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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

Latest

AFL

Essendon board member Melissa Verner Green

Barham ally rubbishes calls for more ex-players on Bombers board

A David Barham ally says Essendon doesn’t need more ‘football voices’ running the club and the board “isn’t talking about football and who we are going to select”.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, DECEMBER 5, 2024: Essendon pre-season training at The Hangar. Isaak Kako. Picture: Mark Stewart

Track watch: Dons star fires up as session reaches boiling point

The clearest hints of Essendon’s forward and defensive plans yet emerged on Thursday as one star fired up during a heated pre-season session. SEE FULL TRACK NOTES HERE

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Sam Walsh of the Blues warms up before the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Marvel Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Track watch: Walsh’s fitness plan to take him to ‘another level’

Ollie Hollands impressed in a new role as Carlton hit the track on Wednesday, with midfield star Sam Walsh looking to put previous injury-plagued pre-seasons behind him.

ExclusiveAFL

Meet the Bombers fan fighting president, ex-Dons for board spot

The field includes five premiership players, the current president and a long-time director. But this Bombers fan believes it’s time to bring the members’ voice to the Essendon board.

AFLW

Trade latest: Premiership defender requests trade to Hawthorn

With the AFLW trade period about to officially open, and the first fully national draft around the corner, clubs are in deep discussion about how to improve their lists. Here’s the latest.

AFL

Geelong Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield back on track for pre season training. Picture: Alison Wynd

Cats facing leadership void as Danger mulls captaincy call

There was little commitment from Patrick Dangerfield this week when asked he if will captain the Cats in 2025. But behind him and vice-captain Tom Stewart, the cupboard is surprisingly bare.

AFL

Melbourne pre-season training session at Goschs Paddock. Possible new recruit Kalani White (son of former Demon Jeff White) during training. Picture: David Caird

Track watch: Young gun upstages Bont, father-son Dee excites

A new rookie has upstaged Marcus Bontempelli on the training track, while Demons fans are hoping a stint at Melbourne will help convince Jeff White’s son Kalani to pick them over the Suns.

AnalysisAFLW

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 30: Jenna Bruton, Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner of the Kangaroos celebrate during the AFLW Grand Final match between North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park, on November 30, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Inside story: How North built AFLW’s greatest list

When North Melbourne entered the AFLW, they didn’t pull their punches in the recruiting space. JOSH BARNES looks at how the Roos planted the seeds for an undefeated premiership season.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Will Hoare of the Bombers in action during the 2024 VFL Round 05 match between Collingwood and Essendon at Victoria Park on April 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

VFL stars earns AFL audition at Bombers

One of Essendon’s top VFL prospects has been given the chance to press his claims to join the club’s AFL list. Get the latest SSP news here.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Ash Riddell of the Kangaroos celebrates kicking a goal during the round three AFLW match between Melbourne Demons and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Casey Fields, on September 15, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

All class: Roos ball magnet Riddell builds her own fan base

Grand Final week is supposed to be all about the spotlight. But, North Melbourne star Ash Riddell’s approach is much more low key than most — and, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/23