Updated
AFL suspends Bulldog Bailey Smith for two matches
Western Bulldog star Bailey Smith has been handed a two-match ban by the AFL after photographs and video emerged of him taking an illicit drug.
- by Jake Niall
Latest
Analysis
Easy Rider and Raging Bull: The different worlds of Daicos and Horne-Francis
When Nick Daicos and Jason Horne-Francis were drafted last November, it seemed apparent that Daicos would be lumbered with the heavier burden.
- by Jake Niall
A win for the clubs: AFL increases cap on footy department spending
The AFL will increase the soft cap on football department spending by $500,000, leaving it up to the clubs on whether they spend the extra money on senior coaches or other staff.
- by Jake Niall
‘Confidentiality is critical’: AFL players won’t budge on drug policy
AFL players will insist on a regime that supports them, rather than punishes them, when the AFL and the players agree upon a revised policy for dealing with illicit drugs.
- by Jake Niall
AFL integrity unit interviews star Bulldog Bailey Smith
Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has completed an interview with the AFL’s integrity unit over his self-confessed use of an illicit substance.
- by Jake Niall
Three losses in a row, but this is no May-day for Demons
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the high pitch of AFL competition, not off-field dramas, is to blame for their third defeat in a row.
- by Greg Baum and Jake Niall
Analysis
The amazing revival of Mason Cox: Pies big man again stands tall on the big stage
Whatever can be said of Mason Cox and his strange and unique journey from Texas to the Collingwood Football Club, one fact is clear: That he has reserved his premium form for the occasions that match his size.
- by Jake Niall
Opinion
Smith tackles poor choices head-on with illicit substance confession
The damage to Bailey Smith, the Western Bulldogs and the AFL has been mitigated – at least partially – by Smith’s own response.
- by Jake Niall
Updated
Smith faces AFL penalty over illicit substance admission, as clothing giant sticks with star Bulldog
Sources said that Bailey Smith’s spiralling in his behaviour started after the 2021 season and was for a short period.
- by Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
Updated
New details on Demons’ fight – and why Melksham wasn’t suspended
The Demons did not condone Jake Melksham’s decision to resort to violence, but club sources said they took the view that he had acted almost on behalf of teammates in challenging Steven May, who had provoked the fight through his behaviour.
- by Jake Niall, Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan
Daniher four part of Dons’ party at the ’G
Neale Daniher and his brothers Terry, Anthony and Chris and decorated father-sons Tim and Jobe Watson and Ken and Dustin Fletcher will join other club legends on the MCG for a spectacular pre-game ceremony for Essendon’s 150th celebration.
- by Jake Niall