AFL

Dyson Sharp, like Sullivan Robey, was an Essendon diehard growing up.

‘I have to live up to the hype’: Dons draftees eye Hawks blockbuster

As Zach Merrett settles back into life at Essendon after his failed trade bid, the club’s boom draftees say they’re ready to help with the heavy lifting in 2026.

byJon Pierik

North Melbourne’s Ash Riddell won the 2025 AFLW best and fairest award.

Updated

Ash Riddell was crowned AFLW’s best and fairest. But this moment had the audience gasping

byHannah Kennelly

Zach Merrett has opened up about his off-season decision to request a trade from Essendon to Hawthorn.

Zach Merrett knew leaving Essendon was a long shot, but he tried anyway. He explains why

byMichael Gleeson

Courtney Hodder of the Lions celebrates after kicking a goal.

‘We can challenge anyone’: Brisbane Lions roar into AFLW grand final, set sights on undefeated Roos

byRoy Ward andHannah Kennelly

Dylan Patterson began his career with the Gold Coast Suns.

As his mates headed to schoolies, a dual-code phenom began his AFL ascent

byNick Wright

Insight & Analysis

Sharp dealing: What was behind Essendon’s brave draft plan?

They held their nerve on preferring to draft, rather than pursuing the likes of Dan Houston. The 2025 draft might’ve been compromised, but the Bombers haven’t.

From Gold Coast’s golden academy, to the club that didn’t pick at all: Analysing every club’s 2025 draft

All up, 60 footballers found an AFL home in the most compromised national draft in history. We look at each club’s haul and hear from recruiting and list managers to explain their strategies.

The moment the most unpredictable AFL draft went off script

Essendon, Melbourne and West Coast all made waves at the top end of this year’s draft, but a move from Richmond changed everything.

Latest in AFL

Sam Mitchell has broken his silence on Hawthorn’s failed trade bid for Zach Merrett.

Exclusive

Mitchell breaks silence on failed Merrett trade, leaves door ajar for another crack

In his first public comments since the Hawks’ attempt to snare the Essendon captain collapsed, Sam Mitchell admitted he was annoyed that the trade didn’t go through, stating Hawthorn’s offer was fair.

bySam McClure

Draft

From the player who cried in his room thinking his dream was over, to sons and brothers of guns: Every pick of the AFL draft

The Cats have snared the younger brother of one of their stars. See all the picks from second night of the 2025 AFL Draft, and what the players had to say on the biggest night of their careers so far.