Confidence high at Swans despite balancing act to keep stars
The Swans have a host of young guns on the rise and established players needing new deals, but list guru Kinnear Beatson isn’t panicking ahead of a big year of negotiations.
Afl
Heeney steps into leadership void as Swans face life after Buddy
When one of the greatest forwards of all time hung up the boots last season, he left a void no club could cover easily. Isaac Heeney is hoping to step up and help fill some of the leadership void left by the champion full-forward.
Legendary inspiration behind rising tides at Bombers in 2024
Essendon vice-captain Andy McGrath says his club is drawing inspiration from one of sport’s greatest figures, as the Bombers’ pre-season gains steam ahead of a hopeful 2024 season.
Crow blow: Dashing defender set for sideline stint
Scans have confirmed one of Adelaide’s most vital pieces will be sitting out a chunk of their pre-season, after re-injuring his hamstring on Monday.
Luke Sayers’ plea to Blues fans as Voss, pokies set to stay
Carlton president Luke Sayers will go to members to extend his tenure beyond the regulated term. Plus an update on Michael Voss’ contract negotiations and the club’s pokies revenue.
Track watch: Comeback Blue dazzles as injured duo watch on
The highly-anticipated return of a Carlton rebounder will put pressure on selection after he shone during match simulation on Tuesday, under the watchful eye of two injured Blues.
Contract or not, why all eyes are on Bevo in 2024
Luke Beveridge’s contract runs until the end of 2025, but the premiership coach might be under the most pressure in the AFL this season. These are the five coaches facing the most heat.
Every Pie rated: Daicos or De Goey, who rules the premiers?
The Pies have plenty of firepower to call on, but who really is the main man at the premiers? GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH rate every Collingwood player.
SuperCoach: Kick-in kings to take your team to next level
Who doesn’t love free SuperCoach points when your player steps up to take a kick-out? We look at the AFL’s kick-in kings and breakdown the data on what the stats mean for every club.
Suns young gun set to miss chance at early debut after injury
Gold Coast’s next big thing in the forward line Jed Walter is racing the clock for a round zero debut after injuring his collarbone at training.
Premiership Pie held from training after car accident
A premiership Pie missed pre-season training on Monday, after an early morning car crash on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway.
Tiger struck down by concussion, key back’s new role continues
A vital Tiger has become the latest AFL player to enter concussion protocols this pre-season as Adem Yze continued to move the magnets at Richmond’s pre-season.
Track watch: Hawks’ big selection headaches, position switches
The Hawks made plenty of moves in the off-season, and although they are still a young side, they’re adamant they won’t be around to just make up the numbers, with finals well in sight.
Track watch: Mills ramps up return from Mad Monday disaster
Callum Mills has hit the ground running in his return to pre-season training at the Swans, following his disastrous injury sustained at the club’s Mad Monday.
Thomas grilled by Integrity Unit over domestic violence allegations
North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas has finally faced the Integrity Unit over domestic violence allegations after repeated delays over getting lawyers to AFL House.
Smother crackdown: AFL to rubber stamp new rule
The AFL Commission is set to go ahead with a crackdown on Brayden Maynard-style smothers in the league’s latest move to safeguard players. Full details of the rule change.
Pictures: Oliver trains like a demon in solo session
Troubled Melbourne star Clayton Oliver has continued to train strongly in the January heat, despite still working away from his Melbourne Demon teammates. See the exclusive pictures.
SuperCoach: The 18 players most likely to gain DPP after round 6
A host of top SuperCoach scorers are in the frame to score a second position early in the 2024 season. Check out who’s likely to be in the running for DPP after round 6 here.
Pies gun rewarded with monster contract extension
Isaac Quaynor continues to improve after making the All-Australian squad in 2023, now he’s been locked up by the Magpies for the rest of the decade.
Second-year studs: Young guns ready to become AFL stars
So much for the second-year blues. This year’s crop of young guns appear ready to take the AFL by storm. MATT FORREST names who to watch for at every club.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/page/177