AFL 2024
Breaking
Crime
‘Disclosure issues’: Magistrate unhappy as Marlion Pickett’s court case stalls again
The AFL star is facing 12 charges related to an alleged crime spree that occurred last Christmas but police prosecutors have so far failed to progress the matter through the courts.
- by Rebecca Peppiatt
Latest
‘There haven’t been many Lance Franklins’: Post-Buddy Swans primed to kick on
Despite starting the season without a marquee name, CEO Tom Harley is confident an outstanding list of academy graduates and astute signings can lift the Swans closer to a premiership.
- by Jonathan Drennan
‘Concussion and a woke agenda’: Club bosses have their say on the AFL’s big issues
The Age approached the 36 club CEOs and presidents to take part in an anonymous online poll on key issues facing the sport, with 19 responding.
- by Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
Carlton Blues
How Xbox technology found the flaw behind McKay’s yips; Power outage and snake disrupt match
This fault is the reason why Harry McKay has hated watching vision of himself kicking, and may also explain why Blues fans are filled with trepidation when he lines up for goal.
- by Andrew Wu
Call of Duty, Kygrios and the next Gallen: The ex-Lion who’s ‘not really a footy fan anymore’
As he embarks on his journey to replace an Australian sporting legend, a former Lions star has revealed his plans and why he has turned away from the AFL.
- by Nick Wright
‘Visibility is such an important factor’: Swans and FA represent sporting community at Mardi Gras
There are 25 sporting organisations, mostly based in the LGTBQ community, participating in Saturday’s parade.
- by Billie Eder
Opinion
For subscribers
Alastair Clarkson is a legendary coach. But has he still got it?
Alastair Clarkson’s magic touch waned at Hawthorn, and his maiden year at North Melbourne was a mess. While some have low expectations of the Roos, he should be aiming for nine wins in 2024.
- by Kane Cornes
‘It doesn’t faze me’: Dons skipper brushes aside Lloyd’s finals blowtorch
Essendon are preparing for another season of external expectation, with captain Zach Merrett cautiously optimistic – but also realistic – about finals.
- by Marc McGowan
The night the Dees needed after hellish summer; Carlton fail to impress without Weitering
Clayton Oliver is no certainty to play in Melbourne’s season-opener, as the Blues did little to convince doubters they can cover the chasm left by Jacob Weitering.
- by Andrew Wu and Jon Pierik
Opinion
Drugs in sport
AFL players take cocaine just like a million other Australians. Get over it
AFLM players take cocaine. Local footy players take cocaine. So do teachers, lawyers, doctors. Why do we so enjoy the stupidity of a young man in the public eye being caught out consuming a drug a vast number of Australians also indulge in?
- by Brandon Jack
‘Scapegoat’: Powell-Pepper gets four-game ban for concussing Crow
The Port Adelaide enforcer will miss the first four games of the season after a tribunal hearing billed as a test case for how head-high contact will be policed by the AFL this season.
- by Oliver Caffrey