A Collingwood legend has joined a Victorian rival in a coaching capacity.
Meanwhile, clubs across the competition returned for preseason training on Monday, including North Melbourne’s star recruit. More in AFL Daily.
Watch every ball of Australia vs England T20 & ODI series Live & ad-break free during play on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | Don’t miss the Summer of the Century. Get 50% off Kayo Premium for 4 months. Min cost $23 for 1 month. New & returning customers only. Offer ends 30 Nov 2026. Sign up today.
‘ABANDONED’: GIANT’S CURIOUS TOBY REMARK
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Emerging Giants defender Joe Fonti made eyebrow-raising comments about the nature of Toby Greene’s departure as the club returned for preseason training on Monday.
Ex-captain Greene exercised his free agency rights to join Geelong in October, signing a three-year deal for a better opportunity at winning an elusive premiership in the twilight of his career.
And while the parties seemingly parted ways amicably, young rebounder Fonti told reporters at GWS HQ he felt stung by Greene’s exit.
“It’s obviously hard when your captain abandons your side,” Fonti said during a Monday press conference.
“I know Toby’s a great fella, and he would have had his reasons. I suppose that sort of justifies it for him, so I can respect that.
“But it’s not easy when your captain abandons you. It does sting a little bit.
“But yeah, onto bigger and better things, I guess.”
The 21-year-old Fonti figures to have an enhanced role under coach Adam Kingsley in 2027 following half-backer Lachie Whitfield’s exit to Carlton via trade.
The 2023 second-round draft pick averaged a career-best 17.5 disposals across 22 senior games last season.
PIES LEGEND JOINS VIC RIVAL
Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom has joined Melbourne in a developmental role, the club confirmed on Monday.
The two-time premiership star has had his hands full since retiring from the AFL last season, sitting on the North Melbourne selection panel that picked Jaymie Graham to be the Roos’ new coach.
Sidebottom, 35, played for 18 years at the Magpies, and it’s that experience the Demons are looking to lean on as a development coach working with Steven King.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Steele’s experience and character joining our football program to help develop our players and take their game to another level,” Dees football boss Ned Guy said in a statement.
“He has been part of successful teams, understands what it takes to perform at the highest level and has a really good understanding of the game.
“Steele is a terrific person who will bring a lot to our group, and we are really looking forward to having him around the club and joining our coaching group.”
Sidebottom played 375 games for the Pies, including the club’s 2010 and 2023 flags, showcasing his incredible durability as one of the craftiest players of the modern era.
Swans and Hawks keep hopes alive | 02:26
RECRUIT’S FIRST WORDS AS ROOS, CLUBS RETURN
Marquee North Melbourne recruit Nick Blakey made his first training appearance in Roos colours as AFL clubs returned for the preseason on Monday.
Blakey became a Kangaroo last month after forcing his way out of Sydney following the Pullman Hotel scandal back in August.
Appearing with the Roos’ first-to-fourth-year players at Arden Street on Monday, Blakey said as he walked out onto the field, via Nine’s Owen Leonard: “Can’t wait.”
The scintillating half-back rebounder shapes as a tremendous addition to new coach Jaymie Graham’s side, though he remains the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
Blakey, as well as former Swans teammates Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, are still persons of interest as police continue to investigate an alleged sexual assault.
The players have denied any criminal wrongdoing.
According to reports, Blakey took part in light running with the likes of Griffin Logue, Charlie Comben and George Wardlaw.
Over at Essendon, a healthy number of Bombers were out on the track as first-year coach Mark McVeigh put them through their paces.
Track watchers observed as key forward Nate Caddy outlasted Angus Clarke in an endurance running test, while father-son prospect Koby Bewick was among the sightings.
Leave a Reply