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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

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs and father Luke Darcy chat after Sam injured his knee during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Another Darcy? Bulldogs’ chance to double up on father-sons

Sam Darcy had taken the AFL world by storm this season before injury, but the Dogs could have another on the way. Plus, two private schools are clashing with a well-known content creator.

Draft news

Football Action shots of Geelong Falcons v Northern Knights match in Torquay for junior sport spread.Geelong Falcons 58 Hugo Mikunda Picture: Mark Wilson

Cats NGAs, surprise packets: Top Falcons draft prospects rated

A host of Geelong Falcons prospects have made strong starts to the season — headlined by a potential top-10 pick. See the local talents pressing their draft claims.

News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Tom Stewart of the Cats is seen injured during the 2025 AFL Round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Mixed news for star Cats defenders as rookie in the frame

Tom Stewart played out the game on Sunday, but will he be right to face Collingwood? Plus, the latest on Jack Henry, Gryan Miers and young midfielder Mitch Knevitt.

News

AFL Barwon footy and Netball. Geelong West v St Albans at Geelong West. Geelong West's Lachie Horniblow celebrates one of his 5 goals. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Young guns filling void of ex-West stars as junior presses Falcons claim

A wave of Geelong West young guns and recruits are helping cover the loss of several departed stars. And one of those youngsters is putting his hand up for a Geelong Falcons recall.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Tom Stewart of the Cats handballs whilst being tackled by Harry McKay of the Blues during the round seven AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 27, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Deja vu for Geelong as Blues expose Cats’ worrying flaws

Since the Blues shocked the Cats last season, Geelong has won 12 of their last 17 and the Blues just five of 16. But Carlton were able to expose flaws Geelong simply need to cover.

News

AFL Barwon footy and Netball. Geelong West v St Albans at Geelong West. St Albans Coach Rick Munn coaches from the boundary. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Disappointment, brave effort that shows St Albans has closed gap

St Albans lost its last clash with Geelong West by 139-points. But it is more than just this result that proves the Supersaints have turned the corner.

News

24-04-2025 Geelong West football club celebrating 50 years since their VFA premiership with a commemorative Geelong West VFA strip. L-R Peter Linke, John Friend, Ricky Browne, Ivan Russell, Lachie Handley, Bradley Wood, Bill Goggin, Stephen Woolfe, Greg Wells, John Barry and Terry Bright. Picture: Brad Fleet

50 years: VFA flag that propelled famous Cats to the big time

A Geelong West side filled with Cats knocked off the best in Melbourne on its way to a VFA premiership in 1975. And the triumph paved the way for a Cats legend and a star to reach higher honours.

News

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Tyson Stengle of the Cats in action during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on April 10, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Stengle reflects on nightclub incident fallout, past ‘wake-up calls’

Tyson Stengle continued to perform on-field after he made headlines off it. The Cats forward looks back at how he blocked out the outside noise, and his mindset change at his third club.

Local Sport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Archie Ludowyke of the AFL National Academy celebrates kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Ultimate APS school footy guide: Top draft prospects to watch

An APS footy season loaded with AFL Draft hopefuls is upon us. Find out the top prospects, surprise packets and club linked talents from every side and how every school will fare in 2025.

News

Geelong Cats chief strategy and growth officer Marcus King, Leopold A grade netballer Millie Holand, South Barwon footballer Matt Caldow, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin and AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson. Picture: Alison Wynd

AFL Barwon locks in former MP as new regional manager

AFL Barwon has revealed its new regional manager after Ed Wilson’s departure, and she is well credentialed.

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