AFL

Emma Quayle

Emma Quayle joined The Age as a cadet journalist in 1999 and has been covering football since 2001. She has won awards from the Australian Football Media Association and AFL Players Association for her feature writing, and specialised for many years in covering junior football and the AFL draft. Emma's two books - The Draft and Nine Lives (the story of former Essendon wingman Adam Ramanauskas' battle with cancer) - were published in 2008 and 2010.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin coaches children at a multicultural clinic.

Clubs to get free shot at rookies

Proactive clubs will be given a free shot at a player from their new academy zones this year, in a one-off relaxation of the rookie list rules.

Bulldogs fans react as Mitch Wallis of the Bulldogs leaves the field injured.

Wallis was howling, teammates in tears

Western Bulldog Mitch Wallis has begun the very long journey back from his horribly broken leg, an injury that left him howling in agony and his teammates in tears.

Orazio Fantasia celebrates a goal.

Fantasia's important jobs at Essendon

Orazio Fantasia has sought out more responsibility this year, giving his team speed, spark and a reason to believe good things could be coming. He's also been dog-sitting for suspended captain Jobe Watson.