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About Rohan Connolly
About Rohan Connolly
Rohan Connolly is a senior football writer for The Age. He analyses the AFL in both the weekday and weekend editions of the paper as well as providing a weekly video preview on realfooty.com.au. Connolly began his newspaper career on The Sun News-Pictorial in 1983. He joined The Age in 1987 as a sports sub-editor but returned to writing shortly after, specialising in football. He joined The Sunday Age as deputy sports editor in 1990, taking over as chief football writer in 1993. Rohan has contributed to a number of books about AFL football, has worked extensively in pay TV, and is a regular part of radio station 3AW's football coverage.
All-Australian wildcards
Expect the unexpected when the AFL's team of the season is selected, with many players emerging from the pack to vie for recognition among the game's elite.
Eyes have it: scrap the alternative strips
Who was responsible for whingeing long and loud enough about colour clashes to prompt the AFL and its clubs to go down the path of alternative strips?
Three points for rushed behind to melt the ice
You knew as Joel Bowden cleverly soaked up the precious 28 seconds left on the clock that we were going to be talking about it for some time afterwards.
Four play
Much has been made of the alleged "Sydneyisation" of St Kilda under the coaching of former Swans assistant Ross Lyon.
Swans influence gets the Saints marching
MUCH has been said of the alleged "Sydneyisation" of St Kilda under the coaching of former Swans assistant Ross Lyon. A lot of the theorising has been debatable, some of it complete bunk. But the one similarity becoming increasingly apparent is the Saints' capacity to finish the season full of running.
The whole Hodge
Everyone in footy seems to know Luke Hodge and love him. He retains his affability even when a friend from his home town tries to knock his block off.
Cycle turns, Victoria regains its standing
It wasn't much more than a year ago that the AFL was talking investigations into the state of Victorian football.
Twist of fate
Geelong's sudden injury woes may give rivals the chance to close the gap on the reigning premier.
Discipline disappears when leaders lose the plot
Just when you think it can't get any worse for the Western Australian clubs, it does. See you later, Dean Solomon. See you later, Daniel Kerr.
The accidental coach
Some people choose their vocations. And others have their vocations choose them.
Crowd numbers in West should carry weight
Some of us have been a little sceptical about the prospect of a second AFL team coming out of Sydney's west.
Cats and Hawks showdown could fizzle
You could see Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell squirm when a fellow panelist on yesterday's Footy Show started talking up the round-17 clash between the Hawks and Geelong.
Culture clash
Sydney's success was built on an ethos of teamwork and discipline but Paul Roos faces serious problems as his senior players undermine everything the club stands for.
Inside the Top 50 debate
Choosing one footballer over another can be a thankless task, even for men whose careers were often about doing just that. And harder still when they're names the calibre of those in The Age's Top 50 players of all time.
Legend no.2: Leigh Matthews
"Lethal" Leigh Matthews was a ball magnet whose evasive skills and disposal by foot or hand were pure class.
Give Cousins a break
He's had plenty of kicks since he stopped playing, most of them have been aimed at his reputation.
Top four could soon be out of reach of the chasing pack
A few weeks ago, it was the final eight which was supposed to be settled. It clearly isn't. But the far more important top four might be.
The legends' 50 greatest
Australian football is 150 years old. It's a time for celebration. For reflection. And for consideration. Just who are the greatest players our indigenous game has produced?
Defining moment looms for top-eight wannabes
Saturday's game still looms as the most important meeting of the Blues and Tigers since they played each other back in the 2001 finals series.
Conspiracy theories are becoming a yawn
Mark Williams was understandably pretty peeved but that stuff about "calling off" any remaining tilt at the finals didn't do anyone any favours.
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