Jon Pierik

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 survive fixture from hell

Jon Pierik Ability to negotiate opening seven rounds against fellow finalists from last year ensures Hawks are equal flag favourites with Geelong.

Hawks hang tough but Rioli injured

Hawthorn's Cyril Rioli winces after injuring his hamstring.

Jon Pierik Brilliant small forward hurt in bruising three-point win against North Melbourne.

Two down but Hawks defence will hold

Josh Gibson

Jon Pierik Josh Gibson says Hawthorn still has the right balance to be stingy in defence.

Lake on call to bolster Hawks

Knee blow: Hawk Ryan Schoenmakers.

Jon Pierik Injury to Ryan Schoenmakers may mean he needs a knee reconstruction.

AFL

Hawthorn still dancing

Big shoes to fill: Rucking in place of the injured Aaron Sandilands, Docker Jonathon Griffin takes on the Hawks’ David Hale at Aurora Stadium.

Jon Pierik Hawthorn, according to many, had the toughest opening seven rounds.

AFL

Tough opening fine for Hawks

Jordan Lewis

Jon Pierik Key advantage seen in playing last year's finalists through opening seven rounds.

AFL

Leading Blue dumped for Magpie clash

Omitted: Nick Duigan is out of the Carlton team to play Collingwood.

Jon Pierik Hard-nosed defender Nick Duigan a surprise axing by Carlton after one match.

No more delays, Hodge back for Hawks

Luke Hodge

Jon Pierik Skipper ''raring to go'' ahead of his return against the West Coast Eagles.

AFL

Ryder faces three-game ban

Fremantle's Luke McPharlin leaves the field with an injury on Friday after being bumped by Essendon's Patrick Ryder.

Jon Pierik Essendon's Patrick Ryder and Nick Kommer face stints on the sidelines.

AFL

Clarkson should leave, says Kennett

Jeff Kennett.

Jon Pierik Former Hawthorn president says Hawks coach should leave or be sacked at the end of the year.

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AFL

A peek behind the poker face

Jimmy Bartel.

Jon Pierik Jimmy Bartel talks about his close family bonds – and his desire for more success with his football family.

AFL

A powerful player carries future in his own hands

Jon-Pierik-sport-dinks

Jon Pierik Free agents will continue to be the main focus of fans and media this season.

Ship shape

Dockside: Sam Mitchell in Launceston - the Hawks' other home.

Jon Pierik Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell is ready for a fresh start, writes Jon Pierik.

AFL

Mitchell wants three more years with Hawks

Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell

Jon Pierik Sam Mitchell, another of Hawthorn's superstars off contract this season, has opened discussions with the club and hopes to play for at least another three years.

Buddy defers contract talks to end of season

Hawks star Buddy Franklin.

Jon Pierik Hawthorn will look to continue contract negotiations with Lance Franklin despite the superstar forward putting talks on hold until the end of the season.

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Osborne hopes to rekindle old form with Hawks

Michael Osborne

Jon Pierik Veteran Hawk Michael Osborne is adamant he still has plenty to offer and hopes to be fully fit by the start of the season.

Sewell doesn't want to dwell on grand final defeat

Brad Sewell.

Jon Pierik Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell has urged teammates to banish memories of their grand final defeat, declaring that dwelling on the past could impact on their hopes for redemption next season.

AFL

Football bubble not normal: Hawk

Brad Sewell and Buddy Franklin.

Jon Pierik As the focus, restrictions and pressures on AFL players rise, it's little wonder Brad Sewell refers to life outside of the football bubble as 'normal'.

Burgoyne extends contract, eyes flag

Eight is great: Hawthorn has re-signed (from left) Shaun Burgoyne, Taylor Duryea, Max Bailey, Mitch Hallahan, Angus Litherland, Brent Guerra, Will Langford and Kyle Cheney.

Jon Pierik Silky half-back will remain a Hawk in 2013 in bid to help club to premiership.

AFL

Hodge may start late, finish strong

Luke Hodge

Jon Pierik Captain would then be primed later in the year for another premiership tilt.