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.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson insists the Hawks have the platform to build for what he hopes will be their next premiership era and has all but ruled out trading premiership stars Jack Gunston and Paul Puopolo.
While the top-end talent of this year's national draft is expected to be strong, depth remains an issue.
AFL clubs may have to be more cautious about ceding a future first-round pick this year ahead of what shapes as a "super draft" in 2018.
Changes to the AFL combine have meant the three-kilometre time trial and the beep test have been dumped in a bid to ensure testing represents more closely what's required at club level.
As AFL clubs enjoy their mid-season bye and list managers turn their attention more towards 2018, we take a daily look at one club - how it has performed so far and what to expect from here.
Six debutantes so far this year is evidence foundations are being laid for the long term at Carlton.
While Jesse Hogan's return to Melbourne has been warming, he is likely to miss at least another week in his comeback from testicular surgery.
The Gold Coast Suns will "fight" to retain Gary Ablett and Steven May at a time when both men are weighing up their futures.
As president Eddie McGuire reiterated through the week, the Magpies aren't just a men's football club.
​Carlton have reinforced their vow to rebuild the club via youthful elite talent by signing a trio of their most promising teenagers.
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