The bye was widely seen as a factor in the Western Bulldogs' finals success, after the week off gave them a chance to refresh a host of injured players. Photo: Julian Smith / AAP

Football

Axe finals bye or say goodbye to game's integrity: Clarkson

Four-time AFL premiership coach Alastair Clarkson says the bye week before finals is challenging the integrity of the game as it removes any advantage for finishing in the top four.

Football

Stars sidelined, Deledio to debut as Crows sweat on Betts

UPDATED | Geelong and Hawthorn face key AFL clashes without stars Patrick Dangerfield and Luke Hodge respectively following a tumultuous 24 hours – but GWS will be bolstered by the long-awaited debut of former Tiger veteran Brett Deledio.

Football

"Bigger picture" than finals for retiring Hawks legend

One last AFL finals campaign is irrelevant to Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge.

Football

Threat-to-kill charge for former Tiger, Hawks star arrested

Former Richmond AFL player Jake King has been charged with making threats to kill, and Hawthorn’s Tyrone Vickery arrested, as part of an extortion probe.

Football

"He's a ripper": Has Burgoyne got another year in him?

Hawthorn stalwart Shaun Burgoyne is being urged to extend his AFL career next season by coach Alastair Clarkson.