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, 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.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Tom Powell of the Kangaroos (L) celebrates a goal with teammate Jy Simpkin during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers on March 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Go west: How North’s WA sell-off will impact 2025 fixture

North Melbourne is poised to sell two home games to Western Australia, including one which will be played two hours from Perth. Here’s what it means for the 2025 fixture.

UPDATEDAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats looks on before the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Nature of Scott’s new role with sponsor becomes clearer

Geelong coach Chris Scott’s new position with club sponsor Morris Finance has come under fire, but JOSH BARNES reports more detail has come to light about the role.

UPDATEDAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Reef McInnes of the Magpies runs with the ball during the round two AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Premiership Pie delisted as youngsters land new deals

A pair of senior Magpies have been delisted by the club but with promise of a rookie return, as a host of fringe Collingwood players snapped up another chance in 2025.

UPDATEDAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Jaidyn Stephenson of the Kangaroos is tackled by George Hewett of the Blues during the round four AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, on April 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

‘Find that spark’: Ex-Magpie tips Stephenson to return

Jaidyn Stephenson went from the AFL’s Rising Star in 2018 to retired in 2024. After his sudden retirement, a former Magpie says he hopes the prodigious talent isn’t lost to football.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Harley Reid of the Eagles exchanges words with Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the round 20 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, on July 27, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Reid’s Ransom: Eagles rejected Vic club’s ‘best offer ever’ for Harley

A year on, the picture is clearer on what could have been if West Coast gave up the rights to Harley Reid, with one trade offer likely the best pitch ever made. See what it looks like now.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Gary Rohan of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Delisted dozen: The 12 free agents still on market

They may have been discarded by their previous club, but these 12 players could fill a hole for your AFL team. JOSH BARNES looks at the delisted dozen.

AFL

Gambles that went bust: Every club’s best and worst future trade

There have now been 10 trade periods in which future picks could be moved by AFL clubs. Check out each sides’ best and worst move, including a big Magpie bungle.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Kamdyn McIntosh of the Tigers in action during the round 12 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Richmond Tigers at GIANTS Stadium, on June 04, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Contract calls: Tigers flag hero learns fate, Roos father-son’s relief

Richmond premiership player Kamdyn McIntosh has finally learned his fate ahead of the 2025 season. Plus another Tiger and a famous North Melbourne name earn one-year deals.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/26