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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

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Harley Reid of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 12 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium, on June 01, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The blockbuster Harley Reid trade that could tempt Eagles

The only way West Coast would trade an under-contract Harley Reid is by getting its socks blown off by a deal – and there’s one big Victorian club who might just do that.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. October209 , 2024. AFLW. Essendon vs North Melbourne at Windy Hill. The Dick Reynolds Stand at Windy Hill . Pic : Michael Klein

Essendon at war as Windy Hill stoush blows up

An incensed Essendon Cricket Club is considering legal action amid a growing stoush with Essendon Football Club over the use of the iconic Windy Hill.

VideoAFL

Charlie McCartin in trouble for headbutt.

Watch: Brother of AFL star escapes ban for headbutt

A Geelong VFL player and AFL draft aspirant has avoided a ban after appearing to headbutt then strike his opponent at the weekend. Plus, a Demon learnes his MRO fate.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Brisbane CEO Greg Swann looks on during a Brisbane Lions AFL training session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

AFL eyeing big name for final piece of executive puzzle

After Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann was confirmed as the AFL’s new footy performance boss, the league’s final target in the leadership shake-up can be revealed.

AFL

Bailey Smith has Patrick Dangerfield in his sights at Cats training. Picture: Alison Wynd

Cats set for big boost ahead of top-four showdown

Geelong has long made an art of resting its veterans in the charge towards to September – but, as Chris Scott says, that might not happen this year. Here’s the latest.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Callan Ward of the Giants sheds tears as he leaves the field injured during the 2025 AFL Round 12 match between the GWS Giants and the Richmond Tigers at ENGIE Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Sydney Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Career over? Scans to confirm Giant’s shattering blow

Callan Ward’s AFL career is likely over, although the GWS veteran will hold off on scans until later this week which will confirm the shattering blow.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies celebrates winning the round 12 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 30, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Top-two lock? The run that has Pies on path to MCG prelim

Collingwood is charging toward a top-two finish — and has been gifted an upper hand in the premiership race with a fixture that barely sees the club leave Victoria during the run home.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL and Laura Kane, AFL Executive General Manager of Football are seen during the 2024 W Awards at Crown Palladium on November 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Dillon on Kane ‘gender concern’, Saturday TV deal, AFL HQ roles

AFL boss Andrew Dillon has opened up on the changes at AFL House as a list of candidates for football’s two new key roles is revealed. Plus, more on the big issues around umpires and TV.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Laura Kane, AFL Executive General Manager of Football speaks during the 2024 AFL National Draft Combine at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on October 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Kane demotion signals start of Dillon’s make-or-break overhaul

Amid mounting pressure from clubs, Andrew Dillon has overhauled his executive team and demoted Laura Kane. But his next job might be his toughest yet.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Andrew McGrath of the Bombers reacts as Brad Scott, Head Coach of the Bombers prepares to speak to players during the round ten AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Dons back mid-season trade calls after record draft haul

Essendon has thrown its support behind a mid-season trade period after an injury crisis forced the club to pick an unprecedented four players in the mid-season draft.

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