James Hird
- Analysis
- AFL 2026
The issues Essendon must address to finally rise from the doldrums
It’s 70 games into Brad Scott’s tenure, and the Bombers are still years away from being a premiership contender. Here’s why.
- Andrew Wu
Latest
- Investigation
- AFL 2026
How Jobe Watson found peace, and why he believes the drugs saga still weighs on Essendon
The former Bombers star says it was deeply painful to have to give the Brownlow back, but he has been able to move on. He opens up 10 years to the day since he and his teammates were banned.
- Michael Gleeson
- Exclusive
- Building Bad
Famous football club at centre of ‘corruption’, ‘conflict-of-interest’ claims
The role of a high-ranking CFMEU official is under serious scrutiny after construction firms ploughed sponsorship money into the club.
- Nick McKenzie, Sam McClure and David Marin-Guzman
Melbourne’s first phone call must be to this man, ex-coach says
The contenders to replace Simon Goodwin, who was dumped as Melbourne coach after nine seasons at the helm.
- Jake Niall, Andrew Wu and Jon Pierik
‘If I did I’d probably get sacked’: Bombers young gun Caddy on the risk behind that stunning goal
Nate Caddy will happily accept the goal of the year award if it comes his way. In exciting news for suffering Essendon fans, one of the AFL’s hottest properties sees his long-term future in the red and black.
- Scott Spits
‘Perfect teammate’: Chris Judd’s touching tribute as charity vows to honour Adam Selwood
AFL great Chris Judd has posted a touching tribute to his premiership teammate Adam Selwood, while a Perth-based mental health charity is planning to honour the influential former West Coast Eagles player, who died at the weekend.
- Jon Pierik
- Updated
- Anzac Day
How Kevin Sheedy’s 1977 miskick sparked a 30-year Anzac Day tradition
Kevin Sheedy was pottering in his garden and focusing on ways to promote the game when he had the brainwave that birthed a blockbuster.
- Scott Spits
Footy wars heat up as Nine makes strategic move
The TV networks’ battle for football eyeballs has escalated, with Nine making a programming change to complement the recruitment of star signing James Hird for season 2025.
- Jon Pierik
- AFL Briefing
- AFL 2024
The MRO case that’s united the greats; Darcy’s day out strengthens Dogs; Hird joins famous Melbourne club
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was confident Sam Darcy’s accuracy would turn, and his faith was rewarded against the Roos, while Brendan McCartney and James Hird are about to strengthen the coaching stocks of a VFL club.
- Jon Pierik, Marc McGowan and Peter Ryan
Saints coy on Thomas meeting; Hird won’t coach; Round 24 confirmed
St Kilda are remaining tight-lipped about a meeting between the club’s head of player acquisition Graeme Allan and suspended former North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas.
- Peter Ryan and Hannah Hammoud