Hawthorn Hawks

ANALYSISDraft gulf: Why it’s set to be a long road back for Hawks

They have been the dominant side of the past decade and as a result Alastair Clarkson’s Hawks are swimming in a kiddie pool of top 20 talents – while the Suns have an ocean of them. Could it mean a long road back to the top for Hawthorn?

Sam Landsberger

List changesBeloved Blue to call time on career

Few Carlton players have been as universally loved by fans as Matthew Kreuzer. But after an extended battle with injuries, the big ruckman is preparing to tell teammates he will retire.

Jay Clark

Gary Ablett SrGeelong great’s bizarre COVID-19 conspiracy rant

Geelong great Gary Ablett Sr has posted a bizarre video on YouTube about COVID-19, claiming Illuminati deliberately created and released the virus.

Trade newsMoneyball: Cats going all-in for ‘Dangerflag’

Geelong has been linked to several stars from rival clubs as it chases one more flag for their veterans and a first for Patrick Dangerfield. Plus, an Essendon are sweating on decisions from Joe Daniher and Adam Saad.

Glenn McFarlane, Jay Clark and Jon Ralph

ROUND 18Eagles hit by pre-finals injury concern

West Coast’s injury woes have continued after spearhead Josh Kennedy went down with an ankle concern against North Melbourne.

Simeon Thomas-Wilson

opinion
opinion
Xav’s 5
opinion
Time to stop with the Cox background

Xavier Ellis: Credit where it’s due, Mason Cox was a great story — when we first heard it six years ago. So why do we need a weekly analysis of his performance?

Xavier Ellis

Mark RobinsonThe Tackle: Mumford critics should ‘deal with it’

Shane Mumford took a physical approach to his battle with Max Gawn on Saturday, leading one critic to label him a sniper. But Mark Robinson says those questioning the tactics applied by the Giants ruckman need to move on.

Mark Robinson

Run homeCrunch time: What must happen for your team to make finals?

It all comes down to this. There are no second chances here. It’s do or die. One round, four teams, two finals spots. Which two of the Saints, Dogs, Dees and Giants are good enough to make it? Plus: Could the Cats fall out of the top four?

Chris Cavanagh

Big changeRevealed: Hawthorn’s new $100m home

Hawthorn is “shovel ready” ready to begin construction on its new Dingley base with a massive investment being afforded to its AFLW ambitions. SEE THE PLANS

Jay Clark, Lauren Wood

Nervous waitNeale’s nervous wait over Blakey tackle

Could this moment cost ex-Docker, now Lion Lachie Neale the Brownlow Medal?

Star duo retireHawks duo Stratton, Puopolo announce retirement

Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton and fellow triple-premiership Hawk Paul Puopolo will retire from AFL after Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast at the Adelaide Oval.

Anna Harrington

Exclusive columnMalthouse: How many flag heroes should Hawks trade

How deep do the Hawks need to cut? There are a series of names who hold high trade value, but Alastair Clarkson shouldn’t get rid of all of them, writes Mick Malthouse. Who should stay and who should go?

Mick Malthouse

Injury newsInjury-hit Tigers to be bolstered by key ins

Richmond have been hurt by injuries to Tom Lynch and Ivan Soldo but several premiership Tigers are closing in on a return. Meanwhile, an in-form forward is in line to replace their sidelined talls.

Jon Ralph, Chris Cavanagh, Nick Smart and Rebecca Williams

Huge effort400 and out? Burgoyne locked in for one last season

Shaun Burgyone’s quest to become the fifth AFL player to reach 400 VFL-AFL games is alive after the Hawthorn veteran signed on to play his 20th and final season in 2021.

analysis
analysis
Xav’s 5
analysis
AFL can’t let numbskull decisions cost jobs

Xavier Ellis: I hope Richmond’s fine can somehow be deducted from next year’s planned equipment spend, and that it doesn’t come at the cost of a staff member.

Xavier Ellis

Trade talkFlag hero in the dark on Hawk list calls

Hawthorn has to make some big decisions on some of the club’s favourite sons at the end of the season, and one says he is waiting to find out if he will be up for trade.

Glenn McFarlane and Jay Clark

Round 18Bulldogs granted rare travel request

The AFL has granted the Bulldogs a unique travel request for this season, which could provide Luke Beveridge’s team a massive advantage for a potential must-win game to play finals. See the full Round 18 fixture

Lauren Wood, Jon Ralph and Sam Landsberger

Biggest moversWho are 2020’s biggest disappointments?

Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps hasn’t been able to match his own incredible standards of recent seasons in 2020, and he’s not the only player to experience a big drop-off. Champion Data reveals your club’s biggest sliders.

Rebecca Williams

Mark RobinsonThe Tackle: Even Jobe is mystified by ‘lost’ Bombers

Another big stage test, another example of the Bombers failing miserably. The season can’t end quick enough for Essendon. Check out all Robbo’s likes and dislikes in this week’s Tackle.

Mark Robinson

Inside wordUltimate trade guide: Your club’s top targets

Who is on your club’s trade radar, and who could be poached by a rival? Experts name the toughest calls at every club and the players who could be looking for a new home. Your one-stop trade shop.

Jay Clark, Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane

Clarko’s CallClarkson questions St Kilda’s playing style

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson questions whether St Kilda can succeed in finals despite beasting the Hawks.

Craig O'Donoghue

War of words‘Worry about yourself’: Saints slam Hawks as Clarko, Ratts get fiery

They may have coached together at Hawthorn, but that didn’t stop Brett Ratten firing back at Alastair Clarkson after he took a swipe at St Kilda’s gameplan – which he suggested may not stand up in finals.

Darren Cartwright

WA productBusso boy set for Hawthorn debut against Saints

Busselton product Damon Greaves will make his debut for Hawthorn against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium tomorrow.

Braden Quartermaine

MoneyballMurphy to play on in 2021

Former Carlton captain Marc Murphy will play on next year after agreeing to a new deal, while GWS has provided an update on free agent Zac Williams. Get the latest trade news here.

Ben Horne, Jay Clark, Glenn McFarlane, Jon Ralph and Nick Smart