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.
Baby steps as Bombers on the mend
Martin Blake Essendon keeps taking two steps back for each step forward in the injury stakes.
Football
Bombers close to full strength for decider
Martin Blake Essendon will put its season on the line by fielding its best on-paper team for a month.
Football
Bombers fall short as Swans soar
Martin Blake The AFL's surprise new ladder-leader, Sydney, beat Essendon by four points in one of the games of the season.
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.
Martin Blake
Footy looks to shake the tag
Martin Blake In the Mick Malthouse reign at Collingwood, the Magpies stopped using taggers.
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...
Wake up Dons: season is slipping by
Martin Blake A top-four spot is probably already out of the question, for Essendon this season.
Football
Winderlich back as Bombers test the best
Martin Blake Winless Essendon picks its strongest possible squad for tomorrow's NAB Cup match against Sydney.
AFL
Tonight's NAB Cup games
Martin Blake A preview of tonight's NAB Cup matches, Essendon vs Sydney and Collingwood vs Adelaide.
