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AFL Draft Combine wrap - the standouts, surprises and how to interpret it all
TOP HEADLINES
AFL
REVIEWING TRADE & FREE AGENCY
Analysing every club's trade and free agency dealings
With the AFL free agency and trade period now over, and the draft just around the corner, ESPN expert Chris Doerre has analysed every club's dealings and delivered his individual grades.
Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Round Table: Which team won the trade free agency period?
Our AFL experts debate the burning questions following the 2021 trade and free agency periods, such as which team 'won', and what the biggest surprise was.
Crows the clear winners from the trade period: Doerre
1:26
This year's likely top draft picks 'elite': Doerre
1:33
This year's draft an 'unknown' for Vic Metro players
0:56
AFL
OFFSEASON
Every AFL club's list needs ahead of 2022
With eyes firmly turning to the AFL free agency, trade, and draft periods, ESPN expert Chris Doerre has analysed every club's list needs ahead of a massive offseason.
ESPN/Getty Images
What every AFL club needs to do to contend in 2022
The Demons might have won the 2021 premiership, but 17 other teams are already looking to 2022. What does each club most need in order to mix it with the likes of the Dees next season? Rohan Connolly takes a look.
AFL
2021 DRAFT
AFL Draft Power Rankings: New No. 1 emerges as we close in on draft
ESPN.com.au's expert Chris Doerre has revealed his AFL Draft Power Rankings for the month of October and we have a new player at the top.
Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
AFL Draft Weekly Wrap: stoppage specialist Sheldrick a WA bolter
A Western Australian stoppage specialist dominated in the AFL Under-19 Championships and has put together an impressive draft resume, writes ESPN Draft expert Chris Doerre.
AFL Draft Weekly Wrap: Highlight reel player from the NT emerges
There's a highlight reel player from the Northern Territory who has put himself into draft calculations, writes ESPN Draft expert Chris Doerre.
AFL
Round Table: Will the Demons become the next dynasty team?
Our AFL experts debate the burning questions following the 2021 Grand Final, including whether the Demons will become a dynasty side, Christian Petracca's standing in the game and what the Dogs must do.
Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
PODCAST: What happened to Petracca's 40th disposal?
Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels and Christian Joly from Champion Data for some of the best analysis and insight on the ESPN Footy Podcast.
Is Melbourne's Oliver-Petracca combo the best 1-2 punch in the AFL?
ESPN's Jake Michaels believes the Demons' heavy-hitting midfield duo of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca is the best combo in the league by some distance.
1:20
Should all players who play in a flag year get a medal?
2:06
Should the AFL look to the NHL for expansion draft ideas?
3:21
Should floating fixtures be used permanently in the AFL?
The ESPN Footy Podcast team debate the merits of a floating fixture, and if it should remain in a post-pandemic footy world.
0:25
Footy's weird quirks we've accepted as normal
After Geelong coach Chris Scott tripped over a fan, the ESPN Footy Podcast team discusses what 'footyisms' would seem strange to people watching for the first time.
2:35
Jake Michaels, Matt Walsh and Jarryd Barca
AFL 2022: ESPN's way-too-early predictions
GF - Demons vs Bulldogs
Stocks up, stocks down: Is Petracca now the best in the business?
Melbourne have broken their 57-year premiership drought. So whose stocks have risen and whose have plummeted after the 2021 AFL Grand Final?
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The moments that mattered: A premiership quarter for the ages
Melbourne has ended its Grand Final curse after 57 years of heartache, claiming its first premiership since 1964. Here are the moments that mattered on an historic night in Perth.
Is Melbourne's Oliver-Petracca combo the best 1-2 punch in the AFL?
1:20
AFL
ESPN COLUMNIST: JOSH DUNKLEY
What I wish I knew before my first Grand Final
Nothing can prepare a young player for a Grand Final, Josh Dunkley writes. Going into his second AFL decider in six years, he says he's prepared mentally, and ready to soak up the occasion as his side hunts another flag.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
The worst part of playing professional sports
Most football fans would probably assume that losing an important game is the worst feeling a player can have. But, in terms of overwhelming emotion, I can tell you it doesn't come close to a serious injury.
Dunkley: A flag this year would be 'extra special'
1:03
Dunkley says Bulldogs' cross-country journey has 'galvanised' the group
1:32
Dunkley: Fans often provoke AFL players on nights out
2:52
AFL
AWARDS SEASON
Power's Ollie Wines claims 2021 Brownlow Medal
Port Adelaide midfield bull Ollie Wines has claimed the 2021 Brownlow Medal, edging Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
Paul Kane/Getty Images
ESPN's Brownlow Medal predictor - Did we get it right?
With a handful of genuine chances, this year's Brownlow Medal count is set to be an absolute nail-biter. Our round-by-round predictor provides you with the expected winner and full top 50.
Top Headlines
- Horne-Francis ready to join North as No. 1 pick
- Bulldogs dismiss Bailey Smith police complaint
- Crows defender Talia announces his retirement
- Magpies forward Thomas announces retirement
- Alastair Clarkson joins Tasmania's AFL bid
- Lions buoyant about returning Cam Rayner
- Bulldogs battler Smith signs two-year extension
- Pies keen to lock away star-studded trio
- ESPN
Listen to the ESPN Footy Podcast
Join Matt Walsh, Jake Michaels and Christian Joly from Champion Data for some of the best analysis and insight on the ESPN Footy Podcast.
- Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
ESPN's 2021 All-Australian team - Who makes the cut? Who misses out?
It's that time of year when we perform just about the most difficult task in football - settling on 22 players for our All-Australian team. Find out who made the cut.
- Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images
Tasmania's AFL push reaches a fork in the road: what happens now?
Colin Carter's report on Tasmania's bid for an AFL team was published last week. So, what happens now and can we actually expect a team in the Apple Isle? Niall Seewang investigates.
- Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Rohan Connolly's five most-watchable AFL players of all time
With over three decades worth of AFL analysis, Rohan Connolly has listed his five most watchable players of all time with two current stars making the list.
- Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Your AFL club's best kickers - short, long, under pressure and in front of goal
Ever wondered who are the best kicks in the AFL? With the help of Champion Data, we've dug into the numbers to find the answers.
- Melinda Hately
Behind every great footballer is a selfless, hard-working, and loving mum
If it weren't for the selfless, hard-working mothers, there would be no professional athletes. On the eve of Mother's Day, Justin Robertson spoke with four mums who have shaped their children's football careers.
- Albert Perez/Getty Images
Captains Confidential: Best umpires, worst sledges and more
From the best fan sledges, to the drugs and gambling issues facing young players, to the best umpire in the league, ESPN spoke to the skippers on AFL Captains Day for the second edition of Captains Confidential.
- ESPN
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