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Matthew Forrest is the AFL Chief of Staff for News Corp’s national sports team. He has worked at News Corp since 2021 in a variety of sports journalism roles including at the Mackay Daily Mercury and the Geelong Advertiser. Previously, Matthew was the Chief Football Writer at the Geelong Advertiser until 2024, when he started in his current role.

@mattforrest29

Matthew Forrest

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Trade HQ

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Matthew Owies of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal with Zac Williams of the Blues during the round 15 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Revealed: Staggering asking price leaves Blue out in cold

The huge price Carlton forward Matt Owies has put on his head can be revealed as rival clubs baulk at his contract demands. Recap all the action from day 2 of the trade period here.

Lions

Lions’ huge concession as Daniher edges toward retirement

Brisbane Lions have publicly conceded Joe Daniher has likely played his last game at AFL level as they brace the fallout to have a drastic impact on their draft and trade strategy.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Sam Mitchell, Senior Coach of the Hawks during the national anthem during the 2024 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on September 13, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

How Hokball took AFL by storm, but became Hawthorn’s undoing

The Hawks turned their year around with a thrilling style of play, but ultimately they couldn’t get it done in a semi final. MATTHEW FORREST reviews their season and looks ahead.

AFL News

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. September 4 , 2024. AFL Elimination final. Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn at the MCG. Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli reacts after his shot at goal was touched 4th qtr . Pic: Michael Klein

Another wasted year? Dogs leave Bevo facing blowtorch

The coach is under pressure. Stars want out. And another season which promised so much ended with disappointment. How do the Bulldogs finally turn talent into success in 2025?

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. June 1, 2024. AFL Round 12. Hawthorn vs Adelaide at the MCG . Jack Scrimshaw of the Hawks punches the ball away from Darcy Fogarty of the Crows during the 1st qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

The defensive disaster that helped make Hokball

Losing defensive pillar James Blanck on the eve of the season was supposed to be a disaster for Hawthorn. Instead, Sam Mitchell used it to kickstart the phenomenon known as Hokball. Here’s how.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - July 29, 2023. AFL . Bulldog Bailey Smith after kicking a 1st qtr goal during the round 20 match between Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants at the Mars Stadiumon July 29, 2023, in Ballarat, Australia. Photo by Michael Klein.

Snubbed: Which stars missed our 40 under 24 ultimate rankings?

Nick Daicos is the AFL’s brightest young star, but with a great deal to choose from, some young guns were left off our expert list. Have your say on our ultimate top 40 under 24 list.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Dustin Martin of the Tigers reacts to an umpire decision during the round eight AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 07, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Where to now? Brutal reality sets in for Yze, Tigers

Dustin Martin gone. Daniel Rioli on the way out. And a host of other stars who could join them. Adem Yze is set to face one of footy’s greatest rebuilds as Richmond’s grand era comes to an abrupt end.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Jack Sinclair of the Saints bumps Matthew Owies of the Blues during the round 24 AFL match between Carlton Blues and St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium, on August 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

AFL tribunal: Blue banned for final, Pickett’s marathon hearing

A pair of marathon tribunal hearings stretched into Wednesday morning but even a last-ditch effort from Carlton couldn’t save Matt Owies’ finals hopes. JOSH BARNES has the details.

AFL

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. May 4, 2024. AFL Round 8. . Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium. Lloyd Meek of the Hawks and Bulldog Tim English battle in the ruck . Pic: Michael Klein

Finals week one: The form guide for every club

After 24 rounds, 18 has become eight as the AFL finals are locked in. MATTHEW FORREST runs the ruler across each side and how they’re travelling heading into September action.

Your sayAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Josh Battle of the Saints in action during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Gold Coast SUNS at Marvel Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fans put heat on key trade names as big questions surface

We named Darcy Moore as the player facing the most heat in footy. But the Readers’ Top 40 is far different, with the pressure being put on for other reasons. See the names, have your say.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/matthew-forrest/page/2