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
Williams appeal on brain damage
Jon Pierik GREG WILLIAMS says he has gone public with his revelations of brain damage in a bid to help footballers of all ages.
Football
AFL in denial on concussion, says Williams
Jon Pierik Greg Williams says he has gone public with his revelations of brain damage in a bid to help footballers of all ages.
Football
Bartel backs better head knock tests
Jon Pierik Jimmy Bartel has suggested a way to make it tougher to return to the field after a head knock.
How the Judd deal works
Jon Pierik THE AFL and Carlton have organised a deal allowing more than half of Chris Judd's contentious payments as a Visy ambassador to be paid as part of the Blues' injury payments allowance.
Confession has Bailey out for 16 rounds
Jon Pierik Dean Bailey confesses to one of three charges levelled against him in tanking probe.
Rough and ready
Jon Pierik Jarryd Roughead is confident Hawthorn can bounce back in 2013, writes Jon Pierik.
AFL
'Buddy' to stay, says Roughead
Jon Pierik Jarryd Roughead confident the champion forward will remain at Hawthorn.
AFL
Mitchell wants three more years with Hawks
Jon Pierik Sam Mitchell, another of Hawthorn's superstars off contract this season, has opened discussions with the club and hopes to play for at least another three years.
AFL
'I don't take a single tablet'
Jon Pierik Veteran Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell says he does not take supplements.
AFL
McVeigh blasts drugs claims
Jon Pierik As the fallout over the drugs scandal continues, the Essendon family began to turn on itself, with two former players at loggerheads and a club champion questioning whether the Bombers had conducted...
Dank worry on players' blood results
Jon Pierik Stephen Dank, the man at the centre of the Essendon drugs scandal, was 'very concerned' about the testosterone and growth hormone levels of his players when he approached a Melbourne doctor for...
Jon Pierik
Players are being pushed to the limit
Jon Pierik As rumblings about Essendon's training program of last year abounded in recent months - and gained significant traction on Monday - several football insiders have questioned just how far clubs are...
Football
We must lift against the elite: Hayes
Jon Pierik Veteran playmaker says the Saints will have the game to compete against any rival in 2013.
Football
Contract talk will be distraction: Franklin
Jon Pierik Lance Franklin's manager says scenario is different to Gary Ablett jnr's move to the Suns.
AFL
Franklin admits putting off deal will distract Hawks
Jon Pierik Lance Franklin says Hawthorn is 'shocked' that he has put contract renegotiations on hold and admits the uncertainty over his future is going to be a distraction for the club.
Football
Power boss offers up plan to make clubs more equal
Jon Pierik David Koch wants action to ensure the AFL does not become a three-speed competition.
Jon Pierik
More Power to you, Kochie
Jon Pierik As is the case with many new leaders, the opening 100 days in charge are full of activity.
Jon Pierik
Tigers can end their 12-year finals drought: Cotchin
Jon Pierik Trent Cotchin says it's time for the Tigers to take their game to the 'next level'.
AFL needs 'army plan'
Jon Pierik A psychologist at the AFL's drug summit says the league must adopt an US army plan.
John Pierik
Dahlhaus a hard-working Dog
Jon Pierik The feisty Bulldog forward has gone through a summer of torture to improve his game.
