Blues sweating on star forwards; Swans’ guns finally fit, forgotten Lion in the mix — AFL Team Tips
Carlton is already without several stars... and is now sweating on the scans of one of its absolute big guns.
AFL
16th June 2025
Everyone’s a winner from Smith trade, but the Cats got the cream: Key takeouts from round 14
Bailey Smith’s Brownlow Medal credentials continue to grow in his first year at Geelong, but the Cats aren’t the only club smiling after the convoluted trade that sent him to the coast in the off-season.
Ugle-Hagan addresses teammates after Whitten Oval return; Key figure departs AFL
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned to the Whitten Oval on Monday, leaving the Western Bulldogs hopeful he can return to the field this season, while a significant departure from the AFL has been confirmed.
Ugle-Hagan addresses teammates upon long-awaited return to Bulldogs
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returns to the Western Bulldogs for the first time since taking a leave of absence in April, having spent some time at a health retreat.
Jamarra returns to Dogs, addresses teammates following lengthy absence
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has returned to the Western Bulldogs following a lengthy leave of absence.
Startling 51-year first as ‘baptism of fire’ looms for 11th Dons debutant
The deluge of debutants at injury-hit Essendon is set to continue, with teenage ruckman Vigo Visentini called up for Thursday night’s clash with Fremantle in Perth.
Tricky grades for Sunday closer explained; contender ‘a bit off’ as two sliders fail — Report Card
The round finished with a Carlton-West Coast clash that was tricky to assess.
‘Look to the future’: Great urges Saints to make ruthless calls on veterans as star suffers brutal setback
Saints great Leigh Montagna says it’s time for the club to pull the cord and commit to a rebuild for the remainder of the season.
Radical Eagles move urged to ‘protect Pick 2’... and why star’s setback would tempt Lions to pivot
West Coast has been urged to put co-captain Oscar Allen on ice for the rest of the season – no matter the severity of his latest setback – amid his increasingly likely departure.
AFL’s luckiest team can’t keep getting away with it; premiers loss to cost them flag? — Talking Pts
One of footy’s most underrated rivalries produced another bizarre game, with the league’s luckiest team getting away with it again.
Pies' veterans set to continue making history in 2026
Already the oldest club attempting to win a flag ever, Collingwood's veterans could go around again in 2026, according to Tom Morris.
15th June 2025
Curnow expects to play Roos despite calf scare; Petracca’s missed mark dismissed as a one-off
The Blues have almost got their win-loss record back to parity, but Charlie Curnow’s sore calf looms as a serious concern, while a missed mark by Christian Petracca captured the attention of TV commentators.
Clear No.2 seed; kicked season away; Gabba fortress destroyed — AFL Three Word Analysis
Sometimes all the talk is too much.
Tried and true are taking Saints nowhere, it’s time Ross let their kids shine
As good and honest and earnest as some players are, and have been, for St Kilda, they are not players that are taking the team anywhere. Now’s the time to start selling hope for next year.
Harley Reid in hot water again after wild elbow
Harley Reid will likely face MRO scrutiny again after throwing this elbow at Carlton's Lachie Fogarty.
The big reset: How will Tom Harley and Greg Swann improve the AFL?
Both club administrators are respected and trusted. But they are about to learn that no one barracks for the AFL.
‘This time next year’: Pies ‘very, very confident’ they’ll land top key forward — Trade Whispers
A bombshell report claims Collingwood is “very, very confident” of landing one of the game’s top goalkickers.
Where the Kangaroos have improved quickly in 2025
Nathan Brown praises North Melbourne, despite their loss to Fremantle on Saturday night.
Big fears over top AFL free agent as Blues’ 33-minute blitz enough to down ‘pathetic’ Eagles: 3-2-1
Carlton have secured their first back-to-back win since Round 7, with a seven-goal first term setting them up for a 34-point victory over West Coast on Sunday night.
Blues weighing up surgery for McKay, Eagles 'hopeful' Allen avoids serious injury
Harry McKay's knee injury isn't healing as first hoped, with Carlton to decide this week whether their star forward requires surgery, as West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen avoids serious injury in the loss to the Blues.
‘Got his back’: Cats’ ‘unfair’ claim over Smith as teammates rally behind star
Bailey Smith has earned widespread praise from his teammates after another starring role in Geelong’s 95-point thrashing of Essendon on Saturday night.
Scans confirm De Koning injury; Clarko envious of Collingwood’s fixture ‘gifts’
Geelong’s key defender is unlikely to play this week’s blockbuster against the Lions. While North, who sold two “home” games, are looking on with envy as Pies play 14 of their 23 games at the ’G.
Freo survive major scare as Roos comeback falls short
Fremantle duo Luke Jackson and Josh Treacy have come to the rescue as the Dockers overcame a major late scare to secure a thrilling six-point win over North Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
Good enough: Simon Goodwin’s done enough repairs to coach Demons next year
As Melbourne sit at 5-8, with little prospect of playing finals, Goodwin has nonetheless done enough to coach this team in 2026. But they shouldn’t be rushing to re-contract the coach beyond 2026.
LIVE AFL: Blues head west without star as Eagles’ Mid Season draftee set for ‘dream’ debut
Carlton have their sights set on just a second win outside of Victoria when they face last-placed West Coast in Perth on Sunday.
Seventh heaven! Gun’s career-best outing keeps Power alive as Dees fall flat with ‘awful’ trait: 3-2-1
Port Adelaide are still alive in 2025 off the back of a brilliant seven-goal effort to young gun Mitch Georgiades on Sunday.
Clutch play that spared ‘dagger to the heart’ as star responds over ‘unbelievable’ act
It was described as the game Fremantle just needed to win.
14th June 2025
‘Exposed time and time again’: Bombers coach rues grim flaw, plan that ‘backfired’ in 95-pt belting
Essendon coach Brad Scott lamented his charge’s defensive-half turnovers after the Bombers conceded 14 second-half goals to lose to Geelong by 95 points on Saturday.
Jeremy Cameron slots his 5th at the 'G
Jeremy Cameron lights up the Cats with five goals in three quarters.
‘If we keep doing that, more will come’: Clarkson’s Roos left heartbroken but encouraged after nail-biting loss
Alastair Clarkson’s men fall just short of victory in Perth against Fremantle while the Cats thumped the Bombers at the MCG and GWS Giants stunned Brisbane at the Gabba in a big Saturday of AFL action.
Payne-ful blow among Hogan rampage: Four things learnt in Lions’ defeat
A new week, but the same issue for the Lions has reared to cost them dearly against the Giants, as they face an anxious wait on one of their key men.
Key Brisbane defender suffers serious knee injury
Play was stopped for a long time after Brisbane defender Jack Payne injured his knee.
‘Extremely concerned’: Lions confirm major injury blow; ‘explosive’ Tsunami back — 3-2-1
Amid serious exteneral doubts, the Giants have resurrected their 2025 campaign with a stirring upset win over the Brisbane Lions, who’ll again rue missed chances in front of goal.
Dockers survive scare from Kangaroos, Cats hand Bombers 95-point defeat
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson thinks his team is definitely "on the right path" despite Fremantle hanging on for a win in Perth. It comes after a young Essendon side was handed a hefty 95-point defeat by Geelong.
Roos’ epic final term surge falls cruelly short as Freo JUST hold on in slippery slug fest
Fremantle have held off a surging North Melbourne in the last quarter on Saturday night, putting themselves back in the top eight with a scrappy — but heart-stopping — one-goal win.
‘Insatiable’ Smith stars AGAIN, Jezza runs riot to down undermanned Dons in 95-point pumping
A rampant Geelong outfit took an undermanned Essendon to the sword on Saturday evening at the MCG, kicking 14 second-half goals to see them romp home by 95 points.
‘You reckon it was a bit of karma?’: Shock 45-point swing details Crows ‘luck’ flip as loss continues ‘ridiculous’ trend
It felt like Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks was expecting — and fully prepared — for the question post-game on Friday night.
Cats loom as Pies’ biggest flag threat; Walsh out for up to six weeks; ‘Lethal’ backs a roofed stadium in Tassie
Geelong reaffirmed their status as Collingwood’s greatest premiership danger, as Patrick Dangerfield rediscovered the power that will have opposition defenders sweating bullets.
Big Blues blow: Lengthy ‘period of recovery’ looms for luckless star after latest setback
Carlton has been hit with an ill-timed mid-season injury blow, with star midfielder Sam Walsh to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Female footballers boycott major game over alleged sexual assault
A number of players in a Victorian women's league are calling for a male player to be suspended over allegations of sexual assault.
He walked away from footy 11 years ago, but this key figure has Andrew Dillon’s ear
Andrew Demetriou insists he’s retired and has barely attended a game in an official capacity since he departed the AFL, but the former league chief has emerged as a loyal and trusted confidante of the man now reshaping the competition and its administration.
‘Conspiracy theory’ behind prime-time Tassie fixture as $1.5 billion stadium call looms
Questions have been asked of whether Friday night’s prime-time slogfest between Hawthorn and Adelaide is a reminder that Tasmania needs a new, roofed stadium to consistently host AFL games as the Devils’ existence hangs in the balance.
13th June 2025
Heartbreak Hawks earn comeback win over Crows as Newcombe kicks the winner
The Hawks struggled early but found a way to fightback and steal the win after Jai Newcombe’s goal with just minutes remaining.
Latest on Suns stars’ futures as former Pick 1 tipped to shun Vic offers: In and Under
The latest on a pair of Suns stars’ futures. Plus a rival club still leads the race for a high-flying Giant weighing up his next move.
‘You can’t have 10 inside midfielders’: Dons to blood rookie pair while Tsatas, Hobbs wait their turn
With mid-season draftees Archer May and Lachie Blakiston set to take on the Cats, the Bombers are up to 10 debutants this season, as they start to weigh up their options for the next trade period.
Karma bug bites wayward Crows in Friday fright night
Friday the 13th will be remembered as a horror show for Adelaide after its horrible goal kicking costs it victory in a three-point loss to Hawthorn.
Big ‘attitude change’ spurs Hawks’ Tassie great escape over wasteful Crows: 3-2-1
Hawthorn has overrun Adelaide in a hard-fought three-point victory in tough, wintry conditions on a cold Friday night in Launceston.
AFL no.1 pick tells parents he'll be debuting this week
Mid-season AFL draft no.1 pick Tom McCarthy tells his parents he will be debuting this weekend against Carlton.
Goodwin says Pickett's $12m extension proof Demons' culture 'in good order'
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin calls Kysaiah Pickett's decision to re-commit to the club a massive endorsement of the club's oft-criticised culture.
‘Not the look we want’: Dees coach opens up on how the club handled Gawn-May on-field stoush
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin sat down with captain Max Gawn and defender Steven May this week, conceding their on-field stoush at the MCG last Monday was “not the look we want”.
Kicking has been in the gun — but are shots on goal any worse than they've ever been?
Goalkicking accuracy is a talking point that consistently gets raised in the AFL — but how does 2025 compare to the years that have come before?.
'Chip on your shoulder': Players from the country carry a special pride
Essendon winger Xavier Duursma says country kids who make it to the AFL carry a deep pride in where they've come and often a "chip of their shoulder" given the extra challenges they've faced to get there.
This suburban club has produced seven AFL players in 18 months, but that’s not what it’s most proud of
It’s in Australia’s fastest-growing municipality. It’s coming off a flag. It also hosts English classes for new migrants, and is the beating heart of its community.
Bont’s biggest contract hint yet; update on Suns star as Victorian rivals circle:
After ongoing speculation, there is finally an update on the future of Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
Blues father-son bolter; emerging issue stumps clubs — Draft Watch
Scouts believe this year’s AFL draft crop is the thinnest in a while, so what could it mean for clubs with early picks?.
‘Know where we’re at’: Why there’s ‘no magic bullet’ for Saints as woes laid bare after Dogs defeat
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon insisted there was “no magic bullet” to fix the issues plaguing his struggling team as another season threatens to peter out into obscurity.
How an almost one-game wonder traded up to hold the keys to AFL House
Tom Harley's AFL career almost only lasted for one game. Now, the former Port and Geelong player has become one of the most important people in footy.
12th June 2025
‘It’s yes or no’: Question that sparked awkward exchange as Lyon grills reporter
AFL coach Ross Lyon has been caught up in a verbal sparring match with a journalist when questioned over the Saints’ lowly Thursday night crowd figure.
'Didn't look good': Concern for Dogs skipper
Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli comes from the field with a sternum complaint.
Why an investment banker with Roos blood in his veins stormed into John Elliott’s office with a cheque
North are backed by philanthropists, cricketers and entrepreneurs. Then a rumour went around that Australia’s most famous supermodel was a Shinboner.
'Magpie for life': Maynard inks fresh deal
Nine's Tom Morris speaks to Brayden Maynard after the star defender inked a new deal with Collingwood.
Beveridge’s concern over Darcy’s treatment in massive Dogs win; Lyon rankled by questioning on Marvel crowd
Burgeoning superstar Sam Darcy kicked three goals on return from his knee injury to help lift the free-scoring Western Bulldogs to a comprehensive 72-point win over St Kilda.
Darcy makes successful return from injury in Bulldogs' thumping win
Playing his first match since Easter, Sam Darcy impresses in his return from injury with three goals, as the Western Bulldogs humiliate St Kilda with a 72-point victory.
'Unfair to all': Nicks calls out reporter's Walker racism claim
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says a "lack of accountability" remains a problem in reporting around players' futures as a story involving Taylor Walker and Nasiah Wanageen-Milera dominates headlines. .
‘I’m not interested’: Leading contender rules himself out of the running to be AFL Commission chairman
Current commission chairman Richard Goyder is seeking a fresh term but is facing pressure from several club bosses to anoint a successor after more than eight years at the helm.
Sorry Saints cop second Bulldog belting as AFL ‘unicorn’ proves unstoppable: 3-2-1
The Western Bulldogs have welcomed back rising star Sam Darcy in style with another mauling of St Kilda on Thursday night.
AFL decide on 2025 GF time slot after Beveridge’s call to give clubs ‘all night to celebrate’
Tradition has won out and there won’t be an AFL night grand final in 2025, with a daytime start once again locked in.
This $12.5m longest deal in footy was needed to stop a star’s trade request. It could backfire badly
In a stunning twist to one of the year’s most talked-about contract sagas, Kysaiah Pickett has signed a seven-year contract extension with Melbourne that now locks him away from rivals until the end of 2034.
Tom Harley appointed AFL chief operating officer
Two-time Geelong premiership captain Tom Harley leaves his post at the Swans to take up a role that is likely to see him leading the AFL one day.
AFL contract frenzy: Two clubs lock away stars on multimillion-dollar deals and this Blue could be next
The mid-season byes have delivered a flurry of contract activity, rocketing a Demon into the top bracket of earners, and locking away a heart-and-soul Magpie. A famous Blue could be next.
‘It’s not about courage’: Why I choose not to bump
The consequences of bumping are too great, so I opt not to do it and train accordingly, and there are plenty of other players like me at the top level.
The issue plaguing Vic powerhouse laid bare; fringe contender’s ‘biggest headache’ — Blowtorch
The issue plaguing a Victorian powerhouse in their push towards September has been laid bare, while another contender has a big headache.
Demons sign Pickett to staggering deal to keep WA teams at bay
Melbourne sign Kysaiah Pickett to a seven-year contract extension reportedly worth around $12m.
Kozzy Pickett has signed until 2034. What are the risks for the Demons’ $12m deal?
The extra seven years taking him through until the end of 2034 at a cost of $12 million would make any club twitchy.
‘Building our future’: Livewire signs one of the biggest deals ever in ‘major moment’ for Demons
Melbourne superstar Kysaiah Pickett has committed his long-term future to the Melbourne Football Club, signing a new deal that is one of the biggest in AFL history.
‘What I was born to do’: Key Blue’s raw reflection on ‘very low point’ after 287-day AFL wait
Alex Cincotta isn’t Carlton’s most recognised figure, nor is he their flashiest.
‘This is why!’ Glaring nosedive, underperforming stars behind fallen contender: Champion Index
A team tipped most popularly by Fox Footy experts to win this year’s premiership; all is not right in the land of the Giants, whose season teeters precariously entering Round 14.
11th June 2025
AFL teams and expert tips: Melbourne welcome back Viney; Dons to unveil 10th debutant for 2025
Mid-season draftees Archer May and Lachlan Blakiston will debut for Essendon against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday. Melbourne have made one change for Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide.
‘Right person’: ‘Energised’ Swans boss officially poached to key role as AFL shake-up complete
Sydney CEO Tom Harley has officially become the AFL’s second-in-command to complete the league’s administrative revamp.
Key Harley change as No.1 pick ‘leaning towards’ call; Lions in for second rival ruck: Trade Whispers
Harley Reid is ‘leaning towards’ a call on his future amid speculation over where he’ll play his footy in 2026.
Tassie AFL stadium call officially delayed with state forced into an election ‘nobody wants’
A vote to approve the Tasmanian Devils’ new stadium has officially been delayed, with the state to hold a snap election on July 19.
The implications for Victorian clubs as Harley Reid leans towards staying in Perth
While demand for Harley Reid’s signature would be high if he decided to return home to Victoria at the end of this season, it now appears he’s leaning towards fulfilling his first AFL contract.
Swans boss set for new role
Tom Harley will join the AFL as the new chief operating officer, ending his tenure at the Sydney Swans.
‘Exactly what we need’: AFL poaches Swans CEO Tom Harley
The AFL has poached Sydney chief executive Tom Harley who will join the league to work alongside CEO Andrew Dillon as the chief operating officer.
Tasmania election date confirmed as Devils, AFL search for certainty
The election is about to be called, but the delays have cast a shadow over the future of the AFL’s 19th team.
Giant call on injured skipper; star returns in key boost amid mid-year draftee influx — AFL Teams
The Demons have welcomed back a key soldier after a six-week absence, while Port Adelaide has become the latest to confirm a mid-season draftee debutant. Round 14 teams!.
‘Appetite to play’: Hope for Jamarra AFL return as ‘most positive development in some time’ revealed
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been talking to troubled forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and is hoping to have him back “really soon” amid ongoing speculation about the former No.1 draft pick’s future.
Bulldogs star to make remarkable comeback from injury against Saints
After sustaining what appeared to be a season-ending knee injury in April, Sam Darcy will make his return for the Western Bulldogs when they meet St Kilda on Thursday night.
Bulldogs welcome back ‘enormous threat’ Darcy for Saints clash
Western Bulldogs star Sam Darcy will complete a remarkable comeback from a knee injury less than eight weeks after it was feared his season was over.
Shock claim Cats ‘have cap room for two stars’; Saint’s call after bombshell — Trade Whispers
Saints star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has reached out to Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker after the duo were central to a trade report.
Big Dog back… but Smith intrigue remains amid Cats puzzle; Eagles’ ‘unfair’ handling of young gun — Team Tips
The Western Bulldogs have confirmed young star Sam Darcy will make his highly-anticipated return.
Why Phillips and Pearce's contribution to footy goes far beyond the field
Erin Phillips and Daisy Pearce's contribution to football in Australia go further than the years they played in the AFLW.
Mums forge new traditions and connections by returning to footy
Sport is a rite of passage in small towns, and it's becoming a hub for young mums, boosting mental and physical health.
‘You’d be happy to go this way’: Lyon’s classic speech as Demons legend earns Hall of Fame nod
Garry Lyon – a Melbourne champion, five-time All-Australian and one of Fox Footy’s biggest stars – is an Australian Football Hall of Fame member.
’Brought back fond memories’: Great leaves Hall of Fame in stitches with classic speech
If there were Brownlow Medal votes given out at this year’s Australian Football Hall of Fame event, Peter Darley put himself right in the mix for best-on-ground honours.
Bottom-10 side that can still play finals; who moves up despite losing — Power Rankings
Welcome back to the Power Rankings.
AFLW star leaves legendary dad in tears
Erin Phillips gave an emotional speech during her Hall-of-Fame speech, joining her father Greg in the exclusive group.
Footy star's emotional Hall of Fame speech leaves father in tears
Erin Phillips and Daisy Pearce become the first AFLW players to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
The veterans’ list: What should your club do with their 30-plus stars?
The game has tilted towards veterans in 2025 as individuals overcome the doubters to remain at their best late in their career. We examine what decisions clubs should make about their ageing veterans.
Hall of Fame nod: Lyon’s stellar footy career finally recognised
Garry Lyon’s stellar career in football as both a player and a media commentator has been recognised. He became a Melbourne hero in his 58th game. He became a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame just before he turned 58.
