AFL


Wankley Awards: Rebecca Twigley’s product placement

Myer fashion ambassador and speech pathologist Rebecca Twigley and her boyfriend of six years, Carlton footballer Chris Judd, are getting married. Time to cash in.

A 2020 vision of Australian sport

As the century’s first decade comes to an end, a look at how various Australian sporting codes are faring, and where they might be in another ten year’s time.

Sheedy to GWS: we picked this (sort of)

In a great, if not totally surprising move for the AFL, Sheedy is to be named coach of the Great Western Sydney side — and there will be no better front man for the AFL’s biggest ever challenge, writes Ashley Browne.

Football codes bury hatchet to defend alcohol sponsorship

Football codes are uniting against a Health Task Force recommendation that would see advertising during live sport broadcasts phased out during high adolescent/child viewing times and the end of alcohol sponsorship of sport, writes Simon Chapman.

Carey and Cousins may be buffoons but don’t be too quick to judge

The behaviour of sporting bad boys has pulled apart by all manner of social commentators in the last few years, some thought-provoking, others laughably simplistic. Just examine Ben Cousins and Wayne Carey.

NRL Grand Final out-rates the AFL

For the second time in three years, the NRL Grand Final has out-rated the AFL’s Grand Final, with 3.49 million viewers tuning in for the big game between Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels.

The Saints who didn’t quite reach heaven

What is it like for footy fans who get so close then fall so far? Nearly one week on, two Saints fans put pain to paper. Get ready for the grieving Melbourne Storm or Parramatta Eels fans.

Reflections on a cracking Grand Final

St Kilda had its chances; the Cats got out of jail. When it counted, Geelong’s champions came to the fore. And the umpires were too prominent. Charles Happell reflects in the wake of AFL Grand Final ‘09.

Won’t somebody think of the football babies?

As the much-anticipated grand final between St Kilda and Geelong looms tomorrow, John Cash introduces meets of the die-hard Saints and Cats fans whose passions have been joined to the fate and fortunes of their club throughout a lifetime.

A long time between drinks for Saints supporters

St Kilda FC has won just one glittering prize from five starts: 1913, 1965, 1966, 1971, 1997. I was at the last four, says Kevin Rennie. He’s still looking for a ticket to Saturday’s Grand Final against Geelong.

Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: A Brownlow night disruption

Seven won last night and will win the week after the Brownlow did so well in southern markets: the medal coverage averaged 685,000 in Melbourne, the Blue Carpet at the start, 613,000.

The Day After…

Ashes, it is all ashes.

Ablett: always a bridesmaid, never a Brownlow bride?

It’s the last week of September, which means only one thing: AFL. Amongst all the Brownlows fake tan, will Gary Ablett Jnr be the favourite that didn’t take it home, again?

WTF sport moment: Shaun Burgoyne’s manager won Big Brother

So it’s the silly season for both the AFL and the NRL. And like most sports junkies I love this stuff. Hissyfits, claims on disloyalty, home sickness etc, says Leigh Josey. But here’s a ripper. It’s time to go … Shaun.

Crack the whip over indulgent jockey strike

The horse racing Spring Carnival is in doubt, with jockeys taking industrial action against controversial new padded whip laws. Imagine the uproar if AFL players walked out on a game, says Ben Wise. Jockeys should just accept the changes and do their jobs.

How to apply Chris Judd ninja master pressure points

I had to find out. Here’s how.

Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: AFL finals ratings begin

The AFL finals have begun and viewers for the St Kilda-Collingwood game were over the precious one million mark, although it wasn’t in prime time. Over half the viewers were in Melbourne.

Hot Form Charts: Pies will force Saints to focus

It’s finals time for the AFL. Who will win? We’re here to help.

AFL is on the money with its Buddy ban

Claims that removing the head-high bump from AFL football turns the game into some form of non-contact sport are preposterous.

Political snippets: Another stolen generation?

Another stolen generation is coming to light in Spain, with further information leaking about dictator General Franco’s actions. Also, the rising list of Afghan casualties is becoming an issue for US president Barack Obama.

Hot Form Charts: Damp sheets, penetration and nether regions

No need to rub your eyes, the Form Chart is not on the blink, writes Crikey’s resident footy nerd.

The AFL takes another delicious turn

So the AFL season has taken another turn, and a delicious one at that, writes Ashley Browne.

Keeping women in their place: on the Brownlow red carpet. Wearing dresses.

Why would a woman want to commentate on football? Is it supposed to be cute? They should stick to wearing revealing dresses on Brownlow night Ben Pobjie is horrified.

Hot Form Charts: History lesson for the Saints and the Pies

The last time an Ashes series went to a deciding fifth Test was 43 years ago, in 1966 — the year St Kilda and the Magpies met in the grand final. The Form Chart has read the tea leaves too, it seems.

Shepparton pulls together to face up to indigenous disadvantage

The statistics paint a damning picture of indigenous disadvantage in this major regional city, writes Essendon Football Club CEO Peter Jackson.