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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. 03/03/2022. AFL. AAMI Community SeriesÃ Melbourne v Carlton at Marvel StadiumÃ. Field umpire Michael Pell . Photo by Michael Klein

Brownlow bet probe umpire weeks from learning fate

As he prepares to learn whether he will be charged over his alleged role in the AFL’s Brownlow Medal betting scandal, Michael Pell has returned to officiating.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Justin McInerney of the Swans warms up before a Sydney Swans training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 11, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

‘System is broken’: Swan’s cryptic message after MRO ban

Swan Justin McInerney has issued a cryptic social media message after being slapped with a three-game ban as part of a busy round 1 for the MRO.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUG 03: Jackson Archer of the Kangaroos looks on during the 2024 AFL Round 21 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL great ‘fearful for the game’ if Archer suspension upheld

A St Kilda legend says he is ‘fearful for the game’ if Jackson Archer is suspended for the horror collision with the Bulldogs’ Luke Cleary at Marvel Stadium.

Sport

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 19th February, 2025 . Western Bulldogs training at the Whitten Oval. Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan back at training today . Picture: Michael Klein

First Bailey, now Jamarra? Geelong ponders next trade coup

After snaring Bailey Smith last trade period, Geelong could be at the front of the queue to snare Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan should he leave the kennel come season’s end.

AFL News

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Matt Rowell of the Suns is tackled during the round 16 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood Magpies at People First Stadium, on June 29, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Trade buzz: Huge demands could price Vic clubs out of Rowell move

Victorian clubs are lining up to try and lure Matt Rowell out of Gold Coast. But there’s a big sticking point which could force him to remain in Queensland.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Christian Petracca of the Demons leaves the field injured during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Club doctors to change ways in aftermath of Petracca chaos

The AFLPA boss says there will be a shift in how club doctors handle players after Christian Petracca’s treatment. Plus more on the illicit drugs code, third party deals and other big issues.

AFL

Ultimate player ratings: Every AFL player rated

Every player rated: Risers, fallers and the AFL’s two standouts

Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph have undertaken the arduous task of rating every single player in the AFL this season. Now, we can reveal who truly stands atop the footy landscape.

UPDATEDAFL News

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats is seen during the national anthem during the 2024 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on September 05, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Geelong’s third-party deals under AFL review

The AFL has instigated a competition-wide review of third-party deals and Geelong is in the spotlight, with the league forensically going over the club’s books.

EXCLUSIVEAFL

The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) CEO Paul Marsh addresses the media on the AFLPA Boards position regarding COVID-19 during a press conference at AFLPA Office in Melbourne, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Marsh has announced that both AFL and AFLW playing groups are prepared to play as soon as they are given the green light by the AFL. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

‘Explain that to us’: AFLPA halt drug code talks after data leak

The AFLPA wants the AFL to urgently explain whether it provided illicit drug data to authorities, with negotiations over the new drug code at a standstill.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Young GWS Giants fans are seen during the 2025 AFL Opening Round match between the GWS Giants and the Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium on March 9, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Fizzer’ here to stay? Why AFL won’t scrap Opening Round

Cyclone Alfred rained on the AFL’s Opening Round parade, but the league is undeterred: despite outrage from fans in footy heartland, the northern season opener is here to stay.

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