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Josh Barnes is an AFL and sport reporter with News Sport and CODE Sports, who has previously worked as the Geelong Advertiser’s Chief Footy Writer and with Leader Newspapers.

@Josh__Barnes

Josh Barnes

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UpdatedSuperCoach

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. March 12 , 2024. AFLÃ Richmond training at Punt Rd. Richmonds Tom Lynch during todays session. Pic: Michael Klein

Training news: Injuries wipe out top SuperCoach picks

Pre-season is ramping up. Stay on top of the latest SuperCoach news here – who’s hurt, who’s flying and which rookies are pushing for a round 1 spot.

AFL

Building brands: How AFL stars are capitalising on fame

Whether it’s a podcast, cooking up a storm or slinging drinks, these AFL stars are making a splash off the field. It’s the new generation – and it’s only the beginning.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. May 4, 2024. AFL Round 8. . Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium. Bulldog Adam Treloar after todays loss to Hawthorn . Pic: Michael Klein

The blow that puts pressure on Bevo and his big dilemma

The Western Bulldogs have been dealt another pre-season blow, with star midfielder Adam Treloar ruled out for an extended period. With Jack Macrae gone, who steps up in his absence?

AFL

02/09/1996 PIRATE: Undated phoot. St Kilda footballer Ian Stewart receives the Brownlow Medal.

A Brownlow in England: Bizarre tale of medals headed to auction

A random email from the UK that was initially ignored has led to a rare auction that could let someone into footy’s most prestigious and exclusive club.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 2, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs under pressure. Picture: Mark Stewart

Dogs make early-season Jamarra concession

The Western Bulldogs are ‘really hopeful’ star forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will have an impact this year – but, as interim footy boss Sam Power explains, that isn’t the club’s focus right now.

St Kilda

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Saints looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 09 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the St Kilda Saints at UTAS Stadium on May 11, 2024 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Injury carnage means Saints fans will have to be patient yet again

Saints fans would be pulling out their hair after Mattaes Phillipou’s injury, that’s before they took a look at their fixture again. Josh Barnes writes, it could be another year of waiting.

AFL News

Carlton training at Tony Sheehan Oval at La Trobe Uni. Sam Walsh. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Track watch: Match sim reveals more Blues clues, Walsh timeline

Sam Walsh put in the hard yards at Carlton training on Monday as he pushes hard in a bid to play next month. But it’s how the Blues lined up without him that really caught the eye.

AFL

Sam Draper at Essendon AFL training. Friday, January 24. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

AFL persists with hands-off approach to summer concussions

At least six players were concussed at training in the opening two months of 2024, forcing one retirement. Contact remains in vogue during pre-season – but the AFL is keeping close watch.

AFL News

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round 19 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on July 20, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Boyd backs Dogs to help – but is it best for Jamarra?

One of the few people who may understand the pressures around Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is Bulldogs hero Tom Boyd – and he has some specific advice for the fellow No. 1 pick.

AFL

Curse of teams playing at Marvel Stadium

Marvel Curse: The stadium that is Death Valley for flag hopes

No team that calls Marvel Stadium home has made the top four since 2010. JOSH BARNES dives into the alarming numbers, and what’s really behind them.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes