Opinion
AFL 2024
A knee-jerk reaction is no answer to a backhander
Isaac Heeney’s suspension has once again prompted calls for a loosening of the criteria for Brownlow Medal eligibility. Those calls should be resisted.
- by Greg Baum
Latest
The once-unsinkable Pies are shipping water, but the Bombers are back on their wave
Essendon had a comprehensive win over reigning premiers Collingwood. The Bombers’ challenge now is to stay the course, while the Magpies must reverse theirs.
- by Greg Baum
In Depth
Paris 2024
‘The weight of expectation was crippling’: How to avoid choking at the Olympics
The Olympic Games are unique – and so is the pressure that comes with racing in them. Not everyone finds a way to handle it.
- by Greg Baum
Hall of Fame
AFL 2024
Saved from the sack, how Swan went from hall of tatts to Hall of Fame
Dane Swan was an unconventional footy figure. Kelvin Templeton was a classical player. The pair headline the inductees this year to the hall of fame.
- by Greg Baum
Opinion
Australian cricket
Our cricketers play to win, even if it means giving the old enemy a second chance
A mischievous suggestion that Australia could manipulate results to squeeze England out of the World Cup has prompted apoplexy. It’s unlikely to happen.
- by Greg Baum
The shirtfront Brayden Maynard didn’t see coming
As a kid, Magpie Brayden Maynard was so excited by footy that he sometimes peed his pants. At 200 games, he’s still excited. But it shows in a different way.
- by Greg Baum
‘You never know when an opportunity comes’: The Replacements stepping up for injury-ravaged Pies
As injury ravages the Magpies, it’s former ruckman Josh Fraser’s job to make sure that when the chance comes for a VFL player, he is ready.
- by Greg Baum
Playing t’win: After eight years in the AFL, the McKays prepare to clash for first time
Harry and Ben McKay are identical twins, but on the football field it’s their differences that catch the eye.
- by Greg Baum
Pup steals the show from the big dogs in a battle of the wounded
The injury toll meant that many lesser lights were on show on Friday night, and one popped up to seal victory for the beset Bulldogs over the beleaguered Magpies.
- by Greg Baum
‘Not hardened enough’: McRae rues patchy Pies as Bontempelli powers Bulldogs to last-term win
The Bulldogs were too good in the final term scoring a memorable win over the Magpies.
- by Roy Ward and Greg Baum
‘Some clubs have got that wrong’: Inside the AFL’s growing injury toll
About 150 AFL players are out injured right now. It’s an alarming number, and Collingwood coach Craig McRae is among many startled by it.
- by Greg Baum