St Kilda’s young star BRENDON GODDARD is using the scars of 2009 and a push into midfield as motivation for the new campaign.

By Anthony Sharwood. The AFL, that over-officious sporting body which struts its self-importance like a hired goon from Underbelly, has gone completely power mad, imposing ruthless penalties on officials who placed some of the world’s smallest bets. Get this. AFL Timekeeper Matthew Hollington has been stood down for five weeks…

For many modern sports stars, loyalty belongs to a pay cheque, but LUKE HODGE is the heart and soul of Hawthorn - and that’s the only way he wants it. Hodge featured in Alpha’s April 2010 issue and the kid from Colac can sense a return to the top after…

As the hype from draft week dies down and players get acquainted with their new clubs, Alpha looks at the top five picks and rates their potential. Do you agree with our comments? What else do you know about these players? Get typing and let us know what you think.…

If you want any proof of the big gap that sometimes exists between AFL’s fans and the clubs and administrators, it’s the ongoing fallout from Brendan Fevola’s antics at the Brownlows. Most fans think it’s hilarious, partly because it’s the kind of stuff most of them have done themselves after…

The bold, brave footy code of honour – never give up, never stop trying – might be the be-all and end-all of playing, but move into coaching and sometimes you just find it working against you. Look at poor Terry Wallace, who has either been “mutually” been kicked out by…

Following the fascinating story of AFL’s magic little pill (they say “technology” but anyone who’s seen a Harry Potter movie knows what’s going on), which monitors the internal body temperature of Western Bulldogs players, the Bucket has uncovered the other fascinating gadgets available to clubs. The latest thing is the…

Alpha is grilling Essendon legend James Hird for the next issue and we want YOUR questions in the mix. If there’s anything you’ve been burning to ask him on life, the universe and everything, submit it at the bottom here by the afternoon of Tuesday Jan 20. Come on, you…

Ben Cousins has denied in a press conference that he is addicted to media attention. Talking to a throng of assembled journalists, Cousins moved swiftly past questions relating to drug use to squash rumours that he continues to address throngs of assembled journalists on a regular basis. “I’m doing my…