Team of the Century: The GOAT leads AFL’s best of past 25 years
It’s been 25 full seasons of the AFL since the turn of the century – so who makes the cut in the best 23? Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane took on the almost-impossible task of deciding.
AFL
Breakout Bulldog? Young gun steps up to fill Treloar void
Just days after Adam Treloar’s injury, a young gun at the Dogs has staked his claim for a spot in their midfield, as Luke Beveridge waits on scans that could cause another selection headache.
Cripps robbed? No Hird? McLeod lucky? Century old debate rages
Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane have named their AFL team of the century so far – and debate is already raging. What do you think? Have your say on eight of the most contentious issues.
‘Still see him every day’: Neal-Bullen on Goodwin connection
Alex Neal-Bullen might now be a ‘fully fledged Adelaide Crow’, but he still shares a special connection with his former coach. The new recruit opens up on the trade away from the Dees.
Dons track watch: Opening Round hints, ruck roles, Tsatas stars
The Bombers took to the track on Saturday for some match simulation, revealing plenty of hints as to how they might shape up for Opening Round against the Suns. More here.
Training news: Injuries wipe out top SuperCoach picks
Pre-season is ramping up. Stay on top of the latest SuperCoach news here – who’s hurt, who’s flying and which rookies are pushing for a round 1 spot.
Pre-season intel: Who’s training the house down at your club
Pre-season matches begin this month, which means players are stepping it up a notch on the track. Who are the ones impressing at your club? Get all intel from across the league here.
$300k offers, private plane? World of local footy recruiting uncovered
Local footy recruiting is big business with eye-watering packages being offered around the leagues. DAN BATTEN goes deep inside club land to discover how the mega-deals take place.
Rookie Bible: Lock of the century among 17 cheapies added
With practice matches just around the corner and match sim in full swing, the rookie-price picture in SuperCoach is becoming clearer. Get all the intel on every cheapie to consider in 2025.
Editor's Picks
Predicted teams: Every club’s best 23 for 2025
Pre-season is back in full swing and practice matches are just around the corner. So, how is your club’s side shaping up for 2025? Our experts predict the best 23 for every team.
McGuane: Lowly Blues backline has more questions than answers
The backline has to be in order to contend for a premiership. Aside from Jacob Weitering, what else do the Blues have, asks Mick McGuane. See where your club ranks down back.
Every AFL midfield ranked: Who’s gonna step up and help Nick?
We know who runs the midfield at the Pies now, but who’s gonna step up and help Nick Daicos in 2025? The options seem limited. Mick McGuane rates every midfield group from best to worst.
Chief football writer Mark Robinson calls time on legendary career
After more than four decades in journalism, Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson is calling time on his legendary career, fulfilling his passion covering footy.
SACKED: AFL
Some of the biggest names in AFL reveal the true stories of how they discovered their days were numbered and when the guillotine dropped.
The SuperCoach AFL Podcast
In this podcast, listen to AFL SuperCoach advice from our panel of experts every week to ensure you’re always ahead of the game.
The Herald Sun Footy Podcast
Join the Herald Sun’s Lauren Wood and the team as they talk through the big news of the week, and what’s set for the weekend of footy.
SuperCoach Plus: The secret weapon for fantasy AFL and NRL
Ready to up your game? Unlock the full potential of SuperCoach Plus and make this fantasy season your best yet.
Breakout contenders: The kids to give you big SuperCoach jump
Injury has dashed The Phantom’s breakout hopes for two SuperCoach young guns – but he’s added another big contender who could outdo them all. These are the names to watch in 2025.
Uncovered: The stats that make a premium SuperCoach scorer
Lift the lid on how players score points in SuperCoach AFL – and how you can use that intel to pick a world-beating side in 2025.
SuperCoach Draft: Consensus rankings in every position
The ultimate resource for planning your SuperCoach Draft – and making all the big pre-season calls – is here. Check out our experts’ January rankings.
Suns’ tipping point: What needs to happen to keep Rowell from Cats
Geelong is yet again in pursuit of a star rival midfielder, this time it being Matt Rowell. But is it actually possible? Callum Dick examines the possibility of Rowell in the blue and white hoops.
The unsigned AFL stars Crows and Power must chase in 2025
Both South Australian clubs have been aggressive in adding to their lists across the past few years, so why should that stop in 2025? Simeon Thomas-Wilson highlights the names to watch.
AFLW deadline day: Harris’ cloudy future after Hawks deal collapses
After two weeks of negotiation, Tayla Harris’ future remains in doubt after the Hawks and Demons could not agree to a deal for the star forward. Recap AFLW trade deadline day here.
Trade latest: Premiership defender requests trade to Hawthorn
With the AFLW trade period about to officially open, and the first fully national draft around the corner, clubs are in deep discussion about how to improve their lists. Here’s the latest.
Seventh heaven: Shelley, McDonald among latest Cats signings
Geelong has further cemented its list for the 2025 AFLW season, signing up to seven players on one-year deals. See who is sticking around.
‘Lit something in me’: The spark that inspired Shaw’s coaching return
Incoming Gold Coast Suns AFLW coach Rhyce Shaw has revealed what inspired his senior coaching comeback four years after parting ways with North Melbourne.
AFL history as Rhyce Shaw’s return to senior coaching revealed
Rhyce Shaw is back coaching in the AFL, but it will be a new role for the former Kangaroos senior coach, as he makes some history with his newest gig.
Dare to dream? Daisy’s training cameo sets tongues wagging
West Coast coach and AFLW legend Daisy Pearce has popped up at a WAFLW training session in Perth, leading one coach to declare “it would be fantastic to have someone of her stature playing in the competition.”
Building brands: How AFL stars are capitalising on fame
Whether it’s a podcast, cooking up a storm or slinging drinks, these AFL stars are making a splash off the field. It’s the new generation – and it’s only the beginning.
The blow that puts pressure on Bevo and his big dilemma
The Western Bulldogs have been dealt another pre-season blow, with star midfielder Adam Treloar ruled out for an extended period. With Jack Macrae gone, who steps up in his absence?
Freo track watch: Pearce injures ankle, All Stars hopes in air
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce was forced off the park on Saturday, with the Indigenous All Stars match just two weeks away. ELIZA REILLY has details and more in track watch.
‘Hope he is at peace’: Cats, draft great farewelled after tragic death
Revered football figure Mick Turner has been remembered by plenty of big names he touched at an emotional funeral service, where his five decades in footy and ‘nightmare’ cancer battle were detailed.
Watch: Tigers star stumbles off the track after heavy hit
Richmond fans look away now! Star forward Tom Lynch has stumbled off the track during match sim on Friday – and he wasn’t happy. See the vision and get the latest intel.
1-18: Mick McGuane’s forward rankings will ‘ruffle a few feathers’
The superstars up forward can make or break your season. Who’s got the best crop of goalkickers in the AFL? Mick McGuane dissects where your club is at and ranks every forward line.
‘Positions up for grabs’: Leake keen for Giant start as Devils loom
GWS are looking towards the next generation and Tasmanian James Leake is eager to break into the side. Plus the young Giant touches on his future — with the Devils entering the AFL in 2028.
Harley breaks down as Eagles go best v rest in match sim
In a concern for West Coast, young gun Harley Reid failed to complete match simulation on Friday – a session that revealed more about Andrew McQualter’s possible round 1 side.
Blue bolter? Unknown young gun turning heads at pre-season
The Blues are in no rush to decide on their final list spots for the upcoming season, but one VFL livewire is doing all he can at pre-season to get himself on the list.
Key Saint set for surgery as injury crisis deepens
A few days after losing key men Rowan Marshall and Mattaes Phillipou, St Kilda has confirmed its already-stretched key position stocks will take another hit. So, what’s next?
Track watch: Port gives glimpse into Lukosius plans
Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius has long been adamant he is best used as a forward – but, as we learnt on Friday, Ken Hinkley might have other ideas. Get all the latest match sim intel.
All Stars clash injury fears allayed as AFL makes call on Pickett ban
High performance guru Darren Burgess has promised clubs their stars will be looked after in the Indigenous All Stars clash, while the AFL has decided if Kozzie Pickett can play despite being suspended.
Why Allen needs Eagles more than they need him amid Lions links
It’s a strange statement to attach to the co-captain of a bottom-four club, but Oscar Allen needs the struggling Eagles more than they need him, writes ELIZA REILLY.
Kouta’s call on Blues’ presidency amid links to former AFL boss
After a failed tilt to become Lord Mayor of Melbourne, could Kouta’s next role be back at the club that made him famous? The running for the top job at the Blues is starting to become clearer.
Dogs make early-season Jamarra concession
The Western Bulldogs are ‘really hopeful’ star forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will have an impact this year – but, as interim footy boss Sam Power explains, that isn’t the club’s focus right now.
A Brownlow in England: Bizarre tale of medals headed to auction
A random email from the UK that was initially ignored has led to a rare auction that could let someone into footy’s most prestigious and exclusive club.
Next steps for Richmond’s ‘ACL quintet’ revealed
Richmond were decimated by injury in 2024, particularly knee complaints. Now, Richmond’s “ACL quintet” are taking the next step in their road back to the top level.
Round 1 lock? Verdict on every new face at Crows, Power
It was a big off-season for both South Australian clubs. But a few months on, which new faces have really made their mark? Get the intel and verdict on every draftee and recruit.
Port young gun eyes big 2025 after ‘frustrating’ injury run
Josh Sinn has spent lots of time sidelined but is now enjoying his first full pre-season. The youngster sheds light on his frustrating start in the AFL and how he has turned his body around.
‘Worried I’d never return to normal’: My battle with concussion
Just days after her third concussion, award-winning journalist Eliza Reilly fainted in front of Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir. Six months on, she tells her life-changing, emotional battle with her brain.
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