No swift North Melbourne return for Clarkson despite end of AFL inquiry
The end of the AFL’s racism inquiry into allegations by former Hawthorn players and families will not result in the coach making a quick return to North Melbourne.
- by Michael Gleeson, Jon Pierik, Jack Latimore and Peter Ryan
Latest
Exclusive
AFL 2023
No findings against Clarkson, Fagan and Burt in AFL deal, but Hawthorn could face charges
The AFL has reached an agreement with families involved in the allegations of historical racism at Hawthorn, and has made no findings against Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.
- by Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
Analysis
AFL 2023
There are two games being played at Carlton. Here’s why it’s a problem
The board, like the football department, has to have a clarity of thought and unity of purpose with their analysis and that presently feels painfully absent.
- by Michael Gleeson
Analysis
AFL 2023
Four Points: Hawks and Sicily make statement in round of statements; push-in-the-back rule; falling Cats in rare ground
Four Points: In a round of statement performances, Hawthorn’s was probably the most remarkable. And within that game James Sicily’s the most convincing and authoritative statement of intent from the new captain.
- by Michael Gleeson
Senior judge criticises Hawthorn racism inquiry
One of Victoria’s most senior and experienced former judges has criticised the unfairness of the process Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt were submitted to by Hawthorn and the AFL’s racism investigation.
- by Michael Gleeson
Analysis
AFL 2023
‘I’m done. I’m cooked’: Inside Hardwick’s exit
Damien Hardwick pinged Richmond’s CEO on Sunday, asking if he felt like a beer and a chat. The chat blindsided Brendon Gale, who quickly realised it wasn’t about the disappointment of another defeat.
- by Michael Gleeson
Updated
AFL 2023
‘I would rather leave too early than too late’: Hardwick’s $1.5 million call
Damien Hardwick made his shock decision to abruptly quit as Richmond coach with a season and a half to go on his contract in the knowledge he was potentially walking away from $1.5 million.
- by Michael Gleeson, Andrew Wu and Carla Jaeger
Analysis
AFL 2023
Four Points: Pie in flight mode can claim mark of year, Stringer and ‘honest’ Dons, Roos penalty fits crime
Four Points: Ash Johnson’s mark-of-the-year contender and the question he poses for the Pies. Muddle-headed Roos and clear-thinking Kenny. And would Stringer have centred the ball last year?
- by Michael Gleeson
‘All of my mob will be over’: Why Shai Bolton’s feeling at home for Dreamtime
It’s Shai Bolton’s dream Dreamtime, in what will be his 100th game. It will be a packed house ... and there will also be a big crowd at the MCG.
- by Michael Gleeson
AFL Briefing
AFL 2023
AFL considers mid-season draft eligibility change; Hopper sidelined; Mum motivates Magpies
The AFL have sounded out clubs on whether players who have played state league football this season should be allowed to nominate for the mid-season draft. Meanwhile, Jacob Hopper has been sidelined due to injury, but Melbourne’s Christian Petracca is all clear.
- by Damien Ractliffe, Marc McGowan, Michael Gleeson and Peter Ryan
Analysis
AFL 2023
Four Points: The struggles of the bottom three; Tigers looking more like Tigers; Carlton’s uncertainty
Four Points: The bottom three teams this year are distorting the draw; Tigers find their claws, Carlton’s uncertainty.
- by Michael Gleeson