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Covering sport in 2015
![Gone With the Windies: One of December's covers.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/v/6/j/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glp0f4.png/1451109458287.jpg)
Andrew Tate and Stathi Paxinos 4:57 PM Here's the sports news as seen through the covers of The Sunday Age in 2015
Giant upsets and groundbreakers: GWS' best
![Jeremy Cameron following the win over the Hawks.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/0/m/3/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gluzs1.png/1451131527488.jpg)
Daniel Cherny 3:04 PM When looking at the best wins of the AFL's newest clubs, the choices are literally limited to home and away games. But even though they haven't yet made the finals, Greater Western Sydney have already provided their small cohort of fans some very exciting moments. Here are the Giants' top five wins.
Dank to receive defamation payout
![Sports scientist Stephen Dank says he is waging many battles through the courts.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/v/z/x/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gluw4w.png/1451043359585.jpg)
Rania Spooner and Mark Russell Stephen Dank will receive a defamation payout from the Herald Sun's publisher over a story that alleged he associated with bikies.
Courage and class: The Crows' best wins
![Adelaide's Jared Petrenko celebrates after kicking the winning goal against the Kangaroos in 2013.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/u/u/s/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gluury.png/1451016852627.jpg)
Daniel Cherny While Adelaide's two flags remain their pieces de resistance, there have been no shortage of landmark home and away wins too. Here are five of Adelaide's best.
Queries over sentencing discounts for Bombers
![Waiting: Essendon captain Jobe Watson](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/j/7/8/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gludfv.png/1450908576368.jpg)
Jake Niall It has emerged that the chairman hearing the World Anti-Doping Agency appeal into the Essendon supplements scandal questioned lawyers on why players had been presumed to be entitled to a 'no significant negligence discount', raising again the spectre of suspensions.
Hawthorn switched on for No.4: Hodge
![Luke Hodge says the Hawks have the hunger to win a fourth straight flag.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/j/f/k/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glucsa.png/1450857942082.jpg)
Hawthorn are showing the hunger needed to improve as they prepare to seek a record-equalling fourth consecutive premiership, warns captain Luke Hodge.
Cream of Cats' winning crop
![Geelong.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/u/4/h/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glu04g.png/1450925683937.jpg)
Rohan Connolly Geelong has won three flags and some big finals in the last eight years alone. But the Cats have also racked up some fine home and away wins over the modern football era. Here are their five best.
Rare finals miss hits Cats' bottom line
![Geelong says a number of factors contributed to the result.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/t/y/l/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glu2bl.png/1450843799898.jpg)
Matt Murnane Missing the finals for the first time since in nearly a decade has hit Geelong's bottom line, with declining crowds again exacerbating costs of nearly $4 million attached to the Simonds Stadium redevelopment.
Your club's best home-and-away wins since 1970
![Sherrin footy](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/a/2/x/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gltz5a.png/1446197261605.jpg)
They are the wins you simply don't forget. This summer we've taken on the challenge of nominating your AFL club's best home-and-away victories. Sure, finals wins are special but these are the days that sometimes catch you by surprise.
Essendon supplements saga: mid-January decision looms
![The 34 former and current Essendon players await verdict by CAS on supplements scandal.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/1/i/8/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gltoue.png/1450825072712.jpg)
Jake Niall Court of Arbitration for Sport is set to hand down a judgment on the World Anti-Doping Agency appeal in mid-January.
Hurley endorses a Hird return
![Michael Hurley of the Bombers.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/s/r/8/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gltrky.png/1450822053965.jpg)
Matt Murnane All-Australian Bomber Michael Hurley says he wants to see James Hird welcomed back to football, endorsing his football knowledge as "second to none" as well as his credentials to be a "great coach".
Carlton president Mark LoGiudice upbeat despite heated AGM
![Carlton president Mark LoGiudice announcing Malthouseâs sacking.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/a/b/0/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gltnxq.png/1432786700244.jpg)
Daniel Cherny Forced to deal with an onslaught from a handful of irate members, Carlton president Mark LoGiudice nevertheless remains upbeat about the club's future.
Guilty Bombers face five-week wait for health and safety penalty
![Back in spotlight: James Hird returned to the airwaves at the weekend.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/o/b/m/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glt0l6.png/1450771833010.jpg)
Mark Russell, Tammy Mills The Essendon Football Club had been guilty of "a significant measure of disregard" for the safety of its payers when subjecting them to the controversial supplements program, a court has heard.
AFL still open to Geelong hosting finals
![Geelong lost to Fremantle at Simonds Stadium in a qualifying final in 2013.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/4/w/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gltgf2.png/1450825115675.jpg)
Daniel Cherny The AFL says it remains open to playing finals in Geelong, but not at the expense of its deal with the MCG.
Hawks' high five
![Rohan Connolly](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/d/t/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glt8px.png/1450760320096.jpg)
Rohan Connolly Hawthorn have won plenty of finals over the years, but the Hawks have had some great home and away victories as well. Here's the Hawks' five best of the modern era.
Manager cleared in Treloar surgery investigation
![The manager of Pies recruit Adam Treloar has been cleared in an investigation of the former Giant's off-season surgery.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/2/g/0/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glt43l.png/1450744619768.jpg)
Matt Murnane Peter Blucher, the manager of Collingwood midfielder Adam Treloar, has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFLPA after an investigation into the off-season surgery the former Giant had in Tasmania before he was traded.
Heppell happy to wait for captaincy
![Dyson Heppell is happy to wait to lead the Bombers.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/t/4/2/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glt3rl.png/1450743914462.jpg)
Ronny Lerner Emerging leader Dyson Heppell has described being named Essendon's vice-captain as a 'great honour' and harboured no feelings of disappointment at being overlooked for the top gig.
Bulldogs tackle the Great Ocean Road
![Marcus Adams of the Bulldogs.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/s/r/k/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glsqqb.png/1450687519235.jpg)
Matt Murnane The Western Bulldogs know their journey back to the finals next year won't be straight forward.
We're not leaving Seaford: Saints president
![Not just playing out time: St Kilda president Peter Summers says his club are committed to Seaford.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/s/t/m/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glstix.png/1450687018043.jpg)
Daniel Cherny Despite an announcement earlier in the month that the club would be heading away from Seaford, St Kilda president Peter Summers promises the Saints will not be abandoning the area.
Marvellous Magpie memories
![Collingwood v Richmond, Round 20, 1978.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/s/r/k/g/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glsmg6.png/1450686409042.jpg)
Rohan Connolly Which games do you rate as Collingwood's five best home-and-away wins of the modern era? Here's our selection.
AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick praises Paul Little
![Paul Little.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/a/s/u/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glsoff.png/1441876868672.jpg)
Daniel Cherny Despite having had an at-times testy relationship with the AFL - even taking the league to court - Paul Little has received praise from headquarters.
James Hird takes aim at 'power and greed' in sport administration
![Back in spotlight: James Hird returned to the airwaves at the weekend.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/o/b/m/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gls03q.png/1450766883661.jpg)
Jesse Hogan James Hird's icy relationship with the AFL shows no signs of thawing, with the former Essendon coach taking an oblique aim at the league for being intolerant.
AFL 2015: A year of achievement and tragedy
![Cyril Rioli celebrates with his premiership medal and the Norm Smith Medal.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/w/l/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrw68.png/1450585507789.jpg)
Rohan Connolly The 2015 AFL season was one of tremendous team and individual achievement, but also one of unthinkable tragedy.
St Kilda recruit Freeman in 'terrific spirits'
![Jack Lonie.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/i/b/6/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrixz.png/1450514907469.jpg)
Larissa Nicholson St Kilda recruit Nathan Freeman is in terrific spirits despite suffering yet another hamstring injury, the club’s football manager says.
No AFL control: the lessons of 2015
![Illustration: Mick Connolly](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/n/3/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrles.png/1450522185907.jpg)
Jake Niall In 2015, the AFL couldn't stop fans from booing Adam Goodes, or from expressing varying forms of racial prejudice.
Carlton ruckman is right where he wants to be
![Kid gloves: Matthew Kreuzer (left) and Michael Jamison spar in training.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/m/w/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrg6y.png/1450512297211.jpg)
Matt Murnane Matthew Kreuzer might have been the only one at Carlton who didn't want 2015 to end.
On drugs, AFL's small world has to embrace the bigger issue
![The Essendon supplements affair has surely clarified one important matter for footballers and fans alike.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/1/i/8/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrhje.png/1450824855488.jpg)
Tim Lane Although its final outcome is yet to be delivered, the Essendon supplements affair has surely clarified one important matter for footballers and fans alike.
Family dynasty emerges at Swans
![Bloodlines: Tom Papley is following in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers in donning the red and the white.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/g/z/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqufw.png/1450512407660.jpg)
David Sygall One grandfather was a club champion, the other a favourite of the great Bob Skilton. Now Tom Papley is setting out to make his own name.
Carlton star knows he has his knockers
![Hard yards: Dale Thomas participates in a weights session during the Blues' AFL pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/q/n/l/z/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqinx.png/1450476513811.jpg)
Matt Murnane Dale Thomas knows he is an easy target nowadays.
Crows and NT in bid for women’s licence
![Erin Phillips has been signed and will possibly lead a potential Power women's team.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/a/x/v/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glrato.png/1450424259914.jpg)
Caroline Wilson Another twist has emerged in the clubs' push for places in the Australian Women's Football League, with the Adelaide Crows joining forces with the Northern Territory in a bid for a seventh licence.
Buckley: Get rid of prior opportunity
![Happy with pre-season: Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/l/b/i/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqyk6.png/1450436677924.jpg)
Rohan Connolly Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley believes the AFL should dispense with the "prior opportunity" qualification when it comes to the "holding the ball" rule.
Captain Watson still confident about CAS
![Essendon captain Jobe Watson trains with teammates on Friday.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/a/v/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqihc.png/1450440932978.jpg)
Daniel Cherny Reinvigorated, ratified by the Essendon board and renewed as captain, Jobe Watson says he remains confident that he and his current and former teammates will soon be freed from the shackles of a looming drugs ban.
Swans record fifth successive profit
![In the spotlight: Andrew Pridham in Melbourne on Friday.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/x/1/v/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqelz.png/1450352983716.jpg)
The Sydney Swans have announced a profit for a fifth successive year and are looking to top the 50,000-member mark for the 2016 AFL season.
AFL goes in hard on dangerous tackles
![Talking point: Carlton's Bryce Gibbs was banned for this tackle on Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/v/e/t/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glq6bg.png/1444119596088.png)
Daniel Cherny The AFL's focus on protecting the heads of players will ramp up in 2016, with stricter measures set to be enforced when dealing with dangerous tackles, both on the field, and at the match review panel.
Ben Cousins set for reality TV spot?
![Ben Cousins has been linked with reality TV.](/web/20151226205121im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/p/m/c/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glq3if.png/1450332138822.jpg)
David Baker Fallen AFL and ex-West Coast Eagle star Ben Cousins is reportedly mulling over an offer of a spot on TV reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.