Old school Dons show just how much summer’s changed
Not long ago, fitness fanatics smashed players at pre-season training – balls were locked away, and limits were pushed. Now, AFL clubs do it differently. Go inside the new-age programs.
Afl
The top draft prospect who helped make AFLW happen
She used to pester Gillon McLachlan about when an AFLW competition would be introduced. Now, Sophie McKay is preparing to live out her dream of becoming a Carlton player.
‘Honest chats’: Why Giant said no to Bulldogs
Xavier O’Halloran bucked the trend when he decided to spurn rival interest and remain in western Sydney. He tells LACHLAN MCKIRDY why he chose to stay despite an uncertain role.
Track Watch: Robbie Gray 2.0? Draftee making his own mark
Power legend Robbie Gray had a big say in young Victorian Joe Berry landing at Alberton in the draft. Those who didn’t know why, found out a bit more on Friday. All the track standouts.
Track watch: Early Christmas present for every Dons fan
In a marathon training session on Friday morning, the Bombers were put to work in a lengthy intra-club hitout – and there was one clear standout. Get all the intel from the track.
Smokeys, steals: Master recruiter’s top 40 AFL Draft gems ranked
Geelong recruiting doyen Stephen Wells has an incredible eye for talent that has set the Cats up for premiership success. We have ranked his 40 best picks. See the full list and have your say.
Track Watch: The young gun Hawk set to fly ‘to the next level’
There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawthorn fan, but the young guns are catching the eyes of track watchers, as the Hawks look to continue their surge to the top of the AFL.
Vague idea turns into a salute for school’s rich sporting history
Dennis Vague did not live to see the sporting project he started but it has been finished and launched amid tributes for the popular Bass Coast College teacher.
Hawks great’s bid to shake up board fails
Hawthorn legend Don Scott’s bid to rejoin the club’s board has failed. Meanwhile, Jeff Kennett’s life membership has again been delayed due to a personal matter. GLENN MCFARLANE reports.
Adelaide Hills to host SA’s biggest footy match — with a catch
The Adelaide Hills are set to host the biggest match on the South Australian footy calendar with a crucial game between Adelaide and Port Adelaide headed to Mount Barker.
Crows recruit suffers pre-season setback after cruel injury run
The Crows’ red-hot pre-season has taken a hit, with one of their off-season recruits suffering a blow after their final campaign at GWS was cruelled by injury.
Beveridge concedes ‘internal pressure’ building at Dogs
A behind-the-scenes video has revealed Luke Beveridge’s thoughts on the “internal pressure” building at Western Bulldogs ahead of a crucial season in his coaching career.
Suns’ summer standouts prompt King’s big 2025 call
Gold Coast spearhead Ben King has raved about the young forwards at the Suns, insisting it could force Damien Hardwick into a rethink of the Suns’ 2025 line-up.
‘Wasn’t a good time’: Kelly’s first words on racism saga
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly has broken his silence on being the centre of racism allegations, lauding the support he received from outgoing president Jeff Browne.
Track watch: Top Saints draftee outlines midfield ambition
Fans wondered why St Kilda went to the draft targeting midfielders then picked two defenders in the top-10. Now, one of those picks has set his sights on joining Jack Steele in the engine room.
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.
Why triple-code Pie swapped footy for football
Triple-code sportswoman Sarah Rowe is back for a second stint in the A-League’s Women’s, but she may not be last AFLW switching codes. She explains why inside.
‘He’ll be Riak’s brother’: New Swan’s taunt to footy’s $14m man
Riak Andrew arrived in Sydney not long after his brother signed one of the richest deals in AFL history. He speaks to LACHLAN MCKIRDY about sibling rivalry and forging his own path in footy.
Bolton vs Dockers: Star recruit’s strange start to Freo career
Shai Bolton’s first match since joining Fremantle will be against the Dockers after he was confirmed as one of the latest batch of players to commit to the Indigenous All Stars game.
Revealed: Cricket launches bid to axe Gabba for ‘50-year’ venue
Cricket Australia has launched a major push to have the Gabba scrapped as a Test venue and replaced by a stadium that could sustain the sport for 50 years.
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