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.
Reprieve divides the experts
Jared Lynch, Martin Blake Western Bulldog Will Minson's reprieve at the AFL Tribunal for stomping has fractured opinion among leading club officials and commentators.
AFL
Swans keep rolling along
Martin Blake For Carlton, the Waite-ing was over. Jarrad Waite made his return to a navy blue guernsey. But the waiting for a finals berth and a recovering from this cursed season is effectively over, and that...
AFL
Franklin in the clear, but Cat fined for misconduct
Martin Blake Hawthorn and Lance Franklin can breathe more easily after his report for rough play was thrown out by the match review panel.
AFL
Ratten joins chorus of dissent, but Hunt fine to stand
Martin Blake and Jared Lynch Carlton coach joins a chorus of discontent about the result of the Josh Hunt hand-stepping case.
The Blair hitch project
Martin Blake A vertically challenged Magpie bucks the system to leave a sizeable footprint on the big stage.
Hawks put blowtorch on Ratten
Martin Blake Hawthorn defeats Carlton by 50 points without even breaking stride, piling on seven first-quarter goals to set it up.
Star Crow grounded for three matches
Martin Blake Taylor Walker hits a brick wall in the form of the match review panel in his groundbreaking season.
MRP throws the book at big names
Martin Blake Adelaide’s key forward Taylor Walker, St Kilda star Brendon Goddard, Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra, Essendon half-forward Stewart Crameri and Richmond on-baller Daniel Jackson have all incurred the...
AFL
From pretenders to contenders in five easy steps
Martin Blake Martin Blake finds ways Carlton can conjure a miracle against Collingwood tonight
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...
The Tigers' fade a habit they must break
Martin Blake Three consecutive defeats by less than a goal will test the patience of any fan.
Football
Another casualty for Blues
Martin Blake Carlton's hard-nosed midfielder Mitch Robinson has joined the pre-season casualty list.
AFL
How can Carlton stop Jumpin' Jack?
Martin Blake Brett Ratten believes his midfield will deliver victory, writes Martin Blake.
Ratten upset some players didn't stand up
Martin Blake Disappointed coach gives his team a mark of only five out of 10.
