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Jay ClarkSports reporter

Jay Clark is a leading AFL reporter for News Corp and CODE Sports, based in Melbourne. For almost 20 years, he has helped set the football agenda with his breaking news, deep-dive feature writing and issues-based reporting. He is a trusted voice on the biggest stories in the AFL.

@ClarkyHeraldSun

Jay Clark

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AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Jack Sinclair of the Saints celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval on April 6, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Tackle: Saints jumping rebuild queue on road to TDK

The Saints could be about to speed past rivals on the rebuild ladder, writes Jay Clark. It’s no longer just the money that might entice Tom De Koning anymore, it’s the prospect of finals.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Luke Davies-Uniacke and Alastair Clarkson of the Kangaroos celebrate winning the round 13 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium, on June 08, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

North’s $10m man? LDU poised to sign on in Clarko endorsement

Luke Davies-Uniacke is expected to recommit to North Melbourne on a bumper deal which could span as much of seven years. Jay Clark has full details.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 18th November 2024. AFL. Collingwood footy training at Olympic Park. Collingwood assistant coach Matthew Boyd during todays session . Picture: Michael Klein

AFL reckoning looms as coaches seethe over league ‘disgrace’

It’s official AFL assistant coaches are footy’s forgotten men – and frustration has reached boiling point. JAY CLARK finds out just how big the issue is.

EXCLUSIVEAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Reuben Ginbey of the Eagles (left) and Oscar Allen of the Eagles look dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 09 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on May 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Captain’s call: Eagles stand by Allen after Hawks bombshell

Amid growing calls for Oscar Allen to give up the captaincy of the West Coast Eagles after meeting with Sam Mitchell, CEO Don Pyke is standing by his skipper.

EXCLUSIVEAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Liam O'Connell of the Saints sits on the bench during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Clinical trial delivers AFL new weapon in fight against concussion

The concussion dilemma is one of the key battles facing the AFL currently, but a new smartphone app has emerged as a possible aid after delivering stunning results in an AFL-backed clinical trial.

Melbourne

Demons’ CEO search changes direction as key decisions loom

After initially targeting a football-savvy chief executive to help the club confront some upcoming complicated questions, the Demons have had to broaden the search for their next CEO.

AFL

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Nick Watson of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the round 3 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants at University of Tasmania Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The Tackle: Wizard Watson the ace up flying Hawks’ sleeve

Hawthorn’s perfect start to 2025 continued in round 3, all thanks to footy’s ‘USB adapter’ Nick Watson. Jay Clark writes in The Tackle, Watson is Sam Mitchell’s newest ace up his sleeve.

EXCLUSIVEAFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25th March, 2025 . AFL. New AFLPA president Darcy Moore and CEO Paul Marsh. . Picture: Michael Klein

Footy’s new era: ‘Deep-thinking’ Darcy’s the right man for the job

Darcy Moore is as happy appreciating street art as he would be watching footy. That way of thinking might be why he’s the right choice to lead a new era of footy. Moore sits down with JAY CLARK.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Jake Stringer of the Giants takes part during a GWS Giants AFL training session at GWS HQ on March 28, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Stringer’s ‘skinfold clause’ in contract revealed

GWS star recruit Jake Stringer has a rare contract clause that will see him miss out on income unless he stays in top physical condition. Jay Clark has the details.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Kane Farrell of the Power celebrates a goal with Willem Drew of the Power during the round two AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval, on March 22, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Port defender on brink of committing to big call on future

Port Adelaide has a host of defenders coming out of contract at season’s end. But one of the Power’s most important, Kane Farrell, is set to make a decision this week.

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