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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 News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Tyson Stengle of the Cats in action during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 14, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cats hint at another late change as GWS make Jezza plan

Geelong has kept the door open for another late change ahead of their GWS mega clash, while the Giants have made a plan for a Jeremy Cameron’s return to his former stomping ground.

Sport

The salary of every job in the AFL revealed

Every dreamed of working in the AFL industry? From entry-level to positions to the top-dog executives, find out what all the key jobs in footy really pay.

AFL

Doug Kerr Oakleigh Chargers NGA. Picture: X

Pies’ draft bounty: South-African born prospect the latest to watch

There’s plenty going right at the Pies in 2025, and the future is looking bright too, with a South African-born draft prospect turning heads after his VFL performance.

AFL

Off-field cash: The car park sized gap between AFL’s rich and poor

Not so long ago, one club chose not to pay for game vision that has become the clear go-to in the footy world. The gap between the rich and the poor clubs in footy may be closing, but there are still some clear differences.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. May 30th, 2025 . AFL Round 12. Collingwood vs Hawthorn at the MCG. Bobby Hill of the Magpies celebrates a 4th quarter goal with Nick Daicos . Picture: Michael Klein

AFL plots latest scheme to shake-up home-and-away season

As the AFL hunts more marquee events during its season, a radical in-season tournament has been floated to run alongside the premiership season which would be reduced.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Fans react as the Blues leave the field after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 17 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 4, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Failing their fans: Battling Blues set for harsh review

The Blues targeted three areas before a dismal loss to the Magpies and failed all tests. Now the players are set for a stern review as they admit they are failing their fans.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Jacob Weitering of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 17 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 4, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Goodbye success: There’s more pain on the way for Carlton

While Collingwood’s post-game party further rubbed salt into Carlton’s wounds, a reality check set in. A long term plan with every name is on the table, with more pain on the cards for 2026.

AFL

‘Gaping chasm’ pushing Voss to brink of the sack

Collingwood showed Carlton just how far off the pace they are in a thumping win. Josh Barnes writes, Blues fans will go home pondering one glaring issue that could cost Michael Voss his job.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Toby Pink of the Kangaroos competes with Charlie Curnow of the Blues during the round 15 AFL match between Carlton Blues and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Watch: The game plan errors crippling Voss’ Blues

Carlton and Collingwood entered the season seemingly on par as premiership contenders. Four months later, as damning vision shows, they couldn’t be further apart on the field.

AFL

Raid targets: Who Tassie could snare from your club

Colby McKercher is off the table for the Tasmanian Devils after inking a new deal with North Melbourne. So, who’s next? See the players from every club the Devils will target.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/2