Jon Pierik on Brett Ratten - Real Footy

Jon Pierik

Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.

The Blues look dejected after losing to the Bombers.

AFL

Time for Blues to make a stand

Jon Pierik It's time for Carlton to make a "big picture" statement - on the field.

AFL

Blues warm to their task

Jon Pierik After a slow start, Carlton gets on with the job of swamping GWS.

AFL

Malthouse: the bitter end

Jon Pierik Mick Malthouse says his family was bitter and even disappointed in ''humanity'' over manner in which he left Collingwood.

Comments 64

Carey's Carlton warning

Jon Pierik AFL great suggests Mick Malthouse may have to alter his defensive game plan.

Murphy stands out as Carlton glimpses future

Jon Pierik The NAB Cup final may be a tip of the iceberg, but Murphy showed he is ready to lead.

Ship shape

Jon Pierik Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell is ready for a fresh start, writes Jon Pierik.

Rough and ready

Jon Pierik Jarryd Roughead is confident Hawthorn can bounce back in 2013, writes Jon Pierik.

Comments 10

Analysis finds Blues similar to 2006 Cats

Jon Pierik Mick Malthouse may have inherited Carlton team similar to Geelong of 2006.

Laidler's dash a sign of Blues' buzz

Jon Pierik Clever defender had a wretched 2012 campaign, dislocating his left knee thrice.

AFL

Judd takes a back seat as Carlton embraces new era

Jon Pierik Champion midfielder will not feature in the leadership group next season.

Comments 50

Sewell doesn't want to dwell on grand final defeat

Jon Pierik Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell has urged teammates to banish memories of their grand final defeat, declaring that dwelling on the past could impact on their hopes for redemption next season.

AFL

Football bubble not normal: Hawk

Jon Pierik As the focus, restrictions and pressures on AFL players rise, it's little wonder Brad Sewell refers to life outside of the football bubble as 'normal'.