Jon Pierik
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
AFL
Dad the greatest player, end of argument: Ablett jnr
Jon Pierik It is one of football's great debates, but Gary Ablett jnr has an emphatic response: he is not as good as his equally famous father.
Pressure of Parkin forced Kickett out, says Sheedy
Jon Pierik Veteran coach Kevin Sheedy talks about arguably the most controversial decision of his career.
AFL
On a sliding scale, new rule is hard to measure
Jon Pierik Adelaide struggles to deal with sliding rule in season-opening 35-point loss.
No coin, should we give a toss?
Jon Pierik No coin for traditional pre-match toss determining which end the teams would kick to.
Cooney likely for round one
Jon Pierik Bulldogs midfielder expected to be discharged from hospital on Sunday.
AFL
Sylvia looks to be prime mover
Jon Pierik Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes says midfielder Colin Sylvia has the ability to be 'almost unstoppable'.
AFL tightening drug loophole
Jon Pierik The AFL will move to tighten a loophole allowing players to dodge drug testers and self-report to avoid a strike under its illicit-drugs policy.
Captains call for delay to pre-season
Jon Pierik AFL captains propose delaying annual start of pre-season training until January 1.
AFL
Logo, mini-draft on table
Jon Pierik and Caroline Wilson In-season mini-draft, ban on top clubs poaching free agents and possible sale of AFL logo on front of player jumpers options discussed in bid to ease gap between AFL's rich and poor.
AFL
Saint wary of EPL-like competition
Jon Pierik and Adam Cooper Nick Riewoldt fears two-tiered league unless action taken to ease equalisation concerns.
AFL
A powerful player carries future in his own hands
Jon Pierik Free agents will continue to be the main focus of fans and media this season.
Campaigner urges long-term view on sports brain injury
Jon Pierik and Adam Cooper Peter Jess says it is nonsense to suggest no link between concussion and post-career problems.
Jabs keep Riewoldt going
Jon Pierik St Kilda captain says degenerative left knee injury likely to be trigger that ends his career.
Spending imbalance worries AFLPA
Jon Pierik Players label disparity in spending between power and smaller clubs as ''emerging industrial issue''.
AFL confident crowds will return despite low figure for pre-season final
Caroline Wilson and Jon Pierik AFL refuses to link Friday night's dismal NAB Cup turn-out with negative publicity.
Etihad Stadium and AFL can't agree on price for early sale
Jon Pierik The AFL has revealed the opportunity to buy Etihad Stadium ahead of schedule is closing, as it emerged league chief executive Andrew Demetriou was paid almost $2 million last year.
AFL
Head injuries and CTE not linked, says expert
Jon Pierik Call for all major sports to adopt a consistent approach to treating head injuries.
Blues shamefaced after loss
Jon Pierik Michael Jamison says team refuses to use growing pains with new game plan as excuse.
Murphy stands out as Carlton glimpses future
Jon Pierik The NAB Cup final may be a tip of the iceberg, but Murphy showed he is ready to lead.
AFL coaches: the class of 2013
Compiled by Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik take a look at the men guiding the 18 teams in the AFL fray.
