Opinion
AFL 2023
37 shades of greatness: The numbers that prove a young star will join these champions
The critics have gone silent with a young star on his way. And the journey could be – should be – one that defines Jason Horne-Francis in the same way we speak of the game’s recent greats.
- by Kane Cornes
Latest
Opinion
AFL 2023
If your club has fallen for this myth, they are in trouble
Don’t believe the rumours; the tagger lives. Sam Mitchell has used one to rejuvenate Hawthorn’s season, but Andrew McQualter has refused to follow suit, and that might cost him the Tigers coaching job.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Full-time footy is a myth, and it shows on the scoreboard
The work-life balance has gone too far; clubs give their players too much time off. It is starting to show on the scoreboard, and in the games we watch weekly.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Why star defender Darcy Moore should feel disrespected
Darcy Moore has been disrespected by the 18 AFL coaches, including his own, Craig McRae. But he’s not the only player who should feel this way.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
The AFL position under threat of extinction
Melbourne and Fremantle have made expensive mistakes, because the recipe for premiership success doesn’t require a ruckman.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
The move Dees premiership coach must make to get Pickett back to his best
Kysaiah Pickett peaked in 2021. His numbers have plateaued since, and this is what Simon Goodwin needs to do to rekindle the young Demon’s form.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Someone needs to save Bailey Smith from himself. I would know
Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith appears to be punishing himself for below-par performance – something I am all too familiar with. The challenge for the Bulldogs is how they manage him.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Brilliant, bland and bizarre: Which AFL coaches handle the media best?
Some AFL coaches are well-prepared, some lose control of their emotions, and some are paranoid at being set up for a trick question. Here are the best and worst performers when the questions are flying post-match.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Captain’s moment: St Kilda need a statement game from their man of Steele
Another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump while needing to inspire his side to greater heights.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Why the AFL’s next big thing needs to avoid football’s graveyard
Soon, hundreds of teenagers will file their AFL draft forms with a dream – and the hope of avoiding a footballing nightmare.
- by Kane Cornes
Opinion
AFL 2023
Collingwood’s challengers: How Port have become genuine flag contenders
Holding off on re-signing Ken Hinkley while Richmond seek a new coach would be the truly untenable course of action at Port Adelaide.
- by Kane Cornes