Michael Gleeson

Michael Gleeson

Michael Gleeson is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, athletics, cricket and tennis. He has been awarded the Grant Hattam Trophy for outstanding journalism in football, while his cricket writing has been recognised in twice winning the Cricket Victoria cricket writer of the year award.

Pies battle to the bitter end

Michael Gleeson Collingwood's losing preliminary final was a corollary of its season, according to Nathan Buckley.

12th time lucky, Swans outdo Pies at own game

Jude Bolton celebrates the Swans' victory over Collingwood.

Michael Gleeson On the 12th attempt, Sydney was finally able to out-Collingwood Collingwood. The Swans stole their game back.

Magpies consider young Giant for ruck role

Jonathan Giles

Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson Mindful of the burden on the ageing shoulders of veteran premiership ruck Darren Jolly, Collingwood has shown interest in out of contract Giant Jonathan Giles.

Magpies look on the bright side

Positive attitude: Sharrod Wellingham is a footy realist.

Michael Gleeson Collingwood took the Greg Chappell philosophy to its loss to Hawthorn a fortnight ago. Like Chappell saying he was batting well but getting out, the Pies felt they were playing well but losing.

Spoilt for choice

Josh Gibson, Ivan Maric, Sam Mitchell, Jack Riewoldt, Matthew Pavlich.

Michael Gleeson Statistics say Gibson should have been All-Australian.

Comments 94

Pies expect Dawes to play despite injury

Chris Dawes

Michael Gleeson, Ashley Porter Chris Dawes is expected to play in Friday night's preliminary final against Sydney, despite hobbling through the last quarter of Saturday night's game with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

Magpies toast win and absent mate

Sharrod Wellingham (right) talks to Pies coach Nathan Buckley.

Michael Gleeson This Collingwood-West Coast game was imbued with more significance than leaving a team one win from a grand final. It was a win with significance for people as well as club.

Inside Football

A leader of the pack

Running back: Ben Johnson tries to burst out of a tackle.

Michael Gleeson Apart from providing a lot of run and effective disposal — not always pretty but always left-footed — Ben Johnson has played a key role in helping shape members of Collingwood's 'rat pack'.

Maxwell pays price for poor technique

Nick Maxwell and coach Nathan Buckley speak to the media yesterday.

Michael Gleeson Nick Maxwell forced to accept unpalatable truth that he was reckless when he blocked Paul Puopolo.

Pies take time to grieve, then to refocus

Road to recovery: The Magpies take a moment at St Kilda Beach yesterday.

Michael Gleeson Pies hope normalising routine might help players who are struggling most.

Port Adelaide footballer's life cut short in Vegas hotel fall

John McCarthy

Michael Gleeson and Ashley Porter As a footballer, John McCarthy made those he played with smile easily and often.

Comments 12

Pies players mourn loss of 'J-Mac'

Midfielder John McCarthy playing for Collingwood against Melbourne in round 12 last year.

Michael Gleeson Collingwood players in deep shock and mourning for popular former teammate.

Hawks fine with switch

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold.

Michael Gleeson Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold says club more focused on being in preliminary final.

Pie's campaign in doubt

Nick Maxwell wrestles with Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead.

Michael Gleeson Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell may miss do-or-die semi-final next week.

AFL

Mission possible for Pies

Anthony Rocca

Michael Gleeson Ten years ago to the game, Collingwood travelled to Adelaide as a rank outsider.

Pies' deal on jumpers a great fit

Collingwood logo

Michael Gleeson Players to wear bespoke jumpers tailored by not only body size, but position.

Comments 85

Port in the hunt after Jurrah quits Demons

Liam Jurrah

Michael Gleeson Liam Jurrah still wants to play football because he knows what it means for his people, and it makes him happy.

Jurrah quits Demons

Liam Jurrah.

Michael Gleeson Controversial Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah has stunningly quit the Demons in the hope he can continue his football career with one of the Adelaide clubs.

Comments 3

All Cloke and no stagger

The Magpies' Travis Cloke celebrates kicking a goal during the round 23 match against Essendon.

Michael Gleeson The result Collingwood needed last night was more about the man than the team.

Hawthorn flags its intentions

Winged Hawk: Brent Guerra on crutches after the game last night.

Michael Gleeson Flag favourite and the best team of the year is also the team that has claimed the minor premiership.