AFL players take cocaine just like a million other Australians. Get over it
Opinion
Drugs in sport

AFL players take cocaine just like a million other Australians. Get over it

AFLM players take cocaine. Local footy players take cocaine. So do teachers,lawyers,doctors. Why do we so enjoy the stupidity of a young man in the public eye being caught out consuming a drug a vast number of Australians also indulge in?

  • byBrandon Jack

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How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?
Explainer
Drugs in sport

How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?

Under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy,Melbourne’s Joel Smith would record a first strike,receive a suspended fine and counselling. But here’s what happens under the league’s anti-doping code.

  • byPeter Ryan andJon Pierik
Umpire in Brownlow betting scandal ‘in limbo’ 10 months on from arrest
Brownlow Medal

Umpire in Brownlow betting scandal ‘in limbo’ 10 months on from arrest

The spectre of Michael Pell’s arrest,and the strong response to it by law enforcement and sporting institutions,stands in contrast to the fact that the 32-year-old has not been charged over any involvement in one of the AFL’s biggest betting scandals.

  • byDavid Estcourt
Buddy’s brilliance:How a player with natural flaws became an AFL giant
Updated
Lance Franklin

Buddy’s brilliance:How a player with natural flaws became an AFL giant

Some have described Lance Franklin as not a true full-forward,others have said he can’t kick on his right boot,but none of this has stopped the Swans star from writing himself into the history books.

  • byAndrew Wu
Why a major injury toll will hurt footy clubs more than ever
AFL 2023

Why a major injury toll will hurt footy clubs more than ever

The AFL is cracking down on spending outside the salary cap and a reduced injury allowance could heap the pressure on clubs this year and beyond.

  • byMarc McGowan
Winners and losers:The 2023 AFL club funding ladder revealed
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AFL 2023

Winners and losers:The 2023 AFL club funding ladder revealed

As the AFL finalises the variable funding for 2023,The Age can reveal what the clubs have been told they will receive. Shedding light on the figures has prompted Collingwood president Jeff Browne to call on the AFL to do something about the funding chasm.

  • byJake Niall
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‘Lost the desire to improve’:Former top draft pick steps away from the AFL
AFL 2023

‘Lost the desire to improve’:Former top draft pick steps away from the AFL

Fischer McAsey will leave the AFL after three years,saying he no longer has the passion to play at the top level.

  • byJackson Graham
AFL 2022:Memorable moments in photos
AFL

AFL 2022:Memorable moments in photos

From Lance Franklin’s 1000th AFL goal kicked in March,Geelong’s premiership and two separate AFLW premiers,the 2022 year had it all.

Omelettes,golf and loads of running:An off-season day in the life of an AFL footballer
AFL 2023

Omelettes,golf and loads of running:An off-season day in the life of an AFL footballer

While many of us are still digesting the Christmas prawns and puddings,AFL stars are giving us rare insight into their training as they film “day in the life” videos for TikTok.

  • byMarnie Vinall
Walsh looking at lengthy wait,says spine expert
Carlton Blues

Walsh looking at lengthy wait,says spine expert

Carlton fans could be waiting four to six months before Sam Walsh makes a reappearance,according to a leading back surgeon.

  • byMarnie Vinall
‘We were pretty unsure about what was going on’:young Bomber reflects on tumultuous first season
Essendon Bombers

‘We were pretty unsure about what was going on’:young Bomber reflects on tumultuous first season

Massimo D’Ambrosio joined Essendon while the club was in disarray,but says captain Dyson Heppell was crucial in guiding players through a dark season.

  • byMarnie Vinall