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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

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Brody Mihocek of the Magpies kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 9, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade latest: Premiership Pie set to park talks as rivals circle

Collingwood wants to keep its brigade of over-30s — including Brody Mihocek. But as the market for forwards heats up, rivals are eyeing the spearhead with his contract talks on hold.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats speaks with his players 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)

400, Danger? Star Cat ponders future ahead of milestone

Patrick Dangerfield is set to play game 350 on Friday night, but could he go further and reach one of footy’s most exclusive clubs? See what the Geelong skipper thinks here.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Zach Merrett of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss 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)

The horror numbers compounding Essendon’s 2025 plight

The Bombers’ injury crisis has been well-documented, but that might not be their biggest issue, with the numbers showing just how hard they’ve been stiffed by the 2025 AFL fixture.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: James Sicily of the Hawks after the game during the 2025 AFL Round 12 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Run home: Winner-takes-all clash could decide Hawks’ finals fate

Hawthorn are predicted to win 14 games this year — and still miss finals. But one swing game could change everything for them and another premiership contender. See the full predictor here.

AFL

AFLW St Kilda players hold a football clinic at Beaumaris FC where Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones (who died in Laos after drinking spiked alcohol) were premiership players in the U18 team in 2023 and continued playing with the Senior WomenÃs team before they passed away last year. Beaumaris players Ginger Fennessy ,Skye Shipton and Sophie Keogh with St Kilda players Hannah Priest and Kyla Forbes. Picture: Ian Currie

How ‘phenomenal’ Saints helped grieving club after Laos tragedy

Beaumaris was left reeling last year when players Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones died of methanol poisoning in Laos, but St Kilda’s men and women’s sides have stepped in to help.

Sport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIAÃ June 10, 2024. AFL Round 13. Big Freeze at the G. Collingwood vs Melbourne at the MCG. Christian Petracca of the Demons in pain after copping a Darcy Moore knee in the ribs late in the 1st qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Big split in Petracca review ahead of first findings

The long-running review into the handling of Christian Petracca’s horrific injuries during the King’s Birthday game last year has split in two. Josh Barnes has the details.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Harry McKay of the Blues marks the ball during the round 11 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium, on May 24, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Big finals blow for Blues as McKay set for surgery

Harry McKay is set for surgery after his troublesome knee injury, giving Carlton’s finals hopes a big blow – while a small forward will miss the rest of the season. Plus, the latest on Jason Horne-Francis.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Sam De Koning of the Cats heads to the bench with an injury during the round 14 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Young Cat to miss a month after shoulder surgery

Sam De Koning is set to miss a month for the Cats after having surgery on his shoulder, plus the latest on the Lions’ and Giants’ injury woes.

AFL

Behind the myths, making and life cycle of an Australian icon

Iconic Sherrin footballs are used every day all across Australia. But where do they come from? And what happens to them after AFL games? We take you behind the scenes to find out.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Saints looks on during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on June 12, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Numbers prove Ross has bigger problems than the crowd

After Thursday night’s drubbing, Ross Lyon was involved in a tense exchange about the crowd – but, as JOSH BARNES finds out, the other St Kilda numbers are more concerning.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/4