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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 Teams

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Jack Martin of the Cats has words with Matt Rowell of the Suns during the round 13 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium, on June 07, 2025, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The call that led to Geelong’s recruiting coup of discarded Blue

Jack Martin slotted in seamlessly for Geelong on debut against his first old side, and it was an early meeting that set a seven-month plan towards another recruiting coup.

AFL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Daniel McStay of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 06 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on April 17, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

King’s Birthday teams: Pies, Dees recall spearheads

Collingwood have received a boost for their clash with Melbourne on King’s Birthday, but two key players are out with injury. See the teams here.

AFL

How footy’s greatest salary dump changed trading forever

It was a brazen contract dump, tied in with a juicy top-10 pick, that shocked the AFL. Nearly three years on, this is how the Jack Bowes deal changed trading forever.

AnalysisAFL

No stadium, no team? The key Tassie questions answered

Tasmania’s AFL team is in jeopardy months after it was unveiled to the world. How did we get here? We examine the key questions and what will happen next.

AFL

Trade intel: Pies’ over 30s, Hawks’ signing spree, Dons’ huge reset

How many of Collingwood’s veterans will play on next year? Plus news out of Hawthorn, Essendon, Melbourne and more in Moneyball.

AFL

Danger or Trac? Big names miss mid-season All Aus team

Four players fought it out for one spot in our mid-season AFL All-Australia team – and the battle saw some big names miss out. See the full side and have your say.

AFL

Name and shame or hide and help — the AFL’s public drugs war

The public battle over the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy continues — with hard line commentators wanting a major shake-up. We look at the ins and outs of the debate.

AFL News

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. April 19th, 2025 . AFL Round 6 . Geelong vs Hawthorn at the MCG. Gryan Miers of the Cats is helped from the ground by medicos as Conor Nash of the Hawks apologises after cleaning him up during the 3rd qtr. . Picture: Michael Klein

Hawk slams AFL tribunal, calls whole process a ‘circus’

Recently suspended Hawk Conor Nash has joined a chorus of voices pushing for change to the AFL’s suspension system as players bemoan the lack of consistency behind bans.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates a goal with teammate Harry McKay during the 2024 AFL Round 03 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Curnow scoffs at trade talk as pressure mounts on battling Blues

With predictions Graham Wright could make sweeping changes when he takes over as Carlton boss, no one is safe. But Charlie Curnow isn’t buying into talk his future could be debated.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. May 30th, 2025 . AFL Round 12. Collingwood vs Hawthorn at the MCG. James Sicily of the Hawks after tonights loss to Collingwood . Picture: Michael Klein

Exposed? Big problems emerge with Hawks’ top-heavy defence

Sam Mitchell locked his playing group in a meeting room after the Hawks’ shocking performance against Collingwood to deliver some “home truths”. Could that include some bold selection calls to send a message?

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/5