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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.

@edbourke6

Ed Bourke

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AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Tom De Koning of the Blues and Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos contest the ruck during the round six AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, on April 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

‘Long memory’: TDK opens up on Xerri grudge match

Carlton star Tom De Koning says he used his injuries suffered against Tristan Xerri last year as motivation for his strong performance as he gave the latest on his contract situation.

AFL

1-18: Shock winner reigns as AFL’s most powerful club

The numbers have been crunched, and the verdict is in — one club stands head and shoulders above the rest in the AFL Power Index. And it’s not who you would expect.

AFL

AFL Power Index: An in depth look at every club

Asset rich, social kings and the cash poor: AFL’s true power clubs

From social following and total supporters to league handouts and revenue, we take an in-depth look at the financial health and growth of every AFL club. Who has the true power?

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 21th March, 2025 . AFL Round 2. Footscray vs Collingwood at the MCG. Luke Beveridge , Senior Coach of the Bulldogs shakes hands with Craig Macrae, senior coach of the Magpies as they swap over at Fox Footy live cross . Picture: Michael Klein

‘Transformational’ coach linked to shock switch, ‘mopers’ roasted

A shock coach defection has been floated, while West Coast copped it from all angles. Ed Bourke watched Monday night’s footy TV shows so you didn’t have to – here’s what you missed.

AFL

Noah Balta at Richmond AFL training in Melbourne. Thursday, April 10. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

‘A footy decision’: Yze reveals why Balta was left out

Despite Noah Balta awaiting sentencing for assault charges, Richmond coach Adem Yze says that isn’t the reason for the defender’s absence from their AFL side this weekend.

Sport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nick Watson of the Hawks is tackled high by Mason Redman of the Bombers during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 14, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Treated differently’: Wizard opens up on free kicks

Hawthorn’s smallest forward is difficult to tackle and even harder to umpire – admitting he’s ‘treated differently’ by whistleblowers. He opens up on how he plays.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Jake Lever of the Demons warms up ahead of the round two AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium, on March 23, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

AFL Now: Lever to miss two months as Pies dealt double blow

Collingwood will have to cover injuries to Jordan De Goey and Lachie Schultz for Gather Round – and possibly beyond – Melbourne’s season has gone from bad to worse.

AFLW

‘Baffling’ AFLW rule leaves non-Vic clubs seething

An AFLW coach has called for change as a quirk of the competition’s lengthy off-season hands one group of clubs a distinct advantage as the 2025 season approaches.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Brodie Kemp of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The warm-up disaster which sent Carlton spiralling

Carlton was second on the ladder after 15 rounds last season and a genuine premiership contender. Then one moment started a downward spiral which the Blues remain stuck in. ED BOURKE reports.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Luke Jackson of the Dockers in action during the round four AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Western Bulldogs at Perth Stadium, on April 06, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Four men down: Dockers counting the cost of win

Fremantle is counting the cost of their win over the Dogs with Luke Jackson and three others under injury clouds. Plus, Harry McKay returns to football. See the full injury news.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/edward-bourke/page/4