Ron Barassi lauded as political leaders line up jibes
Politics and footy merged in a very public way as nervous fans, dignitaries and AFL officials broke bread at an annual pre-grand final breakfast.
sport
Spring turns up the heat for footy finals fever
The mercury is expected to soar in multiple cities as special provisions are put in place for a scorching NRL grand final.
The Koori Knockout: more than just a weekend of footy
The annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout is being held in Tuggerah over the long weekend. Former NRL legends Cliff Lyons and Dean Widders love it.
Police praise fan behaviour as Magpies bask in AFL flag
Collingwood fans partied into the night after snaring a 16th premiership with a four-point AFL grand final win over Brisbane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Concussion research a focus at Collingwood AFL HQ
Concussion is a focus at a new research hub at Collingwood headquarters, opened by the prime minister on the eve of their AFL Grand Final clash with the Lions.
Magpies fans swoop as Lions fans roar at AFL parade
Collingwood and Brisbane fans have turned out in force for a chance to see their favourite players paraded through Melbourne ahead of the AFL grand final.
Sunny days forecast to warm up footy finals weekend
Temperatures are expected to remain in the high 20s for the start of the NRL grand final, with warm and sunny conditions also forecast for the AFL decider.
‘Sorry doesn’t cut it’ AFL players launch class action
Seven former players have launched a class action lawsuit against the AFL, alleging years of racism tolerated within the sport left them with severe trauma.
Ritual and predatory abuse: racing’s dark side revealed
A review into Victorian racing has revealed a dark side of the $4.7 billion industry, fraught with abuse and harassment including violence against children.
Cathy Freeman stand unveiled at site of famous victory
The stadium at Sydney Olympic Park will get a renamed Cathy Freeman Stand in honour of the Indigenous athlete, whose gold medal race there stopped the nation.
Comm Games could be pushed to 2027 to find new host
Commonwealth Games organisers are considering delaying the event into 2027 to help a potential Australian host prepare, an inquiry has been told.
Scepticism around price of Games before cancellation
A major city's Commonwealth Games infrastructure wish-list was overlooked and there were doubts about costs even before the event was suddenly cancelled.
Almost half of elite athletes ‘earn below poverty line’
Australia risks an exodus of top athletes ahead of the Olympics as many buckle under financial pressures and consider quitting, survey results show.
Comm Games leaders didn’t request settlement gag clause
A federal inquiry examining Victoria's 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation has heard a settlement confidentiality clause wasn't suggested by the sports body.
Olympics boss ‘confident’ in Brisbane games organisers
Australian Olympic officials and Brisbane 2032 games organisers have been quizzed about their preparations for the world's biggest sporting event.
Victoria to pay $380m to Comm Games for cancelled event
Victoria will pay $380 million in compensation to Commonwealth Games bodies after cancelling the 2026 event over concerns of billion-dollar cost blow-outs.
William faces running backlash over WWC final absence
Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope has branded Prince William's decision not to attend the Women's World Cup final in Australia "a shame".
Matildas score viewing records as flare ‘idiots’ fined
The Women's World Cup semi between the Matildas and Lionesses smashed television viewing records but concerns have been raised about the actions of some fans.
Cowboy rising star wins over the Prime Minister
The prime minister has visited the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in rural Queensland to meet the best and brightest cowboys and cowgirls.
Greyhound trainer suspended after mistreatment claims
Tasmania's Office of Racing Integrity has suspended prominent greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock pending a probe into allegations of animal mistreatment.
Beale’s bail varied so he can chase French rugby offer
Suspended Wallaby Kurtley Beale has had his bail varied awaiting trial on sexual assault allegations, so he's able to take up an offer to play rugby in France.
Victoria 2026 compensation could offset new host costs
The 2026 Commonwealth Games could be held in Australia and any compensation from the Victorian government could go towards offsetting costs for the new host.
Hockeyroos seek ‘extra edge’ in Paris with Games boost
Australia's hockey teams will benefit from a $20 million federal government Olympics funding boost to assist the country's 2024 Paris Games tilt.
Skate teens Trew and Covell in X Games medal rush
Queensland teenager skateboarders Arisa Trew and Chloe Covell have left the X Games in California with four medals including three gold.
Federation was assured 2026 Games budget ‘was in hand’
A top Commonwealth Games Federation official says the Victorian government assured it as recently as last month the budget for the 2026 event was on track.
Footballer Shane Tuck ‘heard voices before his death’
Former footballer and professional boxer Shane Tuck heard voices and had mental health concerns for years, an inquest into his death has been told.
Aussie skateboarder Chloe Covell, 13, wins X Games gold
Teenage skateboarder Chloe Covell has put herself in prime position to earn a place at the Paris Olympics by winning the X Games' women's street competition.
Asylum seeker helping athletes reach for sporting stars
An athlete who came to Australia for the 2018 Commonwealth Games before seeking asylum is helping a new generation of stars prepare for the Brisbane Olympics.
Aussie teens Covell, Trew win X Games skateboard golds
Thirteen-year-old Australian skateboarding prodigies Chloe Covell and Arisa Trew have won gold medals at the X Games in California.
‘Taekwondo Volk’ issues UFC warning to Yair Rodriguez
Reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has pulled out all the stops to ensure his hand is raised in his title defence on Sunday.
Volkanovski defends UFC championship in Las Vegas
Alexander Volkanovski has boosted his claims to the title of all-time greatest UFC featherweight fighter with a third round stoppage against Yair Rodriguez.