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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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AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUG 03: The Swans after their loss during the 2024 AFL Round 21 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval on August 03, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

How Swans fell from premiership favouritism

Sydney’s drop off has been dramatic, going from a 13-1 team and looking unstoppable, to winning just one of its past six games. MATTHEW FORREST unpacks what’s gone wrong.

AFL News

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - June 30: Sid Draper of South Australia and Adrian Cole of Victoria Metro during the 2024 Marsh AFL Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval on June 30, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Revealed: Full list of AFL Draft Combine invites

The AFL’s top draft prospects will get the chance to test for AFL clubs when the national combine is held in October. See every player invited to both the full and state combines here.

AFL

Sydney's Lewis Melican and Carlton's Charlie Curnow during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round match between the Sydney Swans and Carlton Blues at the SCG on May 17, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

SCG, Gabba final? Every possible scenario for Carlton’s run home

If Carlton wins every game during its run home, a qualifying final at the MCG is guaranteed. But from there, its path to a premiership gets murky. MATT FORREST breaks down every possible scenario.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: The Magpies look dejected following the round 19 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Is there a pulse? How Collingwood can still play finals

The Magpies’ 66-point loss to the Hawks put a huge dent in their September hopes, but they’re not dead yet. See who Collingwood need to barrack against and how they can still make the eight.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - June 30: Isaac Kako of Victoria Metro during the 2024 Marsh AFL Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval on June 30, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Full ranking points: Kako driving up draft bidding price

Isaac Kako has reminded Essendon fans how grateful they should be that NGA access has been restored with the second-highest rated Coates Talent League game on the weekend. See the full list.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Jai Newcombe of the Hawks runs with the ball during the round 19 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on July 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The clubs who can spoil Hawks’ finals party

Hawthorn is on track for an miracle finals berth. However, MATTHEW FORREST writes that three clubs have the chance to spoil the party for the Hawks.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Sam Draper of the Bombers looks dejected after losing the round 18 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on July 13, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The three-week stretch that will define Essendon’s season

Two months ago, finals seemed an obvious destination for the Bombers, now they’re back in the pack. So what are the best and worst-case scenarios, and what is most likely to happen?

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Josh Smillie of Victoria Metro in action during the Marsh AFL National Championships match between U18 Boys Western Australia and Victoria Metro at Optus Stadium on June 23, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Change at the top? No.1 pick fancy snubbed after U18 carnival

The race to be this year’s No.1 draft pick has taken an unexpected turn with Josh Smillie snubbed from the Under-18 All-Australian team. Plus, see full stats for every player selected.

AFL

MELBOURNE - July 2 : AFL. Sam Butler of the Hawks kicks at goal whilst being tackled by Sam Docherty of the Blues during the round 16 AFL match between Hawthorn and Carlton at the MCG on July 1, 2023. Photo by Michael Klein.

Butler reveals gruesome details of leg break

Hawthorn forward Sam Butler has revealed the gruesome details behind his broken leg and how he’s been finding his feet during his rehabilitation.

AFL

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Josh Battle of the Saints attempts to mark the ball during the round nine AFL match between match between Hawthorn Hawks and St Kilda Saints at University of Tasmania Stadium, on May 11, 2024, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Mitchell makes no apologies for aggressive free agency approach

Hawthorn will reportedly offer St Kilda’s Josh Battle a massive six year deal, but coach Sam Mitchell won’t apologise for the Hawks’ aggressive approach when it comes to free agents.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/matthew-forrest/page/4