AFL

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.

Dan Butler celebrates an early goal.

Tigers stamp themselves as finals contenders

While the Tigers had made an unbeaten start to the new season, they still faced questions about the quality of their opponents - Carlton and Collingwood. That's why the home clash on Saturday against the West Coast Eagles, tipped to be a serious top-four contender, was seen as an early litmus test.

Back in action: Andrew Phillips returns to football on Saturday after being sidelined with a foot injury.

Ruckman Phillips returns in VFL

Carlton ruckman Andrew Phillips will return from injury when the Northern Blues begin their VFL campaign against Port Melbourne on Saturday.

Jack Silvagni and teammates leave the field after Carlton's loss on Sunday.

Blues up for fierce contest with Bombers

Having been forced to ''fly the flag'' last weekend, winless Carlton insist they will be ready for a fierce contest against an Essendon side set to welcome back ruckman Matthew Leuenberger on Sunday.