Melbourne desk

Filed from the Melbourne desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Sports · 1 day ago

Clayton’s Claim Puts Labuschagne’s Test Spot on the Line

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Jack Clayton’s recent Sheffield Shield form has forced selectors to reconsider Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Australian Test side, turning the domestic competition into a high‑stakes audition.

Sports · 1 day ago

Bluffers, Numbers and Silk Envelopes: Inside Melbourne Cup’s Betting Circus

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Veteran punters pore over form guides and statistics, while newcomers rely on silk colours, favourite numbers and other superstitions – a clash of data‑driven strategy and lucky charm at Australia’s biggest race.

Sports · 2 days ago

Piastri Clips Rookie Lindblad – Whole Grid Awaits Stewards' Verdict

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Oscar Piastri made contact with rookie Arvid Lindblad at the Mexico City Grand Prix, forcing Lindblad to retire. The Australian now sits in a nervous wait as stewards review the incident.

Sports · 2 days ago

Leclerc’s One‑Lap Oops Turns Ferrari into a Penalty Playground

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

On lap one at the Australian GP, Charles Leclerc collided with teammate Lewis Hamilton, left the track for advantage, and was handed a 5‑second penalty, putting Ferrari back on the penalty play‑book.

Sports · 2 days ago

Hammer‑Standing Showdown: To’o Fires Back as Tonga‑Samoa Clash Lights Up CommBank Stadium

Noor Hale, World desk

In a sold‑out group match at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium, Samoa’s To’o responded after Tonga’s Toia stood up the “Hammer”. The Pacific rivals delivered a high‑energy contest, while Lebanon edged France in a…

Sports · 2 days ago

Trainer’s Request Backfires, Horse Barred from Cup Week, Owners Pack Suits

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

A trainer’s request for a drug test led to a horse being barred from this week’s Cup races, leaving a large group of country‑based owners gutted. One minute they were booking tickets to Flemington; the next they we…

Sports · 2 days ago

Gately’s Cup Forecast: Flemington’s Turf Turns Into a Grandstand Gala for the Nation’s Best‑Dressed Horses

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Tipster David Gately tees up his pre‑race analysis for the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington, warning that the spectacle may outshine the sport. Expect a flood of silk, sponsors and sideline drama as the nation watches…

Sports · 2 days ago

Bostock: Sydney return not set in stone as NRL clubs can negotiate from 2028

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Former player Bostock clarified that a Sydney return is not set in stone and announced that NRL clubs are now free to negotiate with rival clubs for deals starting in 2028.

Sports · 2 days ago

Defiantly Scratched – Blake Calls for Emergency Stops in Melbourne Cup

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Stewards scratched Defiantly from Saturday’s Melbourne Cup over gait concerns, prompting manager Kevin Blake to demand that emergency stop provisions be built into the race.