Melbourne desk

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

Sports · 24 September 2026

Curtis’s Modella Steps onto the Field, Ready to Outrun the Spring Mares’ Pack

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Lee Curtis’s horse Modella has returned sharp after a previous overambitious campaign, now poised to compete in the elite spring mares’ series, leaving rivals to wonder if the stable has finally found its footing.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Rabbitohs' $300k Offer to Walker Sparks League-Wide Head‑Scratching

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

South Sydney Rabbitohs have offered Cody Walker a modest $300,000 a year contract for 2027, a deal that has left many in the rugby league community scratching their heads, questioning whether the club is playing in a dif…

Sports · 24 September 2026

Racing NSW’s Big Break: V'landys Bows Out, Waller Calls the Shots

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Peter V'landys steps down as Racing NSW boss, and Sydney’s star trainer Chris Waller responds with a mix of bemusement and a touch of footy flair.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Waller's Shock at V'landys' Exit Sends Racing NSW Into a Turnover Spiral

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

When Peter V'landys stepped down as Racing NSW boss, leading trainer Chris Waller made a public reaction that left the racing community wondering if the boardroom was as chaotic as the track.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Winnington Swaps Boxall for McEvoy: Sprint King to Coach the Olympic Silver

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Olympic silver medallist Elijah Winnington has abandoned coach Dean Boxall to train under sprint legend Cam McEvoy, sparking speculation that the sprint king's speed drills will replace the usual marathon of coaching.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Dolphins Deliver the Knock‑Out Punch: Sharks Sway as New Force Rumbles Into the NRL

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a game that felt like a pre‑season showcase, the Dolphins’ new forward smashed into Brandon Smith, sending the crowd into a frenzy and signalling the club’s ascent as an NRL juggernaut.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Cleary and Walker Duel in the Mind: NRL Grand Final Qualifier Turns into Mental Marathon

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a grand final qualifier shrouded in injury clouds, NRL's top No.7s Cleary and Walker face off in a mental showdown that could see the Panthers champion stumble.

Sports · 24 September 2026

McKenna’s Magic: Brisbane’s Unpredictable Wizard to Light Up Grand Final

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Brisbane Lions forward Conor McKenna has already wowed with two season‑long freak goals, and fans are hoping his spell‑binding performances will carry the club into a triumphant grand final finish.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Dockers’ ‘Wharfie Time’ Gambit: A Grand Final Showdown on the Wharves

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Fremantle Dockers have been cleared to deploy their trademark ‘Wharfie Time’ tactic at the 2026 AFL Grand Final, sparking a flood of memes and speculation about whether a dockyard drill could decide the champions…