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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. April 19th, 2025 . AFL Round 6 . Geelong vs Hawthorn at the MCG. Gryan Miers of the Cats is helped from the ground by medicos as Conor Nash of the Hawks apologises after cleaning him up during the 3rd qtr. . Picture: Michael Klein

Major ban looms for Hawk after being sent straight to tribunal

Conor Nash’s swinging arm on Gryan Miers could see the Hawks hardman miss a month of footy, but it could open the door for the return of a forgotten young gun.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: The number 27 pick, Matt Whitlock is presented his North Melbourne Kangaroos jumper by Andrew Swallow during the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade buzz: Roos adamant bold pick swap won’t be disastrous

North Melbourne look set for another year of pain on-field, and it could get even worse with Richmond owning their first pick of the draft. But the Roos remain adamant they made the right call.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Noah Balta of the Tigers warms up during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ralph: ‘Shocked’ Balta should thank his lucky stars

Noah Balta was shocked at Tuesday’s court ruling that will see him miss multiple AFL matches. But Jon Ralph writes, the Tiger should be very grateful it wasn’t far worse.

AFL News

Isaac Heeney during the Round 6 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at the SCG on April 20, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - NO ON SALES - copyright Phil Hillyard )

‘Harlem Globetrotter’ Swans lashed by club legend

The Swans’ brand has almost always been tough and contested footy. But one club great thinks that could be out the door after a slow start to life under Dean Cox.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 13th March, 2025 . AFL. Western Bulldogs training at Whitten Oval. Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at training today . Picture: Michael Klein

Dogs ‘despairing’ over Jamarra’s ‘lack of improvement’

The Western Bulldogs are looking for a ‘light bulb moment’ for star youngster Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to get him back to footy. But, Jon Ralph writes nothing they’ve tried has stuck.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs is seen injured during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Surprise scan results bring huge Darcy relief

As Sam Darcy went for scans on Monday, the Bulldogs were fearing the worst. But, after the results came back, everyone involved is breathing a huge sigh of relief.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 09: Stephen Silvagni, List Manager of the Saints looks at his notes during the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

SOS’ bitter fallout with Blues set to write latest chapter

Stephen Silvagni remains one of Carlton’s greatest players, but has not returned to the club in any form since being sacked by the Blues in 2019. Could that finally change this weekend?

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Sam Draper of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Season over: Worst confirmed for Draper as Dons explore options

Essendon have lost their two first-choice ruckman in two weeks after Sam Draper’s Achilles injury was confirmed. With the mid-season draft approaching, who will the Bombers look at?

UpdatedAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Noah Balta of the Tigers celebrates during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Nankervis: Balta a changed man since summer incident

Noah Balta played his first game of 2025 on Saturday night — and his skipper welcomed the return with open arms. Plus, Damien Hardwick takes aim at the Victorian Premier.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 5th March, 2025 . Western Bulldogs training at Whitten Oval . Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan during todays session . Picture: Michael Klein

Ralph: Ugle-Hagan will get second chance, but not on his terms

It looks increasingly likely that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will leave the Western Bulldogs. But instead of considering $15 million offers, his second chance may not be on his own terms.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph/page/12