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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 News

North Melbourne AFL training. Monday, January 20. 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Track watch: Forgotten Roo, young big man make their move

North Melbourne recruit Caleb Daniel’s recovery from a hamstring issue is on track – and he’s not the only key Roo making big strides on the injury front.

Collingwood

Daicos steps up as fringe Pie locks down new position

Nick Daicos jumped off the bike to show signs of progress on his injury return as a forward potentially on his last chance continued to bed himself down in defence.

Carlton

Put me in, coach: Jagga lays down round 1 plans

No. 3 pick Jagga Smith has put an early debut on the agenda as he reveals he hasn’t just been training as a midfielder ahead of his first season at Carlton.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh of the Blues warm up prior to the round 17 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Carlton Blues at ENGIE Stadium, on July 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Blues superstar dealt cruel injury setback

An injury-prone Blues superstar is set to miss a month of training after another cruel pre-season injury blow. JOSH BARNES has the details.

VideoAFL News

Christian Petracca at Melbourne AFL training in Cranbourne. Monday, January 13. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Track Watch: Petracca up and running days after cracking ribs

Christian Petracca’s pre-season took a major hit at Dees training last Friday, but the superstar midfielder appears to have shaken off his latest rib injury as Melbourne hit the track on Monday.

AFL

Essendon football training. Saturday, January 11. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Track watch: Young Bomber makes match sim statement

A fringe Essendon midfielder has torn match play to shreds during a Saturday morning session where several of Brad Scott’s tweaks for 2025 were revealed.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. April 20 , 2024. AFL Round 6. Carlton vs GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium. Oliver Hollands of the Blues during the 3rd qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Hollands, Burgoyne, Daicos? The young guns eyeing half-back move

Rebounding half backs have been critical to every good team for a while now, so which young guns are being slated for a switch into the back half from their more familiar midfield or wing roles for 2025?

UPDATEDAFL

Richmond’s Noah Balta pictured during the 2024 season. Picture: Michael Klein

Tigers premiership hero suspended after alleged assault

After returning to the Tigers with teammates on Thursday, Noah Balta has been whacked with suspension after being charged with assault after an incident in December.

UPDATEDAFL

Richmond football club. Sam Lynch on the field. Thursday, January 9. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Time trials, barbecues: AFL players return from December holidays

Footy pre-season is back as players made their way back to clubs after the break, with the Hawks already showing they mean business in 2025.

Collingwood

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Bobby Hill of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 14 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on June 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Pies flag hero makes big call on contract talks

One of the heroes of Collingwood’s 2023 premiership was expected to seek a raise and an extension this summer. Now, those talks could be pushed past the 2025 season.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/josh-barnes/page/9