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.
Magpies fined for 'administrative error'
Martin Blake Collingwood has copped a $20,000 fine from the AFL for breaching player rules relating to the salary cap.
From cheers to tears for Magpies
Martin Blake Emotional Collingwood players broke down in tears in the MCG dressing rooms last night as the death of former teammate John McCarthy hit home and they willed themselves into a preliminary final for...
Dawes finds an opening as Magpies bolster ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood has made a last-ditch punt on Chris Dawes for the qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG tonight after the out-of-form ruck-forward was dropped for the last round of the...
Football
Magpies tackle Eagles ruck
Martin Blake Collingwood is pondering a two-ruckman policy for just the second time this season.
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.
Swans set to end Magpies' streak
Martin Blake Everyone falls in love with the qualifying final winners and dumps the losers, but recent history shows that it is not necessarily a good guide to the preliminary finals.
AFL
Magpies laud brilliant Brown
Martin Blake Nathan Brown waited more than 12 months for this day. He made the most of it.
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.
AFL
Cats, Magpies recall big guns for grand final replay
Jesse Hogan and Martin Blake Teams for grand final rematch will bear strong resemblance to last year's decider.
Football
Magpies call up two more rookies
Martin Blake Injuries have forced Collingwood's hand again as it confronts white-hot Adelaide this weekend.
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.
Brownlow quirks and oddities
Emma Quayle and Martin Blake Some of the more notable anomalies arising from the AFL's biggest award.
Pies dump US recruit
Martin Blake As AFL continues push into US for players, poster boy for campaign out of a job.
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.
Collingwood suspends Swan after night out
Martin Blake Brownlow medallist Dane Swan has been suspended by Collingwood after a night out.
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.
Collingwood won't be playing tag with Hawk midfield aces
Martin Blake Magpies star says winning the contested ball will be the key to the qualifying final.
Beams me up, Pie rising
Martin Blake Dayne Beams is grabbing his opportunity to shine with both hands and earning plaudits all round.
AFL
Pies fined over salary cap error
Martin Blake Collingwood has been fined $20,000 by the AFL for breaching player rules relating to the salary cap.
