AFL

Lance Franklin named AFL All-Australian for seventh time

Lance Franklin has been named an AFL All-Australian for a seventh time, while Josh Kelly and Dylan Shiel of the Giants have also made the team.

• by James Buckley

Dustin Martin circus threatening to roll out of control

The near certainty that Dustin Martin will remain at Richmond must surely become a formality this week before the circus that came to town rolls out of control.

• by Caroline Wilson

Dale Thomas edging towards new contract with Carlton Blues

Carlton appear set to offer Dale Thomas a contract extension but Levi Casboult's future remains unclear.

• by Jon Pierik

Dustin Martin, Tigers wait goes on

Much as other teams have had no answers to the Dustin Martin question on the field. Richmond's leaders had no answer for the Dustin Martin contract question off it.

• by Michael Gleeson

The best I've coached, says Richmond coach Damien Hardwick

Damien Hardwick believes this Richmond side is much better than any he has coached and he wants them to embrace the finals hype.

• by Michael Gleeson

Why Hawthorn's Paul Puopolo would be an ideal Carlton signing

Geelong champion and aspiring list manager Jimmy Bartel takes a forensic look at Carlton and what they need to kick on.

• by Jimmy Bartel

Brad Scott signs two-year coaching extension with North Melbourne

North Melbourne have re-signed coach Brad Scott on a two-year extension, tying him to the club until the end of 2020.

• by Caroline Wilson

St Kilda's Leigh Montagna joins the retirement list

St Kilda's Leigh Montagna has joined his former skipper Nick Reiwoldt in calling time on his AFL career. Montagna on Wednesday announced his retirement after 287 games and 16 seasons.

Geelong Cats turn to match simulation ahead of Tigers final

Geelong will use a match-simulation session on Saturday in a bid to help counter the tactics they think Richmond will adopt in next week's qualifying final.

• by Jon Pierik

Surgery for Brisbane Lions Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff

Brisbane have paid tribute to leaders Dayne Beams and Tom Rockliff for defying the pain barrier after booking the Lions stars into end of season shoulder surgery.

• by Laine Clark