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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

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.

AFL

Repeat offenders to come under microscope in AFL drugs reform

The AFL and AFLPA are close to an agreement on changes to the league’s illicit drugs policy, with players “gaming the system” set to face greater scrutiny.

Draft news

The viral moment of the AFL mid-seson draft

Watch: Viral Eagle unmasked as ‘Mad Monday’ mate

It’s the mid-season draft moment that went viral – but who was it that stole the show at Tom McCarthy’s watch party? Chris Cavanagh tracked down the now famous friend.

AFL

Footy’s lost warriors to share in $54m hardship fund

AFL greats — past and present — will be among those eligible to share in a $54m hardship fund after a landmark deal was struck to support those forced from the game.

Draft news

SANFL: Norwood's Jacob Newton in action against Glenelg at the Bay in Round 4, 2025. Picture: Nelson Miles/Norwood FC

Mid-season draft intel: Late whispers, every club’s targets

The 2025 AFL mid-season draft is here! See what every club is planning, the full order, all 338 nominations and more in this mega preview.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph/page/2