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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

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.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Ben McKay of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 14, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Why the Dons’ slow start shouldn’t surprise anyone

Essendon was belted by Adelaide on Saturday and while the defensive play wasn’t up to scratch, the 0-2 start could hardly be a surprise given steps taken by the club in recent years.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Andrew Dillon speaks during the 2025 AFL Season Launch at Luna Park on March 04, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

AFL’s Tassie focus puts Top End hopes on ice

The AFL remains uninterested in hearing pitches for the location of a 20th team as Darwin continues to provide frameworks of how a Top End big league side would look.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 13th March, 2025 . AFL Round 1. Richmond vs Carlton at the MCG. Sam Lalor leads the Tigers of the MCG after beating Carlton . Picture: Michael Klein

The one thing Richmond’s newest hero hasn’t nailed

It’s been a perfect start to the career of No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor and he is going so well one veteran teammate can’t find any faults, but the teen star has declared the one thing he can’t do.

AFL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 24: Nathan Broad of the Tigers celebrates the win after the 2020 AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on October 24, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The probing question which decided Broad’s Punt Rd legacy

Nathan Broad could have joined the Richmond exodus and earned more money to finish his AFL career at another club. But, his answer to one question ultimately decided Broad’s future for him.

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 buzz: Premiership Pie’s spot on ruckman merry-go-round

Luke Jackson and Tom De Koning’s futures have been all the rage, but another star ruckman might be enticed to change clubs as he considers testing the market.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/14