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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

AFL Power Index: An in depth look at every club

Asset rich, social kings and the cash poor: AFL’s true power clubs

From social following and total supporters to league handouts and revenue, we take an in-depth look at the financial health and growth of every AFL club. Who has the true power?

AFL News

Staying or going? Every AFL free agent up for grabs

More than 110 players are set to become free agents at the end of the season. But how many will look to make a move? See the full list and get the latest on the big names.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos in action during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on April 5, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Why LDU knocked back rivals – and what it means for Saints

When North Melbourne’s players erupted in the Barossa on Friday, St Kilda’s recruiting war room slumped. A big tick for the Roos list team is another cross for the Saints. So, where to now?

Local Footy

Mooroopna water carrier Graham Ferguson belts out the song after a win

‘Icon’ of Mooroopna, ‘Ferg’ notches huge 500-game milestone

He has been dubbed an ‘icon’ of the Mooroopna footy club and even if it was a little late, beloved water carrier Graham Ferguson will celebrate a monster milestone in style this weekend.

AFL News

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

Drugs policy, Petracca: Marsh’s to-do list before AFLPA departure

AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh will depart the game in May for cricket, but the boss of the players’ association says he still has much to achieve before leaving footy.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Darcy Cameron of the Magpies celebrates a goal during 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)

Trade latest: Rivals circle giant Pie, Showdown for Nas heats up

Darcy Cameron is set for a big pay rise, but will it be at Collingwood? Tom De Koning’s decision could be the deciding factor as the two SA clubs go head-to-head for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

AFL

Would you rather be Carlton or Melbourne?

Who would you rather be? Dees and Blues staring down long years

They are both 0-4 to start the year after coming into the season hoping to play finals. So is Carlton or Melbourne better placed to bounce back now and in the future? Have your say.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Christian Petracca of the Demons looks dejected after losing the round three AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Gold Coast Suns at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

‘Never show that kind of emotion’: Petracca, Dees cop TV heat

Christian Petracca, Melbourne, and Carlton dominated discussion across the silver screen on Monday night. Josh Barnes watched Monday night’s footy TV shows so you don’t have to – catch the recap.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Seth Campbell of the Tigers handballs whilst being tackled by Dayne Zorko of the Lions during the round four AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 05, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

More truth about Tigers rebuild revealed in Lions loss

Again, there was plenty to like for Richmond fans on Saturday – but there are also more concerns for Adem Yze, as he starts to learn more about who will actually see the rebuild out.

AFL

Fans are facing extraordinary wait times at the MCG as security cracks down in the wake of Thursday’s alleged firearm incident. , An hour before the first bounce between Richmond and the Brisbane Lions, unprecedented lines snaked out the front of entrance gates. The line from Gate 1, to enter the Olympic Stand, stretched at least 200m, beyond the Members entrance at Gate 2 and into the parklands that surround the stadium.

Watch: Crowds forced to wait amid MCG security crackdown

Footy fans have faced unprecedented wait times to enter the MCG for the Richmond-Brisbane Lions clash after an alleged gun smuggling incident on Thursday. Here’s the latest.

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