AFL 2024
Dustin Martin sidelined again with ‘crook back’
The Tigers champion can’t shake his troublesome back injury and will spend another match watching as his teammates try to lift the Tigers off the bottom of the ladder.
- by Anna Harrington
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
Do more: These stars must lift as the finals fight heats up
For many teams, the difference between a deep finals run, an early September exit or missing out all together will hinge on key players returning to form.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
Sporting rules
As confusion rules in the AFL, there is urgent need for a rewrite
In trying to minimise concussion, the AFL has tied itself into knots and the players are tripping over them. There is an urgent need for a fresh look.
- by Greg Baum
AFL Briefing
Match review
‘Genuinely confused’: AFLPA hits out at tackling bans; Saint gets six matches for homophobic language
St Kilda’s Lance Collard has been suspended for six games for using homophobic language while playing in the VFL, while Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford will continue to fight against the three-match bans they received for tackling offences.
- by Andrew Wu, Marnie Vinall and Peter Ryan
Opinion
Match review
Were these AFL bans correct, or the suspensions that broke footy?
Debate is raging over the three-match bans upheld by the AFL tribunal for Toby Bedford and Charlie Cameron’s tackles. Is the reaction hysterical hand wringing, or is the game under threat?
- by Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
Money Talks
For subscribers
The silver lining to a possible 20-year low for the yellow and black army
Richmond premiership player Liam Baker will consider his options closer to the end of the season, with offers from three clubs in front of him. But the Tigers have enough collateral to reset their list under Adem Yze.
- by Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
Sporting rules
How Essendon could benefit from the rule that gave Jamarra to the Dogs; three-match bans stand for Cameron, Bedford
Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford have both failed in their bids to overturn three-match bans for rough conduct, while Essendon could benefit from a rule tweak come draft time.
- by Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
Wright or wrong: Bomber best and fairest could be dropped
Essendon are a chance to drop key forward and 2022 best and fairest Peter Wright for Friday night’s crucial game against Adelaide, as the Bombers deal with team balance issues.
- by Jake Niall
New hit: Contact sport, CTE link to Parkinson’s-style disease
New research from Boston University links repeated head knocks to physical and mental deterioration.
- by Greg Baum
Analysis
Analysis
On a losing streak with a tough run home, will the Magpies fall short of September?
Collingwood need to win at least four of their remaining six games to make the eight. And when you consider the quality of teams they face, the Magpies are in trouble. Deep trouble.
- by Jon Pierik
AFL Briefing
Sydney Swans
Bedford, Cameron handed three-match bans; fears grow over the return of ‘the chicken wing’
Lions star Charlie Cameron and Giants tagger Toby Bedford have been handed three-match bans. Meanwhile, Leigh Matthews is among those concerned at the increased prevalence of the “chicken wing” tackle.
- by Jon Pierik and Vince Rugari