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.
Dawes finds an opening as Magpies bolster ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood has made a last-ditch punt on Chris Dawes for the qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG tonight after the out-of-form ruck-forward was dropped for the last round of the...
AFL
Dawes finds an opening as Pies bolster ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood has made a last-ditch punt on Chris Dawes for the qualifying final.
Buckley stands by his under-siege forwards
Martin Blake Nathan Buckley is not happy with his two key forwards, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes. But he believes they have copped too much of the focus since last weekend's defeat by North Melbourne.
Franklin back as Hawthorn ups the ante
Martin Blake LANCE Franklin's long-awaited return from a hamstring injury and illness, along with the inclusion of former captain Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson, gives Hawthorn an imposing look for the...
Docker upset locks in top eight
Martin Blake Fremantle has turned the lower half of the top eight upside down.
No regrets as Bombers veteran McVeigh calls it a day
Martin Blake Essendon's 232-game veteran Mark McVeigh has retired with no regrets. McVeigh, 31, told his teammates this morning at Windy Hill that he would not go on in 2013.
Baby steps as Bombers on the mend
Martin Blake Essendon keeps taking two steps back for each step forward in the injury stakes.
Six-day rule costs Swan two games
Martin Blake and Jake Niall Collingwood's hard-line decision based on a season-long ban on drinking alcohol six days before a game.
AFL
Richardson in mix for Power coaching job
Martin Blake The Carlton senior assistant coach retains an ambition to coach at the highest level.
The need for speed
Martin Blake The arrival of Terry Milera and Ahmed Saad has had an immediate impact on St Kilda.
Football
Magpies call up two more rookies
Martin Blake Injuries have forced Collingwood's hand again as it confronts white-hot Adelaide this weekend.
Football
Dees dump big names
Martin Blake and Matt Murnane Mark Neeld last night reacted savagely to the thrashing in Sydney, dumping veteran players.
AFL
Magpies sitting pretty with percentage boost
Martin Blake Collingwood gives itself an important percentage boost by flogging Gold Coast at the MCG last night, despite an injury scare involving Scott Pendlebury.
Bulldogs legend Charlie Sutton dies
Martin Blake Footscray legend Charlie Sutton, captain and coach of the Bulldogs' only premiership team, in 1954, has died.
Varcoe in limbo after more surgery
Martin Blake and Emma Quayle Geelong clinging to the hope brilliant forward Travis Varcoe will play some games this season.
Football
Magpies tackle Eagles ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood is pondering a two-ruckman policy for just the second time this season.
The Blair hitch project
Martin Blake A vertically challenged Magpie bucks the system to leave a sizeable footprint on the big stage.
Demons in remix after Clark loss
Martin Blake The numbers indicate that Mitch Clark's loss could be devastating for Melbourne.
AFL
Rookie decision: Magpies back Irish youngster
Martin Blake Collingwood elevates Irish teenager Caolan Mooney from its rookie list and picks him to play against Fremantle.
