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Sam McClure

Sam McClure

Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks to school children as he poses with students from Rosehill Public School during an AFL School Connect visit to Rosehill Public School as part of the build-up to opening round.

What club bosses told Andrew Dillon about opening round, and how it could ‘evolve’

Critics say the opening round concept creates an uneven fixture. Hawthorn and Carlton, for instance, are now on prolonged breaks shortly after getting their seasons underway.

  • Sam McClure

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Tom De Koning in his first hitout for St Kilda.

Expecting a free run at a top-10 pick for your club? Not so fast

A proposal to eliminate free agency compensation picks from the first 10 selections of the 2026 AFL national draft is in doubt.

  • Sam McClure, Peter Ryan and Andrew Wu
.......

NBA style: How the Demons plan to amp up their home games to get crowds back to the ’G

Almost everything is new at Melbourne, and now the Demons are promising a fresh approach to match-day entertainment – starting with their round one match against St Kilda.

  • Sam McClure
Andrew McGrath leads his team off the ground.

Andrew McGrath speaks out about Zach Merrett after the Bombers’ wake-up call to start their season

Essendon stayed with the Hawks for much of the first half, before a six-goal blitz blew the game open before half-time.

  • Sam McClure
Dylan Moore (left) and Connor Macdonald of the Hawks celebrate a goal after their week from hell.

‘We are very sorry’: Connor Macdonald speaks after Arizona arrest; Hollywood Hawks flex their muscles

The build-up to the latest chapter of the Essendon v Hawthorn rivalry reached fever pitch after the failed Merrett trade. In reality, they’re not in the same weight division.

  • Roy Ward and Sam McClure
Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos.

Not just Tasmania: Look out Collingwood, Victorian rivals are circling Daicos

Nick Daicos appears unwilling, for now, to sign the kind of long-term extension that could make him a Magpie for life.

  • Sam McClure
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Docherty snubbed from Carlton function over explosive voice memo

The Blues have removed former co-captain Sam Docherty from a speaking role at an official club function this week as the fallout continues from his expletive-laden voice memo.

  • Sam McClure and Jon Pierik
Rory Lobb wants to play until he’s 40.

‘I was misunderstood’: How Bulldog Rory Lobb harnessed social media to change perceptions

Lobb has been at three clubs and had many more hairdos. On Saturday night the resilient Bulldog plays his 200th game.

  • Sam McClure
Oscar Piastri signs autographs in Melbourne this week.

‘He’s a true hero’: When a family was struck by tragedy, Oscar Piastri stepped up

Inside the world of Australia’s superstar Formula 1 driver, and how he moved on from his championship disappointment.

  • Hannah Kennelly and Sam McClure
Oscar Piastri clocked the fastest lap in the second practice session on Friday.

Piastri fastest in practice as rivals hit by car and travel dramas

On a dramatic opening day at Albert Park, Aston Martin was in damage control and a former member of Piastri’s inner circle was called up to help Mercedes title favourite George Russell because of travel issues caused by the war in the Middle East.

  • Sam McClure and Hannah Kennelly