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Shedder or spreader?CommentsPremium
analysis
The COVID case that could unravel the grand final

It wouldn’t be 2021 without a COVID scare just three days out from 60,000 fans packing Optus Stadium for the biggest live sporting event anywhere in Australia since the pandemic began.

Josh Zimmerman

Dog days PremiumLuck of the English: Tim chopped up by constant role changes

Tim English has spent the season as a forward, a back-up ruck, the number one ruck and he’s now grand final bound. Despite the constant change, the South Fremantle product remains crucial to the Bulldogs’ premiership hopes.

Eliza Reilly

Second comingCommentsPremiumCousins is back but ‘Prince of Perth’ pedestal is not

While it is fantastic to see heroes return we must be wary about how we treat Ben Cousins this time around, writes Jenna Clarke.

Jenna Clarke

Jenna ClarkeAssistant Editor

Grand Final‘Ripple effect’: Secrets to stunning Melbourne success

Injury clouds have lifted over two key Demons as the secrets to Melbourne’s run to the AFL Grand Final were revealed.

Russell Gould

Move nowPremiumPav wants Dockers to give Cat a new life

Fremantle have lacked running midfielders in recent seasons and Matthew Pavlich is convinced Jordan Clark can give them exactly what they need.

Craig O'Donoghue

‘Poignant and emotional’CommentsPremiumSacred ground to be the stage for AFL grand final

The ground on which Optus Stadium was built has its own history and legends, with respected Noongar/Yamatji leader Dr Richard Walley describing it as a ‘significant place’.

Shannon Hampton

AFLAFL urged to open additional trade window

Stephen Silvagni says the AFL should contemplate adding another trade window, which could fall a week or two out from the start of the season.

Rob Forsaith

AFLLow risk to AFL decider as virus enters WA

West Australian authorities have held off on imposing restrictions on the AFL grand final in Perth after a visiting truck driver tested positive to COVID-19.

Michael Ramsey

Ruck warsDogs consider tough love approach to Goliath Gawn

The Western Bulldogs will consider roughing up Melbourne captain Max Gawn to limit his grand final influence after a five-goal best-on-ground rort in their preliminary final.

Eliza Reilly

Trade Shue-in PremiumEagles skipper would be ‘excited to play with’ young Blue

West Coast captain Luke Shuey believes the expected addition of Carlton’s Sam Petrevski-Seton during the trade period will add the dynamic skill that the team has been robbed of in recent seasons.

Craig O'Donoghue

WITHIN A KICK OF GLORY‘It’ll hurt me ‘til the day I die’: Treloar on 2018 grand final

Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar says the pain of Collingwood’s 2018 grand final loss still hurts, as he prepares for another shot at premiership glory with his new club. 

Samantha Rogers

AFLBlues' AFL great Silvagni happy to move on

Two-time premiership great and former list manager Stephen Silvagni, who has ruled out a return to the AFL club, is upbeat Carlton can kick on next season.

Rob Forsaith

Demons delightWoewodin backs Demons to break premiership drought

Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin was playing the last time Melbourne made a grand final, but the former Demons star has backed his old club to do what he couldn’t.

Erin Harwood

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
DRAWING BOARDCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
‘Door is open’ for WA to host Dreamtime, AFL events

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has revealed Perth’s appetite for football, including the grand final and Dreamtime game, have caught the attention of league administrators.

Jenna Clarke

GalleryCamera IconPremiumAFL and WA’s who’s who gather for grand final breakfast

Footy heroes new and old and WA’s who’s who all turned out for this morning’s official AFL grand final breakfast at Crown this morning. SEE THE PICTURES.

AFLPetracca lauds Goodwin for Demons' rise

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was under the pump leading into 2021, and now he's just one win away from breaking the Demons' 57-year premiership drought.

Justin Chadwick

AFLVoss to meet Blues about AFL coaching job

Port Adelaide assistant Michael Voss has arrived in Victoria as the Brisbane Lions legend closes in on becoming Carlton's new AFL coach.

Oliver Caffrey

Jab politics PremiumHow AFL will handle player COVID vaccination

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan hopes every player is vaccinated from COVID-19 without enforcing mandatory jabs, conceding ‘it would be difficult’ for the season to go ahead without universal coverage.

Eliza Reilly

AFLBrayshaw happy to sacrifice for flag tilt

Melbourne will be banking on their team-first attitude to get them over the line when they take on the Western Bulldogs in Saturday's AFL grand final in Perth.

Justin Chadwick

Major fundraiserCommentsWest Coast champ sports rivals’ colours for great cause

Perth’s been swept up in Grand Final fever. But 2021 AFL premiership cup ambassador Glen Jakovich wants West Aussies to remember another important upcoming event too — Purple Bra day.

Charlotte Elton

Sacrificial DeesPremiumDemons ‘put egos aside’ in bid for 2021 premiership

Sacrifice and selflessness go a long way in football and Melbourne stars Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw credit a total change in mindset for their ascension into Saturday’s grand final.

Craig O'Donoghue

Hot ticketWhere to watch the grand final in style around Perth

Perth’s largest pub is getting ready for its biggest day of trading ahead of WA’s historic AFL grand final match — and there are heaps of places around town where you can watch the game in style.

Raquel de Brito

AFLHarvey joins Hawthorn AFL coaching panel

Hawthorn have rounded out their new-look AFL coaching panel under Sam Mitchell with the appointment of former Collingwood caretaker Robert Harvey.

Michael Ramsey

Sneak peakCommentsPremiumWhat’s on the grand final menu?

Forget the pie. Steak sandwiches with Marble Bar scotch fillet, rolls stuffed with lobster from Cervantes and truffles from Manjimup are just some of the WA produce on this year’s grand final menu.

Briana Fiore