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
Bye a chance for badly beaten Bulldogs to refocus
Martin Blake Bulldogs captain says that the bye straight after the club's worst performance of the season was bittersweet.
Bulldogs legend Charlie Sutton dies
Martin Blake Footscray legend Charlie Sutton, captain and coach of the Bulldogs' only premiership team, in 1954, has died.
AFL
Hall back with the Bulldogs
Martin Blake Barry Hall back at Whitten Oval, but not reconsidering his retirement from football.
Shock as All-Australian squad named
Martin Blake Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson and Western Bulldogs skipper Matthew Boyd are among the unlucky players who missed out on All-Australian squad selection yesterday.
Reprieve divides the experts
Jared Lynch, Martin Blake Western Bulldog Will Minson's reprieve at the AFL Tribunal for stomping has fractured opinion among leading club officials and commentators.
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...
Rocket power
Martin Blake and Jon Pierik Rodney Eade a potential candidate, Scott Burns endorsed as coach-in-waiting after Matthew Primus quits Port Adelaide.
Six-day rule costs Swan two games
Martin Blake and Jake Niall Collingwood's hard-line decision based on a season-long ban on drinking alcohol six days before a game.
Home is where the party is, Roo says
Martin Blake North Melbourne defender says Melbourne-raised players have tougher task to reach league's high professional standards.
AFL
Richardson in mix for Power coaching job
Martin Blake The Carlton senior assistant coach retains an ambition to coach at the highest level.
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.
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.
Martin Blake
Can the Hawks end the hoodoo?
Martin Blake Five key questions to ponder when assessing whether Hawthorn can break Geelong's spell.
Five reasons to watch the footy in a dud round
Martin Blake OK, so the most attractive game's already come and gone, in Perth last night.
Stomping reprimand for Bulldog
Martin Blake Western Bulldogs' ruckman Will Minson has won a reprieve from the AFL Tribunal.
Swans declaw Cats
Martin Blake Geelong's malaise is back, although the dreaded premiership hangover may be a way off yet.
AFL
Surge in frees for throwing
Jon Pierik and Martin Blake Crafty players push the boundaries in bid to clear the ball amid increasing congestion and pressure.
AFL
Rookie decision: Magpies back Irish youngster
Martin Blake Collingwood elevates Irish teenager Caolan Mooney from its rookie list and picks him to play against Fremantle.
Star Crow grounded for three matches
Martin Blake Taylor Walker hits a brick wall in the form of the match review panel in his groundbreaking season.
MRP throws the book at big names
Martin Blake Adelaide’s key forward Taylor Walker, St Kilda star Brendon Goddard, Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra, Essendon half-forward Stewart Crameri and Richmond on-baller Daniel Jackson have all incurred the...
