The 15 cash cows in rookie expert’s final team

Rookies are the backbone of every SuperCoach side, and Dan Batten has paid up for cash cows in the midfield — including a point of difference pick. He reveals his SuperCoach team and the cheapies you should buy.

Local Footy

North Shore in danger of not being able to field a senior side. Picture: Alan Barber

Wake-up call, club meeting that have boosted Seagulls’ hopes

North Shore had just 19 registered players for the 2025 season. But the response since last week has been swift, with Seagulls players hellbent on keeping their club alive.

News

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Zach Merrett of the Bombers and Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats compete for the ball during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Double Cats blow opens door for young gun as forward to return

Geelong has been hit by two injuries to its defence on the eve of its season-opener, meaning a youngster is in prime position. Plus, a lively forward will take the field this weekend. See Geelong’s full injury list.

UPDATEDLocal Footy

Capain Jacob Sammut talks to the players. North Shore in danger of not being able to field a senior side. Picture: Alan Barber

AFL Barwon breaks silence on Seagulls’ future, letter threat

AFL Barwon has spoken out amid uncertainty over North Shore’s place in the 2025 football season.

AFL

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Sam De Koning of the Cats marks the ball during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Why Danger backs in-demand tall to stay loyal

Sam De Koning enters the season out of contract with a new role. And Geelong’s captain says clubs would be ‘crazy’ not to ask the question after a big pre-season from the talented big man.

News

Harry Purcell and Jacob Sammut. North Shore in danger of not being able to field a senior side. Picture: Alan Barber

Seagulls’ strong message to the doubters, potential recruits

North Shore isn’t sugar coating what has been a difficult pre-season. But key figures are emphatic they will be competing in 2025, and believe they remain an attractive destination. Here’s why.

ExclusiveLocal Footy

Harry Purcell, Dale Purcell and Jacob Sammut. North Shore in danger of not being able to field a senior side. Picture: Alan Barber

AFL body threatens to axe country footy club

A month out from the start of the season, one of the state’s biggest footy leagues is threatening to boot out one of its former powerhouse clubs.

ExclusiveNews

GFNL bombshell: AFL Barwon’s plans to boot North Shore

North Shore has been caught off guard by a shock letter from AFL Barwon telling them the organisation plans to proceed without the club in 2025. Read the full letter here.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/dan-batten/page/14