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.
Tagging talented Tigers has Saint on the march
Martin Blake Clint Jones will have slept easily last night. He will have known his opponent for tonight's game against Richmond, most likely Trent Cotchin, and that he is required to lock down on him for the sake...
Tigers ready to take on AFL's big spenders
Martin Blake Damien Hardwick calls it footy's ''arms race''. Richmond has been outgunned for years in football department spending, and knows that it matters.
Tigers ready to embrace the growing hype
Martin Blake Richmond has 50,000 members for the first time in its history and a growing bandwagon, but coach Damien Hardwick is not trying to apply the brakes.
The Tigers' fade a habit they must break
Martin Blake Three consecutive defeats by less than a goal will test the patience of any fan.
AFL
Blues too sharp for Tigers
Martin Blake The mirage of a dramatically improved Richmond takes just one match to be exposed.
Cats and Tigers fall to ill winds
Martin Blake It was a difficult day at Geelong, with an ill wind howling out of the north.
AFL
Tigers get Goodes news with star out
Martin Blake Richmond has just won the footballing equivalent of the lottery.
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.
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.
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.
Vickery's season is over
Martin Blake Richmond ruck-forward will have shoulder reconstruction and miss rest of the year.
Tiger keeps thoughts on tackle in-school
Martin Blake Steve Morris has been on television more in the past few days than in the rest of his life.
AFL
How can Carlton stop Jumpin' Jack?
Martin Blake Brett Ratten believes his midfield will deliver victory, writes Martin Blake.
Martin Blake
Swan Luke
Martin Blake Luke Parker is flying under the radar at Sydney, writes Martin Blake.
Football
Dees dump big names
Martin Blake and Matt Murnane Mark Neeld last night reacted savagely to the thrashing in Sydney, dumping veteran players.
