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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

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos (L) looks on along side Todd Viney, assistant coach of the Kangaroos during the round 23 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, on August 18, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Roos consider banking on 2025 rise in huge draft gamble

North Melbourne could take a huge risk in a deal that would see their future-first round pick owned by a rival club. JON RALPH looks at the Kangaroos’ options.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Brad Scott, Senior Coach of the Bombers speaks to the team during the round 23 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium, on August 16, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Why Dons had quiet trade period as club ponders top 20 draft play

The scenario that would most likely see Essendon trade back into the top 20 of this year’s draft can be revealed. Plus the reason for the club’s inactive trade period.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Josh Sinn of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 15 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on June 22, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The List Manager: How Hawks go again in next trade period

The Hawks should have a green light for the next six years to go hunting for a flag, writes JON RALPH. But, after a big off-season, what’s left in the salary cap and how do they use it?

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 2, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium. Simon Goodwin coach of the Demons. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ralph: The key Dees developments that could save Goodwin’s job

Melbourne’s public review said it was capable of playing finals, but their game plan had to be refined, now the work begins for Simon Goodwin after a tumultuous 31 months, writes Jon Ralph.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Lloyd Meek of the Hawks and Tim English of the Bulldogs compete in a ruck contest during the 2024 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawks’ plot to climb draft order as stars open contract talks

Hawthorn cashed in its assets in this year’s draft to snare Tom Barrass, but is still plotting how it can move up from pick 33. Plus, two big names have started discussing new contracts.

AFL

‘Good bloke … but’: Inside St Kilda’s coaching revolving door

Stan Alves. Grant Thomas. Malcolm Blight. Tim Watson. Nathan Burke experienced all facets of coaching during his time at St Kilda. He lifts the lid on the Saints’ revolving door on the SACKED podcast.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Nathan Burke, Senior Coach of the Western Bulldogs addresses his players during the 2023 AFLW practice match between the Western Bulldogs and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Arden Street on August 19, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Coach calls for audit after AFLW truth bomb

Sacked Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke has exposed a secretive, shadowy side of the AFLW competition, dropping a brutal truth bomb.

AFLW

‘Can’t drive’: Burke details fatalistic thoughts post Dogs sacking

In the latest episode of SACKED, former AFLW coach Nathan Burke reveals his traumatic experience while driving over a bridge following his departure from the Bulldogs. LISTEN HERE.

AFLW

‘Not sustainable’: Ex-Dogs coach calls for audit of AFLW standards

The ninth AFLW home-and-away season has ended with a two-tiered competition, and in the latest episode of SACKED, former Dogs coach Nathan Burke says it’s time the AFL steps in.

AFL

‘Probably my demise’: Burke reveals his role in Tigers glory

In the latest SACKED podcast, Nathan Burke details his role in clearing Trent Cotchin to play in the Tigers’ 2017 premiership – and how it likely led to his downfall on the Match Review Panel.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph/page/3