Who does your senior coach choose to sit next to in the box, and why? The machinations behind and inside each club's coaching box - and at ground level - from the AFL.com.au team 📞 afl.com.au/news/1325829/w…

Essendon royalty gathered today in South Yarra. James Hird, Matthew Lloyd, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell & Zach Merrett met in one of the group's semi-regular captains catch-ups. They help Merrett grow his leadership by sharing their experiences. More 👉afl.com.au/news/1326041

Cody Walker going gangbusters as a bottom-ager - the Blues don't have a first-round pick in this year's draft (at this stage) but they know a very good one is coming in 2026💫💫💫

Discussions on Marcus Bontempelli's contract are set to open soon, possibly by the end of this month, as the rest of the pieces fall into place at the Dogs. Should it be a four or five-year deal? Plus lots more in Inside Trading Riley Beveridge Josh Gabelich 👇afl.com.au/news/1325859/i…

Isaiah Dudley didn't have an AFL contract until February, but now the Walyalup Football Club have rewarded the 22-year-old with a two-year extension AFL.com.au Inside Trading with Callum Twomey & Riley Beveridge. tinyurl.com/yby5xz3a

The Bombers’ five most recent permanent captains takes the streak back to 1998 when Hird took over captaincy. Nearly 30 years of skippers with leadership advice on the agenda for Zach Merrett, who has sought out each for their guidance along the way.

Mitch Marsh on Mitch Marsh 👇🏏

Nik Cox is in concussion protocols after the return of his symptoms following his VFL game nearly two weeks ago. The 23-year-old hasn't trained over past week & a half after the VFL game, after his off-season concussion. Club will take cautious approach 👉afl.com.au/news/1326307

The seven rules of St Kilda's rebuild ⤵️

Tasmania wants its list concessions to include access to full drafts - including northern Academy and Next Generation Academy players. Father-sons not expected to be part of its push. Should the Devils get access to players in Academies? afl.com.au/news/1327044/t…

“100 per cent this is just the beginning and I know that.” Bailey Humphrey is the No.13 ranked best player in the AFL this season under Champion Data’s 100x system. How the powerful Gold Coast midfielder has become Dimma’s go-to man👇 afl.com.au/news/1326464/r…

The upcoming U18 Championships will tell the story but in comparisons to past couple of drafts this year doesn't have the same star factor or depth (taking out tied players). Some will emerge late as always but how the draft stacks up will also impact trade plans across the comp.

Zach Reid's hamstring is looking like a standard strain - 3-4 weeks expected on the sidelines. With Essendon having four games until a bye in round 16, expected Reid would be back by round 17 against Gold Coast. AFL.com.au

Alex Pearce has been given a three-game suspension from the MRO for rough conduct. AFL.com.au

Jai Newcombe fined $10,000 for fifth offence of rough conduct.

There's another injury cloud at Essendon, with Ben McKay a watch this week with a foot issue. They already have eight 190cm+ players out. Plus more in Monday Cal-culations -- Geelong's 'Chris Army Knife', the AFL's Foo for thought, Blues woes, MSD news👇afl.com.au/news/1330973/

Ben McKay a confirmed out against Brisbane, with Brad Scott ruling the key defender out with the injury. Scans being assessed today. McKay, Reid, Ridley, Hayes all out injured now as Bombers’ key backs 😬

Since score involvements started in 2003, only four players have had 24+ disposals, 6+clearances, 13 or more score involvements and 5+ goals in a game: Jason Akermanis in 2015, Patrick Dangerfield in 2014, Matthew Pavlich in 2010 and Kozzy Pickett on Sunday. Fair company 🔥

Collingwood will have two picks at the mid-season draft on Wednesday after moving Harvey Harrison and Reef McInnes to the inactive list due to their ACL injuries. Full draft order to be confirmed on Tuesday. AFL.com.au

"How quickly can you get to LA? The Foo Fighters are keen to chat." When Gill McLachlan met Dave Grohl👇McLachlan flew home from the US with the band on board to play the 2014 Grand Final before they pulled out. Can the AFL get them for this year's GF? 🎸 afl.com.au/news/1330973/m…