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Nick SmartSports reporter

Nick Smart is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun/News Corp Australia covering mainly AFL and the NRL. Born in Melbourne but raised in Queensland, Nick started on the copy desk at the Gold Coast Bulletin before winning a cadetship in the sports department. He joined the Herald Sun in Melbourne in 2013.

@NickSmart85

Nick Smart

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AFL

MELBOURNE, JULY 13, 2025: 2025 AFL Football - Round 18 - St Kilda V Sydney at Marvel Stadium. Tom McCartin of the Sydney Swans comes off with a possible concussion. Picture: Mark Stewart

Scrap the sub: Cox calls for rules overhaul after McCartin injury

When Tom McCartin came from the ground with concussion, Dean Cox was unable to replace him with a fit Aaron Francis who was subbed just minutes before. He wants the sub rule gone.

AFL

Nick Smart and Mark Robinson with Sam Landsberger. Source: Supplied

‘Huge heart’: The Sam Landsberger I knew and loved

They are the questions that will always haunt Nick Smart, the close mate of Sam Landsberger. He writes about the tragic day his great friend’s life ended and the many joyous moments they shared.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Lachlan Murphy of the Crows goes to ground after a heavy hit during the round 19 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 23, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Crows need finals miracle after MCG heartbreaker

Adelaide’s late charge fell agonisingly short against Melbourne, leaving the Crows’ finals dream hanging by a thread. But Matthew Nicks isn’t giving up on the top eight.

UPDATEDAFL News

AFL 2023: Carlton's big win over West Coast

Blues sweat on star’s health after historic crushing of Eagles

Charlie Curnow dominated at Marvel Stadium, but a huge injury blow may have stolen the spotlight as all eyes turn to the health of Carlton’s stars for Friday’s blockbuster against the Pies.

AFL

MELBOURNE. 20/05/2023. AFL. Round 10. Dreamtime at the G. Essendon vs Richmond at the MCG. Brad Scott, senior coach of the Bombers . Pic: Michael Klein

Walking the walk: The Brad Scott promise that’s come true

Brad Scott told Essendon he was a developer of talent in 2022, seventeen rounds into his tenure, Scott has walked the walked, developing the Bombers into a serious finals side.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jayden Laverde of the Bombers and Jake Melksham of the Demons during the 2023 AFL Round 05 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Bombers suffer massive blow to promising start to 2023

The Bombers have received a big hit to their defensive stocks in the wake of their loss to Collingwood, with a key defender ruled out for at least two months with injury.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Oskar Baker of the Bulldogs celebrates winning the round four AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 08, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Dogs hang on in blockbuster thriller

The Dogs have held off a surging Richmond side to end up on top in a thrilling contest at the MCG.

AFL News

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the round 03 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Geelong Cats at Heritage Bank Stadium, on April 02, 2023, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Scott reveals how Cats recover from putrid 47-year record

Geelong coach Chris Scott has spoken about the necessary steps the reigning premiers must take as they come to terms with being in uncharted territory — winless and last on the ladder.

AFL

‘Deserved better’: Rutten’s teary final message as coach

Ben Rutten was reduced to tears in the rooms after Saturday night’s loss. Here’s what he had to say.

ExclusiveAFL

Clubs sweat but Clarko won’t be rushed on coaching call

North Melbourne and Essendon are holding their collective breaths waiting to hear if Alastair Clarkson picks them, but the decision won’t come until at least the weekend.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/nick-smart