As Hawthorn eyes a spot in this year’s preliminary final, MARK ROBINSON examines what it takes to become a juggernaut and whether the Hawks have the traits to emulate Sydney and Geelong’s sustained success.
When asked in the pre-season who could challenge for the Hawks’ B&F, coach Sam Mitchell suggested some young guns – but also a 26-year-old swingman who’s now looking every bit a world-beater.
It’s difficult keeping up with Hok Ball because the moments seem to get bigger, louder and more outrageous, writes MARK ROBINSON. But behind the noise is a serious group of kids.
It was Port Adelaide’s biggest game of the year, and they choked, writes Mark Robinson. And with either the Bulldogs or Hawks waiting, it’s going to be a long week for Ken Hinkley.
Fans want to be proud of their teams, not ashamed of them. But, once again, Essendon fans are demanding answers to the same damning questions they have for years. MARK ROBINSON names his likes and dislikes in The Tackle.
Somehow, according to some media members, Dustin Martin’s future is a “circus,” yet the Tigers say he owes them nothing. Of course he doesn’t after turning them from a joke to a juggernaut, writes Mark Robinson.
Andrew Dillon’s Brave New World is here, and it’s not just about the heavy cloud of future litigation, it’s also about the pain of concussed former players and their families, writes Mark Robinson.
Adam Simpson became the latest in a long line of AFL coaches to be sacked. MARK ROBINSON takes you inside the ruthless boardroom calls, the stress on coaches under the blowtorch and what it’s like when the axe finally falls.
Early in the season, there were calls for Luke Beveridge to lose his job. Fast forward three months, and while the Dogs are no less erratic, to Bevo’s credit they somehow have themselves in front of the ledger and racing to finals.
The AFL’s new tackling crackdown continues to cause confusion with a pair of Cats premiership skippers disagreeing on an interpretation of a ‘chicken wing’ tackle on Sunday at the MCG.
It’s the time of year some coaches start making peace with their football mortality. Adam Simpson is already doing so, writes MARK ROBINSON, but who else is feeling the heat?
Demon Jacob Van Rooyen is playing like a young David ‘Ox’ Schwarz. The man himself doesn’t like the comparison but does like what he sees writes MARK ROBINSON.
Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins have enjoyed unrivalled careers – for different reasons. Now, both are facing similar questions. MARK ROBINSON looks at what’s true, what isn’t and what could be next.
John Longmire would be the front runner if coach of the year was awarded today. Justin Longmuir and Chris Scott are also contenders, but MARK ROBINSON writes that none of them have come from the clouds like Sam Mitchell.
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