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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

MELBOURNE . 16/12/2022. AFL. Melbourne training at Gosche Paddock. Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver during todays training session . Picture by Michael Klein

Board candidate: Demons ‘badly handled’ Petracca and Oliver sagas

Melbourne board candidate Steven Smith says the “next six months are crucial” the harmonising the club on and off-field. He tells JAY CLARK how it would all come together.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - June 30: Isaac Kako of Victoria Metro during the 2024 Marsh AFL Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval on June 30, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Desperate Dons’ plan to re-enter super draft’s first round

They traded out of the draft to dodge eating points on an Isaac Kako bid, but JAY CLARK reveals the Bombers’ plan to get back into the first round, and the clubs willing to move down the order.

AFL

the MCG has won an international award. Stuart Fox - MCC CEO, Ronda Brunnen - volunteer, Donna Price - People and Culture GM and Steven Smith - MCC President. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Demons’ review D-Day approaches as Smith nominates for board

Steve Smith has nominated for one of two vacancies on the Melbourne board, as the day the Demons’ review is handed down nears. JAY CLARK has the details.

AFL

2025 hit list: Who’s left on market after bumper Rayner deal?

Several Victorian clubs were readying a huge play for Cameron Rayner before he signed with Brisbane Lions. Where could they divert that money to instead?

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. October 24, 2024. AFL. Jack Macrae in his new colours after being traded too St Kilda by the Western Bulldogs in the recent AFL Trade period . . Pic : Michael Klein

‘Fire in the belly’: Macrae reveals true feelings about Dogs exit

Jack Macrae has spoken for the first time as a Saint, declaring he wants to return to the “peak” of his powers as an inside mid and revealing how he feels about the Dogs’ midfield moving past him.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. September 21 , 2024. 2nd preliminary final between Geelong and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. Cam Rayner of the Lions celebrates a 3rd quarter goal . Pic:Michael Klein

134 days until AFL is back: First look at Opening Round

Carlton wants to skip Opening Round in 2025 — while another Victorian club is likely to be booted from the northern states showpiece. JAY CLARK has exclusive details.

AFL

Robert Murphy of the Bulldogs is seen after the Round 23 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Friday, August 25, 2017. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Pies to meet with Bulldogs legend over key role

After the departures of Graham Wright and Brendan Bolton, Collingwood are on the look out for highly-credentialed replacements. An ex-Western Bulldogs star might be one of them.

Trade HQ

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Darcy Cameron, Josh Daicos, Brayden Maynard, Jeremy Howe and Tom Mitchell of the Magpies sings the song in the rooms after winning the AFL First Qualifying Final match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Revealed: Roos’ shock play for premiership Pie

North Melbourne is desperate for more experience on its list, and while chasing Luke Parker, Jack Darling and Caleb Daniel, JAY CLARK reveals they also made a bold play for a Premiership pie.

Trade HQ

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Finn O'Sullivan of the AFL Academy is tackled by Caleb Poulter of the Bulldogs during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Footscray Bulldogs at Whitten Oval on April 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Blues eye Walsh’s cousin amid audacious pick-three play

Carlton has made an audacious play to land West Coast’s pick three in a trade. JAY CLARK reveals the Blues’ bold move comes as they eye Sam Walsh’s cousin to bolster their midfield at the draft.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. March 30, 2024. AFL Round 3. Essendon vs St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. Jake Stringer of the Bombers celebrates his goal that put the bombers infront 4th qtr . Pic: Michael Klein

Bombers may pitch in but no guarantees on Stringer deal

Essendon could be asked to pitch in to move Jake Stringer to GWS, with one of footy’s most respected analysts saying there was no way the Bombers could welcome the forward back.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jay-clark/page/6