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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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AFL

IPSWICH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Zac Bailey of the Lions celebrates kicking a goal during the 2025 AAMI AFL Community Series match between Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows at Brighton Homes Arena on February 27, 2025 in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Hunter and the hunted: Who’s making moves

The Lions’ crown will be hunted this season after a finals heist in 2024, but who’ll be doing the hunting? JOSH BARNES unpacks Brisbane’s biggest challenger in 2025.

Melbourne

Team of the century: Modern day stars save Dees after barren run

The Demons missed finals for 11 years running from 2007-2017 because, simply, they didn’t have many good players. Josh Barnes picks his team of the century avoiding those forgettable years.

AFL

‘Bulls*** games’: The highs and demise of pre-season footy

It’s two decades since Carlton won the Wizard Cup in front of more than 40,000 fans. JOSH BARNES speaks to one of the architects and examines the demise of the AFL’s pre-season competition.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Richmond draftees (L-R) Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong, Josh Smillie, Sam Lalor, Jonty Faull and Taj Hotton pose for a photograph during the 2024 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 21, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tiger Tracker: When will Richmond’s draftees be unleashed?

Richmond’s prized draft crop is set to shape the club’s next era. But as CHRIS CAVANAGH writes, Tiger fans will have to be patient. See where every player is at in our Tiger Tracker.

AFL

Tom Green left the game early with precaution for a calf strain during the GWS Giants match simulation training session on February 14, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

Giant blow: GWS star to miss start of campaign

GWS will be without one of their biggest names for the opening weeks of the AFL season in a major blow to the club. Get all the pre-season injury news here.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats looks on before the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Questions linger over Scott’s role with sponsor after probe wraps up

The AFL has wrapped up an investigation into Chris Scott’s role with Geelong sponsor Morris Finance, but the impact it will have on the Cats’ soft cap is still unknown.

AFL

Track Watch: Key Dee ruled out for first chunk of 2025

An important Demon had to be carted off the training track after going down with a painful injury, as the Dees count the cost of some stars being MIA during pre-season.

AFL News

MELBOURNE . 14/03/2023. AFL. Richmond training at Punt Road Oval . Richmonds Dion Prestia during todays session . Pic: Michael Klein

Tigers back Prestia after pub brawl probe

Richmond has backed veteran midfielder Dion Prestia after investigating allegations he was involved in a Sorrento pub brawl.

AFL

*APAC Sports Pictures of the Week - 2020, August 24* - PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles marks the ball against Bobby Hill of the Giants during the round 13 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Optus Stadium on August 23, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Trade buzz: Barrass fallout starts at West Coast

All-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern’s future in the west has been sorted, with Tom Barrass’ move to Hawthorn having a big say. JOSH BARNES explains why.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly looks on after the round 24 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Pies boss hits back at doubters, defends dwindling recruiting team

Despite a mass exodus of their recruiting staff in the off-season, Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly is confident the club is ‘completely aligned’. And he had a message for those who doubt him.

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