Dan Batten
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Articles by Dan Batten
Newtown & Chilwell show it means business with big win, Grovedale full of belief
A hungry Newtown & Chilwell has shown it means business in 2026 after a straight-sets exit last year, knocking off grand finalist St Joseph’s by 47-points in its first game of the season. Captain Luke Maddock, sidelined since round nine in 2025 after injuring both medial cruciate ligaments, starred in his Geelong league return, shutting down the dangerous Jack Jovanovic who booted seven goals in his Joeys debut a fortnight ago.
AFL Round 6: Live scores and updates from Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs
Geelong and the Western Bulldogs played off in one of the best home-and-away matches of the 2025 season, and their meeting this time promises to be another belter. While Bailey Smith was the big story in that blockbuster last year, evergreen veteran Mark Blicavs is the headline act this time around, becoming the eighth Cat to play 300 games.
Jagga Smith kicks goal on Carlton debut vs Geelong at Princes Park
Jagga Smith has made a flying start to his first match in navy blue at Princes Park, kicking one of Carlton’s opening-quarter goals against Geelong. There were concerns for the Blues when Sam Walsh left the field after an early knock, but the recently re-signed midfielder has so far played on. Carlton booted the opening three goals of the pre-season game, including a soccer effort by recruit Will Hayward. George Stevens bagged Geelong’s first major late in the first term.
Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn misses Hawks pre-season game due to illness
Tanner Bruhn’s return to football will have to wait another week, with the Geelong midfielder a late withdrawal with illness for the Cats’ match simulation clash against Hawthorn. Bruhn was stood down by the AFL last season as he fought criminal charges which were officially withdrawn in November. The 23-year-old’s last competitive match came against the Hawks in match simulation 12 months ago. Tanner Bruhn at Geelong Cats training at Waurn Ponds Deakin.
AFL rookie draft 2025: Live updates as clubs make final picks
A host of highly-touted talents were left heartbroken after they overlooked by AFL clubs in the national draft, but hope remains in Friday’s rookie draft. The most unlucky of those was Eastern Ranges inside midfielder Ollie Greeves, who finished second in the Larke Medal at the U18 national championships behind Essendon first-round pick Dyson Sharp. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves and Liam Hetherton were two other highly-touted prospects left on the board. Will they find an AFL home today?
AFL finals 2025: Shaun Mannagh on draft snubs, mixed emotions
Geelong forward Shaun Mannagh says he has uses his past draft snubs to motivate him as his initial embarrassment about winning the AFL Coaches Association’s Best Young Player Award has turned to pride. Eyebrows were raised after Mannagh took out the award last Thursday despite being 28-years-old. But under the AFLCA Best Young Player Award criteria he was a worthy winner, as the best performed player in his first two seasons of football determined by AFL coaches votes.
Brisbane Lions v Essendon AFL Round 12: Live updates, SuperCoach scores, teams
LIVE Essendon’s reshuffled defence will face a huge test of its mettle when the Bombers take on Brisbane in the opening game of round 12. Follow all the action and SuperCoach news in the live blog below from 6.30pm. Essendon has lost Zach Reid (hamstring) and Ben McKay (foot) to injuries, leaving it with a tall order to stay in touch with the top eight with a victory at the Gabba.
AFL news 2025: Latest updates, injury lists, tribunal and team news
LIVE Welcome to AFL Now — your home of the latest breaking news from the world of footy. Follow all the daily news and join in the coversation below. Subscribe to CODE Sports for breaking news and deeper coverage of your favourite clubs for only $1 for your first month
AFL news 2025: Latest updates, injury lists, tribunal and team news
AFL The Tackle: North needs to be better than JHF ‘cheap shots’ Jason Horne-Francis was raked over the coals for a hot-headed approach against his old side, but Jay Clark writes in The Tackle the Roos need win the footy, not dish out cheap shots. SuperCoach AFL Buy, hold, sell: Gawn SuperCoach epic could be just the entree Max Gawn was robbed of a 200-point SuperCoach game, but he might not have to wait long to make amends. See the numbers you need to know and early trade mail.
AFL news 2025: Latest updates, injury lists, tribunal and team news
Geelong coach Chris Scott has declared the Cats’ 18-point defeat against Carlton on Sunday was one of the worst games he has seen his side play in a long time. The Cats managed to remain in the contest until the dying minutes despite Carlton’s clearance and territory dominance for most of the match. Carlton was +20 for inside 50s and won 16 more clearances to three-quarter-time as they took a 28-point lead into the final quarter.
Hawthorn v Essendon: Live Updates, Start time, odds, SuperCoach preview
LIVE Hawthorn will be out to stamp home its authority in front of a packed MCG when it takes on Essendon in a Friday night blockbuster. The Hawks have firmed for the premiership after a 20-point win in Opening Round and enter tonight’s match as warm favourites. Isaac Kako will debut for the Bombers, but Brad Scott’s side faces an almighty task to take down the Hawks. Can they pull off a boilover or will Hawthorn make it 2-0?
Travis McCombe funeral live stream: Geelong physio honoured
Video Local Footy Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News. Renowned Geelong physiotherapist Travis McCombe will be honoured at a funeral service at GMHBA Stadium on Monday. McCombe died suddenly from a medical episode on his 53rd birthday last month while on a remote island of Papua New Guinea, the country he grew up and treasured. He was survived by his sons Finn and Marley, daughter Sammy and wife Kelli.
AFL Rookie Draft 2024 live updates: Every pick, updated order, start time
LIVE The rookie list has changed a lot from the days where players who would go on to become household names like Brett Kirk, Dean Cox, Matt Priddis and Aaron Sandilands were listed. Now, it’s a mix of re-rookied players, untried talents from other sports and a smattering of young talent who missed out in the national draft. Follow every pick with us live below. Originally published as AFL Rookie Draft 2024 live updates: Every pick and all reaction as more dreams come true
AFL Rookie Draft 2024 live: Six of the best talents still available as clubs prepare to re-rookie experienced players
The rookie list has changed a lot from the days where players who would go on to become household names like Brett Kirk, Dean Cox, Matt Priddis and Aaron Sandilands were listed. Now, it’s a mix of re-rookied players, untried talents from other sports and a smattering of young talent who missed out in the national draft.
AFL draft 2024 mock draft: Who every club will select, who goes pick 1
As in years gone past, our experts CHRIS CAVANAGH and DAN BATTEN will put themselves in the shoes of clubs and simulate how they would pick for each club. The AFL Draft is just a fortnight away and our draft experts will be put in the shoes of club recruiters. Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten have been following the draft extensively across the year and will be playing the roles of AFL clubs in a first-round mock draft on Wednesday, selecting prospects based on club needs and their own talent orders.
105 young guns: Cats father-sons headline Falcons U18 squads Original
A Geelong academy prospect and three sons of guns headline the Geelong Falcons under-18 pre-season squads. The Falcons have named 105 of the most talented footballers from the region in their boys and girls squads. Cats Next Generation Academy talent Ben Rongdit and U17 futures game medallist Josh Lindsay shape as the most likely 2025 draft chances from the Falcons boys next year. Jesse Mellor, son of Geelong West senior coach Greg, is also tied to the Cats’ as an NGA prospect..
GFL grand final 2024: Frank Fopiani Medal, best on ground medal named after Frank Fopiani
Frank Fopiani owned the big moments, and the late great will be honoured on GFNL grand final day each year after a decision from AFL Barwon. The late Frank Fopiani will be fittingly commemorated each grand final day into the future, with the winner of the best-on-ground medal named to be named in his honour. Fopiani tragically passed away at the age of 51 in August from colorectal cancer.
Watch: Local footy legend Frank Fopiani’s funeral
Geelong local footy legend Frank Fopiani will be honoured by family and friends at a funeral service on Wednesday. Fopiani tragically passed away last Monday from colorectal cancer just two months after being diagnosed. ‘The Fop’ was voted by the Geelong Advertiser as the best player of all-time in the Geelong Football Netball League. He won seven premierships with North Shore and one with St Mary’s, winning three best-on-ground medals in gran finals.
Frank Fopiani funeral: Local footy legend to be honoured, Frank Fopiani death
Local footy icon Frank Fopiani will be remembered at a funeral service on Wednesday. Tune in live from 11am. Geelong local footy legend Frank Fopiani will be honoured by family and friends at a funeral service on Wednesday. Fopiani tragically passed away last Monday from colorectal cancer just two months after being diagnosed. ‘The Fop’ was voted by the Geelong Advertiser as the best player of all-time in the Geelong Football Netball League.
GFL stats round 12 2024: Tanner Lovell, Paddy De Grandi, Ryan Abbott, Devon Smith
Some Geelong VFL and former AFL talents led the way in the Geelong Football Netball League over the weekend. See all the stats, ranking points and top performers. Geelong West came close to pulling off an upset over Leopold, and their prolific midfield star Tanner Lovell was instrumental once again. The VFL Cat dominated at the contest and hit the scoreboard, racking up 39 disposals, 24 contested, 12 clearances, two goals and a round-high 188 Premier Data ranking points.
Geelong United WNBL founding membership: How to become Geelong United member
You can now become a member of Geelong’s first WNBL team. Here is how you can make history for just $15. Geelong United has launched their founding WNBL memberships as they prepare to enter the national competition in October. A founding membership gives fans exclusive information about attending games and how to meet the stars who will make up Geelong United’s inaugural WNBL side. Geelong United chief executive Mark Neeld implored the people of Geelong to get behind the new team.
Son of Billy Brownless lands at local Geelong club in signing coup
The son of Geelong goalkicking great Billy Brownless has joined a local club in the region. Bellarine club Geelong Amateur has landed a major mid-season signing in Oscar Brownless, the son of Geelong goalkicking great and media personality Billy. Brownless, 24, returned to his junior club on Thursday for his first training session back and will play his first game of footy in two years against Portarlington this weekend. .
SuperCoach AFL 2024 live scores, updates Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons Original
All eyes will be on Zac Williams when Carlton faces Brisbane at the Gabba. Follow all the action and live SuperCoach scores here. Carlton comeback star Zac Williams could be the feel-good story of Opening Round – and a gift for tens of thousands of SuperCoach players. The luckless defender will play his first game in 18 months after recovering from an ACL injury when the Blues face Brisbane at the Gabba.
Tragic deaths, refugee escape that has shaped Cats VFL hopeful
His brother, Eadiet, never made it out. “I had an older brother, he passed away. I believe it was of malaria, I think he passed away when I was about three. The year before we were meant to come over (to Australia) he passed away,” Kuol mun said. “He passed away when we were younger and that’s when it was like, we really need to get (out).
AFL Draft 2023 start time, how to watch: Profiles on top prospects, draft order, late mail phantom draft
The AFL Draft is here – and we have everything you need to know. Get full profiles, analysis and exclusive stats on the top 100 prospects, plus your club’s picks and how to watch. Welcome to AFL Draft day. The first round of the national draft will take place on Monday night, with up to 29 junior footballers expected to have their AFL dreams realised. But exactly how many – and in what order – is still up in the air. Will a bombshell Eagles trade shake up the top 10?
AFL Draft 2023: Top 30 mock draft live video, how draft could play out
Live Watch live from 12 as our experts play the role of club recruiters in a mock draft. Who will your club pick, and could there be some last minute pick swaps? The AFL Draft is just days away. Who could your club take and how will it unfold? Our draft experts Chris Cavanagh, Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten will play the role of club recruiters and run through their very own live mock draft from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday.
AFL Draft 2023: Top 30 mock draft live video, how draft could play out
Who could your club take on draft night and how will it unfold? Our experts are playing the role of club recruiters in a live mock draft. Find out how to watch it here. The AFL Draft is just days away. Who could your club take and how will it unfold? Our draft experts Chris Cavanagh, Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten will play the role of club recruiters and run through their very own live mock draft from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday.
AFL Draft 2023 top prospects: Profiles, stats on best junior footballers, bolters, power rankings, phantom draft
The AFL Draft is getting close – and recruiters around the country are busy finalising their talent orders. Get to know the best 100 junior footballers they’re looking at. Clubs are working to finalise their draft boards as this month’s AFL National Draft fast approaches. There is something for everyone in the 2023 draft class, from gun onballers to athletic rucks, running wingmen, key defenders, power forwards, rebounding defenders and goalkicking small forwards.
AFL 2023: Ed Curnow on Torquay bonding trip, missing finals runs
Ed Curnow wasn’t out there for Carlton’s thrilling finals run, but he was central to their dramatic turnaround. As pressure intensified on the club after losing seven of their last eight games, coach Michael Voss and captain Patrick Cripps decided that a midweek trip down at Curnow’s Torquay property would help release the shackles.
GFNL 2023: Former Geelong star Tim McGrath to coach South Barwon women’s team
A former Cats star is back coaching in the region, joining a GFNL powerhouse in a coup for their program. South Barwon has signed a former 200-game Cat to coach its senior women's side, landing Tim McGrath in a boost to the program. McGrath played 226 games as a key defender for Geelong and North Melbourne for 1989-2002, with 219 of those with the Cats where he was best remembered for his duels with champion Wayne Carey.
AFL Draft 2023: Club-by-club guide after trade period, indicative draft order, potential targets
There is less than a month to go until the 2023 national draft as the window to trade selections opens again. Here is how your club is shaping up — and who they could used their picks on. With the AFL trade period done and dusted for another year, clubs are looking to November’s national draft to further bolster their lists. Here is where your club sits heading into the draft — from current picks to potential targets, selection swap plans, father-son and Academy prospects.
AFLW Geelong v Collingwood 2023: Geelong don’t score goal until third quarter, Nina Morrison
Geelong failed to kick a goal until the third quarter before a gallant fightback that saw them get within a kick. One of their stars sheds light on what hurt them early. Geelong star Nina Morrison says the Cats were “outmuscled” at the contest in their goalless first half that cost them dearly in their narrow loss to Collingwood.
Ed Curnow signs with Lorne in Colac District League
A massive name is joining the Colac and District FNL, with Lorne landing recently retired Blue Ed Curnow as their playing senior coach. Curnow played 221 games for Carlton across 14 seasons, including 17 this season, and called time on his career in late August before the Blues’ rousing finals run.
AFL trade 2023: Andrew Mackie on Esava Ratugolea, draft plans, Cats in limbo
Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie claims there was no standoff between the Cats and Port Adelaide over Esava Ratugolea, with ruckman Ivan Soldo’s move the unlikely catalyst late in the trade period. Mackie said the Cats had more clarity on what they could secure in a trade after the deal for the Richmond ruckman, which has been up in the air, was confirmed at the beginning of deadline day.
BFNL 2023: Matt Boag on reason for move to Torquay, Blake Sutterby
Bumper Torquay recruit Matt Boag insists there is nothing sinister behind his and former teammate Blake Sutterby’s departure from Newtown & Chillwell, saying the timing was merely a coincidence. It was announced this week that the two GFNL superstars, who are also close friends, were both leaving the Eagles to join their former sides Torquay and Geelong Amateur in the BFNL.
AFL trade 2023: Brandon Ryan on being traded from Brisbane to Hawthorn, Barwon Heads
Brandon Ryan joined his second club in the space of six months after being traded to Brisbane. The Barwon Heads junior opens up on how the trade unfolded and his meteoric rise. Brandon Ryan will be leaving his trackies and jumpers at home, but his mates from Barwon Heads will be heading up in their droves to join him in Brisbane. Ryan’s whirlwind 2023 took another dramatic turn when he was approached by Brisbane late in the AFL Trade period.
BFNL Signing Tracker: Every recruit and departure, Tom Gribble Geelong Amateur | CODE Sports
The BFNL off-season has gone into overdrive, with two GFNL players bolstering two big sides, while a former Essendon player has left. See every move here. Geelong Amateur set the BFNL off-season alight when it landed one of the best footballers outside the AFL in two-time J.J. Liston Trophy winner Tom Gribble. Who are the other big signings, and which clubs have lost players to rivals? Keep up to date with every signing and departure here. Are looking to make moves but haven’t landed a fish just yet.
GDFL 2023: Four Bell Post Hill greats leave, Matt James to Corio, Ash Witney new co-coach
Four premiership champions will depart Bell Post Hill, signalling a new era for the club as another star Panther has crossed to a rival GDFL club. Whitley medallist Dylan Witney, rebounder Caleb Bacely, goalkicker Nick Costello and ruckman Renn Lovitt have all been signed by Great Western in the Mininera and District Football League, leaving behind an incredible legacy at the Panthers.
BFNL 2023: Blake Sutterby signs with Geelong Amateur from Newtown & Chillwell
A gun midfielder has returned to his former club in the latest big signing for Geelong Amateur. A familiar name is returning to Geelong Amateur, with GFNL superstar Blake Sutterby poached from Newtown & Chillwell in another massive signing for the Ammos. Sutterby has dominated for Eagles for the past five seasons, winning two best-and-fairests at the club and averaging 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions and eight clearances this year.
BFL 2023: Sam Walsh’s father Wayne wins AFL Barwon coach of the year, trip in bus to Brisbane
Some of Wayne Walsh’s Saturdays were as busy as any. As coach of the entire Ocean Grove under-16 squad, Walsh would start at 8:15am around Geelong leading the Division 1 side, which included his son, Tommy.
AFL Draft 2023: The hidden gems flying under the radar, Will Graham, Calsher Dear, Shaun Mannagh
While the depth of this year’s draft is not considered to be particularly strong, clubs are always searching to find a late gem. Here are 16 players who are flying under the radar that could fit the bill. A 193cm forward, Lloyd emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the year. He was unsighted at the under-18 national championships, after missing selection for Vic Metro following an early-season quad injury.
GCA, BPCA 2023/24: Every top performer from round 2, Nick Butters
There were a host of big performances across the region and none were bigger than the bowling display from Waurn Ponds’s Dhanuja Haturusingha. The opening bowler helped skittle skittle North Shore for 30, taking a stunning 6/15 from his eight overs. South Barwon skipper Nick Butters starred with an unbeaten 76 from 57 deliveries to notch the highest score in GCA1 1st XI as his teammate Clinton Place and Newtown & Chilwell bowler Noah Guido both claimed five-wicket hauls.
AFL Draft 2023: Harry DeMattia on Boxing Day running drinks, David Warner
As Harry DeMattia reflected on his impressive draft year ahead of combine testing, he peered across the MCG that was being prepped for the upcoming cricket season. It was a sight he was all too familiar with. Just 10 months ago DeMattia had the experience of a lifetime on the hallowed turf, running the drinks for the Australian Test side on Boxing Day against South Africa.
AFL Draft 2023: Harry DeMattia on Boxing Day running drinks, David Warner
As Harry DeMattia reflected on his impressive draft year ahead of combine testing, he peered across the MCG that was being prepped for the upcoming cricket season. It was a sight he was all too familiar with. Just 10 months ago DeMattia had the experience of a lifetime on the hallowed turf, running the drinks for the Australian Test side on Boxing Day against South Africa.
AFL Draft 2023: Latest news, bolters, Nick Watson answers critics, Zane Zakostelsky’s rise
The AFL national draft is a touch over five weeks away and a lot is beginning to take shape. Here’s the latest draft news from around the country, following the national draft combine last weekend. HEIGHT NO BARRIER FOR WATSON The shortest player to attend the national draft combine says he lets his “footy to the talking” when questions come up over his height. Eastern Ranges small forward Nick Watson measured in at 169.5cm at the combine last weekend.
AFLW 2023: Geelong coach Dan Lowther on costly lapses
Geelong has been hurt by lapses within games this season and it could hurt their finals chances. But coach Dan Lowther doesn’t believe they need major changes. Geelong coach Dan Lowther insists the Cats don’t need to make any drastic changes to counteract their costly lapses within games as they look to hold onto their spot in the eight.
AFL Draft 2023: Top 40 rankings for October, player profiles, top prospects
The countdown is on to next month’s AFL National Draft, which is now less than six weeks away. Following last weekend’s draft combine, draft experts Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten put their heads together to come up their October rankings of the top 40 prospects. And they don’t agree on every pick.
Football National Youth Championships 2023: Christian Polyzoudis lauded by Vaughan Coveny
A Victorian soccer star announced himself on the national stage and scored one of the goals of the carnival. And a former international player believes he has a bright future. Former New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny believes Geelong Grammar sensation Christian Polyzoudis has a bright future ahead after announcing himself on the national stage.
AFL Draft 2023: Top 40 rankings for October, player profiles, top prospects
The countdown is on to next month’s AFL National Draft, which is now less than six weeks away. Following last weekend’s draft combine, draft experts Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten put their heads together to come up their October rankings of the top 40 prospects. And they don’t agree on every pick.
AFLW Draft Combine results 2023: Mikayla Williamson breaks 2km time trial record
Potential first-round prospect Mikayla Williamson blitzed the Victorian AFLW Draft Combine on Sunday, breaking the 2km time trial record and recording the second-best agility run of all-time. The Dandenong Stingrays midfielder ran the 2km time trial in 7:09 minutes, breaking the previous record held by Geelong star Nina Morrison and GWS Giants young gun Tarni Evans.
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