Hawks' 'pawn' out to checkmate Lions in AFL final Harry Morrison loves chess especially when he's a couple of steps ahead of the game and hopes Hawthorn can do the same in Saturday's AFL preliminary final. AAP · Sep 16
From the Pocket: Nick Watson makes his case as AFL’s best small forward – just when Hawthorn need him most Small forwards terrorise the opposition, and the Hawks’ Wizard is well on his way to doing it better than anyone ever has The Guardian - AU · Sep 16
Tight fit for forward-thinking Swans in Dockers duel Sydney are weighing up rolling the dice on tinkering with their attack for a preliminary final against Fremantle, with Joel Amartey back in the frame. AAP · Sep 16
Steals of the century: how Freo's misfits became gems Fremantle have mashed together a Bombers discard and a series of speculative picks to create one of the most feared attacks in the competition. AAP · Sep 16
Dockers defender Cox finds out his prelim final fate Brennan Cox has been cleared to make his return from a calf injury this week, but he won't be lining up for Fremantle in Friday night's AFL preliminary final. AAP · Sep 16
'Reality check' set Freo back on right path: Brayshaw Stunned by Hawthorn in a qualifying final, Fremantle believe they have found their groove again and fancy their chances of toppling Sydney at the SCG. AAP · Sep 15
Lions' belief lifted 'embarrassed' forwards off canvas Brisbane's small forwards responded to being put under a fierce blowtorch and are flying again heading into an AFL preliminary final with Hawthorn. AAP · Sep 15
AFL finals: where the Sydney v Fremantle preliminary final will be won and lost The Swans are within touching distance of an unlikely grand final spot while the Dockers have their campaign for a first premiership back on track The Guardian - AU · Sep 15
South Melbourne to face Victory in Australia Cup final A Bul Juach hat-trick has dragged South Melbourne to a 3-1 comeback win over Lions FC in the Australia Cup, setting up a final against Melbourne Victory. AAP · Sep 15
How unlucky Docker can keep himself in grand final mix Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has been restricted to just seven senior games in 2026, and he'll need a lot to go his way to end the year with an AFL flag. AAP · Sep 15
'Backing myself': Hawk flying with better AFL mindset Over the last couple of seasons, a Hawthorn midfielder has cemented himself in their AFL side thanks to not being so hard on himself. AAP · Sep 15
We won't get ambushed: Dockers on red alert for Swans Sydney will be without the "Pullman Five" and Callum Mills for Friday's preliminary final, but Fremantle aren't being lulled into a false sense of security. AAP · Sep 15
'No-brainer': Lions' young gun pens timely new deal Logan Morris has joined Zac Bailey in committing his playing future to the Brisbane Lions just days out from the AFL preliminary final against Hawthorn. AAP · Sep 15
'Prove myself': Swans recruit in finals family affair Sydney recruit Jai Serong has already done his homework on Fremantle ahead of a blockbuster preliminary finals clash, thanks to help from his older brother. AAP · Sep 14
AAP · Sep 14 Meek revenge plot as Hawks aim to derail Lions dynasty Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek can't shake the moment when Sam Draper got the better of him and won't rest until he gets one back on his opposite number.
AAP · Sep 14 No superpowers needed as Swans aim to take down Dockers Far from being torpedoed, Sydney will be aiming to buck the odds yet again when they take on Fremantle in Friday night's preliminary final at the SCG.
AAP · Sep 14 Talakai not ready for Sharks' revival to end early Siosifa Talakai has made his name at Cronulla after a few seasons at South Sydney early in his career, but he knows the Sharks stint is now on limited time.
AAP · Sep 14 'Hoping my future at Broncos': Player of year Willison Brisbane's player of the year Xavier Willison, a shining light in a gloomy season, says he doesn't want to follow predecessor Payne Haas out of the club.
AAP · Sep 14 'Look in the mirror': how Lions loss jarred Hawks Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe says it was no surprise Brisbane bounced back last weekend to set up their preliminary final this Saturday at the MCG.
AAP · Sep 14 Brotherly love on ice as Serongs battle for GF berth Caleb Serong has spoken about the "strange" feeling of having to face his younger brother in a preliminary final, and he hopes it will be captured by a photo.
AAP · Sep 14 'Tip of the iceberg': Dawson backed after online abuse Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe says online abuse of AFL players is much worse than is being reported, with Adelaide's Jordan Dawson the latest to call it out.
AAP · Sep 14 Swans captaincy 'privilege, but bittersweet' for Rampe Dane Rampe will stand in for injured Sydney captain Callum Mills on the finals stage again as the Swans veteran weighs up his AFL future beyond September.
AAP · Sep 13 'Can we do it?' Lions zero in on rare flag hat-trick The Brisbane Lions are motivated by the chance to create history as they chase two more wins required to complete a rare AFL premiership 'three-peat'.
AAP · Sep 13 Roosters' Walker hint after veteran's rare off night The question of Daly Cherry-Evans' composure under pressure is set to dominate the build-up to the Roosters' clash with Cronulla.
The Guardian - AU · Sep 13 Lions rewarded for embracing risk as ‘good Brisbane’ keep AFL flag dream alive Which Brisbane turn up on any given day can be a mystery but after a qualifying final wake-up call they were too good for Adelaide in every area