Roos legend: We can prosper — with or without LDU
North Melbourne is doing everything it can to lock down free agent-to-be Luke Davies-Uniacke. But, one Roos great says the club’s rebuild won’t suffer if LDU takes up a big-money offer elsewhere.
Teams
Sheezel the forward? Clarko hints at Roos shuffle
Nick Larkey, Jack Darling and Harry Sheezel? North Melbourne has given a hint one of its biggest talents could be used as an attacking weapon in 2025. See full track notes here.
Pick me Mitch: Hok bolter’s stunning round 1 case
With Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear sidelined, a young tall has emerged as the likely spearhead of Hawthorn’s attack early in 2025. Get the latest track notes from the Hawks here.
Track watch: Wizard’s new tricks, Day dominates
Nick Watson and Will Day starred as Hawthorn’s pre-season went up a notch in the club’s latest session. MATT FORREST brings you all the key training notes.
Is Ricciuto’s future tied to Crows landing footy great?
After multiple attempts to lure one of footy’s most respected minds to the West Lakes, the future of Mark Ricciuto at the Crows could play a factor in discussions.
Why Crows have to wait longer to move into $100m new home
Crows chairman John Olsen is adamant the club’s new headquarters at Thebarton Oval will be the AFL ‘benchmark’ – but it won’t be ready for the 2026 AFLW season as planned.
‘Love you mate’: Emotional Fevola’s Troy Selwood tribute
Former teammates Brendan Fevola and Jonathan Brown have paid tribute to Troy Selwood after his death at the age of 40.
First of Lions’ ACL brigade to return revealed
A Brisbane Lions forward who suffered the heartbreak of missing the team’s grand final win last year is making good promise in his return from injury.
‘It’s massive’: Blues’ worst nightmare drops
A rival club is reportedly preparing a plot to make a Carlton star the highest-paid player in Australian football history.
‘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.
‘Cut me pretty deep’: Noble breaks silence on flag axing, trade
John Noble has broken his silence over his infamous axing from the Pies side on their path to the 2023 flag, and the moment he knew he would request a trade.
Pies track watch: De Goey latest, Daicos brushes off foot concerns
Jordan De Goey sent a shudder through Collingwood’s camp after limping off the track with a calf complaint and there’s relief not only for him, but another superstar Magpie.
Jake who? Dons ready to leave Stringer reliance in past
Jake Stringer was the leading goalkicker in an inconsistent Bombers forward line last year. CHRIS CAVANAGH examines how the Dons’ attack will look without him.
‘Universally loved’: Bombers in mourning
A long-time AFL coach lost his cancer battle on Tuesday and has been universally praised for his impact on the game.
Ralph: Goodwin’s future could decide what Kozzie does next
Kysaiah Pickett is close to his coach Simon Goodwin. It’s one reason he’s yet to ask for a trade to Fremantle. But as JON RALPH writes, all that could change this year.
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.
Underrated Cat’s brand that is getting plenty of attention
Brad Close’s game often flies under the radar, but his clothing and social media is gaining traction. The goalsneak sheds light on his off-field venture and new Cats forward Jack Martin.
Defensive dilemma: Competing Cats vying for opening round spot
The week before Lawson Humphries’ AFL debut, he was in the VFL with two other members of Geelong’s preliminary final side. Will they all feature in their season-opener?
Track Watch: Doubts grow over star Sun’s Opening Round chances
The Suns could be on the verge of a major Opening Round blow, with one of their brightest stars now officially in doubt to make their first clash of the season against the Bombers.
It was Dustin’s call: Hardwick revelation over Martin’s Suns move
Damien Hardwick has lifted the lid on why Richmond superstar Dustin Martin decided against a move to the Gold Coast Suns after the pair were “in dialogue” over a move north.
‘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.
Coniglio on track for return as young Giants steal the show
Stephen Coniglio faced one of the “most difficult periods” of his career after injuring his shoulder last year, but is on track for round 1. Plus, see the latest from the GWS match simulation.
Is Clarry back? Ominous signs as star Dee dominates match sim
Clayton Oliver took his faultless pre-season up a notch this week, showing signs he’s ready to be back to his dominant best and lead Melbourne’s midfield in 2025.
Dees star reveals ‘robust discussions’ after turmoil of 2024
Melbourne star Jack Viney says the problems faced by the club in 2024 should be a thing of the past after a pre-season that prioritised player connection and team bonding.
Port could make succession plan official before round 1
It’s been long speculated, but Port Adelaide is now considering going public on an official plan that would set the club’s next coach in stone. See the exclusive details.
‘Beyond excited’: Dixon joins local SA club for 2025
Former Port Adelaide star Charlie Dixon has joined a local SA footy club for season 2025 after retiring from the AFL level.
Watch: Tigers star stumbles off the track after heavy hit
Richmond fans look away now! Star forward Tom Lynch has stumbled off the track during match sim on Friday – and he wasn’t happy. See the vision and get the latest intel.
Next steps for Richmond’s ‘ACL quintet’ revealed
Richmond were decimated by injury in 2024, particularly knee complaints. Now, Richmond’s “ACL quintet” are taking the next step in their road back to the top level.
A Brownlow in England: Bizarre tale of medals headed to auction
A random email from the UK that was initially ignored has led to a rare auction that could let someone into footy’s most prestigious and exclusive club.
Injury carnage means Saints fans will have to be patient yet again
Saints fans would be pulling out their hair after Mattaes Phillipou’s injury, that’s before they took a look at their fixture again. Josh Barnes writes, it could be another year of waiting.
Track watch: No love lost as spot fires emerge again in Sydney
The Warner brothers didn’t square up for round 2 this time, but yet again Sydney players had to be separated from one another as pre-season heats up. Plus more on a re-signed Swan.
It’s on! Warner bros go at it after Chad lays out Corey
There was no love lost in Sydney on Friday with coach Dean Cox forced to step in when tensions boiled over during match-sim. And it wasn’t the only eye-catching moment of the heated session.
Gutted ex-Eagles boss calls for change after Hunter death
Former Eagles boss Dalton Gooding has revealed he pushed for a club-controlled funding program for former stars during his time at West Coast, in the wake of the tragic death of Adam Hunter.
Revealed: Monster price Eagles will have to pay for Harley
Harley Reid, Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders are among the young guns entering contract negotiations this season – and they won’t be cheap for their clubs to keep. JON RALPH has the trade and contract latest.
Jamarra takes first step towards Bulldogs return
He may not be in Queensland with the rest of his teammates, but Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has taken the first steps towards a return as the Dogs near a decision on their final list spot.
Jones hit with monster blow as Dogs’ injuries mount
The injury news keeps getting worse and worse for the Western Bulldogs, with a massive blow dealt to its defensive stocks after key pillar Liam Jones learned the extent of his hamstring strain.
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