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.
Hawks unveil latest defensive weapon
Jon Pierik Brian Lake was recruited in a bid to improve a defence that struggled to contain power forwards.
Hawks hang tough but Rioli injured
Jon Pierik Brilliant small forward hurt in bruising three-point win against North Melbourne.
AFL coaches: the class of 2013
Compiled by Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik take a look at the men guiding the 18 teams in the AFL fray.
AFL
A powerful player carries future in his own hands
Jon Pierik Free agents will continue to be the main focus of fans and media this season.
Swallow wants more flexibility over pre-season
Jon Pierik North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow says it's time to shorten the pre-season.
AFL
Tiger six-pack rates a mention
Jon Pierik If Richmond is looking for evidence it can feature this season in its first finals campaign in more than a decade, this may be it.
Football
Lay-off has Petrie keen to dish it up
Jon Pierik Drew Petrie joked that he had better repay coach Brad Scott for giving him almost three months off over the pre-season to rest a body preparing for its 13th AFL campaign.
Football
Education on drugs is key: Petrie
Jon Pierik Drew Petrie says players must not be victimised if there is change to the illicit drugs policy.
Football
Clubs in legal minefield on drugs: Port
Jon Pierik Port Adelaide president David Koch fears clubs will be open to legal reprisal.
AFL
Ziebell's scientific approach
Jon Pierik North Melbourne's young gun knows the little things count in 2013.
The face of football
Jon Pierik Nathan Buckley believes franchising is a good way to move away from constraints.
AFL
Swans firm for Tippett: rivals
Jon Pierik and Jake Niall Swans appear to be the front-runners for the Adelaide forward's services.
AFL
Ablett scoops player award
Jon Pierik Gary Ablett continues to show why he remains one of the game's greatest talents.
Roos leap into unknown
Jon Pierik Despite his dominance in recent weeks, Drew Petrie urged his midfield fleet to consider all options when heading into attack against the Western Bulldogs yesterday.
Confident Kangaroos plan to ruffle feathers
Jon Pierik Kangaroos have every right to think four years of rebuilding will be rewarded.
Old boys in awe of classy North
Jon Pierik Greg Miller was one of the key architects of North Melbourne's dominance through the 1990s.
Roos slam ignorant supporters
Jon Pierik NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott last night lashed those ''embarrassing'' club supporters who gave forward Robbie Tarrant Bronx cheers, claiming they did not understand his game plan.
Roo warns midfielders against long 'bombs'
Jon Pierik North Melbourne vice-captain Drew Petrie warns his midfield to not be predictable when heading into attack.
AFL
Carlton skipper 'meant no malice'
Jon Pierik Shattered Chris Judd will argue that he was only trying to prevent a handball.
North clings to top eight
Jon Pierik This was another dark chapter for Melbourne, in a season that has gone totally wrong.
