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About Martin Flanagan
About Martin Flanagan
Martin Flanagan was born in Tasmania in 1955 and graduated in law from the University of Tasmania in 1975. He has been with The Age since 1985. He is the author of ten books including two novels, a book of poetry and two collections of his newspaper writing. In 2004, the Malthouse Theatre staged an adaptation of his novel The Call, an imaginative reconstruction of the life of Tom Wills, the founder of Australian football. Although best known as a sports writer, Martin describes his special interest as Australian culture with particular emphasis on the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. He is also a great believer in the capacity of newspapers to act as vehicles for non-fiction story-telling.
Hawks looking good and still improving
Quick and direct, Hawthorn is playing with a crude, uncomplicated vigour that is reminiscent of the old John Kennedy Hawk sides.
Ted: Mr Natural, Mr Larrikin, Mr Football
In the words of the Tina Turner song, Ted Whitten was simply the best, and was 'Mr Football' from Melbourne's west all the way up to the Tiwi Islands.
Bunton, a sporting god with a human touch
Former Fitzroy champion Haydn Bunton had it all - sublime sporting ability, natural grace, good looks and an all-round talent for sport.
Aka's Dogs a chance
Things are looking a lot better for the Bulldogs, with Jason Akermanis setting the place alight again.
It's time Demons were shown a bit of respect
Melbourne Football Club is the reason the AFL is having a 150th anniversary celebration in the first place.
Demons exercise right to celebrate
The highlight of Melbourne Football Club's 150th year began in Federation Square with a quote from Ron Barassi.
Pie in the sky
Dale Thomas is happiest when he's flying over packs and the kids just love it.
Buckley's a perfect picture of male, heroic Collingwood
Nathan Buckley is a thoughtful man. He once told me that I overrated talent in my sports writing at the expense of ability. Talent, he said, is a natural gift. What was more important, in his view, was the ability to produce talent exactly when it is required.
Magnificent, but now Pies have to keep it up
Watching Collingwood take on Geelong last week, it was like the tape of last year's preliminary final had clicked into a fifth quarter.
AFL, unlike humble Moyston, lacks the will
If the AFL believes its own official history, 'Dreamtime' games are no more than cynical marketing exercises.
Journey from nation's heart ends on sacred turf
A proud Aboriginal team is prepareing for the game of their lives.
White Knight
Aboriginal art and football have long been close to Beverly Knight's heart.
Waverley shows Hawks retain Kanga spirit
Reinvented by legendary coach John Kennedy, Hawthorn is investing in its future at its Waverley home.
Dreamtime at the MCG
The match had plenty of meaning for its players, as well as being a showcase of their talents.
Go north or south, AFL, not west of the east
The AFL is ignoring the strong football traditions and rich pickings of Tasmania and Darwin.
Cats scratch their way to win
In Geelong, you can still joke about security even when the footy is fairly serious.
Draws have a purpose: neither side lost
Far from a disappointment, the draw was a meeting of two teams with great morale and ambition.
The awkward Swan
Lewis Roberts- Thomson was more used to rugby union than AFL. But he has found his feet.
Middle East opponents stick by the rules
Aussie rules football is bringing Palestinians and Israelis together.
Shag-haired villain Fev restores the roar
It's been missing for years, but the old Lygon Street swagger was spotted at the MCG.
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