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.
AFL
Reward at last for Dons' skipper
Martin Blake Jobe Watson caps off his third consecutive outstanding year with the game's most prestigious and famous individual honour.
Sewell to keep Hawkeye on Swan
Martin Blake Brad Sewell is the most likely marker for Josh Kennedy on Saturday.
Football
Malceski's snap is one for the ages
Martin Blake Sydney half-back Nick Malceski took centre stage in the final act of the classic.
North v West - which direction?
Martin Blake The Kangaroos will be seeking space, but they are likely to find it occupied by the Eagles.
Swans set to end Magpies' streak
Martin Blake Everyone falls in love with the qualifying final winners and dumps the losers, but recent history shows that it is not necessarily a good guide to the preliminary finals.
Buckley stands by his under-siege forwards
Martin Blake Nathan Buckley is not happy with his two key forwards, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes. But he believes they have copped too much of the focus since last weekend's defeat by North Melbourne.
Franklin back as Hawthorn ups the ante
Martin Blake LANCE Franklin's long-awaited return from a hamstring injury and illness, along with the inclusion of former captain Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson, gives Hawthorn an imposing look for the...
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...
One Dog no match for Swans
Martin Blake This is a tale of team versus individual. Almost inevitably, the former wins. It is simple mathematics.
Swans declaw Cats
Martin Blake Geelong's malaise is back, although the dreaded premiership hangover may be a way off yet.
Vote magnet in medal tilt again
Martin Blake Could Dane Swan win the Brownlow Medal for a second year in a row?
Pyke, tryer
Martin Blake He's run the length of the field against the All Blacks and now he's kicking goals for the Swans.
Swans just keep on winning
Martin Blake, Sydney Sydney keeps on winning, relentlessly and impressively. You have to hand it to the top-of-the-table Swans.
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.
AFL
Giant strides yet to be made
Martin Blake Greater Western Sydney made a respectable start. Well, it didn't get flogged.
Swan delivers the Goodes again
Martin Blake, Launceston Adam Goodes comes to Sydney's aid in his record-seting 304th game.
Sydney bridges gap
Martin Blake Alastair Clarkson talks up Swans' premiership credentials after Hawthorn's second-half collapse.
Back-line players need greater recognition
Martin Blake The clubs are not perfect in rewarding their defenders, but they are at least on to it.
