James Cooney, Senior Sport Reporter, Australia

James Cooney is an Australian journalist and the former editor of Empire Magazine Australasia, UFC Magazine Australia and Football Plus. He has written for a number of publications and has a passion for all sports - particularly boxing, MMA and football. He has a Communications degree from the University of Western Sydney and is the most recent addition to the Daily Mail Australia Sport team.

Coverage: Sport

MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM JAMES COONEY

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AFL fans left FUMING at the penalty expected to be handed down to Geelong over third party payments

27/05/25 05:48

Geelong are reportedly bracing for financial penalties following an audit into third-party payments at the club that uncovered 'discrepancies' - and some footy fans have been left fuming....read

Tennis world moved by Jelena Dokic's brave act after death of abusive father
27/05/25 02:47
Jelena Dokic has been met with an outpouring of praise from tennis fans for her courage during an emotional week for the Australian tennis icon.
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Joel Selwood's wife Brit issues heartwarming message after the tragic loss of footy great's brothers Troy and Adam
27/05/25 01:23
Joel Selwood's wife Brit has posted a touching message for her footy star husband following the recent death of his brother Adam.
- 1 comment
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See the shocking injury boy, 11, suffered when he was IMPALED on a metal pole while celebrating his brother's birthday at footy final
26/05/25 11:44
A young Auckland FC supporter has suffered a shocking injury after being impaled on a metal pole while leaving the A-League semifinal on Saturday evening.
- 5 comments
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Aussie basketball star performs amazing feat after being told he'd never play again after a coward punch shattered his skull
26/05/25 06:56
Former NBL player Harry Froling has performed an amazing feat after being told he'd never play basketball again following a coward punch attack which shattered his skull.
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Mother reveals why she decided to run a 100km ultramarathon while breastfeeding her six-month-old baby - and she WON the race
26/05/25 05:39
Stephanie Case achieved a remarkable feat by winning Britain's biggest ultramarathon while simultaneously breastfeeding her six-month-old at stations along the 100km course.
- 59 comments
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Tiffany Salmond: Glamorous footy reporter who 'triggered' colleague's relationship break-up reveals the shocking and illegal thing criminals did with her bikini photo
26/05/25 01:54
Popular NRL TV presenter Tiffany Salmond has hit out after she became the latest female footy identity to be caught up in an alarming online trend.
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Billy Slater opens up about devastating new family tragedy a year after footy legend's brother in law died saving his daughter from drowning
26/05/25 12:40
Queensland coach Billy Slater has opened up about the tragic reason why he'll be struggling as he prepares the Maroons for Wednesday night's Origin clash with NSW.
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Doctors stumble on 7cm brain tumour after footy player goes in for scan following concussion
25/05/25 05:18
Getting knocked out during a football match has probably saved local player Mick Marrett's life - after doctors discovered a deadly 7cm brain tumour while doing scans.
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Aussie men's netball team captain reveals shocking backlash for viral dance
25/05/25 04:37
Aussie men's netball team captain Liam Forcadilla has opened up about the shocking extent of abuse his side endured after their viral dance routine at the World FAST5 Championships.
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NRL star Terrell May reveals he knew he'd be snubbed from State of Origin: 'Some people don't like my name'
25/05/25 02:13
Tigers enforcer Terrell May says he never thought he'd be picked for the Blues and has claimed that his last name played a part in him missing out on selection for the Origin squad.
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NRL legend's son opens up about his dad's harrowing battle with dementia
25/05/25 01:22
The son of rugby league legend Steve Mortimer has opened up about his dad's ongoing battle with dementia, revealing the footy great now struggles to complete a full sentence.
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AFL fans stunned by 'longest goal ever' during VFL match: 'That is outrageous!'
24/05/25 11:51
AFL fans have been left reeling after an astonishing goal in the VFL that many are claiming to be the longest ever.
Bailey Smith sparks controversy with 'nose beers' remark - as Geelong coach defends the superstar
24/05/25 10:37
Geelong star Bailey Smith has once again found himself at the centre of an AFL storm, this time raising eyebrows with a controversial Instagram post about the use of drugs.
- 9 comments
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Aussie golden girl Ariarne Titmus slams 'steroids Olympics' as her former teammate James Magnussen gets juiced up for wild sporting event
22/05/25 05:43
The record-breaking Olympic swimmer couldn't hide her disappointment when she was asked about the Enhanced Games, which will be held in America next year.
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Fans slam Channel Seven for shocking mistake about the AFL's 'first Jewish player'
22/05/25 05:04
Channel Seven took down a social media post promoting their interview with North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel after fans went online to debunk the broadcaster's claim.
- 2 comments
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Super-fit footy star reveals what happened when he drank 600 cans of Coke in one month - and the pre-game meal he had to keep a secret from his parents
22/05/25 02:01
Getting through 200 litres of Coke in a month would be enough to put most people in hospital and the dentist's chair, but that's exactly what Penrith and NSW star Brian To'o did.
Aussie Olympics star accuses Nat Barr of hitting him with a 'cheap line' for starring in drug-cheat games - before Matt Shirvington asks a VERY personal question about his kids
22/05/25 12:55
Olympic star James Magnussen has bristled at a question from Sunrise host Nat Barr as he explained why he's taking performance-enhancing drugs for a wild new sporting event.
Can you spot the VERY rude message footy star is sending ahead of one of the most hotly anticipated games of the year?
21/05/25 07:18
Western Bulldogs midfielder Ed Richards posed for the photo just ahead of his team's clash with former teammate Bailey Smith, who is now with Geelong.
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Brisbane Broncos footy star Jesse Arthar's VERY rude on-field moment goes viral as female fans can't believe their eyes
21/05/25 01:13
Brisbane Broncos star Jesse Arthars scored an excellent try against St George at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday - with female fans frothing over his wardrobe malfunction.
Bodybuilding legend reveals his big problem with Hugh Jackman's radical movie muscleman transformations
20/05/25 07:38
Australian bodybuilding legend Lee Priest has slammed Hollywood star Hugh Jackman over his radical physical transformations for superhero movie roles.
Sonny Bill Williams attacks Paul Gallen over drugs in sport and accuses him of a shocking act with his former NRL teammates as rivals hammer each other ahead of footy fight night
20/05/25 05:08
Sonny Bill Williams has launched a scathing attack on Paul Gallen as the long-awaited heavyweight showdown between the footy greats is finally locked in.
- 17 comments
- 26 shares
'Australia's hottest WAG' Chelsea Becirevic reveals the 'gross' sexist question she can't stand being asked about her footy star boyfriend Ivan Soldo
20/05/25 12:47
Chelsea Becirevic has lashed out at trolls who 'don't actually know anything' after she was offended by a question about her relationship with Port Adelaide star Ivan Soldo.
Footy icon Chris Judd's emotional tribute to Adam Selwood reveals a shattering insight into his teammate's struggles before his death aged just 41
19/05/25 06:29
AFL legend Chris Judd played alongside Adam Selwood for several seasons at the West Coast Eagles, with the pair starring as the club won the 2006 grand final.
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Aaron Shattock: Footy legend Jonathan Brown was mourning Adam Selwood when an amazing update on a teammate who almost died aged 45 gave him a ray of hope
19/05/25 04:07
Brisbane Lions icon Jonathan Brown is good friends with the Selwood family after playing alongside Adam's identical twin brother Troy.
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Aussie boxing champion Skye Nicholson's blunt six-word put-down goes viral after heavyweight star Derek Chisora asked her out on a date
19/05/25 02:27
Aussie boxing star Skye Nicolson left social media ablaze when she shot down veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora when he made a cringeworthy attempt to ask her out to dinner.
- 19 comments
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Police allegedly punched in the head as two men are accused over wild footy brawl that saw two fans rushed to hospital
18/05/25 11:46
Two men have been arrested over a wild brawl during Sunday night's clash between the Tigers and Rabbitohs that left two fans in hospital and two police officers injured.
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Blues legend Brad Fittler blasts 'pathetic' Terrell May over Origin leaks: 'What are these blokes thinking?'
18/05/25 05:43
Blues legend Brad Fittler has taken aim at Terrell May over his controversial Origin leak, telling the Tigers star to 'humble up'.
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Tribute to Adam Selwood in Welcome to Country sparks outrage online
18/05/25 03:58
A tribute to the late AFL star Adam Selwood has sparked a social media frenzy after a local Elder misnamed the footballer during a Welcome to Country ceremony on Saturday night.
- 8 comments
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American sprint star Noah Williams slams Gout Gout for 'soft' move ahead of Diamond League debut
18/05/25 02:40
Teen track star Gout Gout has been called 'soft' by American sprinter Noah Williams just days before his highly anticipated Diamon League debut.
- 5 comments
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Gay footy icon Ian Roberts says next player to come out will be a 'superstar'
18/05/25 01:42
Rugby league great Ian Roberts, Australian's first openly gay player, has sent a powerful message to closeted gay players who are afraid to come out.
- 15 comments
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The selfless act footy star Adam Selwood planned following his twin brother's suicide emerges - as famous AFL family is rocked by second tragedy in just three months
18/05/25 12:44
The AFL community is reeling from the sudden loss of Adam Selwood who died suddenly on Saturday aged just 41, just months after his twin brother Troy also passed away.
Oscar Piastri lets fly after qualifying incident as Aussie delivers pole at Italian Grand Prix: 'Lose my s***'
17/05/25 11:05
In a chaotic qualifying at Imola, Oscar Piastri almost lost his cool as he roared to pole position again at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
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Craig McRae breaks down in post-match interview as AFL rocked by shock death of Adam Selwood
17/05/25 10:42
An emotional Craig McRae has revealed he shielded his Collingwood players from news of Adam Selwood's sudden death before their 10-point win over Adelaide.
Revealed: The incredible sacrifice footy legend Robert Walls made just before choosing to end his life during agonising health battle
15/05/25 05:53
AFL great Robert Walls chose to end his life via assisted dying laws as he fought a rare disease - but he remained generous to the very end.
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Footy star whose father is a legend of the game allegedly bashed rival player in wild bar fight over a woman
15/05/25 05:32
Former NRL player Zac Hetherington has been charged by Queensland police after an alleged off-field attack on a rival rugby league player at a Brisbane bar.
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Revealed: The heartbreaking five-word question nine-year-old boy asked his mum when he was banned from playing footy because of his weight
15/05/25 04:14
A nine-year-old boy from Auckland has been left heartbroken and afraid of being ridiculed by his fellow school students over the decision.
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Swimming great Cate Campbell blames CAPITALISM for making women feel bad about their looks as she hit back at trolls who slammed her over her appearance
15/05/25 01:36
Australian swimming legend Cate Campbell has delivered a heartfelt message after she was targeted online over her appearance.
Jackson Irvine: Socceroos star slams football bosses for BANNING trans players from the sport after bombshell court decision
14/05/25 06:08
Socceroos star Jackson Irvine lashed out at the decision, which he branded hypocritical and inconsistent after the governing body had previously backed LGBTQ causes.
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Revealed: How cycling star Rohan Dennis reacted to a VERY telling question after being sentenced for his involvement in his Olympian wife's tragic death
14/05/25 04:15
Rohan Dennis left court stony-faced on Wednesday morning refusing to answer questions or make an apology over the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
Revealed: How Adam Goodes feels about building bridges with the AFL 10 years after racism tsunami turned him into footy's biggest recluse
14/05/25 02:15
It's been a decade since Goodes performed his famous Indigenous dance in response to being booed by fans - and the game is still desperate to mend its relationship with him.
Australia's top soccer boss makes shock U-turn on whether Sam Kerr will return as Matildas skipper after her bombshell racial abuse legal ordeal
14/05/25 02:05
Football Australia's new CEO Heather Garriock has made a statement about the superstar's chances of returning to lead the national team - and it's sure to shock fans.
Terry Bailey: See the moment top Aussie sport commentator wins fans for his hilarious and VERY rude reaction to an emergency in the middle of an event
13/05/25 06:21
Veteran Australian race caller Terry Bailey showed off his experience and composure when he was blindsided by the emergency on Monday.
Lewis Hamilton stakes his claim as the fittest 40-year-old on the planet with stunning gym selfie
13/05/25 03:32
You don't get to be a seven-time world champion without getting your preparation just right - and Lewis Hamilton has proved he's pulling out all stops to make his stay with Ferrari a success.
Sonny Bill Williams reveals his very emotional farewell with his children as mystery surrounds his reasons for leaving
13/05/25 03:01
NRL and All Blacks great Sonny Bill Williams has bid his children a heartfelt farewell at Sydney Airport - but the reason for his long absence from his family remains a secret.
Aussie cricket star opens up about 'terrifying' 11-hour evacuation from India as missiles rained down during conflict with Pakistan
13/05/25 01:26
Alyssa Healy has given her fans some shocking insights into the 'madness' that ensued when she and her husband Mitchell Starc had to be moved out of harm's way on the subcontinent.
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Luke and Sam Darcy: Footy star reveals the family dilemma that made him quit his job as one of the AFL's most popular TV commentators
12/05/25 07:27
Luke Darcy went from Bulldogs legend to one of the most popular voices in the AFL commentary world - then he shocked fans by pulling the pin last year.
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Footy icon Phil Gould has NEVER spoken about his family during his 50 years in the game - until a huge shock finally got him to open up
12/05/25 05:27
In an extremely rare moment, Phil Gould, one of footy's most private and prominent figures, opened up about his family during a surprise party to celebrate his 50th year in rugby league.
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Can you spot footy great Anthony Minichiello's VERY bold new look as he steps out with his TV star wife Terry Biviano at A-list party?
12/05/25 03:41
The NRL great is well known to footy fans across the country after playing more than 300 games and winning premierships with the Roosters - but he looked very different last Saturday night.
- 10 comments
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Guy Sebastian rushed to hospital and awaiting surgery after serious injury: 'He's not well'
12/05/25 12:20
Australian music icon Guy Sebastian has landed in hospital after injuring himself during a footy match with AFL great Brendan Fevola.
Aussie Jack Della Maddalena shocks world with UFC title triumph in welterweight showdown against Belal Muhammad
11/05/25 05:39
Australian rising star Jack Della Maddalena has shocked the world by beating Belal Muhammad for the welterweight championship at UFC 315 card in Canada.
- 49 comments
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Footy fans fuming after Panthers trainer caught red-handed in controversial act
11/05/25 04:35
The Penrith Panthers have found themselves in hot water after a trainer was caught wetting the football during Saturday night's heart-stopping 30-all draw against the Cowboys.
Australian cricket in mourning after death of Ashes legend Bob Cowper, aged 84
11/05/25 02:06
Aussie cricket is in mourning after the loss of cricket legend Bob Cowper, who passed away at the age of 84.
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Aussie cricket stars face dilemma on India and Pakistan return after fleeing to Australia because of safety concerns
11/05/25 01:39
Australia's cricketers are in a state of flux, uncertain whether the Indian Premier League will resume and some questioning if they will return regardless.
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Candice Warner reveals truth about marriage with cricket star husband David Warner: 'Our relationship is very strong'
11/05/25 12:49
Candice Warner, former ironwoman and wife of Australian cricketer David Warner, has opened up about her decade-long marriage and the challenges the couple have faced together.
- 26 comments
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Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur confronts spectator at Italian Open as umpire forced to step in
10/05/25 11:44
Aussie tennis star Alex de Minuar faced more than just his opponent at the Italian Open, as a disruptive fan tested his focus during a heated encounter with local wildcard Luca Nardi.
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Football star Jaeman Salmon reignites long-running feud with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart with blistering spray: 'Weak-gutted dog'
10/05/25 10:45
Long-running tensions bubbled to the surface as a Stephen Crichton-led comeback cemented Canterbury's spot at the top of the NRL ladder against second-placed Canberra.
A missed diagnosis during Covid meant triathlete had a heart transplant aged just 24 - and what he did six months later is one of Australia's most inspiring sport stories
08/05/25 05:56
In an inspiring story of resilience, 24-year-old Cameron Butcher has stunned friends and family by pulling off an incredible feat just after the operation that saved his life.
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NRL player turned Kyle & Jackie O radio star Cooper Johns confesses he suffers from an irresistible urge to do something VERY illegal
08/05/25 02:19
Johns - who starred for Manly and Melbourne before making the switch to his high-profile radio career - made the breathtakingly honest confession with his famous dad Matthew.
Paul Vander Haar: Footy legend who can't walk more than a few metres reveals the bizarre way he keeps breaking his ribs as he opens up about horrible toll the game has taken on him
08/05/25 12:48
Former Essendon Bombers premiership hero Paul Vander Haar was known as one of the most courageous players in the game at his peak - but now he's paying a heavy price.
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David Koch slams his own club's star in blistering attack after he was caught out threatening opponents on and off the field
07/05/25 06:38
Port Adelaide president David Koch is 'incredibly angry' with controversial star Willie Rioli for making alleged threats to rival players, after more damaging revelations came to light.
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Wally Lewis reveals the question he wishes he could stop asking his new wife - after the King of rugby league married her amid rift with his grown-up children
07/05/25 06:16
Rugby league legend Wally Lewis married Lynda Adams in Brisbane late last month - and now he has explained how she's been a rock for him as he strives against a devastating diagnosis.
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Top athlete Holly Archer hits back at sexist trolls who slammed her over one detail in photos from the London Marathon
07/05/25 02:53
British runner Holly Archer posted a video to let the world know how proud she was of her run in 2025 London Marathon. Then she was mortified by some of the responses.
Eddie McGuire reveals the stunning prediction he got from a clairvoyant - and how he despaired as he watched it come true
07/05/25 01:15
Most people can't predict a round of footy when they do their tips - but former Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire has opened up about the bizarre foresight a fortune teller showed about his club.
Footy star Willie Rioli sent a threatening text to a rival player after their match - and what the AFL did next has left fans FURIOUS
06/05/25 06:15
Port Adelaide's Willie Rioli has admitted to and apologised for the bombshell text he sent to Bulldogs star Bailey Dale after the pair clashed on the field over the weekend.
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Footy great Nick Riewoldt slams AFL players for making shock move that screams 'leave us alone, we want to take drugs'
06/05/25 04:59
St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt has lashed out at today's AFL stars in the wake of scandals like like Demons star Joel Smith getting a four-year ban after allegedly testing positive to cocaine.
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Top AFL star Toby Greene hits back after being challenged to a fight by Aussie UFC world champion Alexander Volkanovski
06/05/25 02:39
GWS Giants captain Toby Greene has responded to UFC champion Alex Volkanovski's challenge to take him on in the octagon.
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Alex Pearce: The AFL is slammed for being too scared to deal with star who offended the Jewish community with controversial move on social media
06/05/25 02:19
The league has been accused of 'running a million miles' away from the furore created by Fremantle Dockers skipper Alex Pearce.
- 14 comments
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Revealed: The mistake that has 'cost Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan his job' after horror start to season that included horror crash
06/05/25 12:16
Australian Formula 1 star Jack Doohan has reportedly been axed after a horror start to the season, with his race team facing considerable backlash over the move.
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Fans have been calling footy heartthrob Nicho Hynes the dreaded C-word this year - here's why they have to stop
05/05/25 06:45
Cronulla Sharks playmaker Nicho Hynes has been coming under fire from NRL fans who have hit him with a tag no footy player wants to be associated with.
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Footy star's amazing hidden talent is revealed in video that will leave you asking, 'How on earth does he do that?'
05/05/25 06:16
AFL veteran Steele Sidebottom is known for being one of the driving forces of Collingwood's success over his 339-game career - but he's also possessed of a rare mental ability.
Mick Molloy names the worst person he's ever interviewed - and it's Aussie sporting legend Mark Webber
05/05/25 03:06
Mick Molloy has interviewed countless big names during his long career in the media - and now he has revealed which one of them stuck out for all the wrong reasons.
- 7 comments
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Shaun Johnson: Who's the best footy commentator in Australia? Fans have a VERY surprising answer
05/05/25 01:36
He's competing with media talents and former greats of the game who've been in front of the camera for years - but despite only starting as an analyst this season, Shaun Johnson is a firm fan favourite.
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F1 fans can't get enough of Oscar Piastri's cringeworthy dancing celebration after Miami Grand Prix win
04/05/25 11:28
Australia's F1 world championship leader Oscar Piastri has won the Miami Grand Prix, besting pole-sitter Max Verstappen to lead a McLaren one-two finish - but it wasn't just his drive that stole the show.
- 26 comments
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NBA superstar's hilarious reaction to hearing Aussie accent: 'He's Australian, I had to'
04/05/25 05:30
Houston Rockets star Steven Adams, known for his dry sense of humour, had basketball fans in stitches after a hilarious exchange following Game 6 against the Warriors.
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Fallen AFL star Tarryn Thomas set to be charged by police after allegedly caught in possession of illicit drugs
04/05/25 04:22
Troubled ex-North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas is set to be charged after allegedly being caught in possession of illicit drugs.
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Champion Aussie boxer who was a heroin addict at 13 opens up about fighting just WEEKS after an overdose left him on the brink of death
04/05/25 02:53
Aussie boxer Nick Midgley has opened up about his harrowing 22-year battle with drug addiction, revealing that he trained for his biggest fights while he was in rehab following an overdose.
- 12 comments
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Footy guru Phil Gould savages vile social media troll for insulting his father
04/05/25 02:41
Canterbury Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has unleashed a scathing response to a social media troll who made a vile remark about his late father, who passed away from dementia.
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Inside the surprising sporting life of amputee mum Ali France after she toppled Peter Dutton in historic election win
04/05/25 01:18
Ali France, who unseated Peter Dutton, has never let her disability determine what she can or cannot do.
- 2 comments
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Bailey Smith sparks outrage with dig at Bulldogs and rude act after Cats' epic AFL win: 'Zero class'
03/05/25 11:02
Bailey Smith has fired an unprompted shot at his old club ahead of Geelong's big AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs.

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Fixtures

Friday 10 April

West Ham