Risking a schedule fit to burst
You only had to turn on the box for five minutes at some stage this year to observe just how much of 2006 was spent looking back. Full report

Early election date thwarts Carlton board challenge
A high-profile challenge headed by millionaire former director Colin De Lutis is scuttled by the Carlton board's decision to hold an earlier-than-expected election. Full report

It's time to take a stand for structures of glories past
The spotlight of club icon conservation shines brightly on Carlton. Full report

Fit Roos seek edge as game becomes a foot race
Laidley plans to change the 2006 season's lowest-scoring team into a quicker, more attractive unit. Full report

AFL faces new year hangover
This time last year the AFL was celebrating a $780 million Christmas, courtesy of Channel Nine, its dying boss Kerry Packer and Foxtel. Full report

Bomber Michael is back on track
Essendon recruit Mal Michael says concern his hectic lifestyle was affecting his health caused him to pull the pin on his career with the Brisbane Lions. Full report

Voss TV deal leaves door open for coaching
Michael Voss makes a decision on his short-term future, leaving open the door for the three-time premiership captain to become a senior coach as early as 2008. Full report

Elliott, son of John, considers Blues board bid
Tom Elliott, the son of former Carlton president John Elliott, is considering a challenge to the Blues board and has told friends he would not rule out standing for the club presidency. Full report

Blues face divisive board election
Carlton is set for a fierce board election in February or March following the resignation of directors John Valmorbida and Bruce Mathieson yesterday. Full report

Dockers steaming into big-four status
Fremantle chief executive Cameron Schwab predicts that the Dockers will soon be one of the AFL's "big four" clubs, with a $30 million turnover expected next year. Full report

Saints back into debt to buy land
St Kilda says its purchase of land alongside its Moorabbin headquarters is a key step in putting them on an equal footing with the financially powerful clubs. Full report

Indigenous team to play Essendon
An Indigenous All-Stars team will play Essendon in a pre-season AFL match in Darwin in February. Full report

The Eagle who crash-landed
He's one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, adored by his fans. So why does Ben Cousins keep getting into so much trouble? Full report

Dreamtime game grows into indigenous round
In 2007, the AFL will devote an entire round to celebrating indigenous footballers and their culture. Full report

How drought drove footy's 'old bull' to despair
"Jumbo" Sudholz's biggest battle - with depression - came from left field Full report

CAROLINE WILSON
Is Pagan trying to get sacked?
The inescapable conclusion from this latest Carlton crisis is that Pagan is surely now trying to get himself sacked. Full report

Reality bites
Former Bulldog Rohan Smith has found retirement tougher than expected. He is now trying to help footballers lift their game off the field. Full report

Bombers get jump on Swans for young Daniher
Essendon jumps Sydney, inviting potential father-son recruit Darcy Daniher to train with the club. Full report

Buckenara to head Hawks' nest in the west
Hawthorn has followed Collingwood's lead by appointing favourite West Australian footballing son Gary Buckenara as a Perth-based recruiting and operations manager. Full report

EMMA QUAYLE
A magic touch
Michael McLean knows he can help young Aboriginal players adjust to the rigours of AFL football. Full report

Aylett jnr named as boss of Roos
The Kangaroos have appointed Rick Aylett, the son of board member and former Kangaroos president Allen Aylett, as chief executive. Full report

Clarke ready for new year
Matthew Clarke has played only a handful of his 247 games on Victorian grounds, but doesn't expect any adjustment issues to accompany him to St Kilda. Full report

Foxtel lifts bid for league rights
In the first significant indication that Foxtel would return to cover AFL next season, the pay TV network unofficially lifts its bid for four weekly games. Full report

Vandenberg to lead Hawks, Hodge, Mitchell as deputies
Hawthorn retains Richie Vandenberg as captain for 2007, while installing Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell as joint vice-captains. Full report

AFL eyes stake in Roos, but not for relocation
The AFL concedes it could buy a financial stake in the North Melbourne Football Club. Full report

Pagan thwarted by Carlton board
Carlton coach Denis Pagan confirms the club hierarchy has prevented him from drafting colourful former Richmond and Essendon player Ty Zantuck. Full report

JAKE NIALL
Only one fair way over Pagan: back him or sack him
Those people behind the scenes at Carlton who were against recruiting Ty Zantuck should consider the ramifications of vetoing the senior coach. Full report