Legends in awe of 'dialled in' Ponga

The Sydney Morning Herald - Sep 17, 2026

Knights legend Andrew Johns speaks about the turnaround in Kalyn Ponga's mindset this season.

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Aware of the criticism the Lions stalwart has copped, Chris Fagan was moved by the crowd chanting Eric Hipwood's name during their finals defeat of Adelaide.

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A Hunters Hill player has been suspended for 42 matches after being found guilty of making contact with a referee during last weekend’s Subbies decider.

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AFL finals: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on the ‘punch’ to the face his side needed

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Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says a round 22 face-punching triggered the mirror-looking the Hawks needed to earn a preliminary final shot.

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GWS skipper to depart after 15 years

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Sydney Swans make bold selection call for blockbuster preliminary final against Fremantle Dockers

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Premiership coach rules himself out of Kangaroos job

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Big-hitting wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who played 225 games for Australia across three forms of cricket, has made a call on his career.

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The Dockers and Swans dominated the 2026 season, but, for different reasons, both hit the wobbles late in their campaign. Friday night’s preliminary final will prove who recalibrated best.

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Justin Longmuir's playing days ended at age 26, setting the platform for a coach who has confounded critics while reshaping Fremantle's quest for a maiden flag.

GWS captain finally makes big call on his future

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