Melbourne desk

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

Sports · 22 September 2026

Bears’ New Kid on the Block: Zane Murray’s Three‑Year Deal Spurs Hype in Perth

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Perth Bears have inked 17‑year‑old Zane Murray on a three‑year contract, with coach Mal Meninga personally delivering the papers in a ceremony that felt more like a rookie parade than a signing. The move has fans b…

Sports · 22 September 2026

NRL Grand Final Goes Silent as Tones and I Drop Out, AFL Hits the High Notes

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The NRL grand final will be a dead‑panned, music‑free showdown after talks with Tones and I fell apart, while the AFL’s decider promises Kylie Minogue’s glitter‑packed opener.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Gordon's Glitch: Wallabies Nab Penalty Try While He’s on the Sidelines

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

In a match that felt like a comedy sketch, Carter Gordon was injured just before the Wallabies were awarded a penalty try, prompting fans to wonder whether the mishap was a deliberate stunt or simply bad luck.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Melbourne Racing Club Shoots Blame at Jockeys, Dismisses Safety Concerns After Saturday’s Track Delay

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Melbourne Racing Club has taken a swift swing at jockeys for a track mishap, calling the Saturday race delay a needless pause and dismissing safety worries as a mere blip on the radar.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Cox vs Zorko: Grand Final’s Relentless Rumble Returns

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Mason Cox and Dayne Zorko are set to clash again on Grand Final day, renewing a rivalry that has kept fans on the edge of their seats for years.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Lyon Calls Out Neale: 'No Sympathy for the Punching Pundit'

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

AFL legend Garry Lyon has publicly dismissed any sympathy for Lachie Neale, who was barred from the grand final after a punch that sent him into the tribunal’s penalty box.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Gallen’s Grand Return: From NRL to the Ring, He’s Ready to Take on Asofa‑Solomona

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Ex‑NRL star Paul Gallen has announced a return to boxing to face former NRL legend Nelson Asofa‑Solomona, sparking a flurry of speculation and fanfare across Melbourne.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Dockers Dominate Brownlow Ball‑Game at Optus: Grand Final Dreams Await

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Fremantle Dockers have taken centre stage at Optus Stadium for a pre‑grand‑final Brownlow ceremony, flaunting a parade of glittering medals while the rest of the league watches on. They’re hoping the glint will…

Sports · 22 September 2026

Bailey Banfield’s Jim Stynes Medal Moment Turns Into Baby‑Bump Breakout

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

After clinching the Jim Stynes Medal, Bailey Banfield announced he and his partner are expecting, turning the club’s celebrations into a family‑friendly finale.