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Jon RalphSports Reporter

Jon Ralph has covered sport with the Herald Sun, and now CODE Sports as well, for over two decades working primarily as a football journalist… (other fields)

@RalphyHeraldSun

Jon Ralph

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AFL News

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 3rd March, 2025 . Richmond training at Punt Rd Oval . Richmonds Noah Balta during todays training . Picture: Michael Klein

Balta’s AFL return looms despite guilty plea, civil case settled

Richmond star Noah Balta has pleaded guilty to assault charges – but he will soon be available for AFL selection given the club’s ban will stand.

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.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: Ben McKay of the Bombers attempts to marks the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ex-AFL star calls out ‘horrible’ McKay boo boys

An ex-AFL star has called out Essendon supporters who jeered Ben McKay during the club’s win over Port Adelaide, revealing the mental toll of being targeted by his own fans during his career.

AFL

Farewell tour? Decoding Bevo’s public PR campaign

Rather than beg for a new contract, Luke Beveridge is taking it up to the Bulldogs hierarchy with an unprecedented media tour. Jon Ralph unpacks Bevo’s power play.

St Kilda

Destination Moorabbin: ‘Messiah complex’ holding back the Saints

Who wants to be a Saint? There’s been plenty of swings at Moorabbin, but not many hits, so far. Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane dive into what their future holds with footy’s biggest war chest.

AFL News

AFL Auskick 30th Birthday. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks at the launch. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Dillon’s move to ensure the next generation of AFL leaders

A wealth of experience has departed the AFL landscape in recent years, and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon is determined to build up the next generation to lead the league.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: (L-R) Dylan Moore, Mabior Chol and Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrate during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

How Hawks thrive with forward six ‘no one else would dare attempt’

Right now, the Hawks are deserved premiership favourites, writes JON RALPH. But how do they do with without the big gun key forward? One factor looms as the secret to their success.

AFL News

Harley Reid gives an antagonistic Lions fans the bird!

Former No.1 pick’s message to Harley as ‘please explain’ issued

The AFL has officially issued a ‘please explain’ notice to Harley Reid over his gestures to the crowd on Sunday, while a No.1 draft pick has revealed what would be going on behind closed doors.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Jeremy Finlayson of the Power celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium, on June 30, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Finlayson’s reprieve after round 1 shocker

Port Adelaide are in an injury hole with yet another tall going down on the weekend. But the door has re-opened for Jeremy Finlayson after he was dropped less than a week ago.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 22nd March, 2025 . AFL Round 2. St Kilda vs Geelong at the Marvel Stadium. Umpire Jacob Mollison tells Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats he has been reported for his hit on Ryan Byrnes of the Saints during the 3rd qtr. . Picture: Michael Klein

Dangerfield escapes ban as MRO hand out fines

Patrick Dangerfield faced MRO scrutiny for his high hit on Ryan Byrnes, but has escaped a ban ahead of a highly-anticipated rematch with the Lions.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph