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Essendon Bombers
2012 Brownlow ‘always going to be tainted’
ST KILDA champion Nick Riewoldt expects Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell to be awarded Brownlow Medals but concedes the 2012 award will be tainted.
‘Jobe Watson never cheated’: Hird
UPDATE: JAMES Hird has slammed the injustice of Jobe Watson having to hand back his Brownlow , while Swans champion Jude Bolton says Sam Mitchell and Trent Cotchin will be given Brownlows.
Brownlow hasn’t damaged Jobe’s reputation
EMERGING Essendon forward Joe Daniher believes Jobe Watson’s decision to hand back his Brownlow Medal has done nothing to damage his reputation as a leader and role model.
Cotchin, Mitchell deserve medal: Past winners
TWO Brownlow Medallists believe Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell now deserve the 2012 award — but only reckons Jobe Watson made the right call to give it up.
TAB to refund Cotchin, Mitchell Brownlow bets
BETTING agency TAB will hand out $95,000 in bonus bets to punters who backed Trent Cotchin or Sam Mitchell for the 2012 Brownlow following Jobe Watson’s decision to hand back his medal.
Essendon ‘unreservedly apologises’ to Watson
ESSENDON has apologised to Jobe Watson for the position it put the star midfielder in that lead to him handing back his Brownlow Medal. READ THE FULL STATEMENT
‘He’s a man of huge integrity’
THE AFL world has praised Jobe Watson after he decided to hand back his 2012 Brownlow Medal, but his club hasn’t escaped the blowtorch.
Mitchell: I won’t talk about Brownlow
SAM Mitchell has refused to weigh in on whether he should be awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal after Jobe Watson officially handed it back to the AFL.
Jobe explains Brownlow decision
“It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to hand back my 2012 Brownlow Medal.” - Read the full statement from Jobe on why he is giving his medal back.
Essendon supporters were ruthless: Cooney
ADAM Cooney has opened up about the barrage of abuse he would cop on social media from “ruthless” Essendon supporters following a loss.
Seven clubs fined for ASADA breaches
HAWTHORN, Collingwood and Essendon are among seven clubs fined for failing to provide ASADA with up-to-date location information for its players.
List changes: Young Lion quits footy
UPDATE: BRISBANE Lions midfielder Jaden McGrath has walked away from football with two years still to run on his contract. EVERY CLUB’S LIST CHANGES
Ban could prolong our careers: Stanton
ESSENDON midfielder Brent Stanton believes the 12-month ban could help extend his career after missing out on a year of the bash and crash of AFL football.
Jobe still mulling Medal decision
ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson is still wrestling over whether to fight for his Brownlow Medal as a three-way captaincy fight brews. VOTE HERE
Best photos of pre-season day one
TEN AFL teams hit the training track on Monday as the countdown begins to Round 1, 2017 — and they didn’t hold back. BEST PICS AND VIDEO
Jobe’s a great, medal or not: Long
ESSENDON legend Michael Long says Jobe Watson’s standing in the game is unshakable as D-Day for his Brownlow Medal nears. VOTE
Kelly, Dea officially commit to Bombers
ESSENDON has officially signed James Kelly and Matt Dea to new deals. Kelly has agreed to a one-year extension while Dea has signed for two.
Interest limited in delisted Don Dempsey
COURTENAY Dempsey is determined to extend his AFL career into a 12th season after being delisted by Essendon late last week.
Young Don wants to be the next Fyfe
ESSENDON youngster Kyle Langford wants to be the next Nat Fyfe and has already started picking the brains of two people who have intimate knowledge of the Brownlow Medallist’s game.
Returning Bombers will be in ‘peak fitness’
ESSENDON has put in place measures to limit soft tissue injuries to its 10 returning players after 12 months out of the elite training and playing environment of the AFL.
AFL fixtures in full: How did your club fare?
The Western Bulldogs will unfurl their AFL premiership flag at Etihad Stadium before the grand final rematch against Sydney at Etihad Stadium in round two. 2017 FIXTURES IN FULL.
2017 fixture: Free Kick Hawthorn?
HAWTHORN fans are rubbing their hands after being handed matches against just three 2016 finalists in the first nine rounds. The news isn’t so good for Collingwood. How did your club fare?
Watson close to Brownlow decision
JOBE Watson is still weighing up whether to fight to keep his Brownlow Medal but the Bombers will support whatever decision he makes.
Demons yield to complete Hibberd deal
MELBOURNE has continued its excellent trade period after landing Essendon defender Michael Hibberd a day after pulling off a sensational move for Jordan Lewis.
Long has eyes only for red and black
MICHAEL Long’s daughter has turned down playing offers from AFL clubs because she wants to represent Essendon when it enters the new women’s league.
Watson can make case for keeping Brownlow
JOBE Watson will have the opportunity to show the AFL Commission why he should keep his Brownlow Medal as the it prepares to make a decision next month.
Date set for Jobe’s Brownlow fate
NOVEMBER 15 is the day Jobe Watson is due to appear before the AFL Commission to plead to keep his Brownlow Medal — that’s if he doesn’t hand it back first.
Giants ready to call Bombers draft bluff
GWS have called Essendon’s bluff over revelations the Bombers are considering using the No.1 draft pick to secure Giants academy star Will Setterfield.
Essendon 34 lose doping appeal
JOBE Watson is facing the loss of his 2012 Brownlow Medal after an appeal by lawyers to overturn a ban on the Essendon 34 failed.
Bombers could spring surprise with pick 1
ESSENDON is likely to sacrifice the prestige of crowning next month’s No.1 draft pick by bidding on academy stars Jack Bowes and Will Setterfield.
Who won your club’s best-and-fairest?
ALL 18 clubs have now held their best and fairest awards for 2016. Catch up on all the results, top 10 finishes and season report cards here.
Dons to use top pick on star mid
ESSENDON look increasingly likely to retain the No. 1 pick in this year’s AFL draft as they hunt for a midfielder who can provide them with an immediate boost.
McCluggage happy to join Bombers
POTENTIAL top AFL draft pick Hugh McCluggage would be happy to join Essendon, saying the Bombers showed this year they had turned a corner.
Bombers weigh up Hartlett trade
ESSENDON is set to weigh up its interest in Port Adelaide midfielder and vice-captain Hamish Hartlett this week.
Kelly, Dea set to stick with Bombers
ESSENDON intends to sign top up players James Kelly and Matt Dea as delisted free agents heading into season 2017.
Dogs win the best AFL premiership ever
THE Western Bulldogs have staved off extinction, fought from seventh and captivated Melbourne after a 62-year flag drought. And, on the weekend, they won the best premiership ever.
‘I didn’t think I’d be coming back to play’
BANNED Essendon captain Jobe Watson confirms he will return to the club in 2017 and has opened up on his suspension and feelings around his Brownlow Medal.
‘Unfinished business’ brought Jobe back
TIM Watson believes his son, and Essendon captain, Jobe has finally been able to put his year-long ban behind him as he announces his return to AFL.
Jobe Watson will return to Bombers
ESSENDON star Jobe Watson will announce on Friday that he will play on in 2017, returning to the Bombers after his season suspension.
Pick 26 will get Hibberd deal done: manager
MELBOURNE should secure defender Michael Hibberd for a second-round pick after paying “overs” for Jake Melksham last year, according to their manager.
Jobe has two weeks to decide future
ESSENDON coach John Worsfold admits that the club does have a timeline on knowing whether the banned skipper intends to play on next season.
The man who shaped the Bulldogs
THE unsung hero of the Western Bulldogs’ fairytale season is the clubs master recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple, the SuperFooty Podcast boys say.
More time for Jobe to decide future
ESSENDON will give captain Jobe Watson more time to weigh up his future after he left a meeting with club officials last week undecided about playing on.
Dons young guns set for Colorado training
ESSENDON young guns Joe Daniher and Zach Merrett will get a jump on pre-season by travelling to Colorado to undertake high-altitude training.
Banned players will need time
PLAYERS returning from season-long bans need to be afforded time to settle, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin believes.
Watson has prepared ‘as if he is coming back’
ESSENDON midfielder Dyson Heppell remains in the dark over whether Jobe Watson will return next season but says he’s come back in peak physical condition and as if he’ll play on.
Watson planning New York return
ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson is “excited” to be back around his old teammates but is also planning to return to New York, Tim Watson has revealed.
Banned Dons are back in the game
UPDATE: ESSENDON star Dyson Heppell says his return to the club today after a WADA ban is ‘a big step towards closure’. MORE PICTURES
Bombers’ hair-larious Mad Monday
ESSENDON has put a season to forget behind them with a memorable Mad Monday at an Ascot Vale pub.
Hird ‘never someone I socialised with’
ESSENDON legend Matthew Lloyd has opened up on his relationship with his former captain James Hird, revealing the pair haven’t spoken since 2015.
Is this the greatest modern AFL rivalry?
THE SuperFooty Podcast boys say Friday night’s epic qualifying final between Hawthorn and Geelong was just another chapter in footy’s greatest modern rivalry.
Joe should pay for his own coach
MATTHEW Lloyd has urged wayward Essendon forward Joe Daniher to spend $20,000 of his own money on a private goalkicking coach.
Judd expects Watson to lose Brownlow
DUAL Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd expects the AFL to strip Jobe Watson of his 2012 medal should the Essendon 34’s appeal in a Swiss court fail.
Time to make a decision, Jobe: McVeigh
MARK McVeigh has urged fellow banned Bomber Jobe Watson to inform coach John Worsfold of his 2017 intentions when the two men meet soon.
Pears walks away from Bombers, AFL
ESSENDON defender Tayte Pears will not return to the club next season after deciding to walk away from football and pursue a career as a firefighter.
I’m going back for my mates: Hurley
MICHAEL Hurley is returning to Essendon for his mates more than the football club he still believes let the banned Bombers down.
Worsfold-Watson meeting in ‘just over a week’
ESSENDON coach John Worsfold will meet with Jobe Watson in the next week to get a gauge on his intentions for 2017 as he remains hopeful he’ll return to the Bombers.
Hurley’s tears over doping decision
WATCH: BANNED Essendon defender Michael Hurley was reduced to tears when recounting the day he was suspended from playing this season.
Pendlebury, Neale miss AA side
JOEL Selwood has been named All-Australian captain for the third time in a team dominated by Sydney Swans. But like every year, there were a few shocks. HAVE YOUR SAY
Bombers’ best: Zach caps breakout season
YOUNG gun Zach Merrett has been rewarded for a stellar season under tough circumstances, winning Essendon’s best and fairest in his third season at the club.
Merrett snares maiden Crichton Medal
ZACH Merrett wins his first Essendon’s best and fairest as chairman Lindsay Tanner declared the club had passed an “enormous character test” with flying colours.
Woosha’s Eagle eye on western warriors
ESSENDON coach John Worsfold is planning a raid on West Australian clubs with out-of-favour Eagles Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown firmly in his sights.
Woosha not interested in No.1 pick
ESSENDON could avoid the wooden spoon and lose the No. 1 draft pick if St Kilda has a big win against Brisbane, but that is the last thing on John Worsfold’s mind.
Dons’ dark season finishes in bright sunshine
AT THE end of a gloomy year, the skies cleared for Essendon on Saturday. And the victory over Carlton delivered the best membership campaign around.
What Suns can learn from McCarthy exit
GOLD Coast has every right to emulate the Giants’ hard ball stance with forward Cam McCarthy. But buyer beware. The circumstances are different.
Playing on an ‘attractive’ prospect for Kelly
ESSENDON veteran James Kelly has flagged an interest in continuing his career into 2017, saying the club can challenge for finals next year.
AFL teams: Cloke back, Hawks pick former Demon
FOUR inclusions for Collingwood, a surprise debut at Richmond and Hawthorn puts three talls on trial including a forgotten former Melbourne forward. FULL SQUADS
Tough on-baller signs on with Dons for 2017
ANOTHER banned Bomber has recommitted to their club, with Ben Howlett signing a one-year deal to remain at Essendon next season.
Can Bombers dodge wooden spoon?
ESSENDON can end the season on a high and possibly avoid the wooden spoon if this week’s betting trends are on the money. Where is the money going for Round 23?
Woosha won’t force Joe to change routine
ESSENDON coach John Worsfold won’t force Joe Daniher to change his ways, pointing to Josh Kennedy as proof that unorthodox set shots can work.
Early second-rounder fair for Hibberd
ESSENDON is still waiting on banned trio Jobe Watson, Ben Howlett and Tayte Pears while John Worsfold says a second-round pick would be fair for Michael Hibberd.
Barometer: Injuries hit flag contenders
HAWTHORN, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs have been hit by injuries to key players on the eve of finals. Who will make it back for September? FULL INJURY LIST AFTER ROUND 22
SuperLadder: Hawk fall, Swans go top
A CRUCIAL loss has seen Hawthorn slide down the AFL ladder as Sydney takes top spot and Melbourne’s finals hopes end. HOW IS YOUR TEAM PLACED.
Stokes ‘forever’ part of Essendon: Woosha
JOHN Worsford has hailed the input of Essendon’s top-up players following Mathew Stokes’ retirement, hinting Matt Dea and James Kelly could continue with the Bombers next season.
Polished Dogs spoil veteran Dons’ farewell
THE Western Bulldogs were too accomplished for a persistent Essendon outfit that fought on bravely as it farewelled Mathew Stokes and Adam Cooney.
I’m out: Hibberd officially requests trade
ESSENDON defender Michael Hibberd has ended speculation surrounding his playing future, telling the Bombers he wants to be traded.
Bomber cult hero earns new deal
ESSENDON’S cult hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has earned a contract extension after a breakout season coming off the rookie list.
AFL teams: Stringer dropped, Bartel rested
UPDATE: WESTERN Bulldogs axe All-Australian forward Jake Stringer while Geelong pull two players out of its clash against Brisbane. ALL ROUND 22 TEAMS
Watson‘s playing future still undecided
JOBE Watson remains undecided whether he’ll return to football next season according to his father, Bombers great Tim Watson.
Bombers set deadline for uncommitted five
ESSENDON want Michael Hurley and Jobe Watson to let the club know their intentions for 2017 shortly after season’s end.
Zaha has fingers crossed on unsigned Dons
ESSENDON midfielder David Zaharakis has made an impassioned plea for Michael Hurley, Jobe Watson and Michael Hibberd to make a decision “soon” on their futures.
Merrett gets taste but backs Hepp to lead
ZACH Merrett phoned Joel Selwood for captaincy advice before leading Essendon to victory but still backs Dyson Heppell to captain the club next year.
Barometer: Saints lose two stars
UPDATE: ST KILDA’S hopes against Richmond have taken a hit with two key players ruled out through injury, while Collingwood puts more players in cotton wool. LATEST INJURY AND SELECTION NEWS
Win selling future to banned Bombers
JOHN Worsfold says Essendon’s stunning win over Gold Coast on Sunday is help sell future success to the five banned players who are yet to commit to the club.
Cats come from clouds to defeat Tigers at MCG
GEELONG’S best could win the premiership, but it’s worst won’t get anywhere near it. We got both in an extraordinary encounter with Richmond that the Cats edged in dramatic fashion.
Bombers stun Suns for second win
ESSENDON won its second game for the season with a six-point boilover against Gold Coast on what was shaping as a forgettable day before an unforgettable moment.
Heppell can’t see Hurley leaving
ESSENDON star Dyson Heppell says he can’t see Michael Hurley leaving the Bombers.
Video: Jake Long’s emotional news
TELLING your dad you’ve been picked for your AFL debut is a big deal for anyone. When your father is Michael Long, it can be almost overwhelming. WATCH THE VIDEO
Who will captain Essendon in 2017?
ZACH Merrett will become one of the youngest captains in Essendon’s history this weekend, and he has a firm opinion on who is the man for the job next year.
AFL teams: Has Cloke played last game for Pies?
TRAVIS Cloke has been dropped for the third time this season and he’s not the only big name out at Collingwood. But stars are back for Hawks, Demons and Suns. FULL SQUADS
Bombers wouldn’t stand in Hurley’s way
ESSENDON won’t stand in the way of banned star Michael Hurley if he does not want to return to the club, but is adamant it will have to receive something in return.
Banned Bomber Stanton re-signs
BANNED Bomber Brent Stanton will return to Essendon in 2017. The 30-year old has agreed to a one-year contract.
Worsfold ‘very confident’ Hurley will stay
ESSENDON coach John Worsfold expects that the next week will shed light on whether all 12 banned Bombers will be returning to the club.
Goddard to miss Suns clash
ESSENDON captain Brendon Goddard has conceded he is unlikely to play this weekend, and doesn’t know whether Michael Hurley will return to the Bombers.
Saints throw hat in ring for Hurley
ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has officially entered the Saints in the Michael Hurley sweepstakes but says the Bomber had to tick some boxes before he was pursued.
Melbourne must get Michael Hurley: Ando
COULD Michael Hurley be the last piece of the puzzle for Melbourne? Jon Anderson thinks so and he says the Demons should get him at all costs.
Chapman: Hurley will leave Bombers
MICHAEL Hurley will leave Essendon to chase a premiership elsewhere, according to former teammate Paul Chapman.
Merrett, Daniher in mix to captain Dons
ESSENDON will consider trusting Zach Merrett or Joe Daniher with the captaincy on Sunday if leader Brendon Goddard misses with a groin injury.
’Somehow I made it my wife’s fault’
ESSENDON veteran James Kelly has revealed he almost missed the start of today’s game against Geelong — for a reason we can all relate to.
Cats’ win not enough for top four boost
GEELONG was invited to an all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday and went home a little bit hungry, missing a perfect opportunity to increase its percentage.
