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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 - JUNE 29: Nick Daicos of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the round 16 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood Magpies at People First Stadium, on June 29, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Pies to head north for three-club match sim, Mini faces old mob

Collingwood are set to face two teams on the same night in a throwback to the NAB Cup, while Andrew McQualter has a date with the Tigers. See all the pre-season match sim details here.

UpdatedAFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Dogs confirm Jamarra’s ‘flexible’ program, ‘personal issues’

The Western Bulldogs have been supporting young star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan but his issues remain complex and his immediate playing future is unclear. Will he play in 2025?

AFL News

Predicted teams: Every club’s best 23 for 2025

Pre-season is back in full swing and practice matches are just around the corner. So, how is your club’s side shaping up for 2025? Our experts predict the best 23 for every team.

AFL News

North Melbourne AFL training. Monday, January 20. 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Track watch: Forgotten Roo, young big man make their move

North Melbourne recruit Caleb Daniel’s recovery from a hamstring issue is on track – and he’s not the only key Roo making big strides on the injury front.

Collingwood

Daicos steps up as fringe Pie locks down new position

Nick Daicos jumped off the bike to show signs of progress on his injury return as a forward potentially on his last chance continued to bed himself down in defence.

Carlton

Put me in, coach: Jagga lays down round 1 plans

No. 3 pick Jagga Smith has put an early debut on the agenda as he reveals he hasn’t just been training as a midfielder ahead of his first season at Carlton.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh of the Blues warm up prior to the round 17 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Carlton Blues at ENGIE Stadium, on July 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Blues superstar dealt cruel injury setback

An injury-prone Blues superstar is set to miss a month of training after another cruel pre-season injury blow. JOSH BARNES has the details.

VideoAFL News

Christian Petracca at Melbourne AFL training in Cranbourne. Monday, January 13. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Track Watch: Petracca up and running days after cracking ribs

Christian Petracca’s pre-season took a major hit at Dees training last Friday, but the superstar midfielder appears to have shaken off his latest rib injury as Melbourne hit the track on Monday.

AFL

Essendon football training. Saturday, January 11. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Track watch: Young Bomber makes match sim statement

A fringe Essendon midfielder has torn match play to shreds during a Saturday morning session where several of Brad Scott’s tweaks for 2025 were revealed.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. April 20 , 2024. AFL Round 6. Carlton vs GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium. Oliver Hollands of the Blues during the 3rd qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Hollands, Burgoyne, Daicos? The young guns eyeing half-back move

Rebounding half backs have been critical to every good team for a while now, so which young guns are being slated for a switch into the back half from their more familiar midfield or wing roles for 2025?

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/19