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Michael Warner is an award-winning investigative journalist with Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper, and also CODE Sports, and author of the best-selling book, The Boys’ Club, the inside story behind the power and politics of the Australian Football League. In 2022, he won the Walkley Award for sports reporting, the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill and was named the Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year.

Michael Warner

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AFL

Hawthorn FC holding the 2022 Peter Crimmins Medal at Crown Casino. Club President Jeff Kennett addresses the crowd. Picture: Ian Currie

Kennett fires back as Hawthorn saga goes nuclear

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has urged the club not to give in to what he sees as a ‘one-sided public blackmail campaign’.

AFL

WARNING WARNING CONTACT HERAL SUN BEFORE USE WARNING WARNING MELBOURNE. 19/05/2022.. Sherrin football which will be used in all games over the Sir Doug Nicholls rounds designed by Auntie Jennifer Louise (Lulu) Coombes . Photo by Michael Klein

‘Voices are being silenced’: Ex-Hawk, wife threaten legal action

A former Hawthorn player and his wife are threatening legal action against the club, saying they feel “abandoned” in the aftermath of the racism scandal. Read the full statement.

AFL

Former Port Adelaide and Richmond player Jay Schulz., Picture: Sarah Rhodes

Ex-Power star joins concussion class action against AFL

Another former AFL star has joined the concussion class action lodged against the AFL and multiple clubs as a lead plaintiff, saying he suffered up to 40 concussions throughout his career.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Melbourne Football Club CEO Peter Jackson (L) and Chairman Glen Bartlett are seen making a special announcement in the Melbourne Football Club boardroom at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 4, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The club will sell off its gaming venues and no longer rely on income generated from gambling. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Why did senior journo caution Dees president?

Court documents have revealed the alleged threats made against former Melbourne president by a senior football journalist which related to a withdrawn invitation.

AFL

PHOTOGRAPHERS CHOICE BEST OF 2021 HERALD SUN 2021 PERTH. 25/09/2021. AFL Grand Final. Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium, Perth. . An emotional Simon Goodwin, senior coach of the Demons hugs president Kate Roffey after game . Photo by Michael Klein

‘Go harder’: Dees president urged action on Goodwin behaviour

Secret court documents claim Kate Roffey urged former Demons president Glen Bartlett to “go harder” against coach Simon Goodwin as the club dealt with “behavioural issues”.

ExclusivePolice & Courts

Launch of the Dreamtime match at MCG between Richmond and Essendon. First gamer Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls with richmond great Phil Egan who is also his mentor and Andrew Krakouer

Hawks racism report author arrested by fraud cops

Financial Crime Squad detectives have arrested former Richmond player and author of the explosive Hawthorn racism report, Phil Egan.

InteractiveAFL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Daisy Pearce of the Demons celebrates victory during the AFLW Grand Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at Brighton Homes Arena on November 27, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Footy’s most powerful players revealed

Which footballers have the greatest influence when it comes to off-field matters? We reveal all in our rankings of the AFL’s most influential figures. HAVE YOUR SAY.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 01: The Charles Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal on display during the AFL Premiership Cup handover on September 1, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Brownlow betting ban: Drastic move after vote scandal

Suspicious betting activity on controversial game-by-game markets are at the heart of a Brownlow integrity investivation with significant changes being tabled for future awards.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Gillon McLachlan, AFL Chief Executive Officer talks to the media during an AFL media opportunity to announce a partnership with Asahi Beverages Group on December 15, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Clubs searching for answers as race to fill Gill’s seat heats up

The race to replace Gillon McLachlan is heating up with candidates having their second interviews this week, and clubs are hoping the AFL will name their new CEO in the next month.

AFL

Collingwood Football club president and media commentator Eddie McGuire addresses the media at the offices of Triple M radio in Melbourne, Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Eddie McGuire has apologised after making an on-air radio gaffe on station Triple M when he suggested Sydney Swans aboriginal football player Adam Goodes should be used to promote the musical King Kong. (AAP Image/David Crosling) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Was Eddie duped by ‘actress’ Essendon mother?

A distraught Bombers mother was put to air by Eddie McGuire after calling the station anonymously. And James Hird father is scepticle about its legitimacy.

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