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.
AFL 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Govt cultivates home-grown terrorists?
Token and superficial community engagement of Muslim and Arab communities by the government is simply encouraging home-grown terrorism in Australia, writes Taimor Hazou.
AFL enters the tank end of the season
As if on cue, the “tanking” debate has arisen with vigor among AFL commentators and supporters as the home and away season draws to a close, writes Adam Schwab.
A brief history of great sporting code switchers
Rugby League pin-up boy Karmichael Hunt is switching codes to join the AFL’s newest franchise, the Gold Coast Football Club. We take a look at other sporting switch-hitters and whether their big gambles paid off.
Keeping women in their place: on the Brownlow red carpet. Wearing dresses.
Crikey / Monday, 17 August 2009
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.