Nicks: Crows still striving to achieve Collingwood’s level
Adelaide may have moved into the top four after a big win over West Coast, but coach Matthew Nicks is focused on reaching the level of the AFL’s No. 1 side.
Afl
Injury wrap: Maynard timeline, Darcy latest, returning Tigers
Brayden Maynard is set for a stint on the sidelines, but the Tigers and Dogs have some welcome news on the injury front. Jon Ralph has the details.
Where do you start? The cold, hard reality facing Blues
On the back of a player-driven camp, Carlton famously went on a second-half streak in 2023. But, after Saturday’s loss, is there any coming back for this team? Glenn McFarlane takes a closer look.
Fred and Baz: An unlikely footy friendship built on mutual respect
Fred Wooller remains blissfully unaware of Bailey Smith’s social media power, but he does know what he brings to the Cats on the field, even if he didn’t think Smith was that good at the Bulldogs.
Pies’ depth to be tested again as Roos blowout comes at a cost
A brave North Melbourne took it to Collingwood and, at one point, threatened to cause a huge boilover. But when Jamie Elliott and Nick Daicos appeared after half-time, it was over.
Hawks exposed as premiers make their latest MCG statement
Brisbane has broken a 21-year hoodoo, exposing a key weakness in Hawthorn’s premiership credentials in the process.
The new Dockers edge that can end September drought
Nothing like two weeks as Walyalup to get a season back on track. A dominant win over the Power has Freo’s finals hopes alive again and one new wrinkle is making all the difference.
Journey of exploration: North star isn’t your average AFL player
He loves vinyl, books and bushwalks. Charlie Comben isn’t your average AFL player — and that’s the way the North Melbourne defender likes it. He reveals his top-three live gigs and more.
Port ‘not in the conceding basket’ as pressure mounts on Hinkley
Ken Hinkley is refusing to concede his final season as coach of the Power could be going nowhere, as Port come to terms with another horrific loss – this time to Fremantle out west.
Unwanted Dusty call, Cyril love: Rising Sun finds fine line
An ‘unnecessary’ call heaped pressure on Bailey Humphrey. But after a difficult period, the gun youngster has hit his stride in Damien Hardwick’s system.
Scott defends Smith after ‘nose beers’ post
Bailey Smith took to social media after Geelong’s win over the Bulldogs, referencing illicit drug use. But Chris Scott has stood behind his star man.
Early Tackle: Will any Roo please stand up?
North Melbourne fans would have been pleasantly surprised to be right in the game at the final change – but they were headed for the exit 10 minutes in to the last term for familiar reasons.
Watch: New Dons cult hero steals the show post-game
They call him ‘Young Redman’ – the kid who made a dream debut on Friday night. And it was some journey getting there, as he reveals in a hilarious post-game interview with dad Stuart.
Toby 250: From ‘unassuming’ Charger to Giants legend
On the cusp of his 250th AFL appearance, we examine the surprising origins of Toby Greene’s career and the qualities that transformed him from an overlooked recruit into one of the AFL’s most formidable leaders.
Inheriting a rebuild? The big list issues set to confront Carr
The word rebuild is banned at Port Adelaide. Yet when Josh Carr starts as senior coach, it could be his reality. We examine the list problems the coach-in-waiting will face when he takes over.
Record mid-season draft haul could save Essendon’s year
The Bombers’ key position stars are dropping like flies, but with the mid-season draft around the corner some much needed reinforcements will arrive. See who could don the red and black.
‘Corporate bastardry’: Betrayed players turn on AFL
The sport’s governing body has been accused of deliberately ignoring evidence of catastrophic brain injuries in a bid to avoid liability for up to $2.5 billion in legal claims.
Nick off: Tagging Daicos might do more harm than good
It might cost Nick Daicos a Brownlow Medal — but win him another premiership. This is how Collingwood has turned teams targeting its superstar into a weapon of its own.
Now or never? Blues’ flag window hits month of reckoning
Carlton have the softest draw imaginable after finishing in the top eight last year. Jay Clark writes, the Blues are in danger of becoming the biggest disappointment in the game.
Rioli’s road to redemption inspired by dad’s last words
Willie Rioli has opened up on how his famous father’s last words have helped inspire him to achieve a football milestone he deemed “impossible” during a chequered AFL career.
Best ever? How Ange ranks in pantheon of great Aussie coaches
Australia has had some magnificent sports coaches but there’s one thing that makes Ange Postecoglou different from the rest. Where does he rank among the greatest across all sports? Vote inside.
The ‘ridiculous’ Sicily call that must be ignored
James Sicily’s form has been on the radar for a few weeks now, but Nathan Buckley isn’t concerned as he shuts down talk of a big move.
Cornes v Bevo: How footy’s biggest tinderbox erupted
It was the fiery exchange between two men who – for their own reasons – were not going to back down. Jay Clark goes inside the feud between Luke Beveridge and Kane Cornes.
Cornes reveals what Bevo said in frosty pre-game exchange
Kane Cornes and Luke Beveridge had a “combative” pre-game run in on Thursday night. See what was said between the pair here.
Tassie at risk of folding as sliding doors moment looms
The Tassie Devils’ 2028 AFL dream is at risk of teetering over the edge as CEO Brendon Gale concedes his growing team could be “out of a job”.
Sporting power couple spill the beans on high-profile engagement
Melbourne Vixens star Rudi Ellis has opened up on her engagement to Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English, where she hopes to tie the knot and who is the best cook in the house.
There are two Goyder exit options – but only one he deserves
After two decades of blatantly compromised integrity probes, jobs for the boys and a lack of accountability, the AFL’s administration finally appears headed for change – and these are the men being urged to take over.
The magical May night that belongs in September
Thursday night had it all – including shades of the greatest home-and-away clash in history. And, like that day in 2009, this one could lead to a grand final rematch, too.
The overlooked, discarded forward that became Freo’s new cult hero
Dockers fans were calling for Pat Voss to be axed costing the club a win against Sydney. And the 21-year-old feared a third AFL club was about to give up on him before becoming a cult hero.
Baz v Bulldogs: Smith’s stunning reveal after grudge match
A blistering Bailey Smith performance lifted the Cats over his old side the Bulldogs. But the Brownlow Medal contender made a stunning admission after not training for most of the week.
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