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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.

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Ed Bourke

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AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Jack Gunston of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal during the round eight AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 04, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Why Gunston’s name belongs alongside Hawks legends

In a day which brought some of the greatest goalkickers in the game’s history back to Hawthorn, Jack Gunston kicked his 500th goal. Here’s why he deserves to walk alongside Dunstall and co.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Shaun Mannagh of the Cats is tackled by Bobby Hill of the Magpies during the 2025 AFL Round 08 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 3, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘It’s the right call’: Former AFL ump backs controversial Hill trip

Pies fans will feel aggrieved after being on the wrong side of some calls in the thriller against the Cats. But a former AFL umpire says he didn’t see any clangers in the final term of the epic clash.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Jack Crisp of the Magpies is consoled by team mates after missing a shot on goal after the siren during the round eight AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 03, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Forget the umpires, it was the Pies who really blew it against the Cats

Some contentious calls have dominated the conversation, but they’re not why Collingwood fell to the Cats, writes Ed Bourke. And the true cause should leave the Pies seething.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Harley Reid of the Eagles reacts to Patrick Voss of the Dockers during the round three AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium, on March 30, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The clubs who could get serious in chase for Harley

How many first round picks would it take for the Eagles to trade Harley Reid? Which other players could be involved? And who’s serious in the race? We look at how it could all play out.

AFL

Victorian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Guerra. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

New Dees boss gets behind Goodwin, but when will he start?

New Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra has made an early show of support for coach Simon Goodwin as uncertainty surrounds when he will take charge of the club.

Your SayAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Dan Houston of the Magpies celebrates after a win during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Recruit rater: Hits, misses and the trade shaping the 2025 season

A four-club deal just snuck through to the keeper at the deadline of last year’s trade period, it’s already paying dividends to the clubs involved. ED BOURKE ranks the recruits of 2025.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Oscar Allen of the Eagles reacts following the round seven AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium, on April 27, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Mitchell ‘shocked’ by Allen’s move — is it playing into Hawks’ hands?

Sam Mitchell was ‘shocked’ when he saw Oscar Allen lining up down back – but it might increase the chance the Eagles’ captain leaves. Ed Bourke unpacks what the magnet swinging means.

AFL

Predicted teams: Will Ginnivan’s VFL dumping be one-and-done?

Another huge round of footy, headlined by an Anzac Day showdown looms this weekend, but some tough calls will have to be made before then at the selection table.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round six AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 19, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

‘I had to do it…’ Kozzy on that celebration – and Dees’ first win

In what was arguably the best individual performance of the season, Kysaiah Pickett made a mockery of Fremantle on Saturday – in more ways than one. But, what’s next?

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Harvey Langford of the Demons celebrates a goal during the round six AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 19, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The clear Dees shift that could save Goody’s job

As promised, the Demons flicked a switch and became ‘hard to play against’ at the MCG on Saturday – and it was inspirational viewing, writes ED BOURKE. Here’s how they did it.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/edward-bourke/page/3