John Longmire joins Essendon as general manager of AFL performance
Sydney premiership coach John Longmire has joined Essendon as the club's general manager of AFL performance, ending a 25-year association with the Swans. The newly created role will see Longmire oversee strategy, development and conditioning while supporting new senior coach Mark McVeigh. Longmire coached the Swans in 333 games between 2011 and 2024, winning the 2012 premiership, before serving as executive director of club performance.
Jake Kolodjashnij set to retire after failing concussion tests
Geelong premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij is set to announce his retirement from the AFL after failing to receive medical clearance. The 31-year-old underwent testing in the past month following the revelation of an unapproved concussion waiver in his contract. Kolodjashnij finishes his career with 209 games, including the Cats' 2022 premiership win.
Will Ashcroft wins back-to-back Gary Ayres Awards
Brisbane midfielder Will Ashcroft has won back-to-back Gary Ayres Awards as the AFL Coaches' Association's best finals player. Ashcroft polled a game-high 13.5 votes in Saturday's Grand Final win over Fremantle to finish on 27.5 votes, ahead of Caleb Serong on 23. The 22-year-old joins Dustin Martin as the award's only multiple-time winners.
Chris Fagan considers retirement after Brisbane wins third straight premiership
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is weighing whether to retire or coach on in 2027 following the Lions' Grand Final victory on Saturday. The 65-year-old said walking away while on top was "sort of the dream way to finish" after 10 years in charge, but he needed to determine if he had the energy required. Fagan said he would not take long to make a decision.
Jack Viney to tour West Coast facilities as midfielder weighs future
Melbourne veteran Jack Viney will fly to Perth on Tuesday to tour West Coast's facilities as he considers a trade away from the Demons. The 32-year-old was told his midfield opportunities will decrease next year and has also met with Essendon, according to The Age. Viney has two years remaining on his contract with Melbourne.
Nathan Buckley confirms interest in North Melbourne coaching job
Geelong assistant coach Nathan Buckley has confirmed his interest in the vacant senior coaching role at North Melbourne. The former Collingwood coach met with Kangaroos football boss Todd Viney last week as the club searches for Alastair Clarkson's replacement. Buckley, who coached 218 matches at the Magpies, said on Monday that he has a fair bit to offer as a senior coach.
Melbourne Racing Club rejects Demons' proposed base at Caulfield Racecourse
Melbourne Racing Club chairman Cameron Fisher has declared the Demons' proposed $100 million base at Caulfield Racecourse will not happen, calling it a "dead matter" at the MRC's annual general meeting. The racing body strongly opposes plans to build a tunnel under the track that would halt racing for 12 months. A Melbourne spokesperson said on Monday that the club continues to engage constructively with the Victorian government.
Fremantle believe Alex Pearce suffered partial Achilles tear
Fremantle believe captain Alex Pearce may have suffered a partial Achilles tear rather than a full tear during Saturday's Grand Final against Brisbane. Dockers football boss Joe Brierty said on Sunday that Pearce will undergo scans on Monday, but the club hopes he will avoid surgery. Pearce was injured untouched early in the third term at the MCG.
Lachie Neale to join Collingwood after confirming Brisbane departure
Lachie Neale has settled on joining Collingwood on a three-year deal after confirming his departure from Brisbane, according to The Age. The 33-year-old dual Brownlow medallist was not offered a contract by the Lions for 2027 and is expected to officially inform the club ahead of free agency opening on Friday. Brisbane president Andrew Wellington said Neale leaves with the club's blessing.
Gold Coast defeat St Kilda by 30 points at People First Stadium
Gold Coast moved into the top four after defeating St Kilda 10.9 (69) to 6.3 (39) at People First Stadium on Sunday. The Saints held a 15-point half-time lead behind Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw's four early goals, but the Suns kicked eight second-half goals to one. Tawhiao-Wardlaw finished with a career-high five goals, while Charlie Rowbottom gathered 38 disposals for Gold Coast.
