Latest news with #ex-Tiger
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Marcus in the middle: Saint's future uncertain as negotiations drag on
The Saints' aggressive efforts to land free agents have inflated the market, with their offers to Giants' defender Leek Aleer and De Koning well above market rates, and neither are they going die wondering in their attempt to attract West Coast's Harley Reid. The courting of players from other clubs has, according to three competition sources who want to remain anonymous, left senior players at the club with questions about the direction of the club's list management. Rowan Marshall and Callum Wilkie remains contracted until the end of 2027. Wilkie, who has now played 153 consecutive matches since his debut, is expected to remain at the club. But Marshall, who has been linked to Geelong, was less definitive about his future when he was asked a fortnight ago about De Koning's potential arrival. Big Roo to continue North Melbourne forward-ruck Callum Coleman-Jones is set to score a one-year deal to play on next season after another injury-interrupted season. The ex-Tiger, who was traded to the Roos in 2021, has shown promising glimpses at both clubs, but a series of setbacks, including a season-ending Achilles rupture last year and a calf injury early in his comeback game this season, have held him back. Coleman-Jones has a great opportunity at North, given their shortage of tall players, but will be desperate for an extended injury-free run after playing only 23 senior games in four seasons at Arden Street. The 26-year-old has kicked 20 goals in 32 matches in a career that started when he was the No.20 pick at the 2017 draft. Loading The Kangaroos handed over a 2022 second-round selection, pick 40, in 2021 and veteran defender Robbie Tarrant for Coleman-Jones, picks 42 and 47, plus a future fourth-round selection. The ruck market will be active this season even though one of the players who was attracting the most interest – Collingwood's Darcy Cameron is now off the table. Essendon free agent Sam Draper is weighing up offers from the Lions and Adelaide, while Hawthorn's Ned Reeves has attracted interested. Another ruckman who is out of contract and playing well in the WAFL is Fremantle's Liam Reidy, who has found it tough to break into the Dockers' line-up with Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy, two of the best big men in the competition. Melksham ponders call Melbourne forward Jake Melksham, to turn 34 this month, is poised to make the call on whether he extends his 246-game career into next season. Melksham's two goals in the Demons' narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday increased his season tally to 31, just one off his personal best from his second year at Melbourne in 2018. He has a close relationship with Simon Goodwin, who parted ways with the Demons at the start of last week, from their shared time at Essendon. Melksham also has a young family, so will weigh all that up when making his call, but is still comfortably a first-choice player for Melbourne, and needs to play into next season to bring up 250 games, given the Demons are out of finals contention. A decision is unlikely to be made until after the Demons' campaign ends under caretaker coach Troy Chaplin. Tall Giant attracts interest Greater Western Sydney rebuked Melbourne's interest in 197-centimetre swingman Wade Derksen last year while he was still under contract, but the Demons are set to have competition for him this time. Darwin-born Derksen – the fifth pick in the 2022 mid-season draft out of WAFL club Peel Thunder – has not played a senior game for the Giants in more than three years on the list, and is out of contract at season's end. There are club recruiters who rate Derksen the best key-position player in the VFL, where he averaged 20 disposals and four intercept marks across 13 matches this year, while also swinging forward occasionally. He underwent season-ending toe surgery last month. It was as a forward at Peel that Derksen emerged on the AFL radar, including kicking four goals against West Coast's reserves. But he spent most of his time in defence for GWS, who are yet to table an offer to him. Melbourne remain interested in Derksen, whose options will increase if he ends up being a delisted free agent. The 24-year-old has family in Victoria and Western Australia, where his older brother Zack is enjoying a strong WAFL season as a forward for Perth. The rebuilding Eagles are among a number of other AFL clubs, in addition to the Demons, monitoring Derksen's situation. Interested clubs are most excited about his marking potential in attack. Knevitt never in doubt Loading Mitch Knevitt's contract extension with the Cats is imminent after he made an appearance against Essendon on Friday night, replacing Patrick Dangerfield, who was managed. Knevitt has been a slow build after being drafted at pick 25 in 2021, but he has improved every season and has been unlucky not to play more than six games in 2025. The Cats have a strong set of youngsters emerging, with George Stevens, who played two games this season, and Ted Clohesy, who has played nine matches this season, including six as a sub, uncontracted. Meanwhile, Hawthorn have extended star small forward Nick Watson until the end of 2029.
The Age
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Marcus in the middle: Saint's future uncertain as negotiations drag on
The Saints' aggressive efforts to land free agents have inflated the market, with their offers to Giants' defender Leek Aleer and De Koning well above market rates, and neither are they going die wondering in their attempt to attract West Coast's Harley Reid. The courting of players from other clubs has, according to three competition sources who want to remain anonymous, left senior players at the club with questions about the direction of the club's list management. Rowan Marshall and Callum Wilkie remains contracted until the end of 2027. Wilkie, who has now played 153 consecutive matches since his debut, is expected to remain at the club. But Marshall, who has been linked to Geelong, was less definitive about his future when he was asked a fortnight ago about De Koning's potential arrival. Big Roo to continue North Melbourne forward-ruck Callum Coleman-Jones is set to score a one-year deal to play on next season after another injury-interrupted season. The ex-Tiger, who was traded to the Roos in 2021, has shown promising glimpses at both clubs, but a series of setbacks, including a season-ending Achilles rupture last year and a calf injury early in his comeback game this season, have held him back. Coleman-Jones has a great opportunity at North, given their shortage of tall players, but will be desperate for an extended injury-free run after playing only 23 senior games in four seasons at Arden Street. The 26-year-old has kicked 20 goals in 32 matches in a career that started when he was the No.20 pick at the 2017 draft. Loading The Kangaroos handed over a 2022 second-round selection, pick 40, in 2021 and veteran defender Robbie Tarrant for Coleman-Jones, picks 42 and 47, plus a future fourth-round selection. The ruck market will be active this season even though one of the players who was attracting the most interest – Collingwood's Darcy Cameron is now off the table. Essendon free agent Sam Draper is weighing up offers from the Lions and Adelaide, while Hawthorn's Ned Reeves has attracted interested. Another ruckman who is out of contract and playing well in the WAFL is Fremantle's Liam Reidy, who has found it tough to break into the Dockers' line-up with Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy, two of the best big men in the competition. Melksham ponders call Melbourne forward Jake Melksham, to turn 34 this month, is poised to make the call on whether he extends his 246-game career into next season. Melksham's two goals in the Demons' narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday increased his season tally to 31, just one off his personal best from his second year at Melbourne in 2018. He has a close relationship with Simon Goodwin, who parted ways with the Demons at the start of last week, from their shared time at Essendon. Melksham also has a young family, so will weigh all that up when making his call, but is still comfortably a first-choice player for Melbourne, and needs to play into next season to bring up 250 games, given the Demons are out of finals contention. A decision is unlikely to be made until after the Demons' campaign ends under caretaker coach Troy Chaplin. Tall Giant attracts interest Greater Western Sydney rebuked Melbourne's interest in 197-centimetre swingman Wade Derksen last year while he was still under contract, but the Demons are set to have competition for him this time. Darwin-born Derksen – the fifth pick in the 2022 mid-season draft out of WAFL club Peel Thunder – has not played a senior game for the Giants in more than three years on the list, and is out of contract at season's end. There are club recruiters who rate Derksen the best key-position player in the VFL, where he averaged 20 disposals and four intercept marks across 13 matches this year, while also swinging forward occasionally. He underwent season-ending toe surgery last month. It was as a forward at Peel that Derksen emerged on the AFL radar, including kicking four goals against West Coast's reserves. But he spent most of his time in defence for GWS, who are yet to table an offer to him. Melbourne remain interested in Derksen, whose options will increase if he ends up being a delisted free agent. The 24-year-old has family in Victoria and Western Australia, where his older brother Zack is enjoying a strong WAFL season as a forward for Perth. The rebuilding Eagles are among a number of other AFL clubs, in addition to the Demons, monitoring Derksen's situation. Interested clubs are most excited about his marking potential in attack. Knevitt never in doubt Loading Mitch Knevitt's contract extension with the Cats is imminent after he made an appearance against Essendon on Friday night, replacing Patrick Dangerfield, who was managed. Knevitt has been a slow build after being drafted at pick 25 in 2021, but he has improved every season and has been unlucky not to play more than six games in 2025. The Cats have a strong set of youngsters emerging, with George Stevens, who played two games this season, and Ted Clohesy, who has played nine matches this season, including six as a sub, uncontracted. Meanwhile, Hawthorn have extended star small forward Nick Watson until the end of 2029.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Troy Melton shines as Detroit Tigers tag Eduardo Rodríguez in 5-1 win vs. Diamondbacks
The Detroit Tigers won again. The Tigers — led by rookie right-hander Troy Melton in his second MLB start — created momentum Monday, July 28, when they securing back-to-back wins after losing 12 of 13 games. Melton completed seven scoreless innings. The Tigers rode Melton's performance to a 5-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series at Comerica Park, scoring all five runs off Diamondbacks left-hander (and ex-Tiger) Eduardo Rodríguez. With the victory, the Tigers (62-46) put themselves in the win column for two games in a row for the first time since July 7-8 against the Tampa Bay Rays, part of a five-game winning streak. The Tigers recently added Melton to their starting rotation, replacing Keider Montero — and Melton rewarded the Tigers with seven scoreless innings. He allowed just five hits, and he didn't issue a walk. Melton struck out five batters: Eugenio Suárez with a slider in the first inning, Adrian Del Castillo with a fastball and Tristin English with a fastball in the second inning, and Jose Herrera with a slider and Geraldo Perdomo with a cutter in the sixth inning. All five strikeouts were swinging. Melton showcased that his four-seam fastball (along with his slider) is capable of missing bats, that he can throw his primary pitches for strikes, and that he can limit damage against left-handed hitters — three keys to success. It was another successful MLB start. He generated 11 whiffs on 47 swings for a 23.4% whiff rate, but five whiffs were from his fastball and four whiffs were from his slider. His fastball averaged 97.1 mph, maxing out at 98.6 mph. The D-Backs still made hard contact against him, averaging a 94.2 mph exit velocity on 19 balls in play. The Diamondbacks scored on Alek Thomas' solo home run off a changeup from right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle in the eighth inning. The changeup caught too much of the middle of the strike zone. But it was the D-Backs' only run. [ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] Andy Ibáñez returns The Tigers recalled infielder Andy Ibáñez — a right-handed hitter who thrives against left-handed pitchers — from Triple-A Toledo before Monday's game. He was brought back for two reasons: Parker Meadows landed on the injured list, and the Tigers were preparing to face three left-handed starters in their next six games. The stretch of lefties began Monday with Rodríguez from the Diamondbacks. Ibáñez didn't waste any time making an impact at the plate against Rodríguez, hitting a double in the second inning and a solo home run in the fourth inning. The homer put the Tigers ahead, 3-0. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Spencer Torkelson's single that the Diamondbacks misplayed in the outfield, then extended the advantage to 2-0 in the second inning on Javier Báez's single. A Matt Vierling double made it 4-0 in the fourth, and a Dillon Dingler homer pushed the margin to 5-0 in the sixth. What happened to E-Rod? Rodríguez — who pitched for the Tigers from 2022-23 — allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts across six innings, throwing 95 pitches. It was another bad start for Rodríguez. The 32-year-old has a 5.63 ERA in 18 starts in 2025. After opting out of his contract with the Tigers, Rodríguez entered free agency and signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December 2023. Since then, Rodríguez has a 5.33 ERA in 27 starts. Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@ or follow him @EvanPetzold. Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at Order your copy of 'Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Tigers!' by the Free Press at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers score: Troy Melton shines in 5-1 win vs. Diamondbacks
7NEWS
13-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Jason Horne-Francis and Harley Reid clash in fiery exchange during Port Adelaide's win over West Coast
Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis and West Coast young gun Harley Reid were involved in a series of heated exchanges during the Power's win on Sunday. The fiery youngsters exchanged words multiple times throughout the final quarter as the hosts overran the spirited Eagles to win by 26 points. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Horne-Francis and Reid clash in fiery scenes. It all started early on in the final term when Eagles players, including Reid, remonstrated with Horne-Francis after he pushed down on Jack Hutchinson while the wingman was lying on the ground. West Coast players dragged Horne-Francis off their teammate before Reid came charging in and pushed the Port Adelaide player to the ground. Minutes later, Reid was penalised for a throw in forward 50, which saw Horne-Francis mock and mimic his rival. The pair then came face-to-face and shoved each other as Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord dragged his teammate away. 'It's like they are looking in the mirror a bit,' commentator Anthony Hudson said. 'You get the feeling they are going to be at each other for the next decade,' Dermott Brereton added. As Travis Boak lined up to kick a goal from the resulting free kick, Reid could be seen continuing to yell at Horne-Francis. While their pair continued to get in each other's faces, Horne-Francis had the last laugh with two last-quarter goals. After nailing his second, which put the Power up by 26 points, Horne-Francis targeted Reid with his celebration. This time, there was no rebuttal from Reid as the result was beyond doubt. Horne-Francis, who kicked three goals in the win, played down the exchange after the match. 'There was a bit of heat in it at the end there, which I like a little bit and I know a few of their players like as well,' Horne-Francis said. 'It's all part of the game. It's all in good spirit.' Reid was arguably West Coast's best player with 27 disposals, six clearances and a goal, but was undisciplined in giving away six free kicks. The Power trailed by 33 points in the opening quarter before rallying to a 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (61) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Zak Butters, whose 38 disposals featured 14 in the first term, was brilliant as Port booted the last five goals of the game to triumph. The Power, who lost captain Connor Rozee to a hand injury, kicked the opening goal of the match but didn't hit the front again until early in the final term. West Coast produced their highest-scoring quarter under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, booting 6.3 to 2.2 in the opening term. The Eagles flourished with a 17-8 inside-50 dominance on a day when it was announced their midfielder Jack Graham had been suspended by the AFL for four matches for a homophobic slur against an opponent. West Coast's 25-point lead at quarter-time prompted stern words from Power coach Ken Hinkley to his players. But the Eagles, after a superb Liam Baker goal when the ex-Tiger had two disposals in the chain and then converted with a third, were still four goals up midway through the second stanza. The tide then turned, with Port scoring two quick majors to creep within eight points. But late set-shot misses from Port pair Mitch Georgiades and Jack Lukosius ensured the visitors led by 11 points at halftime, 7.5 to 5.6. Both teams kicked two majors in a tight third term - Port kicked 2.6 and scores were level until a late Jobe Shanahan strike gave the Eagles a six-point edge at three-quarter time. But Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones put his side in front five minutes into the final term - the first of five successive goals for his club. Power forward Georgiades kicked 3.5, Horne-Francis booted three majors from 27 disposals, and Joe Richards and Byrne-Jones kicked two goals each. Port's standout Butters received solid midfield support from Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines (25 touches), and Kane Farrell (20) was creative at half-back. Reid gathered a team-high 26 disposals, Clay Hall (21 touches) and Jack Williams (two goals) impressed, while veterans Liam Duggan (21 possessions) and Baker (18) were prominent.
The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Butters brilliant in Port's comeback win over Eagles
More midfield mastery from Zak Butters has inspired fast-finishing Port Adelaide to a comeback 26-point win over a plucky West Coast. The Power trailed by 33 points in the opening quarter before rallying to a 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (61) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Butters, whose 38 disposals featured 14 in the first term, was brilliant as Port booted the last five goals of the game to triumph. The Power, who lost captain Connor Rozee to a hand injury, kicked the opening goal of the match but didn't hit the front again until early in the final term. West Coast produced their highest-scoring quarter under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, booting 6.3 to 2.2 in the opening term. The Eagles flourished with a 17-8 inside-50 dominance on a day when it was announced their midfielder Jack Graham had been suspended by the AFL for four matches for a homophobic slur against an opponent. West Coast's 25-point lead at quarter-time prompted stern words from Power coach Ken Hinkley to his players. But the Eagles, after a superb Liam Baker goal when the ex-Tiger had two disposals in the chain and then converted with a third, were still four goals up midway through the second stanza. The tide then turned, with Port scoring two quick majors to creep within eight points. But late set-shot misses from Port pair Mitch Georgiades and Jack Lukosius ensured the visitors led by 11 points at halftime, 7.5 to 5.6. Both teams kicked two majors in a tight third term - Port kicked 2.6 and scores were level until a late Jobe Shanahan strike gave the Eagles a six-point edge at three-quarter time. But Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones put his side in front five minutes into the final term - the first of five successive goals for his club. Power forward Georgiades kicked 3.5, Jason Horne-Francis booted three majors from 27 disposals, and Joe Richards and Byrne-Jones kicked two goals each. Port's standout Butters received solid midfield support from Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines (25 touches), and Kane Farrell (20) was creative at half-back. West Coast young gun Harley Reid gathered a team-high 26 disposals, Clay Hall (21 touches) and Jack Williams (two goals) impressed, while veterans Liam Duggan (21 possessions) and Baker (18) were prominent. More midfield mastery from Zak Butters has inspired fast-finishing Port Adelaide to a comeback 26-point win over a plucky West Coast. The Power trailed by 33 points in the opening quarter before rallying to a 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (61) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Butters, whose 38 disposals featured 14 in the first term, was brilliant as Port booted the last five goals of the game to triumph. The Power, who lost captain Connor Rozee to a hand injury, kicked the opening goal of the match but didn't hit the front again until early in the final term. West Coast produced their highest-scoring quarter under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, booting 6.3 to 2.2 in the opening term. The Eagles flourished with a 17-8 inside-50 dominance on a day when it was announced their midfielder Jack Graham had been suspended by the AFL for four matches for a homophobic slur against an opponent. West Coast's 25-point lead at quarter-time prompted stern words from Power coach Ken Hinkley to his players. But the Eagles, after a superb Liam Baker goal when the ex-Tiger had two disposals in the chain and then converted with a third, were still four goals up midway through the second stanza. The tide then turned, with Port scoring two quick majors to creep within eight points. But late set-shot misses from Port pair Mitch Georgiades and Jack Lukosius ensured the visitors led by 11 points at halftime, 7.5 to 5.6. Both teams kicked two majors in a tight third term - Port kicked 2.6 and scores were level until a late Jobe Shanahan strike gave the Eagles a six-point edge at three-quarter time. But Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones put his side in front five minutes into the final term - the first of five successive goals for his club. Power forward Georgiades kicked 3.5, Jason Horne-Francis booted three majors from 27 disposals, and Joe Richards and Byrne-Jones kicked two goals each. Port's standout Butters received solid midfield support from Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines (25 touches), and Kane Farrell (20) was creative at half-back. West Coast young gun Harley Reid gathered a team-high 26 disposals, Clay Hall (21 touches) and Jack Williams (two goals) impressed, while veterans Liam Duggan (21 possessions) and Baker (18) were prominent. More midfield mastery from Zak Butters has inspired fast-finishing Port Adelaide to a comeback 26-point win over a plucky West Coast. The Power trailed by 33 points in the opening quarter before rallying to a 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (61) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Butters, whose 38 disposals featured 14 in the first term, was brilliant as Port booted the last five goals of the game to triumph. The Power, who lost captain Connor Rozee to a hand injury, kicked the opening goal of the match but didn't hit the front again until early in the final term. West Coast produced their highest-scoring quarter under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, booting 6.3 to 2.2 in the opening term. The Eagles flourished with a 17-8 inside-50 dominance on a day when it was announced their midfielder Jack Graham had been suspended by the AFL for four matches for a homophobic slur against an opponent. West Coast's 25-point lead at quarter-time prompted stern words from Power coach Ken Hinkley to his players. But the Eagles, after a superb Liam Baker goal when the ex-Tiger had two disposals in the chain and then converted with a third, were still four goals up midway through the second stanza. The tide then turned, with Port scoring two quick majors to creep within eight points. But late set-shot misses from Port pair Mitch Georgiades and Jack Lukosius ensured the visitors led by 11 points at halftime, 7.5 to 5.6. Both teams kicked two majors in a tight third term - Port kicked 2.6 and scores were level until a late Jobe Shanahan strike gave the Eagles a six-point edge at three-quarter time. But Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones put his side in front five minutes into the final term - the first of five successive goals for his club. Power forward Georgiades kicked 3.5, Jason Horne-Francis booted three majors from 27 disposals, and Joe Richards and Byrne-Jones kicked two goals each. Port's standout Butters received solid midfield support from Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines (25 touches), and Kane Farrell (20) was creative at half-back. West Coast young gun Harley Reid gathered a team-high 26 disposals, Clay Hall (21 touches) and Jack Williams (two goals) impressed, while veterans Liam Duggan (21 possessions) and Baker (18) were prominent.
