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.
No place to run, or hide
Martin Blake Ted Richards is the modern backman personified; adaptable, competitive and strong.
Brownlow quirks and oddities
Emma Quayle and Martin Blake Some of the more notable anomalies arising from the AFL's biggest award.
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...
Hawthorn weighs up ruckman dilemma
Martin Blake A week ago, people were preparing to hand the premiership cup to Hawthorn.
Grima happy to have a role
Martin Blake After a nightmare spell of injuries, the Roos defender is making the most of his comeback.
Football
Bombers close to full strength for decider
Martin Blake Essendon will put its season on the line by fielding its best on-paper team for a month.
Martin Blake
Can the Hawks end the hoodoo?
Martin Blake Five key questions to ponder when assessing whether Hawthorn can break Geelong's spell.
Hawk Franklin gets damned by free kicks
Martin Blake Lance Franklin is beloved by the masses, but not necessarily by the umpires.
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.
Demons in remix after Clark loss
Martin Blake The numbers indicate that Mitch Clark's loss could be devastating for Melbourne.
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.
AFL
Fledgling Blue gets thrown to the wolves
Martin Blake AT THE height of his dramas, Brett Ratten has punted on a first-gamer for Carlton's season-defining game against Collingwood at the MCG tonight.
Franklin, Hodge face time on sidelines
Martin Blake AFL high-flyers Hawthorn have been dealt a double blow, with superstar forward Lance Franklin and captain Luke Hodge sidelined for up to three weeks each with injury setbacks.
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.
AFL
Watts only a chance to play for Demons
Martin Blake Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said today centre half-forward Jack Watts would be "in the mix" for a return to the team for tomorrow's game against Hawthorn, but would not guarantee it.
AFL
Fighting Hawks look the real deal
Martin Blake, Launceston Hawthorn's season back on track after Alistair Clarkson's team monsters Fremantle.
