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.
The Tigers' fade a habit they must break
Martin Blake Three consecutive defeats by less than a goal will test the patience of any fan.
Goddard and Saints rise to the occasion
Martin Blake Brendon Goddard's 200th game turns out to be one of his best for the Saints.
Ben there, done that
Martin Blake Ben McEvoy has played in a grand final and lost. He'll use it to help St Kilda into a new era.
Hodge back for Hawks
Jared Lynch, Martin Blake Luke Hodge is set to captain Hawthorn for just the third time this season in tonight's clash with Essendon, while Bombers speedster Jason Winderlich will play his first game for the season in his...
AFL
'As a kid I hated Hawthorn': Hird gets personal
Martin Blake Essendon coach James Hird is looking forward to renewing his club's rivalry with Hawthorn at Docklands tomorrow night, although he has bigger things on his mind.
Blues delay contract talks with McLean
Martin Blake Brock McLean has no guarantee of a place at Carlton next year, despite being arguably the club's best player in the past month.
Fiery Goddard embraces calmer side
Martin Blake When Brendon Goddard was suspended recently, he had a heart-to-heart chat with his coach.
Henderson's year over
Martin Blake Carlton has lost key-position player Lachie Henderson for the season.
Goddard says commitment to Saints not in doubt
Martin Blake St Kilda's Brendon Goddard says he is happy with the way contract talks are moving with the club, despite the fact he has not committed to the Saints beyond this season.
Wake up Dons: season is slipping by
Martin Blake A top-four spot is probably already out of the question, for Essendon this season.
Up front and personal, just the ticket
Martin Blake St Kilda on track for a small profit in 2012, and Saints taking old-school approach to raising money.
Wreck and ruin
Martin Blake, Sydney St Kilda rueing what coach Scott Watters calls a ''lost opportunity'' after a late fade-out.
Swans just keep on winning
Martin Blake, Sydney Sydney keeps on winning, relentlessly and impressively. You have to hand it to the top-of-the-table Swans.
Pyke, tryer
Martin Blake He's run the length of the field against the All Blacks and now he's kicking goals for the Swans.
AFL
Bomber stars return
Martin Blake Essendon coach James Hird has spent the season with headaches at the selection table and a glut of injuries, but the Bombers are on the verge of pulling their full list together.
Alleged St Kilda fat slur 'isolated'
Jared Lynch, Martin Blake The AFL will not take further action against St Kilda after Saints players marred Women's Round by becoming embroiled in claims they degraded a young fan by refusing to pose for photographs.
Manager apologises for blast over ban
Martin Blake, Matt Murnane Leading player manager Paul Connors has been forced into a public apology after his strident criticism of an ''interfering'' AFL, as the fallout from the Chris Judd suspension swirled yesterday.
Petrie in hot water over tribunal criticism
Martin Blake North Melbourne vice-captain Drew Petrie is facing an AFL sanction over public criticism of the AFL tribunal, but the Kangaroos have accepted they can go no further in defending midfielder Jack...
Judd takes legal lead from Bill Clinton
Martin Blake Carlton captain went with the ''I didn't inhale'' defence made infamous by former US president.
'Other' Judd ruining legacy of a great player
Martin Blake It is becoming increasingly apparent that there are not one but two Chris Judds.
