Four Points
AFL 2024
Sleeping giants have awoken: The signs these Bombers are finally the real deal
Essendon are different this year. They have changed and improved, and Brad Scott has them playing a vastly better style of football.
- by Michael Gleeson
Latest
Form no longer concerns McRae as Magpies return to top eight, but injury list grows
Collingwood suffered three more injuries in the win over West Coast, but have forced their way into the top eight and their form is improving by the week.
- by Michael Gleeson
Footy’s hottest talents are about to clash. Who would you choose?
Boom recruit Harley Reid plays will go head-to-head with Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos in a match-up that has the footy world salivating.
- by Michael Gleeson
Updated
AFL 2024
Powell’s social media posts revealed after homophobic slur
Gold Coast’s Wil Powell used homophobic language online before abusing a Brisbane opponent last Sunday, as prominent gay rights advocate Ian Roberts called for the AFL to invest more into anti-vilification education.
- by Andrew Wu, Marnie Vinall and Michael Gleeson
Martin linked to a move as Blues chase Swans gun Hayward
Carlton are the front-runners to secure Sydney free agent Will Hayward as clubs circle out-of-contract Blues forward Jack Martin amid a salary-cap juggle at Ikon Park.
- by Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
Mihocek played on with hamstring injury; AFL greats question tackle trend; Hobart stadium gets opposition approval
The thought never crossed Brody Mihocek’s mind to leave the ground, despite his hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Leigh Matthews and Nathan Buckley are convinced AFL umpires have changed their interpretation of holding-the-ball decisions.
- by Jon Pierik, Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
Australia’s male sprinters on blocks for Paris relay, and they’ve still got our fastest man to call up
Like their female counterparts, Australia’s men’s team has qualified for the 4x100-metre Olympics relay for the first time since Sydney 2000. And they did it without even calling on the services of sprint star Rohan Browning.
- by Michael Gleeson and John Salvado
Four Points
AFL 2024
How the Bombers became a team of Merrett
Essendon are back after learning to play like Zach, how veteran’s move has turned Melbourne around, Hawkins left hungry again, and don’t argue with this comparison.
- by Michael Gleeson
AFL clubs wary of reputation damage in Tarryn Thomas decision
Of 11 AFL clubs who spoke to The Age about a potential return for Thomas, three said they were highly unlikely to offer him a career lifeline. Others will do their homework on the former Kangaroo who was suspended for threatening women.
- by Jake Niall, Michael Gleeson and Wendy Tuohy
Four Points
AFL 2024
Why it’s time the AFL pushed back on this forgotten rule
Push has come to shove for footy’s forgotten rule; a Giants star has become a modern-day great after crossing to Geelong; and Carlton ruckman’s comeback is anything but the pits.
- by Michael Gleeson
Coding and Rubik’s Cubes: Inside the mind of Essendon’s boom forward
Essendon’s Harry Jones wants to be remembered for having a great AFL career, and reveals the technique that has unlocked his best footy.
- by Michael Gleeson