‘Revered’ Lions star on brink of staggering feat after failed trade sparked great AFL sliding door
Exactly 12 months ago, we wrote about how Josh Dunkley’s move north had become one of the great sliding doors moments of the modern AFL era.
AFL
25th September 2026
What keeps Fremantle's purple army going?
Struggling for success and on the cusp of what might be a maiden flag, Fremantle supporters reflect on what's kept them going.
Fitzroy's last game v Freo
Reactions from Fitzroy supporters as Auld Lang Syne is sung at their last ever game v Fremantle in September 1996.
New route location confirmed as Freo, Lions to shine in iconic event — AFL GF Parade LIVE
Thousands of footy fans will descend on Melbourne’s CBD on Friday morning for the traditional AFL Grand Final parade, which will feature players and coaches from Grand Final combatants Fremantle and Brisbane.
The AFL's gut feel to Neale's gut punch leaves fans dazed and confused
It was the AFL's Folarin Balogun moment, and the decision to let Lachie Neale play in the grand final has left many seeing red. .
Sydney could host an AFLW Gather Round. What about Marvel on grand final eve?
Instead, there are four games at three different venues, one of which is an eyesore.
‘Who’s this bloke with no teeth?’ The raw talent who snubbed the NBA to become footy’s unicorn
Compared to Dennis Rodman and scouted by the Golden State Warriors, marketable big man Luke Jackson channelled his energy into becoming an AFL star and Instagram superhero.
Frontline services warn of AFL grand final domestic violence risk
The AFL and NRL grand finals are a time of celebration for many Australians, but experts warn it can be a period of heightened risk for domestic violence.
AFL 2026 grand final: where the Fremantle v Brisbane decider will be won and lost
The Dockers can underline that defence wins premierships as they hunt a first flag while the Lions have the firepower to claim a slice of history. Fremantle stand on the precipice of immortality with a first AFL premiership now just one win away.
24th September 2026
Flawed reasons for a just outcome: Why Neale playing in the grand final is the right thing
The underlying wrinkle of this case is that the match review system leaves little room for shades of grey in the grading of offences.
The 12-month Lachie Neale saga has one final act to come. It could be the most dramatic yet
From two seperate Grand Final dramas to a very public off-field scandal and a high-profile free agency move, Lachie Neale has dominated headlines for 12 months.
'Right decision made': Greats react to Neale's hearing
Nathan Brown and Matthew Lloyd give their thoughts on Brisbane star Lachie Neale's appeal board hearing result.
Lions skipper reacts to Neale hearing
Harris Andrews weighs in on the appeal board's result on Brisbane teammate Lachie Neale's case.
AFLW round seven: Kate Hore brings up 100th game as Dees take on angry North Melbourne; IKON Park hosts double-header
Follow all the action of, and reaction to, round seven – including the grand final even quadruple header.
How sons of Lions royalty forged their own legacies, and can go even further
Their fathers will live in Lions history, but this modern-day trio are on the cusp of cementing their own legacies out of the shadow of their most potent star.
It’s a game for sporting legends. It’s also a game for those who don’t fit anywhere else
This weekend the best players in the AFL will battle it out in the finals. Down at JJ Holland Park, the game is changing lives.
Dockers coach reacts, Neale celebrates stunning Grand Final verdict
Brisbane's star midfielder speaks after being cleared to play in the 2026 Grand Final.
Neale reacts after one-game ban overturned
Lachie Neale breaks his silence after learning he would be free to play in the 2026 AFL grand final.
Your guide to the AFL grand final
From Wharfie Time to Country Roads, this is your one-stop shop for all things Fremantle and Brisbane in the lead-up to the grand final.
Why this Dockers star was close to tears before preliminary final
Hayden Young was integral in Fremantle’s fightback from almost five goals down in last week’s preliminary final. Now, he has his sights on a premiership.
Lachie Neale cleared to play in AFL grand final after overturning one-game suspension
Star Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale has been cleared to play in the AFL grand final after overturning his one-game suspension at the appeals board.
‘Utterly shambolic’: AFL world erupts after wild Neale turnover and ‘inadmissable’ vision debacle
The decision to overturn Lachie Neale’s ban and allow him to play in Saturday’s grand final has been described as “utterly shambolic”.
AFL grand final teams, expert tips: Is this Freo’s first premiership side, or will Lions get their three-peat?
The all-important teams and expert tips – including Norm Smith medallist – for the biggest game of the AFL season.
He should be so Lachie: Why the Appeal Board cleared Lions star
Lachie Neale faced the Appeals Board on Thursday in an attempt to have his one-match ban thrown out.
GRAND FINAL TEAMS: Dockers, Lions make huge selection calls for decider
The teams are in for the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final between Fremantle and Brisbane.
Heartbreak as Lions, Dockers make calls on stars who raced the clock — Grand Final Teams
The Grand Final teams are in, as Brisbane and Fremantle make calls on stars who looked to prove their fitness. Scroll to see the lineups for Saturday’s decider.
Big call looms as Dockers back veteran defender for Grand Final return
Jordan Clark says he's confident Brennan Cox will do the job if selected for Saturday's decider.
RECAP: Verdict handed down after two-and-a-half hour hearing
Re-live our live coverage as Brisbane star Lachie Neale pleaded his case to the AFL Appeals Board.
Hawks confirm five departures as off-season list changes begin
Henry Hustwaite, Bodie Ryan, Cody Anderson, James Blanck and Jaime Uhr-Henry have not been offered a contract for 2027.
United in purple: How Fremantle captured a state’s heart... as fans scramble across the Nullabor
As Fremantle touched down in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, they leave behind a State united in purple.
Neale freed to play by AFL Appeals Board as grand final teams named
Lachie Neale has succeeded in his bid to overturn a one-game striking suspension at the AFL Appeals Board and is free to play in the grand final.
Would you travel over 50 hours for your team? This Dockers fan is
A Dockers victory would mean the world to this Perth student, who is making the journey from his university in the US state of Illinois to the MCG to watch the grand final. .
Tasmania Devils line up female voice to sing team song in AFL first
Kylie Minogue will dazzle 100,000 fans at the MCG this weekend, but the Tasmania Devils hope there will soon be another female vocal heard on grand final day.
Appeals board stunner: Neale free to play in the grand final, cops fine instead
The AFL appeals board has sensationally fined Neale $10,000 and freed him to play in the grand final. Follow all the reaction.
Nostalgia, fun and a few surprises as Kylie counts down to MCG homecoming
Kylie Minogue says she's "filled with awe" ahead of her Grand Final performance on Saturday.
AFL Grand Final 2026 tips: Fox Footy experts predict premier, Norm Smith Medal and first goal
Arguably the two best and most bankable teams from the home and away season will collide on Saturday for the 2026 AFL Grand Final, with minor premiers Fremantle taking on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
Inside Brisbane’s stunning’ ‘change’ from exodus to ‘destination club’... and its secret weapon
The Brisbane Lions have come a long way.
AFL makes 'Wharfie Time' call ahead of Grand Final
The League has made its decision on whether Fremantle will be allowed to play its 'Wharfie Time' activation in Saturday's Toyota AFL Grand Final.
How 'Auskick for oldies' is saving lives in country Victoria
Aussie Rules football for over-35s is booming in country Victoria, where players are reaping the rewards of community and connection.
The 'blueprint' Dockers have to beat the Lions in the Grand Final
Former Lions premiership captain Michael Voss dissects how the finals have given Fremantle a plan that could beat Brisbane.
‘The Lions losing will be on me’: Fan superstitions take hold ahead of AFL grand final
Seemingly strange logic make perfect sense to some Brisbane tragics who are convinced the Lions are destined for another September miracle.
Six things to know ahead of the AFL grand final
The Brisbane Lions and Fremantle are preparing for an historic AFL finale at the MCG on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know.
Rain or pain: Wet weather looms as Grand Final wildcard
Brisbane and Fremantle players are bracing for damp conditions at the MCG, with the forecast pointing to the wettest Grand Final in decades.
Brisbane bombshell: SHOCK call in Neale’s Grand Final appeal after fresh vision thrown out
Lachie Neale has been sensationally cleared to play in the 2026 Grand Final after a shock decision by the AFL Appeal Board.
Inside the mind of an AFL finals umpire when everyone else is losing theirs
Players will try to con them. They will be yelled at, and might even have things thrown at them. But the four field umpires picked for Saturday’s grand final will come back to three things – courage, judgment and process.
Wharfie Time and Lions songs get green light for grand final
In a departure from grand final tradition, both clubs will be allowed to whip up their fans with music and activations at the MCG.
‘Deeply remorseful’: Fresh details from Swans’ return that could ‘pave the way’ for key call
Details from inside the Pullman Five’s first meeting with Sydney players and staff have emerged, with suggestions Wednesday’s events could “pave the way” for the quintet to attend next week’s Swans best and fairest.
Why is Woodside sponsoring Fremantle’s AFL team – and will the climate crisis shift the relationship?
Dockers supporters cannot buy a barrel of Woodside oil – but the fossil fuel company hopes to buy into fans’ loyalty. When an oil and gas company buys logo space on an AFL jersey, it isn’t trying to convince fans to buy its products.
Football is full of sliding doors moments. Just ask the Fremantle Dockers
It's taken a decade to rebuild the Dockers after they crashed and burned in 2016, but clever recruiting — and some good luck — now has them on the cusp of the AFL's ultimate reward.
The unsung hero behind Freo’s ‘pure’ list build... and huge trade swing that struck gold
Thirteen years after Fremantle’s first shot at premiership glory, not one of the 23 Dockers who took the field in the 2013 Grand Final remains at the club.
AFL Trade Whispers: ‘Murky waters’ twist in King’s ransom; Blues step up star pursuit
A fresh twist in Hawthorn’s pursuit of Ben King. Plus, a Victorian club is at the “front of the queue” for Lachie Whitfield.
AFL’s 18 retiring stars... with one who isn’t done yet: What departing players will do next
As the 2026 football season draws to a close, so have the careers of 17 AFL players that have called time... with the job of an 18th not quite finished yet.
Full list of runners: Olympic champ to headline Grand Final sprint
The starting list for the 2026 Telstra Grand Final Sprint has been revealed.
'Capabilities minus distractions': The formula behind Freo's rise
The mental side of the game has become baked into Justin Longmuir's coaching and is viewed as a big part of the Dockers' rise.
The unassuming Lion on the brink of rare September history
Darcy Fort has gone from a fringe ruck to a finals force.
Pearce ready to carve place in AFL history with Freo
Tasmanian footballer Alex Pearce can create history on Saturday by becoming the Fremantle Football Club's first-ever AFL premiership captain. Pearce was born and raised on Tasmania's north-west coast, where resilience is bred, and sport reigns supreme.
Why Conor McKenna’s magic acts are no luck of the Irish
Conor McKenna has produced two of the more freakish goals of the season, the Brisbane Lion – and former Gaelic football star – showing why he has the skills to light up Saturday’s grand final.
Immortality awaits a Fremantle who have banished the ghosts of the club’s past
The Dockers’ 32 years in the AFL have not been easy, but Justin Longmuir’s dynamic and attacking football is the key to that elusive flag.
23rd September 2026
AFL Grand Final 2026 pre-game entertainment: When will Kylie Minogue perform and which songs?
After four straight years of international headline acts, one of Australia’s greatest musical exports is back home and in the AFL Grand Final spotlight as Kylie Minogue headlines the pre-game entertainment.
'Wharfie time' given green light for grand final
The Fremantle Dockers have been given the green light to use 'wharfie time' at the 2026 AFL grand final.
‘Completely inadequate’: AFL 360’s evidence problem with Neale ban as ‘stacked deck’ called out
The “completely inadequate” vision of Lachie Neale’s strike could prove his saving grace at Thursday night’s Appeals Board, as the dual Brownlow Medallist prepares to keep his fading 2026 Grand Final hopes alive.
‘Serious candidate’: Nathan Buckley meets with North Melbourne over senior coach role
Former Collingwood boss Nathan Buckley is a “serious candidate” to become the next coach of North Melbourne.
‘It’s up to the clubs’: AFL CEO says there’s risk in trading for besieged Swans
In a wide-ranging interview with this masthead, Andrew Dillon spoke on the Pullman saga, the umpiring in the Hawks’ preliminary final loss, and the potential of the AFL being aired on Netflix.
Banned Swans return to club
Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey arrive at Sydney Swans HQ to address the playing group for the first time since their sanctions.
Heeney, Warner break silence as banned Swans return to club
The five banned Sydney players returned to Swans HQ on Wednesday.
Excitement, nerves as Dockers hold final home drill before grand final
There was so much demand from fans to watch the Dockers train before the grand final, the team made it a ticketed event.
Heeney 'extremely thankful' after addressing entire Swans club on return
Isaac Heeney speaks publicly for the first time since he was banned by Sydney for breaching the club's standards after the Swans season came to an end.
Swan’s preferred new Vic home; Bombers’ high price for star as Dog wants out — Trade Whispers
Sydney’s Nick Blakey has a preferred home if he can be traded this off-season amid frustrations with the club.
It’s AFL grand final week – why is everyone talking about ‘Wharfie Time’?
Ahead of the 2026 flag decider, one club’s not-so-secret recipe for success has spilled over the boundaries of football land and entered the zeitgeist. Mike, I’m seeing a lot of “Wharfie Time” mentions in my feed and it seems to have to do with sport, but I need your help.
Intrigue around compo packages, Cat to meet Bombers, new deal for flag Lion
Check out all the latest trade news from around the League.
Neale speaks as Lions prepare for last-ditch appeal
Lachie Neale has spoken ahead of Thursday afternoon's Appeal Board hearing.
Neale's 17-second santion admission
Lachie Neale was brief with his statement, saying that he and the club will hope that their appeal of the AFL tribunal's ban is 'successful'.
Pullman Five expected to address teammates
The Sydney Swans have called all players into HQ, with the expectation that the Pullman Five will arrive to the club and address the group.
Team Mitchell and Team Melksham named for National Futures Boys clash
Team Mitchell and Team Melksham have been selected for the 2026 Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday.
Not all games are equal. This radical idea for grand final punishments proves it
The question is, should the AFL weigh up the greater significance of missing a grand final?.
From the Pocket: Justin Longmuir is an awkward outlier among AFL’s combative coaches
Want to get this in your inbox every Wednesday afternoon? Sign up for the AFL newsletter here. Justin Longmuir stood on the margins of the mayhem in Fremantle’s rooms last Friday night. His Dockers had mown down a willing but truncated Sydney side and Longmuir stood slouched, relieved, knackered.
‘That’s about a hundred-grand kick for me’: glow of Lions dynasty reaches far in Fitzroy
A late goal made the Royal Derby’s register sing, but the pub’s owner still finds himself ‘praying to the footy gods’ for Brisbane and his bottom line.
‘Like an interrogation’: Lion’s fiery defence after Neale’s statement on failed Tribunal heating
Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale has provided a very short statement to media at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday afternoon, with his star teammate Dayne Zorko labelling media interest around his one-game suspension overturned for striking “like an interrogation”.
'Attractive' post-Fagan option hiding in plain sight
Brisbane chairman Andrew Wellington has addressed Chris Fagan's future as coach at the club, while the players have endorsed his low-profile sidekick.
Defender passes big test as Dockers face GF selection squeeze
Brennan Cox is pushing to make a fairytale return for the decider against Brisbane.
Umpire felt 'threatened, intimidated' by Hawthorn defenders
Umpire Hayden Meyer has spoken about the abuse he copped from Hawthorn players on Saturday.
Humans of the MCG: Meet the people who put on the AFL finals
The AFL Photos team went behind the scenes in September to meet the people who help put on footy's biggest show.
Umpire felt 'threatened' by player, fan abuse after unruly AFL finale
Victoria Police has spoken to three spectators in relation to ugly incidents stemming from the fiery finale to Hawthorn's preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG.
Swan forward makes his free-agency move to join Carlton
Sydney forward Joel Amartey has officially told the Swans he wants to move to Carlton as a free agent.
Umpire felt threatened by Hawks players’ abuse, reveals phone call with Barrass
Umpire Hayden Meyer said he was taken aback when two Hawthorn players abused him post game as he was announced as one of the four grand final field umpires for Saturday.
Neale breaks silence on grand final ban as Lions downplay appeal impact
Lachie Neale says he will remain in Melbourne for the AFL grand final regardless of the result of his appeals board hearing.
The AFL’s ‘poor cousin’ was set up to fail... but still found its ‘soul’ — Inside Freo’s ‘crazy’ 31-year rise
As former Docker Robbie Haddrill was pondering the remarkable influence his good mate Justin Longmuir has had on Fremantle over a beer on Saturday, his phone buzzed with a message.
Father-son premiership defender among three Cats delisted
Geelong has delisted three players in the club's first cuts after the season.
Fremantle and Brisbane AFL fans find 'homes away from home' in Melbourne
As Melbourne prepares to host two non-Victorian teams in this weekend's AFL grand final, venues are gearing up to welcome fans who missed out on a ticket to the big game.
Footballer who died after hitting goalpost remembered for cheeky smile
Jed Griffin, a 25-year-old footballer who died after hitting a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike, is being remembered as a stellar athlete with a cheeky sense of humour.
Daicos' beautiful tribute to 'best friend' Logan
After Nick Daicos paid special tribute to his 'best friend' Logan on the Brownlow, Logan and his dad Shane spoke to Today about their bond.
Neale's dad 'worried for him' if ban keeps him from playing grand final
Lachie Neale's father says the family is "worried" about the star Lion missing the AFL grand final at the end of a tumultuous year.
Banned Sydney Swans players apologise to teammates as they return to club
Sydney’s five suspended players have offered an apology to teammates and colleagues after ending their weeks-long exile from the AFL club.
Lachie Neale arrives in Melbourne with a grand final suspension hanging over his head
Neale, coach Chris Fagan, and the rest of the Lions arrived shortly before 4pm to a sea of people. Neale approached the cameras with his head down and face partially concealed by a yellow cap.
Medical room: The full AFL injury list, Grand Final
Who's struggling, who's a test, check out the players from your list who are a little sore.
Banned Swans to make first public appearance since Pullman Hotel scandal
The five Sydney Swans players banned for breaching club standards will return to Moore Park this week for the first time since the scandal occurred.
‘Thankful’: Heeney, Warner break silence as banned Swans stars ‘address whole club'
Sydney’s ‘Pullman Five’ have returned to the club, with Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner both speaking before addressing their teammates.
Three years ago, this Lion was ‘finished’. What came next made him a shock modern-day great
Five best-and-fairests. Two All-Australians. Over 300 games. And potentially a third premiership.
'We'll hear them out': Five banned Swans set to return to club
The five suspended Sydney players are expected to address the playing group on Wednesday.
Banned Swans five returning to SCG
The five suspended Swans players are returning to the club weeks after they were stood down.