AFL

Don report to shed light on key trio

Jon Pierik Future of Essendon's off-field triumvirate set to become clearer within weeks.

Thompson says he has no plans to coach

Jon Pierik Senior Essendon assistant coach endorses James Hird to remain in charge.

Analysis

Dons brave in the face of controversy

Jon Pierik As the Essendon players arrived at Perth airport on Saturday morning, it was difficult to know what to make of the situation.

Drugs in AFL

Hird upbeat about upcoming ASADA, AFL talks

Jon Pierik Essendon coach adamant he will be in a "very, very good position" when he speaks to authorities in the supplements investigation.

Defiant Bombers stand by Hird

Jon Pierik Essendon maintains it is ready to tackle any allegations head-on.

AFL

On a sliding scale, new rule is hard to measure

Jon Pierik Adelaide struggles to deal with sliding rule in season-opening 35-point loss.

AFL

Dad the greatest player, end of argument: Ablett jnr

Jon Pierik It is one of football's great debates, but Gary Ablett jnr has an emphatic response: he is not as good as his equally famous father.

Comments 6

Kelty wary of Bomber conflict

Jon Pierik AFL Commissioner will step aside from board discussions on anti-doping investigation.

Jon Pierik

Players are being pushed to the limit

Jon Pierik As rumblings about Essendon's training program of last year abounded in recent months - and gained significant traction on Monday - several football insiders have questioned just how far clubs are...

Analysis finds Blues similar to 2006 Cats

Jon Pierik Mick Malthouse may have inherited Carlton team similar to Geelong of 2006.

Bombers look for upside with Pears on track

Jon Pierik Football manager Danny Corcoran says defender progressing well through demanding pre-season.

Hird faces review on injury scourge

Jon Pierik Essendon coach closely questioned by his board over the club's soft-tissue injury epidemic.

Dons a 'serious' threat

Jon Pierik Midfielder David Myers says win over Fremantle means Bombers are serious contenders.

AFL

Support for Ratten wavers

Jon Pierik Carlton president Stephen Kernahan refuses to guarantee that Brett Ratten would coach out the season.

Comments 22

Buckley confident on Cloke

Jon Pierik As the Travis Cloke contract saga rolls on, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he does not harbour the same fears Mark Thompson had when Gary Ablett was contemplating leaving Geelong two years ago.

Football

Dockers still in race for star forward

Jon Pierik Fremantle does not feel it is at a disadvantage in trying to lure Magpie Travis Cloke.

Hird defends training load after injury run

Jon Pierik Ruckman Paddy Ryder and forward MIchael Hurley the latest to be derailed by injury.

Dons look to Hurley for forward fix

Jon Pierik Essendon confident Michael Hurley will return to battle this weekend.

Bombers on sharp, painful learning curve

Jon Pierik Coach says Bombers will understand progress made this season after next fortnight.