Sydney Swans
- Analysis
- AFL 2026
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
Latest
- Analysis
- AFL 2026
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
- 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
Curnow admits Blues gave him the silent treatment, but star forward has the last laugh
Two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow went head-to-head with his former side for the first time in the 2026 season opener, which at times produced some eyebrow-raising moments.
- Danny Russell, Peter Ryan and Jonathan Drennan
AFL opening round teams and expert tips: Cats superstars ruled out for blockbuster
All the teams for the AFL’s opening round – plus the experts give their tips for the first weekend of footy for the 2026 season.
‘Deserving counts for little’: How Cripps has overcome the blues
Patrick Cripps heads into his 13th season still chasing an elusive flag, but a fellow champion says there are no guarantees, no matter how good you are.
- Jon Pierik
The NRL has planted a flag in Las Vegas. The AFL wants a big one in western Sydney
In contrast to Peter V’landys’ outspoken jibes at the rival code, CEO Andrew Dillon is quietly confident the AFL’s long-term investment in Western Sydney is beginning to pay off.
- Tom Decent
- Opinion
- AFL 2026
Take off your duffle coats and stop whining about fairness, the AFL is bigger than Victoria
Some clubs, including my old team Richmond, say the academy system doesn’t pass the pub test. Here’s my message to the AFL Commission as they consider the rules.
- Wayne Campbell
- AFL Briefing
- AFL 2026
Hawks skipper Newcombe cleared to play in opening round; Scott backs Bruhn’s return after ‘injustice’
Hawthorn’s midfield has been given a much-needed boost for their weekend blockbuster. Meanwhile, Chris Scott has backed returning utility Tanner Bruhn, whom he said faced an “egregious injustice” last year.
- Scott Spits, Jon Pierik and Danny Russell
‘The most attended, played and watched sport’: AFL chief Dillon shrugs off V’landys jab
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys last week crowed that rugby league led the AFL “like you lead a horse”. On Monday, AFL boss Andrew Dillon hit back.
- Jonathan Drennan