Melbourne desk

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

Sports · 23 September 2026

Dolphins Dive Into Drought: Isaako and Nikorima’s Exit Leaves Club in the Red Zone

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Jamayne Isaako and Kodi Nikorima have departed the Dolphins, leaving a gaping void that the club will need to fill while dealing with a sudden climate change in player morale.

Sports · 23 September 2026

Neale's Tribunal Trial: The Slow-Motion Scrum That Keeps Fans on Their Feet

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a tribunal that feels like a marathon, Lachie Neale faces a long series of questions that have the crowd waiting for a verdict as long as the finals.

Sports · 23 September 2026

Tribunal Tango: Eddie’s Patience Runs Out as Panel Stalls on Neale Decision

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a slow‑motion tribunal drama, Eddie’s frustration builds while the Nine Footy Classified panel drags its feet over Lachie Neale’s case, turning a simple decision into a nail‑biting spectacle.

Sports · 23 September 2026

Melbourne FC's CEO Drama Turns Into a Full‑Time Ruck – Court and Board Battle

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

After former CEO Paul Guerra filed a federal court claim, Melbourne FC slammed back, filing a defence that he was unqualified and misleading. The match‑day drama continues as both sides set up for a legal showdown.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Cleary Goes Back to His Roots as Penrith Panthers Return to Training Ground

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Nathan Cleary swapped his moon boots for his usual footy boots, rejoining the Penrith Panthers training session ahead of the Sunday preliminary final, silencing doubts about his fitness.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Wallabies Prepare to Be Scrambled in Perth, Springboks Still Scented with Rotated Line‑ups

Glenys Pike, Melbourne desk

The Wallabies are braced for a physical showdown against a South African side that has swapped out key players, yet the Australian team remains convinced the clash will deliver the same fierce scrum and maul that the wor…

Sports · 22 September 2026

Lachie Neale’s Grand Final Dream on the Line: Brisbane Lions’ Tribunal Tussle Leaves Fans on the Edge of Their Seats

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale faces a one‑match ban for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan, and his club is racing the AFL tribunal to keep him fit for Saturday’s grand final against Fremantle.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Colorado Rapids' Gold Rush: Sydney FC Teen Set to Ride the MLS Wave

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Colorado Rapids are chasing a fresh talent from Sydney FC, hoping the next Lucas Herrington will bring the same flair to the MLS. The teen, still a junior, has already sparked speculation that the Rockies are chasing…

Sports · 22 September 2026

From Scrum to Scrum‑and‑Salsa: Suaalii’s Switch Sparks a National Debate

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

Wallabies star Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii’s jump from rugby league to union has ignited a media frenzy, with former Springbok Jesse Kriel baffled by the backlash.