Early Tackle: Change the channel — the boring Bombers are on TV
Footy fans would have been reaching for the remote during another lacklustre Essendon prime-time match. The bad news is, there’s more to come. See round 11’s early likes and dislikes.
Match Centre
‘Bruise-free’ Blues let Greene run their season into the ground
The game was in Carlton’s grasp a number of times at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon – but the Blues, again, failed to make it count. Is that season over?
Scott defends Smith after ‘nose beers’ post
Bailey Smith took to social media after Geelong’s win over the Bulldogs, referencing illicit drug use. But Chris Scott has stood behind his star man.
Life of Chom: Vinyl, books, bushwalks and the ‘200 Plus’ club
He loves vinyl, books and bushwalks. Charlie Comben isn’t your average AFL player — and that’s the way the North Melbourne defender likes it. He reveals his top-three live gigs and more.
Record mid-season draft haul could save Essendon’s year
The Bombers’ key position stars are dropping like flies, but with the mid-season draft around the corner some much needed reinforcements will arrive. See who could don the red and black.
Nick off: Tagging Daicos might do more harm than good
It might cost Nick Daicos a Brownlow Medal — but win him another premiership. This is how Collingwood has turned teams targeting its superstar into a weapon of its own.
‘Probably thinks AFL is bloody easy’: Inside Don’s dream debut
They call him ‘Young Redman’. Find out more about the origins and journey of the Bombers’ newest cult hero from his former housemate ‘Old Redman’ and watch his post-game interview here.
Forgotten stars excite in return as draft hopefuls make final audition
Geelong could be bolstered in the coming weeks after two ageing stars made encouraging returns in the VFL. Plus, several mid-season draft prospects had their last chance to press their claims.
Toby 250: From ‘unassuming’ Charger to Giants legend
On the cusp of his 250th AFL appearance, we examine the surprising origins of Toby Greene’s career and the qualities that transformed him from an overlooked recruit into one of the AFL’s most formidable leaders.
Cornes v Bevo: How footy’s biggest tinderbox erupted
It was the fiery exchange between two men who – for their own reasons – were not going to back down. Jay Clark goes inside the feud between Luke Beveridge and Kane Cornes.
Crows pic bombshell: Photo scandal rocks club
The Adelaide Football Club has condemned the actions of one of its footballers after the player allegedly shared an image of a woman without permission.
Savage injury blows sour Dons’ Dreamtime canter
Essendon suffered two key injury blows as the club’s tall stocks took another huge hit on a night where the Bombers surged into the top eight with a Dreamtime victory over Richmond.
Tassie at risk of folding as sliding doors moment looms
The Tassie Devils’ 2028 AFL dream is at risk of teetering over the edge as CEO Brendon Gale concedes his growing team could be “out of a job”.
Now or never? Blues’ flag window hits month of reckoning
Carlton have the softest draw imaginable after finishing in the top eight last year. Jay Clark writes, the Blues are in danger of becoming the biggest disappointment in the game.
Cornes reveals what Bevo said in frosty pre-game exchange
Kane Cornes and Luke Beveridge had a “combative” pre-game run in on Thursday night. See what was said between the pair here.
Inheriting a rebuild? The big list issues set to confront Carr
The word rebuild is banned at Port Adelaide. Yet when Josh Carr starts as senior coach, it could be his reality. We examine the list problems the coach-in-waiting will face when he takes over.
There are two Goyder exit options – but only one he deserves
After two decades of blatantly compromised integrity probes, jobs for the boys and a lack of accountability, the AFL’s administration finally appears headed for change – and these are the men being urged to take over.
The ‘ridiculous’ Sicily call that must be ignored
James Sicily’s form has been on the radar for a few weeks now, but Nathan Buckley isn’t concerned as he shuts down talk of a big move.
Rioli’s road to redemption inspired by dad’s last words
Willie Rioli has opened up on how his famous father’s last words have helped inspire him to achieve a football milestone he deemed “impossible” during a chequered AFL career.
The magical May night that belongs in September
Thursday night had it all – including shades of the greatest home-and-away clash in history. And, like that day in 2009, this one could lead to a grand final rematch, too.
Baz v Bulldogs: Smith’s stunning reveal after grudge match
A blistering Bailey Smith performance lifted the Cats over his old side the Bulldogs. But the Brownlow Medal contender made a stunning admission after not training for most of the week.
The overlooked, discarded forward that became Freo’s new cult hero
Dockers fans were calling for Pat Voss to be axed costing the club a win against Sydney. And the 21-year-old feared a third AFL club was about to give up on him before becoming a cult hero.
BIG questions ‘exposed’ Dons must answer tonight
The Bombers must make Richmond feel the brunt of their response to a deplorable performance against the Bulldogs, writes Mick McGuane. And it starts right at the coalface.
Cats survive epic shootout — but were the Dogs robbed?
The Bulldogs clawed their way back into the showdown with Bailey Smith, before the Cats did just enough in a classic. But should Dogs fans feel aggrieved by the umpires?
The Daniher effect: Question no Essendon fan wants to ask
Zach Merrett is going to be remembered as one of Essendon’s greatest players of the modern era. But as Garry Lyon writes, it would be “entirely reasonable” if he wanted to finish his AFL career elsewhere.
‘Finish what he started:’ Former Eagles to run in honour of Adam
A group of former West Coast Eagles players and staff have pledged to finish what Adam Selwood started and complete Sunday’s HBF Run For a Reason half-marathon in his honour.
Wallsy’s final five-minute warning was his finest
Robert Walls went out on his own terms, including specific instructions for those attending his funeral. Glenn McFarlane was among the family, friends and football royalty who paid tribute to his life and legacy.
Booms, busts and bolters: Best and worst of the mid-season draft
The mid-season draft has helped more than 100 players become AFL footballers since it was reintroduced in 2019. Many have come and gone, others have gone on to become household names.
Waiting game looms as Pies greats push for career extensions
The Pies’ collection of plus-30 premiership stars will have to bide their time if they want new deals for 2026. Plus, Jon Ralph has the latest on a key Crow’s future and Jeremy McGovern.
Teams: Dees star returns, Ross swings axe after Saints shocker
Jake Lever will play his first game in more than two months for Melbourne, while Ross Lyon has taken no prisoners after St Kilda’s shocker in the west. SEE FULL ROUND 11 TEAMS
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