Updated
AFL 2024
Powell’s social media posts revealed after homophobic slur
Gold Coast’s Wil Powell used homophobic language online before abusing a Brisbane opponent last Sunday, as prominent gay rights advocate Ian Roberts called for the AFL to invest more into anti-vilification education.
- by Andrew Wu, Marnie Vinall and Michael Gleeson
Latest
Martin linked to a move as Blues chase Swans gun Hayward
Carlton are the front-runners to secure Sydney free agent Will Hayward as clubs circle out-of-contract Blues forward Jack Martin amid a salary-cap juggle at Ikon Park.
- by Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
Mihocek played on with hamstring injury; AFL greats question tackle trend; Hobart stadium gets opposition approval
The thought never crossed Brody Mihocek’s mind to leave the ground, despite his hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Leigh Matthews and Nathan Buckley are convinced AFL umpires have changed their interpretation of holding-the-ball decisions.
- by Jon Pierik, Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
Australia’s male sprinters on blocks for Paris relay, and they’ve still got our fastest man to call up
Like their female counterparts, Australia’s men’s team has qualified for the 4x100-metre Olympics relay for the first time since Sydney 2000. And they did it without even calling on the services of sprint star Rohan Browning.
- by Michael Gleeson and John Salvado
Four Points
AFL 2024
How the Bombers became a team of Merrett
Essendon are back after learning to play like Zach, how veteran’s move has turned Melbourne around, Hawkins left hungry again, and don’t argue with this comparison.
- by Michael Gleeson
AFL clubs wary of reputation damage in Tarryn Thomas decision
Of 11 AFL clubs who spoke to The Age about a potential return for Thomas, three said they were highly unlikely to offer him a career lifeline. Others will do their homework on the former Kangaroo who was suspended for threatening women.
- by Jake Niall, Michael Gleeson and Wendy Tuohy
Four Points
AFL 2024
Why it’s time the AFL pushed back on this forgotten rule
Push has come to shove for footy’s forgotten rule; a Giants star has become a modern-day great after crossing to Geelong; and Carlton ruckman’s comeback is anything but the pits.
- by Michael Gleeson
Coding and Rubik’s Cubes: Inside the mind of Essendon’s boom forward
Essendon’s Harry Jones wants to be remembered for having a great AFL career, and reveals the technique that has unlocked his best footy.
- by Michael Gleeson
The unravelling of former young AFL star Harley Balic
Interviews with Harley Balic’s friends and former teammates paint a picture of a complex young man who battled mental health problems and substance abuse. He is at the centre of a debate over the effectiveness of the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.
- by Michael Gleeson
Updated
AFL 2024
Emotional Lyon remembers ‘special young man’ as former AFL player’s death probed
Sport Integrity Australia is reported to be probing the death of former Docker and Demon Harley Balic, as part of its investigation into the AFL’s illicit drug policy.
- by Jon Pierik, Carla Jaeger and Michael Gleeson
Money Talks
AFL 2024
Out-of-contract young gun re-signs with the Cats; Hawks dasher’s ‘complicated’ deal talks
Geelong have re-signed the first of their out-of-contract young stars, with speedy midfielder Max Holmes committing to the Cats for four more years. Meanwhile, injury to an important Hawks defender has complicated talks for a new deal.
- by Michael Gleeson, Marc McGowan and Danny Russell