Clubs the masters of their own undoing in free agency compo
Last year, clubs were shocked St Kilda was handed first-round free agency compensation for Josh Battle. Now, the truth behind what happened – and why it will continue – can be revealed.
Afl
Star Eagle cleared over street fight after investigation
Liam Ryan has been cleared by the AFL after the star Eagle appeared in a street fight in videos on social media. Read what the AFL had to say.
Horne-Francis on midfield move, solving Port’s forward line puzzle
Ken Hinkley wants more midfield time out of Jason Horne-Francis in 2025. But what does the Power star himself think of the change? Plus more track watch notes here.
‘Kept me hungry’: Bryan hoping to form dynamic pairing with Draper
Nick Bryan turned his back on suiters to re-sign with Essendon, but has only been rewarded with 19 games in five years. Here’s how he hopes to work in tandem with Sam Draper in 2025.
The Unlucky Ones: Would second 23 cause upset of the century?
Cripps. Akermanis. Brown. Ricciuto. There were so many big names that missed out in our AFL Team of the Century that Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph have picked a second 23.
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.
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.
Track Watch: Rising Sun’s Opening Round hopes on watch after injury
A rising star at the Gold Coast is racing the clock to not only make their pre-season clashes with Brisbane and Collingwood, but also the Suns’ Opening Round clash with Essendon.
Buddy, Gaz, Dusty? The 10 best AFL players this century ranked
Think naming the team of the century was hard? Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane have narrowed that down to 10 and determined the defining player of the 21st century. HAVE YOUR SAY.
‘Next man up’: Revitalised Motlop ready to earn back Blues’ ‘trust’
Jesse Motlop is confident a reshaped pre-season program at Carlton will help him make up for a disappointing 2024, as he prepares to pick up the slack in the absence of Matt Owies.
Injury lingers over star-studded All Stars as squad named
The Indigenous All Stars squad has been announced with some massive names, but coach Xavier Clarke will have to juggle plenty of injury issues. See the full squad here.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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