Who is targeting Collingwood gun Beau McCreery?
Is Opening Round dead? What will take its place?
And has a Geelong All-Australian gone AWOL?
All that and from media buzz...
Beau beauty
Collingwood speedster Beau McCreery is on the priority list for Tasmania when they enter the competition in 2028.
The Devils are starting to work through their targets, and McCreery comes out of contract at the end of next year, opening the door to a potential switch.
It is understood the Devils could offer the Pies gun $7 million for seven years, reported on Footy Classified.
Bye, bye Opening Round
The infamous Opening Round is set to get the boot after three seasons in what many deem as an unsuccessful venture.
The start of the season, which divided the competition, prompting more byes and a disjointed beginning, is said to be over, according to the Agenda Setters.
Given the MCG's unavailability at the beginning of March next year, the AFL has had to rejig what the season will look like, and are considering a potential Grand Final re-match.
"I think the AFL are looking at a Grand Final rematch (instead of Richmond v Carlton)."
🗣️ Caroline Wilson on the 2027 season opener pic.twitter.com/QHaQ9ve0bk
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 21, 2026
Former Blue caught cow stealing
Ex-Carlton player Joe Dare has been charged with stealing a herd of cattle.
The 34-year-old, a Colac farmer, was charged with theft, obtaining property by deception and offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
It is understood the herd of about 40 cattle was worth around $80,000.
“The cows are safe and will be returned to their owner,” a police spokesperson said.
AFL draft bidding changes imminent
The wholesale changes to the AFL draft system and bidding is all but confirmed to be implemented this year, despite desperate pleas from Essendon, Carlton and Port Adelaide.
The trio of clubs have a host of academy or father-son talents linked, but wanted a greater runway to prepare their stocks in order to land them.
"The expectation now, firmly, is that the AFL will plough on and introduce these for 2026."
Late pleas from Port, Carlton, and Essendon to delay rule changes haven't stopped the AFL's draft plans, per @CalTwomey. #9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/TItYaHdwKc
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 21, 2026
Cat gone AWOL
Geelong All-Australian Tyson Stengle has hit a crossroads in his career, with the panel on the Agenda Setters discussing his future prospects.
Stengle took personal leave earlier in the year, but returned to training in a bid to press his case for an AFL recall, of which has hit a snag.
The Cats haven't been in constant contact with the gun forward over the past few weeks.
Caro: "Geelong have only had sporadic contact with Tyson Stengle in recent weeks."
Tom: "The AFL is essentially not allowing Tyson Stengle to play football and that is because of the medical model they have."
🗣️ Caroline Wilson and Tom Morris with an update on Tyson Stengle pic.twitter.com/bNp40C2OF7
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 21, 2026
Tribunal member "unfairly criticised"
Essendon champion James Hird has leapt to the defence of his former teammate and AFL tribunal member Jason Johnson in the wake of criticism regarding his involvement in Zak Butters' case.
Johnson left the hearing briefly to get into his car before heading toward a meeting, which was deemed a miscarriage of justice and prompted the Appeals Board to overturn Butters' $1500 fine.
Hird said on Footy Classified that Johnson had told the AFL of his appointment that evening.
"My understanding is he actually told the AFL he had an appointment."
Why James Hird believes Jason Johnson has been 'unfairly' criticised for his role in the Zak Butters tribunal process fiasco.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/ehInIKCVz4
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 21, 2026
