Customise ESPN
Pies veteran turns back the clock; 'Abysmal' Swans have an issue
A Pies veteran showed why he's in All-Australian contention, and it was a good week to be named 'Bailey'. But more than one coach cops a bake. Here's whose stocks are up and down after Round 7.
ESPN/Getty Images
'Playful and quirky'? No, Ross, your pressers are just disrespectful
There's irony in Ross Lyon's defensive performance in his post-loss press conference being better than what his team shows on the day, but it's also a routine that's disrespectful to the media and fans alike, writes Rohan Connolly.
TOP HEADLINES
Rolling AA R7: Smith, Sidebottom rewarded with selection
TALKING FOOTY
Sorry, Lethal: No need for a send-off rule in the AFL
AFL legend Leigh Matthews has been vocal in his support for a send-off rule in footy. But it would only further muddy the already turbid waters of player punishment, writes Rohan Connolly.
Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
THE TOLL OF KEYBOARD WARRIORS
'Tough gig': Mason Cox on the impact of online abuse in footy
2:21
AFL DRAFT
AFL Draft: Could 'unicorn' prospect Cooper Duff-Tytler alter the ruck game?
Cooper Duff-Tytler could be the AFL's next unicorn. That is, a ruck who offers skills and endurance at a level at odds with his 200cm stature, writes Jasper Chellappah.
ESPN/Getty Images
Race to be pick 1 wide open; lots of academy-linked players
A number of talented young players could put their hand up to be the No. 1 prospect, but be warned, there are academy and NGA-linked players everywhere in Jasper Chellappah's April Power Rankings.
RIOLI RACISM LATEST
A long way to go: Rioli reaction stirs memories of Goodes, and nothing has changed
This week, another proud Indigenous footballer was harrassed for raising his grievances. What followed was the predictable cycle of racism we've come to expect in football circles. We have a long way to go, writes Rohan Connolly.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Connolly: Racist reaction to Rioli was 'embarrassing'
1:27
'HE'S BROUGHT RICHMOND INTO DISREPUTE'
AFL, Tigers' toothless attitude to Noah Balta was embarrassing
The AFL and Richmond's lack of a stronger stance on the Noah Balta selection situation was embarrassing, writes Rohan Connolly.
ESPN/Getty Images
Top Headlines
- AFL Round 8: Teams, tips, news & more
- Roos to fight three-game ban for forward Curtis
- Dan McStay sidelined again with knee injury
- Warner rejects offers to remain a Swan
- Hawthorn's Nash whacked with four-game ban
- Richmond's Balta 'flat' after shock curfew call
- Fan issued banning notice after SCG incident
- Dogs star Sam Darcy avoids ACL, faces surgery
- ESPN
Listen to the ESPN Footy Podcast
Join ESPN's footy team for some of the best AFL and AFLW analysis and insight on the ESPN Footy Podcast.
- Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
ESPN's ultimate Brownlow Medal predictor and tracker - every vote for 2025
The Brownlow Medal is the highest individual honour in the AFL. In 2025, ESPN is giving you an advantage with our one-of-a-kind predictor.
- AFL injury list
AFL injury list: Every team's casualties for season 2025
Stay across all of the latest AFL injury news, suspensions, timetables and expected return dates with our comprehensive list.
- Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
The AFL desperately needs to scrap its farcical 'Opening Round'
The AFL doesn't often admit fault, but this week's season launch disaster is proof the 'Opening Round' concept needs to be scrapped for good, writes Jake Michaels.
- ESPN
'Exactly what we need': How Aussie Rules helped make ESPN a live sport juggernaut
When ESPN was a fledgling station without any meaningful TV rights, it needed content. Enter Aussie Rules football and the VFL, and a partnership which left a lasting impact on both league and broadcaster, writes Shannon Gill.
- Michael Dodge/Getty Images
AFL player record holders, statistical leaders, and more
Who has played the most AFL games? Who has kicked the most AFL goals? Here are the league leaders in history for all the stats that matter.
