Lions make key call after defender’s fitness test; Plugger’s first words after preliminary final heroics

The Sydney Morning Herald - Sep 17, 2026

Chris Fagan has options for the match-up with Hawks star Nick Watson. Meanwhile, the mayhem that followed Sydney’s historic preliminary final victory over Essendon 30 years ago didn’t exactly make everybody happy.

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Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says point guard position will be played ‘by committee’ in season opener

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Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says his side’s point guard position will be played “by committee” in Saturday’s NBL season opener, with two key backcourt pieces unable to take to the floor.

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Toby Greene's looming move from GWS to Geelong is the latest in a string of draft and trade successes for the perennial powerhouse Cats.

Joey's advice to target injured players

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Joey's advice to target injured players

Andrew Johns says current NRL players need to do a better job targeting injured rivals, with Braydon Trindall and Nathan Cleary both playing wounded.

Cox gives nod to Swans fans amid challenging period

Sep 17, 2026

Cox gives nod to Swans fans amid challenging period

Sydney coach Dean Cox acknowledges the support of Swans fans as the club continues to navigate a difficult time, with a preliminary final against Fremantle looming.

Fans' chants show faith restored in bulked-up Hipwood

Sep 17, 2026

Fans' chants show faith restored in bulked-up Hipwood

Aware of the criticism the Lions stalwart has copped, Chris Fagan was moved by the crowd chanting Eric Hipwood's name during their finals defeat of Adelaide.

AFL finals: Sydney opt for one bold selection but against another

Sep 17, 2026

AFL finals: Sydney opt for one bold selection but against another

A long-awaited return headlines Sydney’s preliminary final team, but the Swans have resisted making too many changes to their winning formula.

Chinese runner becomes first athlete to complete 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours

Sep 17, 2026

Chinese runner becomes first athlete to complete 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours

Chinese runner Zhao Jiaju became the first athlete to complete the 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours on Wednesday, breaking the course record to claim victory in Italy using a “fragmented sleep” strategy. Wearing bib No 1, he crossed the finish line in Courmayeur at 9.55am with a winning time of 65 hours, 55 minutes and 22 seconds, making history as the first Asian competitor to win the event. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most gruelling ultra-trail races, the flagship event offers...

Gillingham’s injury crisis has created a problem Ainsworth won’t mind

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Gillingham’s youngsters are making such an impression that some of the club’s senior players could find it difficult to win their shirts back.

Scoop in September: The brutal internal email that heralded a club great’s exit

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Scoop in September: The brutal internal email that heralded a club great’s exit

When the time came to tell the football world that Toby Greene wanted to leave the Giants, a club boss decided the occasion deserved something special.

Subbies rugby player hit with three-year ban after contact with referee in grand final

Sep 17, 2026

Subbies rugby player hit with three-year ban after contact with referee in grand final

A Hunters Hill player has been suspended for 42 matches after being found guilty of making contact with a referee during last weekend’s Subbies decider.

This issue 'infuriates the locals'. Canberra sports want it fixed urgently

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The latest news and gossip from around the grounds in Canberra.

Pfieffer takes fresh approach to Ice Kool in Melbourne spring audition

Sep 17, 2026

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Trainer David Pfieffer wants to see Ice Kool back to his best at Randwick on Saturday before taking him to Melbourne for straight-track features this spring.

Stable confident Chilly Girl will fire with clear running in Tea Rose

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Chilly Girl was shaded in the Furious Stakes but the run has given co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confidence she can thrive up front over 1400m in the Tea Rose.

McInerney to return but free agent Amartey will miss Swans’ prelim final

Sep 17, 2026

McInerney to return but free agent Amartey will miss Swans’ prelim final

Coach Dean Cox has been forced into making two changes for Friday night’s clash with Fremantle, while key forward Joel Amartey has been overlooked.

'Backing him in': Swans make selection call for finals

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'Backing him in': Swans make selection call for finals

Sydney winger Justin McInerney and forward Joel Amartey are fit again, but coach Dean Cox will gamble on only one for their finals clash against Fremantle.

AFL finals: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on the ‘punch’ to the face his side needed

Sep 17, 2026

AFL finals: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on the ‘punch’ to the face his side needed

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says a round 22 face-punching triggered the mirror-looking the Hawks needed to earn a preliminary final shot.

The big intrigue that’s looming for Brownlow night

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GWS skipper to depart after 15 years

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Toby Greene has informed the GWS Giants that he will depart the club at the season's end to pursue an opportunity with Geelong.

The 'wake-up call' that helped Hawks prep for prelim

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Thrashed by Brisbane last month, Hawthorn have surged into a home preliminary final and will be out to right some wrongs when they host the Lions at the MCG.

Chris Fagan dismisses previous blowout as Brisbane Lions prepare for Hawthorn preliminary final

Sep 17, 2026

Chris Fagan dismisses previous blowout as Brisbane Lions prepare for Hawthorn preliminary final

Lions coach Chris Fagan has torn up the form guide, insisting Brisbane’s dominant August win over Hawthorn counts for nothing.

What do these Raiders have in common? The answer to an NRL trivia question

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The Raiders kick off their NRLW finals campaign on Friday night.

‘He’ll tear you apart’: Why Dane Gagai knew he couldn’t take a backward step against Latrell Mitchell

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The 35-year-old Knights centre knew there was only one way to survive his battle with good mate Mitchell in the elimination final.

Rockhampton's Olympic venue confirmed

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The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton has been given the green light to host the Olympic and Paralympic rowing events.

Sydney Swans make bold selection call for blockbuster preliminary final against Fremantle Dockers

Sep 17, 2026

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Sydney coach Dean Cox has confirmed which way the Swans will go at the selection table with a pair of big-name players - while another veteran is racing the clock to be passed fit.

Premiership coach rules himself out of Kangaroos job

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The search for a new North Melbourne head coach to replace Alastair Clarkson continues with Adam Simpson ruling himself out of the running.

Veteran Matthew Wade makes decision on career

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Big-hitting wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who played 225 games for Australia across three forms of cricket, has made a call on his career.

Depleted, doubted and written off, yet somehow the Swans are just one win from another grand final

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The Dockers and Swans dominated the 2026 season, but, for different reasons, both hit the wobbles late in their campaign. Friday night’s preliminary final will prove who recalibrated best.

Grass greener on the other side as Smith builds career-best team

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Warwick Farm trainer Matt Smith is enjoying a career-best run and he has no doubt his investment in the Hunter has been a major factor in his success.

AFL footy boss Greg Swann in damage control after comment about fans not caring

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GWS captain finally makes big call on his future

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