Dons delight as Stringer, forgotten top-10 pick impress
Essendon showed off a new-look defence and attack as Jake Stringer burned up the track in a promising pre-season outing. Get the latest intel from Tullamarine here.
Afl
Will Bailey ‘fall back in love’ with Dogs in rehab?
Bailey Smith will miss all of 2024 after doing his ACL before Christmas. Has he played his last game in blue, red, and white, or will he ‘fall back in love’ with the club during rehab?
Bootsma and Boekhorst to Cripps and Curnow: Blues’ draft extremes
Carlton has had the most high-profile, top-tier draft picks outside the expansion clubs since the turn of the century. How do they stack in 24 years in?
Track watch: First look at revamped Hawks midfield
Several fresh faces have been thrown into Hawthorn’s midfield mix as the club tries to supercharge its rebuild. Get the latest intel from the Hawks’ pre-season here.
Blues rocked by star’s major pre-season setback
Carlton’s preparations for the new AFL season have suffered a setback with one of the club’s biggest stars in danger of missing the opening round.
’They only knew Israel Folau’: How AFL broke ground in NRL country
AFL in NSW has come a long way since Toby Greene arrived at the Giants, but the GWS skipper is striving to get more kids playing footy, and grow even further in NRL heartland.
Track watch: Who leads race for vacant Pies list spots?
Collingwood has three open spots on their list – with the chance to open up a fourth. Who leads the race to fill them? JOSH BARNES breaks down the Pies’ return to the track.
Power track watch: Intrigue grows on Port’s midfield mix
Ollie Wines’ role in 2023 was one to watch, but could the latest intel from pre-season see a change in the starting midfield? Plus, the young gun ready to rise and fill Xavier Duursma’s shoes.
Forum to tackle AFL issues head on
With two-thirds of players concerned about concussion, the AFL is set to organise an annual formal conference to deal with that and other burning issues.
Expert verdicts on SuperCoach’s 50 most-popular players
The most-popular SuperCoach picks of pre-season can be revealed, with some shock names in the top 50. We give our verdict on every player and who should make your team.
What return of Tiger cub really means to Yze’s side
A new era is beginning at Tigerland, and one young gun could be the key to Adem Yze’s tenure kicking off in grand fashion. GLENN MCFARLANE breaks down every club’s under 23s.
Why the ‘excuses have expired’ for Dons in 2024
The Bombers have consistently teased fans and the competition that they are a true finals contender for years, now that all ends. SAM LANDSBERGER previews their season.
Forgotten Blue’s crucial role in Carlton’s flag tilt
After a remarkable 2023 season, it’s easy to forget that one of Carlton’s highest paid players missed all of it. But will his return to the team put them over the top?
Oliver future unclear as Demons provide pre-season update
Melbourne’s pre-season restarts today after the new year break but it will be without star Clayton Oliver who remains on extended leave – with no return date set.
Massive Hawks blow as reigning B&F winner in doubt for R1
Hawthorn could be without one of their biggest names for the start of the season in a huge blow for the club, with preparations already in place on how to combat the injury blow.
Roos track watch: Thomas, senior stars stuck on sidelines
Tarryn Thomas was forced to watch on as the North Melbourne main group completed a tough session in the summer sun, and he wasn’t the only one missing.
Demons bombshell: Smith faces two-year ban for cocaine
Melbourne footballer Joel Smith is expected to fight a bombshell finding that could leave his career in jeopardy as he faces a big suspension for taking cocaine.
Return date for Mitchell revealed after New York health scare
Sam Mitchell is still in New York after a pneumonia scare, but thanks to some past and present Hawthorn board members guiding his recovery, he’s set to make a return to work soon.
The biggest SuperCoach questions of 2024 answered
Marcus Bontempelli’s price tag. Zac Williams’ fitness. Nick Daicos’ early draw. Opening round. There’s a lot to consider when planning your SuperCoach team for 2024. We’ve answered the toughest pre-season questions to help.
Inside the reliving of GF heartache as Lions commit to the pride
Two key Lions have committed their future to Brisbane, one driven by the hunger of grand final heartbreak, and another who’s done it all in the Lions’ dominant AFLW side.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/page/181