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Lauren Wood is an AFL and AFL Women’s reporter for the Herald Sun and CODE Sports. She also covers a range of other sports across the busy Melbourne sporting calendar.

@LaurenHeraldSun

Lauren Wood

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AFLW

AFL issues apology for ‘disturbing’ social media abuse against star

The AFL has apologised to Tigers AFLW player Kate Dempsey for an unmonitored social media post that attracted a barrage of disgusting abuse.

AFLW

AFLW snoozefest orchestrated ‘on purpose’ – and this is no one-off

The Western Bulldogs failed to kick a goal in one of the AFLW’s worst ever games on Friday night. LAUREN WOOD looks at why we are seeing low scores, with coaching and the league to blame.

UPDATEDAFLW

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Fans watch on during the round four AFLW match between Collingwood Magpies and West Coast Eagles at Ikon Park, on September 17, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The AFLW games league will ignore in crowd calculations

The AFL wants average crowds of 6000 at AFLW matches to expand the season, but an email reveals the league has agreed to leave some matches out of this year’s tally.

AFLW

AFLW season extension looms as players push for schedule change

The AFLW season is set to get longer in 2025, but could the kick-off date change too? For some players, a return to the hotter months would be a welcome idea.

AFLW

Four games in 14 days: ‘Cruel’ AFLW fixturing savaged

The AFLW’s compressed fixture has been labelled “cruel” and “unfair” by a former All-Australian, as the Magpies count the cost of some critical injuries at a crucial point of the season.

AFLW

The ‘baffling’ reality for potential AFLW GOAT as top 50 players revealed

The AFLW Top 50 is here – ahead of the new season, we rank the competition’s best players. Is Collingwood’s Bri Davey unlucky? And what more does a star Roo have to do? See the full list.

AFL

AFLW top 50: Lauren Wood’s ultimate rankings

The level of talent in AFLW has never been higher. Ahead of the new season, LAUREN WOOD ranks the competition’s top-50 players — with a few notable omissions.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 4: Andrew McQualter, Interim Senior Coach of the Tigers addresses his players during the 2023 AFL Round 21 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on August 4, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Mini’ emerges as key contender for Eagles job

After just missing out on succeeding Damien Hardwick at Richmond, Andrew McQualter is back in the mix for a senior coaching role.

AFL

June 2023: the AFL continues to test microchip technology inside footballs. Tests are being conducted. A microchip is placed inside the Sherrin near the laces., Pictures: Supplied

AFLW players prepare to enter footy’s new tech frontier

An AFLW star says being pioneers of the league’s use of smart balls will be a “huge” step for women’s football as the AFL moves closer to confirming they will be used for the first time this season.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - July 23 , 2023. AFL . Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos celebrates a 2nd quarter goal during the round 19 match between St Kilda and North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on July 23, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Michael Klein.

Thomas splits with manager as Saints fans fume over pursuit

Tarryn Thomas’ meeting with St Kilda’s Graeme Allan has sparked an uproar online from Saints fans, expressing their disapproval at any links to the former Kangaroo.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/lauren-wood