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.
AFL
Leading Blue dumped for Magpie clash
Jon Pierik Hard-nosed defender Nick Duigan a surprise axing by Carlton after one match.
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
Finger injury scare for Waite
Jon Pierik CARLTON key forward Jarrad Waite has left training with a finger injury but appears to have escaped serious injury.
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.
Finals blow for Blues: Lachie out for season
Jon Pierik Carlton's hopes of pushing for a finals berth have been dealt a blow with key defender Lachie Henderson ruled out for the rest of the season because of a groin injury.
The unpopular view: sticking with Ratten
Jon Pierik Criticism of Brett Ratten has come with gunfire speed - but does it really warrant his sacking?
Big Blue brewing over Carlton, Malthouse link
Jon Pierik, Matt Murnane Carlton is incensed at Eddie McGuire's suggestion Mick Malthouse would be a good fit for the Blues.
Blues fume about tackle on Carrazzo
Jon Pierik Blues' midfielder suffers fractured shoulder and out for up to two months.
AFL
Ablett knee adds to horror list of injuries
Jon Pierik Scott Pendlebury emerges as Brownlow favourite after injury to Suns captain.
AFL
Walker to return for Blues, but Laidler is sidelined
Jon Pierik Exciting Blues forward Andrew Walker will return to the Carlton line-up this week, but promising defender Jeremy Laidler will join Andrew Carazzo on the sidelines.
Football
Blues set sights on atonement in the west
Jon Pierik Coach Brett Ratten has urged his team not to become football's version of the Big Dipper.
AFL
Blues to go on the attack
Jon Pierik Marc Murphy says the Blues are intent on emerging with the necessary vigour required to topple Fremantle and silence a parochial Perth crowd tomorrow night.
Fight on for Warnock
Jon Pierik Robbie Warnock wants to remain at Carlton but faces a fight to regain his spot in a team that has so far endorsed coach Brett Ratten's guarantee it will finish in the top four this season.
Tigers, Blues to make a statement
Jon Pierik Season-opener a chance to make a statement of intent for the season.
Football
A Chris to build a dream on
Jon Pierik There has barely been a moment when Chris Judd has not had to deal with expectations.
Stars out for Blues, Demons
Jon Pierik Carlton, Melbourne dealt major blows on the eve of the AFL season.
Jamison is over his injury blues
Jon Pierik Carlton defender continues to make strong progress in his comeback.
AFL
Preview: NAB Cup Round 1, Week 2
Ashley Porter and Jon Pierik This afternoon's triple-header between Port Adelaide, Adelaide and Carlton will close out the first round of the NAB Cup.
Russell on the rebound
Jon Pierik Jordan Russell ''hurt'' by missing selection in last year's finals series.
