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.
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.
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.
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.
Roos bag points, but Scott still worries
Martin Blake Roos' coach says win as important for supporters as for the players.
AFL
Franklin in the clear, but Cat fined for misconduct
Martin Blake Hawthorn and Lance Franklin can breathe more easily after his report for rough play was thrown out by the match review panel.
Dogs pound Port to break losing streak
Martin Blake Bulldogs break two-game losing streak in eclipsing Port Adelaide at Docklands.
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.
Dees despair: Clark out for season
Martin Blake Mitch Clark's brilliant form was one of the few positives at Melbourne in 2012.
Football
Another casualty for Blues
Martin Blake Carlton's hard-nosed midfielder Mitch Robinson has joined the pre-season casualty list.
Incredible bulk
Martin Blake The young Bombers are bigger and, they hope, better, writes Martin Blake.
Tall, skinny kid with an Irish suntan
Martin Blake Barry Richardson and Ron Barassi cobbled together the Irish experiment.
AFL
Blues too sharp for Tigers
Martin Blake The mirage of a dramatically improved Richmond takes just one match to be exposed.
Clarkson hits out at draw as Hawks rue tough start
Martin Blake, Launceston Hawthorn's tough draw to start the season displeases coach Alastair Clarkson.
Martin Blake
Swan Luke
Martin Blake Luke Parker is flying under the radar at Sydney, writes Martin Blake.
Pies, Cats up for rematch
Martin Blake Eight months ago on the biggest stage the game offers, two young men hit flashpoints.
