Melbourne desk

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

Sports · 26 October 2026

Matilda Scholz’s power‑hammer leaves Collingwood’s Pies reeling

Glenys Pike, Melbourne desk

Port Adelaide’s Matilda Scholz struck a textbook power‑hammer goal, cementing her dominance over Collingwood and leaving the Pies scrambling in bewilderment.

Sports · 26 October 2026

Diamonds lose sparkle as New Zealand clinches the Constellation Cup

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Australian women's field hockey team, the Diamonds, were beaten by New Zealand and handed the Constellation Cup, ending their campaign without the trophy.

Sports · 26 October 2026

Kangaroos Survive Fiji Scare in Victory That Was Less 'Almighty' and More 'Alarming'

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Kangaroos emerged from a Rugby League World Cup match against Fiji looking less like champions and more like survivors of a minor structural collapse. Tom Trbojevic’s hat-trick kept the score at 36-22, but the effo…

Business · 26 October 2026

Rosebank’s Floating Oil Field Becomes a Political Soap Opera

Iris Quay, London desk

Scotland’s Rosebank floating oil field, still untapped, has turned into a stage for political debate as editor James Cook documents life aboard the rig while its future hangs in the balance.

Sports · 25 October 2026

Moloney’s Finger Fumble: Intercept Attempt Ends in Early Exit

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Kate Moloney dislocated her finger seconds into the game while attempting an intercept, forcing her to leave the court.

Sports · 25 October 2026

Soggy Showdown: Phillip Island MotoGP Finale Cancelled by Rain

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The final Australian MotoGP round at Phillip Island was called off after heavy rain made the track unsafe, leaving riders and fans drenched and disappointed.

Sports · 25 October 2026

Australia A carves up USA as Nick Frost darts over for a try

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Australia A overwhelmed the USA on the rugby field, with Nick Frost scoring a try in a one‑sided encounter.

Sports · 25 October 2026

Renshaw Warm‑Ups for Opening Spot, Green Eyes No.5 After Bizarre Injury

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Matt Renshaw is preparing to open the innings in Cape Town, and Cameron Green, returning from a bizarre injury, says he can bat anywhere, with the coaching staff eyeing him for the No.5 slot.

Sports · 25 October 2026

City Cricket Committee’s Sheffield Shield Snub Sends Nic Maddinson on a South African Detour

Glenys Pike, Melbourne desk

Selectors’ contempt for the domestic first‑class competition has led to Nic Maddinson’s unexpected inclusion in the South Africa series, a move critics say is costing Australian cricket. The decision, likened to a…