DIGITAL ISSUE
THE
RUNNING
ISSUE 2025THE
AFL
ISSUE 2026
Editor's letter
Editor's letter
AUSSIE RULES IS Australia’s biggest sport and the 2026 season is proving to be more exciting than ever. In a sport defined by the passion of its fans and the purpose and dedication of its players, it’s important to celebrate the special moments that bring both together. That’s why we’re launching our inaugural AFL digital issue ahead of the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, with a showcase of some of the game’s foremost Indigenous stars – Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Toby Bedford and Latrelle Pickett – who came together for an iconic cover moment.
As writer Jack Latimore details in his beautifully written cover story, each player’s journey is a testament not only to their skill and talent but to their commitment, discipline, grit and determination. Together they epitomise the key theme of this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round: ‘Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories’.
Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find some of our more recent AFL cover stars, including Collingwood icon Scott Pendlebury, young superstar Will Ashcroft and Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Cover story
Cover story
![There is hope on the horizon, however. Whereas in the past, North Melbourne have been bereft of the young talent needed to improve, the club now possesses a stockpile of prodigious youngsters that are the envy of much of the league. As Simpkin says, “We’ve got some really special young guys coming through.” One of those young guys is Harry Sheezel, the 20-year-old midfielder who equalled the single-game record for most disposals in the win over Richmond. “It seemed like he had the ball in his hand the whole game,” Simpkin says, before rattling off a lengthy list of his club’s most promising stars. “Then there’s guys like Colby McKercher, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar, LDU [Luke Davies-Uniacke], Finn O’Sullivan – who I think is an absolute star – Paul Curtis, Tristan Xerri, Charlie Comben. “We’re a competitive group and we want to win,” the Simpkin continues. “I think it's only a matter of time. We’ve got some really high-end talent and unfortunately it just hasn't quite clicked and come together yet. But as I said, it's only a matter of time. I'm very confident it will turn around.” Simpkin doesn’t include himself in his list of North Melbourne’s high-end talent. He’s humble by nature, so he won’t sing his own praises, but he doesn't need to. The skipper is perhaps the best example of a player who has done everything he can to help his team win. He’s changed positions, become sole captain far earlier than expected and trained harder than anyone, all for the good of the side. Simpkin knows that winning comes with a price, and he’s prepared to pay it over and over again.](https://menshealth.com.au/wp-content/compressx-nextgen/uploads/2025/09/1800x2400-Template-7.jpg.webp)
Runner's life
Runner's life
Training
Training
