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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

19 Blues out of contract — who stays and who has to go?

It’s expected the Blues won’t make wholesale changes after a disastrous 2025. But with 19 players looking for a new deal, some tough calls are coming. Here’s who should be on the outer.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26:Patrick Cripps of the Blues leads his team off after losing the round 16 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on June 26, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Trading Cripps, SCG complaints and everything you missed on TV

An emotionless plan to ditch Patrick Cripps has been floated by a Hawthorn legend among another heated night of footy TV. This is what you missed.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Tom Lynch of the Tigers walks from the ground after the round 16 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 29, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Lynch’s rap sheet says it all — now he has to admit his problem

Tom Lynch’s rap sheet keeps getting longer and there can be no more enabling of his behaviour, especially by the club that refused to condemn Noah Balta’s off-field assault, writes Josh Barnes.

AFL

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Clayton Oliver of the Demons is seen during the 2025 AFL Round 16 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons at People First Stadium on June 28, 2025 in the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Early Tackle: These Demons are just… meh

While Carlton wades through its crisis, Melbourne has quietly sunk into comfortable mediocrity. Josh Barnes names his early likes and dislikes from round 16 here.

AFL

Blues footy boss ‘unsure’ on Voss’ future, slams ‘toxic behaviour’

The Blues have arrived back in Melbourne amid a wave of fan backlash after Thursday’s disastrous loss – and football boss Brad Lloyd is ‘unsure’ what the future holds. Recap the live Q&A.

AFL

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Matt Rowell of the Suns in action during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on June 7, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Footy’s next big trade fish emerges with Rowell off the table

One of footy’s most heartwarming stories looks set to be rewarded for some stellar form, as the footy world ponders the next big fish to chase now that Matt Rowell appears off the table.

AFL News

BUNBURY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Finn O'Sullivan of the Kangaroos kicks the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos v West Coast Eagles at Hands Oval on June 8, 2025 in Bunbury, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

What’s next for Roos young gun – and his draft class

North Melbourne’s list is ready to take off. But where exactly does Finn O’Sullivan’s future lie? The Rising Star opens up on his debut season and names the other young Roos to watch.

AFL

Damien Hardwick reacts to a free kick on Sunday

Dimma’s bird flip, the lost GF tape and what you missed on TV

Damien Hardwick has been stitched up for his mid-game reaction against the Giants, while John Longmire has shocked IT departments. See what you missed on Monday’s AFL TV shows.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 2, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs in action. Picture: Mark Stewart

Jamarra hits out over Instagram after car allegedly stolen

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s difficult year has taken another bizarre turn, with the star Dog alleging on Instagram that his car had been stolen from Port Melbourne.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Tom Liberatore (left) and Adam Treloar of the Bulldogs chat during the 2025 AFL Round 15 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Treloar to miss significant time with fresh calf setback

Adam Treloar has played just four games this year, with the latest – again – ending in pain on Sunday. He won’t be adding to his tally any time soon after scans on Monday.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/3