AFL

Standing by Hird is natural, but what if he were not one of us?

Tim Lane It has been impossible to miss the way Essendon's players and supporters have supported their coach.

Sport in Crisis

Probe must be independent

Tim Lane Australian model of anti-doping authority is outdated and public confidence is wavering.

Football

Cup on offer, it's still footy

Tim Lane The new incarnation of the NAB Cup may still give some indication of what's to come.

Round one's hill of beans

Tim Lane Like Bogart in Casablanca, football dreams don't always have happy endings in a tough world.