Hird reacts to latest Bombers drama
Essendon legend James Hird reacts to the news of a board dispute at the club following a tumultuous off-season.
AFL
22nd September 2025
Lachie Neale is desperate to play the grand final. Will the Lions take the risk on their injured star?
It’s barely two weeks since the dual Brownlow medallist tore his right calf, but he’s planning to play in Saturday’s AFL grand final against Geelong.
Scoop in September: Chris Scott’s ‘chance’ meeting with Charlie Curnow’s manager
Follow Scoop in September for news, fresh views and whispers during footy finals.
Brownlow Medal 2025: How to follow, how it works and who might win
The AFL's big night is here, as the league's best and fairest player is honoured with the Brownlow Medal. Here is everything you need to know about the big event.
21st September 2025
Revealed: Crows’ confidence in landing Demons superstar builds as Petracca warms to exit
Adelaide is increasingly confident that Christian Petracca will choose them as his preferred trade destination this off-season.
By Saturday night, one of these two coaches will be an undisputed great. So will their footy club
Chris Scott and Chris Fagan have been the two best coaches this decade winning a premiership apiece. Who will prevail?.
‘Rudderless’ Bombers facing more off-field chaos as club boss set to be challenged
More chaos is looming at Essendon with president Dave Barham’s board set to be challenged by insurgents in the coming weeks.
Final siren furore as unpaid 50m decides flag; veteran Bulldog retires in style — State GF wrap
Footscray have brought a nine-year premiership drought to an end on Sunday afternoon, defeating a valiant Southport by 10 points in the 2025 VFL Grand Final.
We didn’t handle the heat: Lions’ big admission ahead of grand final clash with Cats
Key Lions have acknowledged that they did not play with enough physical intent or handle Geelong’s pressure during their defeat to the Cats in the qualifying final.
Lions star fined for targeting Cox’s goggles; Embattled Essendon cut veteran pair
Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has been fined by the AFL after he ripped off Mason Cox’s goggles during their fiery preliminary final clash.
Lions veteran Zorko fined by AFL for targeting Cox's glasses
Brisbane Lions stalwart Dayne Zorko is punished by the AFL after he ripped off Mason Cox's glasses during their fiery preliminary final clash.
AFL stats gurus’ clear call on Brownlow race — and the $67 outsider who could come close
Normally, polling the most votes in Brownlow history would win you the medal.
Demons deny Pearce happy homecoming, Crows pull off great escape
The Demons' Eden Zanker enjoys a day out with five goals to help defeat Daisy Pearce's young Eagles squad by 51 points, while the Crows launch a final-quarter fightback to get past the Suns.
Sour part of fiery prelim everyone missed as Lions veteran cops sanction over goggles swipe
There have been calls for Dayne Zorko to face punishment from the AFL after a moment of madness during the Lions’ win over Collingwood on Saturday night.
Why a second flag would mean even more to Cats star Stengle
Three years after Tyson Stengle capped off his remarkable AFL career resurrection with a premiership, the Geelong forward believes a second premiership would hold greater significance.
The early mail on AFL grand final selections and why this duel could define the decider
Geelong and reigning premiers Brisbane Lions will face off in a VFL/AFL grand final for the first time, but there are storylines galore to follow until then.
How the elite four of the AFL stay so good
The 21st century has been dominated by four AFL clubs — Geelong, Hawthorn, Collingwood and Brisbane — but there's no single secret to their success.
‘Doesn’t look like it’s working’: Legend urges Pies to made bold Bobby Hill trade call
A Collingwood legend has called for his former club to seriously consider trading star Bobby Hill.
Star Magpies the club should move on from according to Lloyd
Matthew Lloyd's big call as Collingwood face key list decisions.
Lions’ young core inspires grand final hat-trick – and they just gained another member
Brisbane’s youth brigade was central to last year’s premiership. Now, they have a seventh member to help drive their title defence.
Powerhouse AFLW side being challenged as comp evolves
The AFLW's rapid evolution has been a double-edged sword for Adelaide, which is the most successful club in competition history, having won three of the eight premierships. .
FIVE-horse Brownlow race broken down... and final verdict as every three-vote game predicted
Barring a shock surge from an ultra-dark horse, the 2025 Brownlow Medal is shaping as a five-man race for the ages.
Why the Magpies’ fall is proof they can no longer stare down Father Time
Even with a rails run to the grand final, Collingwood could not find a way through against a banged-up opponent on the road for the second time in September. Their rivals have not only hauled them in, they’ve put a gap on them.
20th September 2025
McRae’s ‘overwhelming disappointment’ as Pies exit... and big reveal on offers to unsigned stars
Collingwood coach Craig McRae couldn’t hide his “overwhelming disappointment” after his side’s season came to a bitter end in Saturday night’s preliminary final loss to Brisbane at the MCG.
A tale of two calves: Pendlebury’s woe, while Neale keeps grand final dream alive
The Lions face some key selection decisions next week. Meanwhile, Craig McRae opened up on the injury to evergreen superstar Scott Pendlebury.
Preliminary final player ratings: From an injury-hit warrior, to an ‘unstoppable’ midfield force
In a pulsating final full of momentum swings in front of more than 96,000 fans, the Lions roared over the Magpies – earning the right to defend their premiership next week. Our experts rate every player.
Neale's grand final chances revealed
Chris Fagan provides a huge update on Lachie Neale's selection chances ahead of the grand final.
‘Extremely likely’: Lions poised to make ‘extraordinary’ GF call on star after remarkable recovery
Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale is expected to be given the green light to play in next Saturday’s grand final against Geelong after an “extraordinary” recovery.
Recruit flops when they needed him most as bitter blow sours prelim — Magpies Player Ratings
Collingwood’s high-profile recruit had one big moment, but outside of that, didn’t deliver what the Pies paid for when they needed it most.
‘He belongs’: Five-gamer stuns; veteran’s rollercoaster from worst to best — Lions Player Ratings
A five-game Lion just owned the MCG with maturity beyond his years.
‘Put your glasses on!’: Debate RAGES over controversial non-call that swung prelim as ump ‘freezes’
A controversial non-free kick to Jamie Elliott rocked the last quarter of Brisbane’s 29-point preliminary final victory against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night — and split pundits post-game.
Free kick controversy intensifies Pies-Lions prelim
A free kick is controversially not paid during the preliminary final between Collingwood and Brisbane.
Pies star takes ‘one of the great finals marks’ with epic prelim specky
Jamie Elliott took “one of the great finals marks” with an epic specky in the third quarter of the preliminary final between Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
Cox gets heated with Zorko after scoring opener
Mason Cox kicks the opening goal after receiving a free kick against Dayne Zorko.
‘His season is over’: Pies great could ‘barely walk’ as Lions star injured too in prelim chaos
Scott Pendlebury was substituted out of the game with a lower leg injury roughly five minutes into the first quarter of Collingwood’s preliminary final loss to Brisbane at the MCG.
Lethal Lions roar to third-straight GF as script flips on Pies after surge, early Pendles blow
A seven-goal third quarter has propelled reigning premiers Brisbane to a third-straight grand final berth, defeating Collingwood 15.10 (100) to 11.5 (71) in Saturday night’s preliminary final.
The call that could have turned a final: Fagan’s men advance as Pies left to stew over non-free kick
After a day of injury carnage at the MCG, in which Scott Pendlebury was subbed out early, the Lions prevailed, and will face Geelong next week as they aim to go back-to-back.
'Hopefully Fages picks me': Neale talks up grand final chances after solid training
A training session on Saturday morning featuring speed work adds to Lachie Neale's optimism about returning for Brisbane in the AFL grand final after the Lions beat the Magpies.
Kangaroos claim 18th straight win, Cats prevail after late controversy
Reigning premiers North Melbourne thrashes Carlton by 53 points, while Port Adelaide is stunned by an umpiring decision in its narrow loss to Geelong.
Hawthorn’s ‘realistic’ wake up call as ‘weakest line’ brutally exposed in prelim loss
For all the thrills of the new age Hawks, they were soundly beaten by Geelong’s old fashioned midfield brute force in Friday’s night preliminary final at the MCG.
Leigh Matthews lashes AFL ‘bozos’ after key Cat Stewart ruled out of grand final
Prominent footy figures join the push for a pre-grand final bye after a devastating concussion ends Tom Stewart’s season. Leigh Matthews says it’s only matter of time before the AFL’s “slow-moving bureaucracy” rethinks the situation.
‘Doesn’t make much sense’: Cats star joins call for change after Tom Stewart’s sad GF setback
As debate swirls surrounding the timing of the finals bye, Geelong star Max Holmes believes the time has come to switch it to the week before the grand final.
Heartbreak and ultimate ‘motivation’: 14 players spurring on flag repeat dream in GF rematch
Brisbane and Collingwood won the last two premierships.
‘I just didn’t think that was a good enough reason’: Cats coach takes aim at ‘flawed’ system after ‘shattering’ blow
Geelong coach Chris Scott has described Tom Stewart’s unavailability for next week’s grand final as a “shattering situation” after the champion defender entered concussion protocols on Friday night during the Cats’ preliminary final win over Hawthorn.
Sam Mitchell’s telling reply to Zach Merrett question and recruitment promise after Hawks fall short
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell joked he is “certainly ready for Dangerfield to retire” and flagged “aggressive” recruitment in the offseason after the Geelong captain turned back the clock to eliminate his Hawks in Friday’s preliminary final.
Two years on from a legendary grand final, Pies and Lions shape for dream rematch
The 2023 grand final will go down as one of the best deciders in AFL history, and though the stakes are only marginally lower two years on, the numbers suggest Collingwood and Brisbane's 2025 preliminary final could be another classic.
Why Collingwood’s cult hero copped abuse for playing in a premiership
Billy Frampton’s role in the 2023 flag is part of Collingwood folklore but afterwards he had to deal with unexpected abuse.
Preliminary final player ratings: From the Wizard with no magic, to the all-time great’s masterclass
Another chapter was written in the famous finals story of Geelong and Hawthorn in front of almost 100,000 fans at the MCG. Our experts rate every player.
Patrick Dangerfield has played more than 350 games. This might’ve been his most telling
When his team was in trouble, down a star and wobbling, the 35-year-old Geelong skipper produced maybe his finest hour-and-a-half.
‘Not sure what to think now’: Danger devastated for great mate after shattering GF blow
Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield says he is devastated for his deputy and close friend Tom Stewart.
19th September 2025
‘Freak’ explodes in vintage masterpiece; how Cats filled brutal star void — Player Ratings
A long-time star “turned the clock back” in a massive way in Friday night’s preliminary final, as Geelong stormed to a second grand final berth in four years.
Modern-day great dealt cruellest AFL blow imaginable... but ‘simple selection solution’ looms for Cats
It will be the longest week of Tom Stewart’s career, a test of his leadership credentials and a chance to further his reputation.
Key duo give all in frustrating PF loss... as EIGHT teammates fail — Hawks Player Ratings
Hawthorn’s 2025 season comes to a close with no fairytale end, losing to Geelong by five goals on Friday night to fall short of the last Saturday in September.
Mannagh caps off third-quarter blitz
Geelong's Shaun Mannagh kicks a stellar goal before three-quarter time to extend his side's lead over Hawthorn.
Hawk cops HUGE ban for brutal act that cruelly ended Cats superstar’s GF dream
Geelong suffered a colossal blow in the first quarter of Friday night’s preliminary final triumph over Hawthorn, with Tom Stewart to become the first men’s player to miss an AFL grand final due to concussion protocols.
Hawks strike first in prelim final
Hawthorn's Mitch Lewis takes a mark and nails a goal from his free kick to gain an early lead against Geelong.
Cats star forced off early in prelim
Geelong's Tom Stewart stays down after a heavy tackle in the prelim final against Hawthorn.
‘I’ll never forget it’: Smith’s heartfelt words for his skipper after masterclass in front of nearly 100,000 fans
Geelong are back in the big dance after a comprehensive victory over Hawthorn. Patrick Dangerfield dominated, Max Holmes gets to make amends and Bailey Smith lived up to his reputation.
Cats and Hawks set for epic finals showdown
In a blockbuster preliminary final, the seasoned Geelong Cats will clash with the surprise-packet Hawthorn Hawks for a spot in the grand final.
‘The Stewart one’s a bit hard to take’: Chris Scott speaks after the AFL’s nightmare becomes real
Tom Stewart’s concussion has reignited the debate around the pre-finals bye and whether it should be switched to the week before the grand final.
‘True greatness lasts’: Cats book third GF in six years as ‘Superman’ winds back clock
Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has produced an absolute “Superman” display to send the Cats through to a third grand final in just six years.
‘Doesn’t get much bigger’: Rival’s ‘audacious’ bid to lure Curnow as fourth club joins race
A fourth club has reportedly entered the race for Blues star Charlie Curnow – and it’s a rival no one saw coming.
Cats feel primed for grand final despite star's absence
Geelong utility Tom Stewart will miss the AFL grand final, but coach Chris Scott feels his Cats are in a great position to win the premiership.
Simon Goodwin’s next AFL move revealed after Dees exit in huge coup for rival
Simon Goodwin’s next move after departing the Melbourne Football Club has been revealed, with Dean Cox and the Sydney Swans recruiting the premiership coach for the 2026 season.
‘Exploring his options’: Roos star concedes skipper ‘frustrated’ over midfield push
North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel admits captain Jy Simpkin has been frustrated over his limited midfield minutes for “the last year or so” and is now “exploring his options” for 2026 and beyond.
AFLW great Pearce aiming to take down former club Demons
With a West Coast Eagles squad intent of reaching the finals, coach Daisy Pearce has the club she captained to a premiership in her sights this weekend.
How Zach Merrett’s escape plan blew up Essendon’s fragile rebuild
The Bombers have long worshipped at the shrine of the individual, so it is fitting that a controversial exit strategy by its driven but individualistic captain has piled pressure on David Barham’s board.
Pies star’s training absence explained; star’s shock GF push — AFL Team News
Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek missed Friday’s captains run due to a toe issue ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final against Brisbane.
AFL, are women included in the State of Origin?
Description: On this week's episode: Is Vic Park actually up to scratch? *Almost* every team has had a win Will women get a State of Origin too? AND Sarah chats to legend of the game, Sabrina Frederick after their HUGE win GUEST: Sabrina Frederick, Collingwood ruck To get in touch on Instagram follow georgie_parker19 and sarah___burt, or EMAIL at aflw.
Suns’ reluctance to move guns could cast doubt over Curnow trade; suitors for Dee shrink — In and Under
The Suns’ reluctance to trade their gun forwards could cast doubt around their ability to land Charlie Curnow.
Huge offer for flag winner revealed; Tassie lifelines loom for axed duo — Trade Whispers
A huge offer for a premiership Lion has been revealed. Plus a couple of delisted players could be set for Tasmanian lifelines.
This Magpie went viral before even playing a game. She had no idea
Ash Centra entered the league with immense pressure as the No.1 draft pick but a moment of improvisation during her warm-up earned her a different kind of spotlight.
‘Never healed properly’: Legend’s ‘reminder’ of brutal hit - 36 years later - that sparked iconic rivalry
Dermott Brereton gets a reminder of the price he paid in the 1989 grand final every time he slides on to his surfboard.
Counterattacks and forward diversity — how the Hawks can down the Cats
With a plethora of options up forward, there's one issue the Hawks need to pay attention to out of their back half if they want to upset the Cats tonight.
Merrett’s key Dons meeting; rival urged to chase Demons flag hero — AFL Trade Whispers
Zach Merrett has met with Essendon after a tumultuous period. Plus a rival club has been urged to pursue Steven May.
Fed up with online purchases, AFL fans queue up for finals tickets
AFL fans fed up with the online ticketing system have opted to line up in person days in advance to secure their finals tickets.
‘They expect to win’: The ‘low-key’ Hawks trade moves that revived AFL finals ‘juggernaut’
Hawthorn appears to be “reprising” the late 2000s and early 2010s version of itself with its recent recruiting, and it’s propelling the club’s historic flag tilt.
‘I never want to have that feeling again’: The embarrassing moment driving Jack Ginnivan
From the goal celebrations that Hawks fans love (and rival fans hate), to turning a mirror on the media pack – everyone has their own opinion of him. But there’s more than meets the eye.
18th September 2025
AFL preliminary finals teams, expert tips: Both MCG blockbusters could draw 95,000-plus. Here’s how the sides will look
The teams have been announced for the two preliminary finals expected to pack out the MCG this weekend.
Pies ‘outrageous’ ploy revealed; Cats’ ultimate ‘trump card’ - AFL Experts’ Finals Verdict
The preliminary finals are here with just four teams left battling it out for premiership glory.
AFLW round six: Saint injured in gruesome incident, Dogs slump to fourth straight loss, Demon boots five in a half
Follow our AFLW slow blog as we cover the major league news and matches from round six.
Pies star named despite injury cloud as Norm Smith winner misses out – AFL Teams
Geelong and Hawthorn will go into Friday’s preliminary final showdown unchanged, with Cats star Rhys Stanley named as an emergency.
‘Private conversation’: Cats coach breaks silence after blow-up left AFL staffer ‘in tears’
Geelong coach Chris Scott is adamant he and his club have a “pretty good track record” when it comes to behavioural and cultural issues, and defended the official silence in the wake of incidents involving himself and superstar Bailey Smith.
Geelong coach Chris Scott speaks following controversial week
Geelong coach Chris Scott on a week in the headlines.
Stadium report findings are 'matters of opinion and choice', proponent says
The agency behind Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium build says it is undeterred by the three key issues raised by the recent planning commission's final report, arguing it comes down to "priorities".
‘An act of genius’: Why this killer skill could define the preliminary finals
Four players have mastered the art of the intercept mark, which is more important than ever in finals.
Cats coach Scott regrets run-in with AFL staffer
Geelong coach Chris Scott says long-held frustration with the AFL was behind his regrettable post-qualifying final win outburst at a junior league employee.
Retired AFL rising star seeking shock comeback
Former Collingwood and North Melbourne utility Jaidyn Stephenson wants to end his brief retirement to play in the AFL next year.
How arrival of mass player movement era 'completely backfired' on the AFL
Three captains from the AFL's four worst-performing clubs are searching for the exit door. It is the symptom of a player movement era that has left the gap between the AFL's strongest and weakest larger than ever.
Magpies make 'really difficult' call on star forward for preliminary final
Coach Craig McRae reveals he has spoken with Bobby Hill about his chances of playing in the AFL finals, as the Magpies ramp up preparations for Saturday's preliminary final against Lions.
‘Selection integrity’: McRae speaks on star’s snubbing... but doesn’t rule out shock GF move
Collingwood coach Craig McRae refused to “take away hope” of a grand final return for Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill despite ruling him out of the preliminary final.
As rivals plot a multimillion-dollar raid, a breakout Lion speaks out
On the back of his most emphatic AFL season, a resurgent Brisbane star addresses his future.
Daicos, Smith, Dawson or a roughie? Your Brownlow mega-guide – and who the experts think will take home Charlie
We go round-by-round to examine the seasons of the top prospects and check in with our experts for their predictions.
How Collingwood is righting the ship this AFLW season
A year after finishing dead last in the AFLW, the Magpies have started making moves up the ladder thanks to a new approach at both ends of the field.
Merrett breaks bread with Essendon vice president, former Bombers star
Essendon’s estranged skipper has held a private meeting with Andrew Welsh in an apparent attempt to improve relations after a week of turbulence.
Hawk reflects on his horrific leg break to an unlikely run at the flag
As he prepares to take on Geelong at the MCG for a place in the AFL grand final, Sam Butler reflects on his incredible journey back from a horrific leg break.
‘Huge loss’: Four AFL trade targets flying under the radar... and fallen giant hoping to land two
The likes of Charlie Curnow, Zach Merrett and Christian Petracca have dominated the AFL trade headlines in recent weeks — and understandably so.
‘Who cares’: Contender who must make ‘ruthless’ Curnow move as key to ‘unlocking’ trade revealed
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has been urged to make a “ruthless decision” on his club’s pursuit of wantaway Blues star Charlie Curnow.
