Our Journalists

Ed BourkeSports reporter

Ed Bourke is an AFL and AFLW reporter for the Herald Sun and CODE Sports. He is also quick to jump on the bandwagon whenever any cricket or tennis comes to town. Ed previously worked as a sports reporter at NewsWire after completing a cadetship at the Herald Sun in 2022.

@edbourke6

Ed Bourke

Latest

Essendon

One Giant battle: Can you really teach an old Don new tricks?

The Jake Stringer propaganda machine was in full swing at GWS before his latest injury setback. ED BOURKE explores whether Stringer will ever get back to his matchwinning best as a Giant.

AFL

AFL legends James Hird and David Glascott speaking at an event for Fifthqtr Foundation. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Hird reveals dream for footy’s ‘Beyond Blue,’ media return fears

James Hird says an emerging independent voice for past AFL players could serve as footy’s version of Beyond Blue, as he reveals his trepidations about returning to the AFL media circle.

AFL

Into the fire: Burning questions every team will face in 2025

Will LDU re-sign? Will Chad Warner head west? Can the Lions contend without Joe Daniher? We examine the burning questions facing every club ahead of the 2025 season.

St Kilda

Team of the century: What could have been for unsung Saints

If not for two wild grand final moments, St Kilda could have a team of the century stacked with dual premiership players. Instead the side is full of under-appreciated stars. See it here.

AFL News

‘Ace in the pack’ vital to Pies’ huge premiership gamble

Collingwood is all in on a premiership in 2025 after landing Dan Houston, Tim Membrey and Harry Perryman. But as ED BOURKE writes, there’s another Magpie who looms as Craig McRae’s wildcard.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Dan Houston of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Old and new Pies show ominous touch against dismal Tigers

Nick Daicos led the usual suspects at the Pies as they tore apart the Tigers, but it was the performances of the new recruits at Collingwood that will have the Magpie army talking.

AFL News

AFL snubs Hird-backed past player support group

A fresh independent support group for past players have been left disappointed after the AFL refused their invitation to attend an official event. See what was said here.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: AFL Captains Callum Mills of the Swans, Connor Rozee of the Power, Toby Greene of the Giants and Noah Anderson of the Suns pose for a photo with the premiership cup during 2025 AFL Captain's Day at Marvel Stadium on February 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

‘A real appetite for it’: Captains back State of Origin return

An AFL return to State of Origin has been mooted after the success of the Indigenous All Stars game – and the league’s captains are on board. Have your say.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Jai Culley of the Eagles looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Blues, Demons lock in replacement players after SSP re-opens

A former Eagle and a speedster forward have been locked in as replacement players for Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Jagga Smith after heartbreaking injuries on the weekend.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Patrick Cripps of the Blues is chased by Jack Macrae of the Saints during the 2025 AFL match simulation between the Carlton Blues and St Kilda Saints at Ikon Park on February 22, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Feel for him’: What Cripps said to Jagga after brutal ACL blow

Jagga Smith’s season is over before it even began, but Patrick Cripps has revealed what he said to the No.3 draft pick to give him light at the end of the tunnel.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/edward-bourke