Jon Pierik
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
AFL 2016: Six pointers for round two
Ronny Lerner and Jon Pierik What to watch for this weekend in the AFL.
AFL season 2016: Essendon coach John Worsfold preaches patience
Jon Pierik Essendon coach John Worsfold has preached patience as the suspension-ravaged Bombers plot the best way forward in what shapes as a gruelling season.
Dale Thomas not a 'poor kick', insists Carlton coach Brendon Bolton
Jon Pierik Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has defended the kicking of Dale Thomas, declaring the veteran midfielder has been in good touch as he prepares to return from suspension against the Swans on Sunday.
AFL season 2016: Richmond star Brett Deledio still feeling 'acute' pain
Jon Pierik Having reviewed last week's win as a defeat, Richmond have highlighted three areas they must improve if they are to topple a stinging Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.
Dr Rohan White believes Dane Swan can return to AFL from serious leg and foot injuries
Ronny Lerner and Jon Pierik Collingwood superstar Dane Swan's season is probably over but the outlook is not as grim for his career, according to leading sports medico Dr Rohan White.
Essendon supplements saga: Expert reveals possible health breaches
Jon Pierik A leading expert on sports supplements has outlined the possible health ramifications the Essendon players involved in the club's 2012 supplements program could face.
AFL 2016: Time for Travis Cloke to lift game, urges Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley
Jon Pierik Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has urged Travis Cloke to have a "real crack" against Richmond on Friday night, as the power forward looks to rebound from a round-one shocker and concerns about his...
AFL 2016: Tough times, but former Cats can only add to their legacy as new Bombers
Jon Pierik As the Bombers struggled at times through their opening game against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, Kane Cornes almost felt sorry for them.
AFL 2016 round one: Five things we learnt
Jon Pierik It's been an eventful start to the 2016 AFL season, with on-field form and issues aplenty to dissect. Here are five things we have learnt.
AFL season 2016: High scoring could be here to stay, says Shaun Higgins
Jon Pierik As on-field strategies continue to evolve, North Melbourne veteran Shaun Higgins believes the high scoring seen in round one could continue for the rest of the season.
Cats chief Brian Cook concerned about 'subculture' of drug taking
Jon Pierik Geelong chief executive Brian Cook says one of the biggest issues of the illicit drugs debate is whether a ''subculture" of young players at clubs are secretly taking drugs.
AFL season 2016: Watts up? Demon Jack is on the rise
Jon Pierik Melbourne coach Paul Roos says the much-maligned Jack Watts took "a significant step forward" after the clever forward helped the Demons to a season-opening victory over Greater Western Sydney at the...
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney: Reborn Demons take a giant leap
Jon Pierik During the three-quarter-time break at the MCG on Saturday, Melbourne coach Paul Roos spent time urging his players to bump and get in better position in one-on-one contests.
AFL season 2016: Hawthorn look to Jonathon Ceglar to fill double role
Jon Pierik David Hale did not enjoy as much attention as many of his more high-profile teammates but his role in three straight Hawthorn flags was crucial.
AFL season 2016: New Bulldog kicks ball 'like no one in history'
Jon Pierik The Western Bulldogs believe they now have the man who "kicks the ball like no one in the history of the game".
Hair testing positive results: AFL pleads for patience, won't release more information
Jon Pierik The AFL has rejected Jeff Kennett's call for all illicit drugs results from the summer hair testing of players to be released, declaring the revamped policy must be given time to breathe.
AFL season 2016: Anything is possible, says Demons skipper Nathan Jones
Jon Pierik Melbourne skipper Nathan Jones has declared "anything is possible", as the Demons prepare to take another key step in their robust plan to rebuild the club.
Bumpy flight ahead as Bombers brace for year of development
Jon Pierik Normally, a new-look side is the source for much optimism.
Richmond v Carlton: Five things we learnt
Jon Pierik Richmond opened the new AFL season with a rugged nine-point win over Carlton at the MCG on Thursday night. Here are five things we learnt.
Essendon saga: Banned Bombers can sue and play in 2017
Jon Pierik Essendon have declared any current player taking legal action can continue to do so concurrently while remaining at the club next year.
