The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement
Roy Ward

Roy Ward

Roy Ward is a sports writer, live blogger and breaking news journalist. He's been writing for The Age since 2010.

Alex Pearce’s match-saving smother.

Dockers skipper Alex Pearce saves the day in thrilling win over Crows at Adelaide Oval

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce dived full-length to deny Adelaide a final shot at goal with 17 seconds to play as Fremantle beat Adelaide by two points.

  • Roy Ward and Jon Pierik

Latest

Oscar Allen is really starting to impress at his new club.

Party time for Lions in ‘Gabbatoir’ clash; Pies’ injury dramas deepen through Daicos, Sidebottom

The Lions and Magpies face off at the Gabba in Brisbane as round four of the AFL 2026 season continues. Follow along for live updates.

  • Roy Ward and Danny Russell
Nestory Irankunda of Australia throws on a silver glove and performs a Michael Jackson dance after scoring on Tuesday night.

Fits like a glove: Socceroo’s MJ celebration goes viral; Juric won’t stress over World Cup spot

Nestory Irankunda was in the thick of the final flurry of goals, putting the exclamation mark on a 5-1 victory with unique flair.

  • Scott Spits and Roy Ward
Kylie Minogue performs at Glastonbury in 2019.

Kylie Minogue revealed as headline act for 2026 AFL grand final entertainment

After years of chasing the pop superstar to perform, the AFL has locked in Kylie Minogue to headline the musical entertainment for the season decider.

  • Roy Ward and Alexander Darling
Tristan Xerri is in hot water for an incident with Andrew McGrath.

Xerri ‘blood wipe’ sent straight to tribunal; Boundary line drama in dying stages of West Coast win

North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri will face the tribunal on a charge of serious misconduct after he appeared to smear his blood on an opponent, an action condemned by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.

  • Marc McGowan, Jake Niall, Roy Ward and Greg Dundas
St Kilda’s Lance Collard.

St Kilda player investigated for allegedly using a homophobic slur for the second time

Lance Collard was previously suspended for six matches for using homophobic language in July 2024.

  • Roy Ward and Jake Niall
Advertisement
Tristan Xerri is in hot water for an incident with Andrew McGrath.

‘That’s a horrible look’: Roos star in hot water for shock act; Bombers slide to 0-3

The eyes of the AFL world were locked on Marvel Stadium, but it was the Kangaroos who prevailed over the Bombers in a tight contest.

  • Roy Ward, Jon Pierik and Andrew Wu
Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies in action.

Collingwood far too strong for Giants at Marvel Stadium despite a night of injury carnage

The Magpies were too good for GWS at Marvel Stadium, but the win came at a cost with Scott Pendlebury and Darcy Moore both injured.

  • Roy Ward, Danny Russell and Russell Bennett
Gryan Miers wraps Luke Nankervis up in a tackle.

Umpiring controversy hits GMHBA as Cats get the cream in a wet-weather thriller over Adelaide

A dramatic moment late in the game involving Cats veteran Tom Atkins will be scrutinised heavily after Geelong’s win. Follow all the reaction.

  • Roy Ward, Peter Ryan and Russell Bennett
Bobby Hill embraces Nick Daicos at training this week.

‘Extremely well paid’: McRae’s pointed Daicos comments; young Pie finally gets his debut; Voss sorry for taunt

The Collingwood premiership coach was quick to point out the contract status of Nick Daicos. Meanwhile, Patrick Voss has apologised to Harrison Petty for the taunt he used.

  • Jon Pierik, Roy Ward and Scott Spits