Marc McGowan is a sports reporter for The Age
Daniil Medvedev was two sets and match point down to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi on Monday (AEST), only for a photographer to bizarrely sneak onto Louis Armstrong Stadium and change the course of the match.
The off-season kicks off now – or at least becomes the major priority – for the clubs that will watch finals from the sidelines.
Brisbane have defied another dose of the Gabba wobbles to edge past Hawthorn and lock in third place in their premiership defence. But there was late controversy when Hawthorn were penalised for insufficient intent. Earlier on Sunday, Freo sealed a finals spot in a horror loss for Western Bulldogs.
Australian teenager Maya Joint was little-known before last year’s US Open, but returns 12 months later as one of the world’s most promising players.
Both South Australian clubs made serious offers to attract Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who signed a two-year deal at the height of his form to be the AFL’s first $2 million player.
Between Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Tom De Koning, the Saints may have aggressively reset the market for what a top-tier AFL footballer is worth.
The Western Bulldogs have destiny in their own hands after setting up an ‘elimination final’ against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium. Meanwhile, Harry Sheezel’s record-equalling day propelled North Melbourne past Richmond in their farewell Hobart game.
The Roos bet on themselves to not still be treading water when they sent their 2025 first-round draft pick to Richmond for the Tigers’ No.27 selection last year and their second-rounder this year.
An Essendon great will be on the panel charged with finding premiership coach Simon Goodwin’s replacement at Melbourne. Meanwhile, Nicky Winmar is continuing his push to be a co-lead plaintiff in a racism class action.
Like his high-profile teammate and housemate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager remains out of contract. With the Saints eyeing some big-name recruits, rivals have started circling the versatile midfielder.