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Jay ClarkSports reporter

Jay Clark is a leading AFL reporter for News Corp and CODE Sports, based in Melbourne. For almost 20 years, he has helped set the football agenda with his breaking news, deep-dive feature writing and issues-based reporting. He is a trusted voice on the biggest stories in the AFL.

@ClarkyHeraldSun

Latest

AFL: Essendon injury crisis continues

Shattering blows for Ridley, Martin as Dons injury crisis continues

Essendon cannot escape the injury nightmare that derailed their 2025 campaign — with a trio of Bombers already facing setbacks. Details here.

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EXCLUSIVEAFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 26: Josh Sinn of the Power is tackled by Paul Curtis of the Kangaroos during the 2025 AFL Round 07 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

MRO shake-up: Overhaul coming on divisive rough conduct cases

The AFL is set to overhaul its match review system to deliver more lenient suspensions for some rough conduct cases, potentially reducing three-match bans to one or two games.

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Zach Merrett and Brad Scott

Merrett: Why I wanted to leave, and why I’m happy to be back

Zach Merrett wanted out — and in reply Essendon said absolutely not. The Bombers skipper reveals why he wanted to leave, and why he says he’s thrilled to be back to start the pre-season.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Zach Merrett of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 10 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on May 17, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Captaincy queries, grudges and Merrett’s Dons reinvigoration

Zach Merrett wasn’t sure how it would feel walking back into Essendon after a failed trade request. He tells Jay Clark how his return went, what he thinks about remaining captain and more.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 12: Nate Caddy of the Bombers marks during the round 18 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 12, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Bombers’ injury pain continues as Caddy scales back training loads

After a horror 2025 on the injury front, the 2026 pre-season has immediately started on the wrong foot as Nate Caddy and Nic Martin have both found themselves back in the medical bay.

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ANALYSISAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues looks on during the 2025 AFL Round 22 match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The only person more nervous over ‘26 fixture than Michael Voss

The AFL gambled big on Carlton in prime time slots this year and lost big. Now, they’ve gone back for more — and there’s only one person who will be more nervous than Michael Voss.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos JUNE 23, 2025: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and LA Rams NFL players Steve Avila and Kobie Turner at the MCG to announce next year's American Football fixture. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Sunday semi? NFL’s MCG venture spells trouble for AFL finals

A groundbreaking NFL game at the MCG next September could force the AFL to make an unprecedented change to its finals schedule.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Zach Merrett of the Bombers and son Jude are seen before his 250th match during the 2025 AFL Round 24 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Merrett returns after failed trade, Hawks grudge match confirmed

Tensions are set to explode with Zach Merrett’s date with Hawthorn in 2026 is confirmed as the Essendon captain makes his return to the club following his dramatic trade request rejection.

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GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 21 match between the Geelong Cats and the Port Adelaide Power at GMHBA Stadium on August 3, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fixture whispers: Four Anzac Day clashes, Gather Round revealed

For the first time since 2020, Anzac Day will fall on a Saturday next year — and the AFL has a packed schedule of footy in store. See all the match-ups, plus more fixture whispers here.

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EXCLUSIVEAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Tanner Bruhn of the Cats looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 21, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL slammed for Bruhn stand down, false allegations may see further action

The players’ union has slammed the AFL for standing down Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn, who is desperate to reignite his AFL career after working as a farm hand in country Victoria during a year-long court battle.

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