Analysis
- Analysis
- NRL 2026
It takes a special person to be an NRL coach. So why do they do it?
A football season is a test of whether the forces that bond a club together can withstand the forces seeking to pull it apart. Coaching is usually the easy part.
- Roy Masters
Latest
- Analysis
- Sydney Swans
The third quarter that changed the game – and maybe the Swans’ season
Trailing by 10 points at half-time, the Swans’ remarkable 75-point third quarter kick-started their season. We break down how they did it.
- Jonathan Drennan
- Analysis
- World politics
How the royal ‘Trump whisperers’ will be key to winning back Washington
With British PM Keir Starmer’s reputation state-side at a low, the King and Queen will have to work their magic on their latest visit.
- Hannah Furness, Connor Stringer and Tony Diver
- Analysis
- Sydney Swans
Buddy 2.0: Sydney falls in love with its latest forward superstar at the SCG
As he slotted his maiden goal for his new club against his old one, Charlie Curnow staked his claim as the successor to Lance Franklin, Barry Hall and Tony Lockett.
- Tom Decent
- Analysis
- NRL 2026
Lazy defence, panic calls, pushed passes: Ugly Eels opener had it all
The only thing more surprising that Parramatta’s opening-round capitulation to the Storm last year was that the Eels would allow it to happen again.
- Adrian Proszenko
- Analysis
- AFL 2026
They looked shocked: The moment Carlton’s bad habits returned on opening night
Carlton started on a new path in October, while the Swans returned to their old ways. In opening round, both clubs showed they can still walk away winners.
- Peter Ryan
- Analysis
- NRL 2026
The season-defining moments that have haunted Penrith all summer
For the first time in five years, Penrith blinked when a tight contest was there to be won in last year’s preliminary final against Brisbane.
- Dan Walsh
- Analysis
- Foreign relations
A political rock star comes to Canberra. Did he match the hype?
The Canadian prime minister set the foreign policy world alight with a speech early this year. He arrived in Australia on a mission to show that middle powers matter.
- Matthew Knott
- Analysis
- Middle East at war
The Iran energy nightmare is becoming a reality
Energy analysts modelling a war involving Iran have long feared two developments. Now both are unfolding at once.
- The Economist
- Analysis
- Australian Grand Prix
Move over, Binfluencers. Glamour is back on the grid
The Australian Grand Prix’s launch event used to pull Hollywood celebs and true A-listers, but over the years it became a shadow of itself. This year it was back with a bang – and this is what it was like on the inside.
- Sam McClure