Opinion
AFL 2024
Why AFL needs to embrace the coaching merry-go-round
In overseas sports, head coaches often transition swiftly between roles, quitting or being fired from one franchise to resurface as the head coach at another. The AFL’s landscape with more entrenched coaches underscores the need for more open minds on changing clubs.
- by Kane Cornes
Latest
Opinion
AFL 2024
The move that could end Carlton’s 29-year premiership drought
Jeremy Cameron has been a formidable weapon for Geelong this year. It’s time for the Blues to copy the Cats, which could finally put them on a stronger path to ending a premiership drought that is now in its 29th year.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
I once mocked a star for shirking a contest. I won’t do it again
When a player flinches on the footy field, there’s nowhere to hide. But the old-school approach of humiliation has reached its use-by date.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
Why Beveridge has to go – and the man who should replace him
Pressure is building on Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, and despite public denials from both the club and coach, it is clear the relationship is strained and change is needed.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
A new force is emerging in the AFL. It’s bad news for the Bombers and Saints
The Suns, with their riches of young talent and growing superstars, are on the brink of a meteoric rise. This is a warning to all: prepare yourselves, for the Suns are ready to unleash a new era of dominance in the AFL.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
No serious AFL player would take drugs: Why I can’t fathom blase attitude
Despite attempts to downplay the issues, the reports of illicit drug use and disharmony caused by footy trips should be ringing alarm bells for the AFL and its players’ association.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
The ageing AFL stars who should pull the pin this year
Every year at every AFL club, a player will start the season not knowing they are about to leave the game. Few get to leave the sport in control of their exit. The likes of Shane Crawford and Joel Selwood are the exceptions to the norm.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
People want to see me get hurt, but here’s why I’m stepping into the boxing ring anyway
Just before Christmas, I received an unexpected offer: an invitation to join a high-profile boxing event in Adelaide during the week of the AFL’s Gather Round. This is why I accepted.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
Make Collingwood great again: The one move that can improve the Pies in 2024
Premierships are hard to win. Back-to-back flags are even harder. To avoid being brought down, Collingwood need much more than luck, talent and strategy. They must evolve, innovate and adapt.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
No bumping, tackling, smothers or speccies. Is this footy’s future?
The AFL’s relentless pursuit of safety and the mounting legal cases threaten to strip the very essence of the game.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2024
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