Analysis
AFL round 18 key takeouts and match review news
Our reporters give you the lowdown on all the action from round 18 of the AFL season.
- by Peter Ryan, Steve Barrett, Jon Pierik, Andrew Wu, Roy Ward, Marnie Vinall and Russell Bennett
Latest
Analysis
Tasmania’s got talent but is it enough? The AFL’s quest for 2026
Tasmania wants an AFL team, and decision time is looming. If the state entered a team in the league in 2026, how would its list look?
- by Peter Ryan
Updated
North boss contacts Clarkson’s manager as Roos snap 14-game losing streak
On the day that North Melbourne snapped their 14-game losing streak, president Sonja Hood confirmed she has contacted Alastair Clarkson’s management.
- by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
Updated
Hannebery takes next step in comeback ask Ratten bemoans poor St Kilda performance
St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has not put a line through midfielder Dan Hannebery making a late-season return after the coach was left searching for answers following the loss to the Bulldogs.
- by Peter Ryan
Bontempelli masterclass keeps Western Bulldogs in finals hunt
The Western Bulldogs kicked the first seven goals of the match to thrash St Kilda and keep their finals hopes alive.
- by Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
Moore boost for Magpies; veteran Saint says farewell; Five teams hit by COVID-19
A former Saints skipper has announced his retirement; the Bulldogs are confident of retaining Josh Dunkley in 2023 and expect Bailey Smith to re-sign soon; and Darcy Moore is set for his Magpies return, while the league continues to grapple with COVID.
- by Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu
AFL lifts vaccine mandate for players, club staff
The AFL will “strongly encourage” players and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 rather than making it compulsory.
- by Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
Blues weigh up shock McGovern return; Hurley’s footy comeback; Hodge wary of the ‘Clarko Show’
Mitch McGovern is in line for a shock early AFL return; Luke Hodge has delivered a warning to North Melbourne about Alastair Clarkson; and Michael Hurley is on the verge of a comeback through the VFL.
- by Jon Pierik, Peter Ryan, Andrew Wu and Russell Bennett
Updated
North to sound out ex-Roo Clarkson after parting ways with David Noble
North Melbourne coach David Noble has parted ways with the club 17 rounds into a horror season for the Kangaroos.
- by Peter Ryan, Jake Niall and Sam McClure
Blues could seek compensation if Jones returns to the AFL with another club
Carlton expect to have positive discussions with the AFL if Liam Jones is eligible to return to the league and wants to join another club.
- by Peter Ryan
Opinion
Snap Shot: The kick-start Will Hayes needed
There’s no more horsing around for Carlton’s Will Hayes - at least for now; the turbulent first years for No.1 picks; and free hugs from the runner.
- by Peter Ryan