Sport

AFL

Analysis

AFL 2025

Three key performances from Pies’ win and is there a new top midfield combo in the AFL? Key takeouts from round five

Also in this week’s edition of key takeouts, what to make of the Blues after their first win of the season, and the fixture the AFL should run back next season.

by Jon Pierik

AFL Briefing

AFL 2025

‘Deep-seated pain and sadness’: Power explain Rioli’s social media post targeting Hawks

2 hours ago
by Sam McClure and Peter Ryan

Airing his frustration: Melbourne president Brad Green has called on the Demons to get busy against Fremantle on Saturday.

AFL 2025

‘Not the standard we expect’: Dees president backs coach, players despite horror start

by Jon Pierik

Four Points

AFL 2025

‘It’s pathetic, really’: Ex-Tiger shattered after record-breaking loss

by Peter Ryan

James Sicily leads a dejected-looking Hawthorn from the field at Adelaide Oval.

Analysis

AFL 2025

Hawks flop, then fight back, then lose in Port’s last laughing matter

by Jake Niall

Insight & Analysis

‘It cost me a house’: St Kilda’s 1966 hero explains why he couldn’t forgive club powerbrokers

Both the AFL and St Kilda refused to publicly discuss the club’s settlement with 38 players and officials. In fact, they did not want this story to become public at all.

Caroline Wilson

Football columnist for The Age

‘I struggled to understand what balance meant’: What Martin’s evolution means for a new Essendon

Nic Martin is an excellent player, but it’s his outlook on the game that gives Bombers fans such hope that their club is finally on the right track.

Peter Ryan

Sports reporter

The sausage, not the sizzle: How ex-tradie Newcombe is building something real with the Hawks

These “Hollywood Hawks” paint more than just a pretty footy picture. They’ve got real substance, and leading the way is a former apprentice carpenter from Poowong in South Gippsland.

Jake Niall

Chief football writer, The Age

Latest in AFL

Xavier Duursma and Ben McKay lean on each other

AFL 2025

‘You do hear it’: Ben McKay responds to the critics and Bronx cheers from Bombers fans

The 202-centimetre man mountain was crucial in the win over Melbourne. He praised Essendon’s support in helping him deal with criticism, and spoke of his love for twin brother Harry.

by Peter Ryan

AFL 2025

Power fans get the last laugh as Hawthorn’s epic comeback falls short in Gather Round finale

Ken Hinkley said he was checking the time left in the match and acknowledged some trepidation in the coach’s box when the Hawks cut his side’s margin to 22 points.