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.
When it comes to remembering the Hawthorn dynasty that powered to three premierships in as many years, Josh Gibson may not be one of the first names recalled. Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Lance Franklin, before he decamped for the Swans, Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis would generally find themselves at the top of the list.
Geelong hopes to again play host to a big Melbourne-based club next season, having seen Saturday's clash against a frustrated Richmond as nothing short of a success.
AFL clubs set to lose their VFL development-league pathway will consider forging more formal relationships with TAC Cup and suburban clubs.
Damien Hardwick has been praised this season for the changes he has made personally and overseen in the Tigers' football department. From almost being out the door this time last year, Hardwick has emerged as one of the more astute minds of the competition, having embraced, among other things, the need for quicker ball movement and pressure intensity inside 50.
Richmond's displeasure at loss to Geelong bubbled over on Saturday night when coach Damien Hardwick claimed the three field umpires had been influenced by the local crowd.
While doing the radio rounds pre-match, Geelong chief executive Brian Cook made it clear the Cats would soon be open to offers for Steven Motlop - the inconsistent but sometimes match-winning star who is off contract.
While it's still doubtful whether the Demons end a decade-long finals drought, the form of Jeff Garlett and Michael Hibberd should almost guarantee All-Australian selection.
In a week when Jobe Watson became the latest veteran to raise concerns about the scrutiny modern AFL players are under, Jack Viney had no such personal issues.
Jack Watts has been banished to the VFL to regain form while the Demons are adamant Jeff Garlett will return on time to play in Sunday's crunch clash against St Kilda at the MCG.
The management of Jake Kolodjashnij has opened contract discussions with Geelong but the defender's future remains a point of intrigue.
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