Our Journalists

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

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: St Kilda AFL Coach Ross Lyon speaks on stage during the Saint Kilda Saints Crest Reveal on November 19, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Saints cotton on to Cats’ recruiting ’opportunities’

Ross Lyon has flagged an off-field recruiting revamp inspired by Geelong’s success with brands like Cotton On as the Saints aim to become a destination club.

AFLW

Power to ‘throw the kitchen sink’ at Roos juggernaut

Emma Kearney is set to return on Saturday to make North Melbourne an even scarier prospect for Port Adelaide, but the Power won’t be taking a backward step.

PicturesAFL

Track watch: Big names, recruits back early as Houston wows fans

The Pies, Roos and Dees were on track today, with some star recruits impressing onlookers. Check out all the news, pics and see which senior players reported for pre-season early here.

AFL News

Nic Martin moves with the ball at Essendon training. Picture: Essendon FC

Track watch: Beefed-up Martin sets standard for Dons

Essendon’s new mantra was clear during an early pre-season session on Friday. JOSH BARNES brings you all the key track notes from Tullamarine.

AFL

Fixture leaks: Houston’s Port face-off revealed, Saints’ MCG push

Dan Houston will emerge from a five-game suspension to face his former club, while St Kilda have been granted another MCG home game. Plus plenty more fixture news.

AFL

Dees or Suns? Suitors get chance to impress top draft prospect

A father-son ruck prospect who has soared past 200cm will train with Melbourne and Gold Coast in coming months as he faces a big choice before his draft year.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 11th November 2024. AFL. Collingwood training at Olympic Park . Tom Mitchell of the Magpies on the first official day back for the 1-4 year players . Picture: Michael Klein

Track watch: Pie veteran upstages young guns, Dees stars unsighted

Some veterans and trade period recruits joined first to fourth-year players at Collingwood, Melbourne and North Melbourne for pre-season training. Here’s the latest pre-season intel.

AFL

Dismantling the Dogs: How 2016 flag team fell apart

The 2016 premiership wasn’t just a dam wall breaking, it felt like something big building. But that young side is almost all gone, with just three players left at the Dogs. Here’s how it all broke up.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 2, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium. Simon Goodwin coach of the Demons. Picture: Mark Stewart

The missing detail in Melbourne’s review

The findings of Melbourne’s football department review are in — with a surprising lack of detail on one issue that plagued the club throughout 2024.

AFL

Silver medallist Australia's Kyle Chalmers poses during the podium ceremony of the men's 100m freestyle swimming event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, on July 31, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Inside the meeting that almost made King Kyle an AFL star

Olympic great Kyle Chalmers always held a dream of playing AFL and when a powerhouse club came calling, he was ready to swap the pool for the MCG. But a veteran ruck stood in his way.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/25