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.
Goldsack on track to tackle Eagles
Martin Blake Utility continues push for inclusion in Collingwood's team for semi-final.
Football
Magpies tackle Eagles ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood is pondering a two-ruckman policy for just the second time this season.
North v West - which direction?
Martin Blake The Kangaroos will be seeking space, but they are likely to find it occupied by the Eagles.
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...
MCG travel bug won't go away
Martin Blake Four Victorian clubs have made the finals and four from outside the game's heartland.
AFL
Magpies sitting pretty with percentage boost
Martin Blake Collingwood gives itself an important percentage boost by flogging Gold Coast at the MCG last night, despite an injury scare involving Scott Pendlebury.
AFL
Hit for six
Matt Murnane and Martin Blake This year's AFL fixture throws up its challenges and opportunities for all clubs - even if the balance of each is not the same - and St Kilda and Carlton are facing their challenging periods right...
AFL defends Carlton's reduced preparation
Martin Blake and Matt Murnane The AFL has defended the controversial fixturing of tonight's Carlton-West Coast match at Patersons Stadium, saying the Thursday night timeslot was done purely to maximise television exposure.
Pies ponder problem of a different kind
Martin Blake Collingwood has a selection dilemma with three top players proving their fitness and available for the potential grand final preview against West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
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.
Football
Low blow, says Archer
Martin Blake North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer says West Coast has broken the players' code by accusing Roos' forward Lindsay Thomas of staging as Eagles coach John Worsfold backed away from the controversial...
Judd takes legal lead from Bill Clinton
Martin Blake Carlton captain went with the ''I didn't inhale'' defence made infamous by former US president.
AFL
High anxiety in AFL
Jon Pierik, Martin Blake, Jared Lynch Umpires boss Jeff Gieschen says Eagles playing up high tackles to win free kicks.
Football
Magpies ace Thomas set to return for Lions clash
Martin Blake Dale Thomas is on track to make his return to Collingwood's team at the Gabba on Saturday.
