Here to stay: Indigenous All Stars make passionate, proud statement
The Indigenous All Stars are back — and it would take a brave AFL executive to rule they won’t stay. See who starred on a spectacular night in Perth.
Match Centre
Caddy-Kako combo thrills as Dons’ SSP hopeful blitzes Dogs
Could Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako form the game’s next great tall-small forward partnership? Bombers fans will be dreaming big. ED BOURKE has match notes from the Dons-Dogs hitout.
Hok watch: Wait on Barrass, Frost plans, star’s concussion setback
Hawthorn fans will have to wait a little longer to see Tom Barrass run out in the brown and gold. Plus an update on Sam Frost and a star who will sit out the first practice match with concussion.
Track watch: Bolter firms for key role in revamped Pies defence
Collingwood’s defence is set for a shake up, with a new face looming as a key part of the club’s backline in 2025. Check out the latest track intel from CHRIS CAVANAGH.
Radio, farmers, fishermen: Where are all 86 2000 debutants now?
In 2000, 86 young – and some not so young – men graced an AFL field for the first time. 25 years on, where are they now? Find out where all 86 are in 2025.
Track watch: Young Roo justifying North’s draft gamble
Eyebrows were raised when North Melbourne paid a huge price to trade up for Matt Whitlock at the draft. But if his latest pre-season outing was any indication, it’s a gamble that is set to pay off. SEE FULL MATCH SIM NOTES.
Swans young gun busted trying to buy drugs
A young Swans midfielder will miss the start of the AFL season after being caught by police trying to buy illicit substances at a venue in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
AFLPA hits out at ‘name, shame and punish’ drugs system
The AFLPA has opposed a reported change to the AFL’s drugs testing system which it says would “name, shame and punish” players and reduce their anonymity.
SSP latest: Luckless Dee’s injury pain opens door for Culley
A former No.1 draft pick is at the front of the queue for a list spot at Melbourne after a forward sustained a long-term injured days out from the SSP deadline.
Every Eagle rated: You’d be ‘crazy’ to think this rising star will regress
Andrew McQualter has a sizeable task in his first year at West Coast. Will his players sink or swim? GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH have their say.
Revealed: VFL club open to Thomas meeting
A VFL club says it is open to meeting with former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas after the AFL paved the way for his return to state league football.
Riewoldts to Tassie? Saints set for more academy, father-son angst
One of Tasmanian football’s top AFL products has flagged a father-son loophole which could allow the league’s newest club to have priority access to the sons and daughters of players from the Apple Isle.
Kozzie’s hint on Dees future as Freo ups ante by signing cousin
Star Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has spoken following reports he texted Fremantle players he would be in Dockers colours next year. See the full transcript here.
Oliver sounds ominous warning with match sim blitz
Watch out AFL — Clayton Oliver is back. The Melbourne star took another big step toward returning to his best on Friday, blitzing an A vs B team match sim.
Jamarra takes positive steps toward AFL return in west
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has taken positive steps toward an early-season AFL return, stepping out for a training session with the Indigenous All-Stars in Perth.
Makeshift Tigers defence takes shape, bolter emerges
With players missing through suspension and injury to begin the year, Richmond will be forced to fill holes down back — and the mix is becoming clearer. Plus a round 1 bolter and more.
‘Love you, brother’: Joel Selwood’s heartfelt tribute to Troy
Friends, family and the football world have gathered on Friday morning to celebrate the life of Troy Selwood, who tragically died last week. And his brothers delivered an emotional eulogy.
Every Hawk rated: The ‘scary’ reason flag threat is real
Hawthorn came from the clouds last season – but is Hok Ball really here to stay? GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH run the rule over the list and rank every Hawk.
‘It’s a lot of crap’: Riewoldt slams ‘winless’ Richmond predictions
Jack Riewoldt is about to take on one of the leading roles in footy’s TV wars. And as he tells JON RALPH, he won’t be pulling any punches — whether it’s about his beloved Richmond or not.
Ralph: Footy’s ‘blood sport’ more ruthless than ever
There’s never been a worse year to be an AFL coach under pressure, writes JON RALPH, with the spectre of several modern greats looming large over the 2025 season.
Concern for Giants’ stars as Stringer impresses again
Jake Stringer looked incredibly strong in his biggest hitout for GWS to date, but two other Giants exited Friday’s match simulation early.
Crows finally land their man as Balme joins board
After multiple attempts over recent years to lure Neil Balme to South Australia, the Crows have finally succeeded. See all the off-field changes here.
‘I don’t blame them’: Breakout Cat has no regrets over Eagles snub
Lawson Humphries was right under West Coast’s nose — but went undrafted. But years on, the breakout Geelong defender says he holds no grudges and concedes he wasn’t ready for the big time.
Five midfielders who should be in your SuperCoach plans
The midfield is the engine room of our SuperCoach sides. If you don’t nail it, you risk falling behind. PATCH names the big guns and bargains you need to consider.
The steal of the century? 25 draft calls that will go down in history
Booms, bargains, busts and backflips. The past 25 years have been filled with draft decisions that have shaped the direction of clubs – in both directions. We rank the biggest calls of the century.
Bad Blues blood: Toll of Tuohy’s ‘stinging’ Bolton attack laid bare
Ex-Blue and Cat Zach Tuohy didn’t hold back in his book about former coach Brendon Bolton. Bolton may not have bit back, but that doesn’t mean Tuohy’s criticism didn’t impact him.
Every Crow rated: Is this list really ready for September?
The finals pressure is on Matthew Nicks and the Crows this year – but are they good enough? GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH run the rule over every player.
Tarryn Thomas pushing for mid-season draft after footy lifeline
After being dumped from the Kangaroos, Tarryn Thomas now has permission to begin a long road back to AFL football, following a string of complaints about his behaviour towards women.
Port’s Pandora’s box: Malthouse’s fear for Power succession plan
Coaching great Mick Malthouse, who went through a controversial succession plan at Collingwood, has questioned why Port Adelaide would announce its handover so close to round 1.
The coaching search that had alarm bells ringing in AFL world
Senior coaching gigs were once the most coveted job in footy, until something unusual occurred in 2024 that had alarm bells ringing at the AFL, which could prompt major change.
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