Our Journalists

Mark RobinsonChief Football Writer

Mark Robinson is News Corp’s and CODE Sports chief football writer. He has covered AFL in Melbourne for the Herald Sun for 25 years. Robbo is an award-winning journalist and an institution in Melbourne with his hard-hitting columns, analysis and news breaking in the AFL space. He has reported on coaches coming and going and players reaching the greatest heights. He is also a founding co-host of Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

@Robbo_heraldsun

Mark Robinson

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Sport

Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw at the SCA Sunset Sessions in South Melbourne on Thursday, March 5, 2020.Picture: SCA/SUPPLIED

Robbo: Boy oh boy, Darcy got it right, but JB less so

James Brayshaw and Luke Darcy cut very different figures behind the microphone over the weekend. MARK ROBINSON unpacks how commentators navigate personal relationships on air.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Andrew McGrath of the Bombers in action during the 2024 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Tackle: Don’s doubters can jump in the lake

Hugh McCluggage could command $1.3 million a season as a free agent. But what about the quiet achiever taken at pick 1 in the same draft? Mark Robinson has a message for Andy McGrath’s critics.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the round six AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium, on April 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Bold plan for Roos to take over Melbourne’s north

The bold plan that could give North Melbourne access to hundreds of NGA players, thousands of fans, a new training facility and more. MARK ROBINSON chats with Eddie McGuire to break it down.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 5: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos during the round four AFL match between Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Norwood Oval, on April 5, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Robbo: Even the coaching greats aren’t miracle workers

There’s a lack of magic at North Melbourne, and Alastair Clarkson is no miracle worker. MARK ROBINSON looks at the plight of great coaches who failed to lift the battlers.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Jamie Elliott of the Magpies and Mason Redman of the Bombers shake hands after the game ends in a draw during the 2024 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Robbo: What extra time crusaders have wrong about footy

Both the Pies and Bombers thrilled on Anzac Day, but both made plenty of mistakes and showed plenty of grit to not give up, which is why a draw was so fitting, writes MARK ROBINSON.

ExclusiveAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jobe Watson of the Bombers poses with the Brownlow Medal during the 2012 Brownlow Medal at Crown Palladium on September 24, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Ex-Bomber wants ‘shameful’ Watson Brownlow call overturned

One of Jobe Watson’s former teammates has urged the AFL to reinstate the ex-Bombers captain’s Brownlow Medal and launched a scathing attack on the investigation into Essendon’s infamous supplements program.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Marc Pittonet of the Blues runs with the ball during the round six AFL match between Carlton Blues and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium, on April 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

TACKLE: Big Blue needed to dominate clearance battles

The Blues have gone back to two ruckmen, and their clearance game has been well rewarded. MARK ROBINSON writes, it’s something they have to continue with in THE TACKLE.

AFL

JULY 2, 2004 : Saverio Rocca kicking a goal during Essendon v North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL game at Telstra Dome in Melbourne, 02/07/04. Pic Kelly Barnes.Australian Rules A/CT

Robbo: The two goalkicking guns missing from Hall of Fame

Of the top 30 goalkickers in VFL/AFL history, only two players eligible for selection are missing from the Australian Football Hall of Fame. MARK ROBINSON looks at both their cases for inclusion.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Bailey Dale of the Bulldogs in action during the 2024 AFL Round 04 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on April 06, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Which Dogs Bevo sees as priorities to keep at the kennel

The Bulldogs have splashed cash on long-term contracts in the past two years, but MARK ROBINSON looks at which ones may be torn up and who Luke Beveridge wants to focus on instead.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. April 11, 2024. AFL . Round 5 . Melbourne vs Brisbane at the MCG. Brisbanes Charlie Cameron celebrates a 4th qtr goal . Pic: Michael Klein

Robbo: AFL and tribunal lets footy down with ‘good bloke’ defence

The Brisbane Lions’ defence of Charlie Cameron makes a mockery of the tribunal process, MARK ROBINSON writes of its “most mind-boggling decision” this year.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/mark-robinson/page/12