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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

Predicted teams: Will Ginnivan’s VFL dumping be one-and-done?

Another huge round of footy, headlined by an Anzac Day showdown looms this weekend, but some tough calls will have to be made before then at the selection table.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs in action during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

I’m not changing: How Johannisen kept faith through injury toll

Once durable, Jason Johannisen has missed 39 games through soft tissue setbacks in the last four years. But he is refusing to let that slow down his trademark burst.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs is seen injured during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Surprise scan results bring huge Darcy relief

As Sam Darcy went for scans on Monday, the Bulldogs were fearing the worst. But, after the results came back, everyone involved is breathing a huge sigh of relief.

ANALYSISAFL

MELBOURNE - June 9 : Bulldog Aaron Naughton celebrates a 1st quarter goal with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan during the round 13 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, on June 9, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Michael Klein.

Darcy blow means all eyes turn to two under-fire Bulldogs

When Sam Darcy’s knee buckled, a shudder went through Marvel Stadium. Aaron Naughton will now have to earn his money, and for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – who knows? JOSH BARNES unpacks what happens now.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Damien Hardwick, Senior Coach of the Suns leaves as Tigers fans celebrate after the round six AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, on April 19, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Early Tackle: So, Dimma still hates Marvel then?

When all expected them to get the job done against a rebuilding side, the Suns fluffed their lines. JOSH BARNES asks, did we give Damien Hardwick and his side too much credit?

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrates during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ginnivan dumped for Easter Monday blockbuster

The Hawks will welcome back multiple players for their clash with Geelong on Monday – and Jack Ginnivan will be the one to make way. Here’s the latest.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Noah Balta of the Tigers looks on during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Punt Road Oval on April 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

‘Wrong and dangerous’: Premier doubles down on Balta criticism

Premier Jacinta Allan has doubled down on criticising Richmond over selecting Noah Balta this weekend after Adem Yze this week said the swingman had been ‘punished enough’.

AFL

MELBOURNE, DECEMBER 6, 2024: St Kilda pre-season training at RSEA Park. Max King. Picture: Mark Stewart

Why Saints aren’t concerned by Max King’s growing injury history

As the Saints spearhead underwent another surgery on Thursday, the club remained firm behind Max King as his growing injury history revealed one positive.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Noah Balta of the Tigers warms up ahead of the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Tigers’ Balta issue isn’t his selection – it’s that he’s available

When it comes to football, teams will always do what they can to try and win. Josh Barnes writes, Adem Yze has done his job by picking Noah Balta. The issue is, he shouldn’t have been able to.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 2, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium. Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs in a action . Picture: Mark Stewart

Teams: Huge out for Giants as Bont, Saint’s return confirmed

The Western Bulldogs finally have their star skipper back to face St Kilda, who have a handy addition of their own. Plus a huge loss for the Giants. See the full teams here.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/10