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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

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Simon Goodwin, Senior Coach of the Demons looks on during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on April 4, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Is Goodwin the man to ‘Make Melbourne Great Again?’

Christian Petracca’s reaction said it all. Melbourne is floundering and its coach is in election mode. The question now is, will the Demons give Simon Goodwin time to make Melbourne great again?

AnalysisAFL

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Bayley Fritsch of the Demons is chased by Jack Bowes of the Cats during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on April 4, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fritsch on the fritz: Star’s woes sum up Demons’ ugly demise

Melbourne persistently missed the target and the moment on Friday night against Geelong — and one of their flag heroes has seemingly lost his magic. Josh Barnes analyses the Dees’ demise.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Bayley Fritsch of the Demons runs out onto the field during 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)

Teams: Goodwin spares under-fire veterans, busted Swan returns

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has refused the urge to swing the axe too hardly at the Dees for their clash with Geelong. Meanwhile, a formerly suspended Swan will play his first game of 2025.

AFL News

The million-dollar win: Inside the world of AFL side deals

In some cases, AFL players are losing thousands to make millions down the line. From paid social posts to third-party deals and the big names protected by the league, here’s how it all works.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Brody Mihocek of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 06 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Mihocek over McKay: Who makes a Blues-Pies combined team?

Who would make a combined team of Collingwood and Carlton players? Josh Barnes took on the task of selecting a combined side ahead of the fierce rivals’ round 4 blockbuster.

AFL

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Malcolm Rosas of the Suns looks on after the round 18 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power at People First Stadium, on July 14, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Trade latest: Clubs prepare to raid Gold Coast for unloved Sun

The Suns’ hot start to 2025 has some great talent sitting on the sidelines, leaving rival clubs plotting to steal some young stars away from Damien Hardwick’s squad.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the Saints runs with the ball during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

What’s bleedingly obvious about the Saints – and what’s next

If it wasn’t already, it’s crystal clear now – for the competition and for those in charge at St Kilda, writes Josh Barnes. Here’s what Saturday’s victory over Richmond proved.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Kane Farrell of the Power celebrates a goal with Willem Drew of the Power during the round two AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval, on March 22, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Port defender on brink of committing to big call on future

Port Adelaide has a host of defenders coming out of contract at season’s end. But one of the Power’s most important, Kane Farrell, is set to make a decision this week.

AFL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Lincoln McCarthy of the Lions is seen duiring the three quarter time huddle during the 2024 AFL Round 08 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast SUNS at The Gabba on May 05, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Lion launches audacious bid to return from ACL blow

Lincoln McCarthy is eyeing a remarkable return after surgery on Tuesday gave the Brisbane Lion hope of being part of his club’s quest for back-to-back flags.

AFL

AFL’s alien? How Sam Darcy can become our Wemby

Sam Darcy’s high marking wowed footy fans, but it was his work at ground level that means he could be our version of a never-before-seen NBA talent Victor Wembanyama.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/13