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.
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.
Roughead's buddy keeps the smiles coming
Lance Franklin leads a Hawthorn forward line that clicks like a successful sitcom.
Saints and Cats offer season jump-off point
The prospect of Steven King playing on Mark Blake is just one duel to reawaken your footy senses.
Blood Brother
When Paul Roos took over as coach wanting to change the club's culture, Kirk was open to such ideas.
Making a splash, but getting nobody wet
In-pool chats and a pep talk for the Darwin grand final losers are all part of the AFL ambassador's role.
Cyclone Sheeds bustles into Darwin hearts
A hectic stint with the AFL ambassador is enough to lay any man low. Then he wants to take a dip.
Australian rules, or maybe not
It's a long way from Blacktown - where the AFL says footy will live - to the iconic Bondi Beach.
Tough questions lie ahead for footy's chiefs
Football may not have a deep enough pool of talent to sustain 18 teams at today's standard.
Where the grass was greener
As fertile as the Tasmanian ground, the Apple Isle has produced a who's who of Australian football over several decades.
Cousins still hot in a city flush with money
Eagles fans continue to see fallen star as one of theirs despite distaste in eastern states.
Test of character
History and passion are being confronted by financial viability at North Melbourne.
Give the people with passion time to decide
Whatever the AFL's intentions, Kangaroo members have a right to have their voices heard.
Balance needed in fight with drugs
Action on drugs is urgent but we ought to be clear where we are going.
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