Martin Blake
Martin Blake has been a senior writer for The Age since 1986 and has covered numerous AFL seasons, three cricket World Cups and various Australian cricket tours overseas, two Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games, and a plethora of other major sports events including the British Open Championship and the US Masters. He covers all sports with an emphasis on Australian football and golf.
No 'Buddy' worries for Hawthorn
Martin Blake Hawthorn, minus Lance Franklin and Luke Hodge, hammers the Bulldogs.
Football
Hayes sets aside talk of future
Martin Blake Lenny Hayes is playing plenty well enough to plough on into a 15th season next year.
Football
Low blow, says Archer
Martin Blake North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer says West Coast has broken the players' code by accusing Roos' forward Lindsay Thomas of staging as Eagles coach John Worsfold backed away from the controversial...
Hodge saga drags on
Martin Blake The bad news for Hawthorn is that it is about to play on without its inspirational captain.
Martin Blake
Footy looks to shake the tag
Martin Blake In the Mick Malthouse reign at Collingwood, the Magpies stopped using taggers.
Franklin, Hodge face time on sidelines
Martin Blake AFL high-flyers Hawthorn have been dealt a double blow, with superstar forward Lance Franklin and captain Luke Hodge sidelined for up to three weeks each with injury setbacks.
Martin Blake
Unfair to demonise Wellingham
Martin Blake Somehow between Friday night and today Sharrod Wellingham became an axe murderer, a serial killer. Needless to say, he is not.
AFL
Wellingham quick to accept three-match ban for controversial bump
Martin Blake Collingwood's Sharrod Wellingham has accepted a minimum three-match suspension by the AFL's match review panel over his controversial hit on Carlton's Kade Simpson in last Friday night's game at the...
Milne inspires Saints
Martin Blake This was Stephen Milne's night and St Kilda's night, unequivocally.
Saints upset Bombers in thumping win
Martin Blake TWO moments encapsulated this game, both in the third quarter when St Kilda was on the verge of finally breaking Essendon's spirit.
AFL
From pretenders to contenders in five easy steps
Martin Blake Martin Blake finds ways Carlton can conjure a miracle against Collingwood tonight
AFL
Fledgling Blue gets thrown to the wolves
Martin Blake AT THE height of his dramas, Brett Ratten has punted on a first-gamer for Carlton's season-defining game against Collingwood at the MCG tonight.
Survivor Milne is still enjoying his footy
Martin Blake Stephen Milne says he is proud of his 250-game milestone, especially his resilience.
Vickery's season is over
Martin Blake Richmond ruck-forward will have shoulder reconstruction and miss rest of the year.
Tiger keeps thoughts on tackle in-school
Martin Blake Steve Morris has been on television more in the past few days than in the rest of his life.
Stadium boss gives the green light
Martin Blake Etihad Stadium has a new chief executive, and fortunately he knows a thing or two about growing grass.
Saints hit by injury, suspension for Bomber clash
Martin Blake St Kilda will be without both ruck-forward Rhys Stanley and utility James Blake for up to six weeks.
Star Crow grounded for three matches
Martin Blake Taylor Walker hits a brick wall in the form of the match review panel in his groundbreaking season.
MRP throws the book at big names
Martin Blake Adelaide’s key forward Taylor Walker, St Kilda star Brendon Goddard, Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra, Essendon half-forward Stewart Crameri and Richmond on-baller Daniel Jackson have all incurred the...
