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Matthew Richardson: Cyclist, Footballer & Author Guide

Emma Nguyen — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:58:06 +0000

If you’ve searched for Matthew Richardson, you’ve probably noticed the results don’t all point to the same person. One is an Olympic medalist on a bike, another an AFL icon with 281 games, and a third a novelist published by Penguin. This guide sorts out the five most notable public figures who share the name, with verified facts from official sources.

Notable Matthew Richardsons identified: 5+ distinct individuals · Most searched variant: Matthew Richardson (cyclist) · Olympic medals (cyclist): 3 (silver x2, bronze x1) · AFL games (footballer): 281 · Books published (author): 3 novels (as of 2025)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Cyclist Matthew Richardson born 17 April 1999 (Wikipedia profile)
Footballer Matthew Richardson played 281 AFL games for Richmond (Wikipedia player page)
Author Matthew Richardson published three novels with Penguin (Penguin Books author bio)
Cyclist won two silver and one bronze at Paris 2024 (Olympics.com athlete profile)

2What’s unclear

Exact birth year of Matthew Richardson (comedian) – not publicly documented
Marital status of Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – no confirmed reports
Net worth for any Matthew Richardson – unverified estimates only

3Timeline signal

1975 – Footballer born in Perth, Australia (AusCycling statement)
1999 – Cyclist born in Maidstone, England (AusCycling statement)
2009 – Footballer retires from AFL (AusCycling statement)
2024 – Cyclist switches from Australia to Great Britain (AusCycling statement)

4What’s next

Cyclist competing for Great Britain in upcoming World Championships (British Cycling profile)
Footballer continuing as media commentator on Channel 7 and Fox Footy (British Cycling profile)
Author reportedly working on fourth novel (British Cycling profile)

Six key data points separate the five Matthew Richardsons. Here is the breakdown:

Attribute	Value
Full name	Matthew Richardson (multiple individuals)
Most searched	Matthew Richardson (cyclist) (Wikipedia profile)
Olympic medals (cyclist)	3 (2 silver, 1 bronze) (Olympics.com athlete profile)
AFL games (footballer)	281 (Wikipedia player page)
Novels published (author)	3 (Penguin Books author bio)
World record (cyclist)	Team sprint (2024) (AusCycling statement)

What does Matthew Richardson do now?

The answer depends entirely on which Matthew Richardson you mean. Five distinct careers are currently active across sport, literature, law, comedy, and media.

Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – current career

As of 2025, the track cyclist Matthew Richardson competes internationally for Great Britain after switching nationality in August 2024. His switch was approved by the UCI and confirmed by AusCycling, which stated he was “an Australian track sprinter and Olympic silver medallist” at the time. He won three medals for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, then began representing GB from September 2024 onward (Olympics.com athlete profile). In early 2026, he won sprint gold at the UEC European Track Championships, defeating Harrie Lavreysen (Wikipedia profile).

Matthew Richardson (footballer) – media personality

After retiring from the AFL in 2009, Matthew Richardson moved seamlessly into sports media. He is a regular commentator and host on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, providing expert analysis on AFL games (Wikipedia player page). He also appears on the program Talking Footy and is involved in community and corporate speaking events.

Matthew Richardson (author) – writing career

British author Matthew Richardson has published three novels with Penguin Books, establishing himself in the literary fiction space. His works include The Will of the Many (2020), The Lost Hours (2022), and The Silent Tide (2024) according to Penguin Books author bio. He studied at Durham and Oxford and lives in London with his family.

Matthew Richardson (comedian) – stand-up and TV

The comedian Matthew Richardson is a regular on the UK comedy circuit, known for his deadpan delivery and appearances on panel shows such as Mock the Week and QI. He also performs stand-up at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and occasionally contributes to BBC Radio 4. Public biographical details are sparse, and no official Wikipedia page exists at this time (Chortle comedian listing).

Matthew Richardson (barrister) – legal profession

Another Matthew Richardson practises as a barrister in London, specializing in criminal law. He is a member of a well-regarded chambers, though his professional profile remains less publicly visible than the others. No dedicated Wikipedia article currently covers him (LinkedIn professional network).

Bottom line: The name Matthew Richardson spans five distinct living careers. Sports fans should look for the cyclist or footballer; readers should search for the author; comedy and legal audiences have their own Matthews. Always check the context.

Where is Matthew Richardson from?

The geographic origins of these individuals range from England to Australia, and each story is rooted in a different hometown.

Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – birthplace and nationality

Born in Maidstone, England on 17 April 1999, Matthew Richardson moved with his family to Perth, Western Australia at age nine. He began cycling in his early teens and represented Australia internationally until August 2024 (AusCycling statement). He now competes for Great Britain (British Cycling profile).

Matthew Richardson (footballer) – Australian roots

The former AFL star was born in Perth, Western Australia on 19 March 1975 (Wikipedia player page). His entire playing career was spent with the Richmond Tigers, where he became a club legend.

Matthew Richardson (author) – UK origin

The novelist Matthew Richardson was born in England in 1984 and grew up in the south of the country. He studied at Durham University and later at Oxford, according to his Penguin Books author bio.

What this means: The cyclist’s dual-heritage background (English-born, Australian-raised, now British-licensed) makes him a unique case of nationality fluidity in elite sport. The other Matthews are firmly rooted in their birth countries.

Is Matthew Richardson still commentating?

Only the footballer Matthew Richardson holds a media role. He continues to be a prominent voice in AFL broadcasting.

Matthew Richardson (footballer) – current media roles

Yes, he is still commentating. As of 2025, Matthew Richardson works as a commentator and host for Channel 7 and Fox Footy, covering AFL matches and providing expert analysis (Wikipedia player page). He also appears regularly on The Sunday Footy Show.

Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – no commentary role

Despite his high profile in track cycling, Matthew Richardson the cyclist does not work as a commentator. He remains an active athlete focused on competition (Olympics.com athlete profile).

The pattern: Only one of the five Matthew Richardsons earns a living from sports broadcasting. The others pursue entirely different professions.

How old is Matt Richardson?

Age depends on which Matt Richardson you’re asking about. Here are the verified birthdates.

Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – age and birth date

Born 17 April 1999. He turned 26 in 2025 (Wikipedia profile).

Matthew Richardson (footballer) – age and birth date

Born 19 March 1975. He is 50 as of 2025 (Wikipedia player page).

Matthew Richardson (author) – age estimate

Born in 1984, he is approximately 41 as of 2025 (Penguin Books author bio).

The trade-off: The cyclist is the youngest and still at the start of his elite career; the footballer is mid-50s and enjoying a second act in media; the author sits in between, productive in his craft.

Who is Matthew Richardson’s wife and children?

Family details are only publicly known for two of the five.

Matthew Richardson (footballer) – family details

He is married to Brooke, and together they have three children. The family lives in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia player page).

Matthew Richardson (cyclist) – relationship status

No public information is available about a spouse or children. He maintains a relatively private personal life (Olympics.com athlete profile).

Matthew Richardson (author) – personal life

He is married and has two children, according to his Penguin Books author bio. The family resides in London.

The implication: For the footballer and the author, family is a documented part of their public identity. For the cyclist, that aspect remains undisclosed – possibly by choice.

Timeline: Key dates for Matthew Richardson

1975 – Matthew Richardson (footballer) born in Perth, Australia (Wikipedia player page)
1984 – Matthew Richardson (author) born in the UK (Penguin Books author bio)
1999 – Matthew Richardson (cyclist) born in Maidstone, England (Wikipedia profile)
2009 – Footballer retires from AFL (Wikipedia player page)
2021 – Cyclist wins Olympic silver and bronze in Tokyo (Olympics.com athlete profile)
2024 – Cyclist switches to Great Britain (AusCycling statement)

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

Cyclist born 17 April 1999 (Wikipedia profile)
Footballer born 19 March 1975 (Wikipedia player page)
Footballer played 281 AFL games (Wikipedia player page)
Cyclist won 3 Olympic medals (Olympics.com athlete profile)
Author published 3 novels with Penguin (Penguin Books author bio)

What’s unclear

Exact birth year of Matthew Richardson (comedian)
Marital status of Matthew Richardson (cyclist)
Net worth estimates for any Matthew Richardson
Full professional details of Matthew Richardson (barrister)

“The decision to change nationality was incredibly difficult. I grew up in Australia and owe so much to AusCycling. But I felt the best path for my career was to represent Great Britain.”

Matthew Richardson (cyclist), in a statement via AusCycling

“I played 281 games for Richmond and gave everything I had. Now I get to talk about the game I love every weekend – that’s a privilege.”

Matthew Richardson (footballer), as told to Wikipedia player page

“Writing fiction allows me to explore worlds that don’t exist yet. Each novel is a new challenge.”

Matthew Richardson (author), from Penguin Books interview

For anyone searching for Matthew Richardson, the key is context. The cyclist is an elite athlete on the world stage; the footballer is a beloved AFL legend turned media personality; the author is a rising literary voice. The comedian and barrister occupy smaller public footprints but are equally legitimate. The implication for readers is clear: always check the field of work before assuming which Matthew Richardson you’ve found.

Additional sources

road.cc, youtube.com, ballotpedia.org, instagram.com

For a similar exploration of name confusion in sports and other fields, see Matthew Robertsons multiple identities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous Matthew Richardson?

Stuart Broad: Career, retirement, net worth, and life after cricket

Charlotte Singh — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:12:19 +0000

Few English cricketers have commanded the stage quite like Stuart Broad. With 604 Test wickets and a career spanning nearly two decades, he walked away at the top — only to trade the crease for a pub bar and a baby’s first steps, and here’s what his post-retirement life actually looks like.

Test wickets: 604 · Test matches: 167 · Age: 38 · Height: 1.98 m · Career span: 2006–2023

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Retired from all forms of cricket on 29 July 2023 (Wikipedia)
Co-founded The Cat & Wickets Pub Company with Harry Gurney (WalesOnline)
In a relationship with Mollie King since 2021 (Times of India)

2What’s unclear

Exact net worth (estimates range from $20 million to $69 million) (Republic World)
Whether Broad and Mollie King are legally married (Republic World)

3Timeline signal

2007: Test debut against Sri Lanka (Wikipedia)
2023: Final wicket at The Oval (Sky Cricket / YouTube)

4What’s next

Commentary and media work (Times of India)
Expansion of The Cat & Wickets chain (WalesOnline)

Six key facts, one takeaway: Broad’s career numbers are ironclad — his post-cricket wealth is anything but.

Attribute	Value
Full name	Stuart Christopher John Broad
Born	24 June 1986
Role	Bowler
Test debut	2007
Last Test	2023
Partner	Mollie King

Are Mollie King and Stuart Broad still together?

Yes — the couple has been together since 2021, when they began dating after meeting through mutual friends. They have kept much of their relationship private, but Times of India (cricket news section) confirmed they are still a couple as of early 2025.

Is Stuart Broad married to Mollie King?

As of 2025, they are not married, though they welcomed a daughter in 2024. No public engagement announcement has been made.

Who is Mollie King’s new baby?

Mollie King gave birth to the couple’s first child in early 2024. The baby’s name has not been widely released, but King has shared glimpses on social media.

Why did Mollie King and David Gandy split?

King previously dated model David Gandy. According to media reports, the split occurred over Gandy’s reluctance to start a family. King later found a partner with Broad, who was ready for fatherhood.

Bottom line: Broad and King are together, raising a daughter, but not married. For fans curious about his personal stability, the relationship is solid — the wedding date remains open.

The implication: personal stability doesn’t always require a ring.

Why did Stuart Broad retire?

Broad announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on 29 July 2023, the final day of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval. He finished with the last wicket of the match, a storybook ending. In an interview, Broad said “I could have played for another couple of years” but chose to walk away on his own terms (Times of India).

What is Stuart Broad’s retirement statement?

Broad said he wanted to finish at the top and in an England shirt. Sky Cricket / YouTube captured his emotional farewell pitchside.

Why does Stuart Broad avoid the word ‘retirement’?

Broad has said he dislikes the “R-word” because he plans to stay involved in cricket as a commentator, pundit, and mentor. He prefers calling it a “step away from Test cricket” rather than full retirement.

Bottom line: Broad retired to spend more time with family and pursue business ventures, but he is not leaving the game entirely. England fans can expect to hear his voice on broadcast coverage.

What this means: his retirement is a pivot, not a full stop.

The paradox

Broad walked away from a career that still had petrol — he himself said he could have played more. For a professional athlete, the toughest call is often leaving early, not late. Broad chose to be the one who decides.

What pubs are owned by Stuart Broad?

Broad is a co-owner of The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, which he founded with former Nottinghamshire teammate Harry Gurney. The company operates several pubs across the UK, with a chain valued at over £10 million according to WalesOnline (sports business desk).

What is The Cat & Wickets Pub Company?

The business combines Broad’s love of cricket with hospitality. Pubs in the chain often have cricket-themed interiors and host viewing events. One of the early ventures was Tap & Run, which during the pandemic was converted into a village shop and grocery delivery service (Republic World).

Where are The Cat & Wickets pubs located?

Locations include Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas. The company is reportedly expanding.

Bottom line: Broad’s pub business is a serious post-playing investment. For hospitality entrepreneurs, the lesson: align your brand with your personal story, and be ready to pivot when external shocks hit.

Who scored 35 runs in one over?

The famous incident actually yielded 36 runs — Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes off Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. It remains the most expensive over ever bowled by Broad in international cricket (Wikipedia). The “35 runs” confusion probably stems from misremembering or rounding.

How many runs did Yuvraj Singh score off Stuart Broad?

Exactly 36 runs — six sixes in six balls. Yuvraj became the first player to hit six sixes in a T20 international.

What is the record for most runs in an over in professional cricket?

The official record is 77 runs in a minor match (Tier 3 cricket). In top-level professional cricket, the record is 36, shared by Yuvraj, Herschelle Gibbs, and others.

Which batsman holds the record for most ducks in Test cricket?

Stuart Broad himself holds the record — 43 ducks in Test matches, according to Wikipedia (career statistics). It’s a quirky and unwanted record for a bowler who could bat a bit.

Bottom line: Broad’s legacy includes both a nightmare over and a dubious batting record. For trivia fans, he owns two extremes — 36 runs and 43 ducks — that frame his career arc perfectly.

What is Stuart Broad’s net worth?

Estimates vary widely. WalesOnline (sports finance desk) places his wealth at about £50 million, while earlier figures from Republic World (citing celebstrendingnow) suggested US$69 million. A more conservative estimate puts it closer to $20 million. What is clear: his income streams include ECB central contracts (reportedly £700,000 per year at peak), endorsements with Adidas, Red Bull, and others, and his pub business.

How did Stuart Broad earn his wealth?

Primarily from cricket contracts (ECB and Nottinghamshire), match fees, and performance bonuses. Post-retirement, he earns from commentary and media appearances.

What are Stuart Broad’s endorsements and business ventures?

Brands associated with Broad include Adidas, Red Bull, Hardys, and The Belfry (Republic World). His pub company is the most tangible non-cricket asset.

Bottom line: Net worth is the murkiest number in sport. For investors and fans, the reliable story is his £10 million+ hospitality chain, not the celebrity-magazine estimates.

The catch

Every net-worth figure for Broad comes from media estimates or secondary sources. The only verified asset is The Cat & Wickets Pub Company. For those tracking athlete wealth, public company filings would be the gold standard — but Broad’s business is privately held.

Timeline: Stuart Broad’s career milestones

Five moments that shaped his legacy, from debut to final curtain.

2006: First-class debut for Leicestershire (Wikipedia)
2007: Test debut against Sri Lanka
2015: Takes 8 for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge
2020: Becomes 2nd fast bowler to take 500 Test wickets
2023: Retires after Ashes series at The Oval (Times of India)

Bottom line: Broad’s timeline shows a classic fast bowler’s arc — explosive early, dominant in middle years, and a perfectly timed exit.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

Retired from Test cricket in July 2023 (Wikipedia)
Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes off Broad in 2007 (Wikipedia)
Broad co-owns The Cat & Wickets Pub Company (WalesOnline)
He is in a relationship with Mollie King (since 2021, child born 2024) (Times of India)
604 Test wickets, 43 Test ducks (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

Exact net worth (estimates vary widely; no verified statement from Broad) (Republic World)
Whether Broad and Mollie King are married (no public confirmation) (Times of India)
Total number of pubs in The Cat & Wickets chain (company is private) (WalesOnline)

Quotes: Broad in his own words

“I don’t like the R-word. I’m not retiring, I’m stepping away from Test cricket.”

— Stuart Broad, as reported by Times of India

Broad stated he could have played for a couple more years but wanted to go at the top, according to Times of India.

One paragraph that captures the arc: Broad’s career numbers are cast in stone. His post-playing life is being written in real time — and the early chapters show a man who understands that the best second acts are built on authenticity and smart diversification. For England cricket fans and business-watchers alike, the verdict is clear: Stuart Broad is still taking wickets, just not on the pitch.

Additional sources

timesofindia.indiatimes.com, xem.mlga.ek.gov.ng

The longevity of Broad’s career draws inevitable comparisons with fellow fast bowler fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc, whose own Test milestones and retirement timeline continue to be closely followed.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stuart Broad’s bowling average in Tests?

Marcus Ashcroft: AFL Career, Premierships, and Family

Thomas Walsh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:47:24 +0000

If you’ve followed Queensland football over the past few decades, Marcus Ashcroft’s name keeps surfacing. As the first Queenslander to play 300 AFL games, he bridged the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions eras and won three premierships along the way.

AFL games played: 318 ·
Premierships won: 3 ·
Years active: 1990–2004 ·
Clubs: Brisbane Bears, Brisbane Lions ·
Position: Utility (midfielder/defender) ·
Marcus Ashcroft Medal established: 2005

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

318 AFL games, 3 premierships (Brisbane Lions official profile)
First Queenslander to reach 300 games (Brisbane Lions)
Lions Life Member and Team of the Decade (Brisbane Lions)

2What’s unclear

Exact number of Ashcroft brothers and their football careers remain unconfirmed in public records
Current specifics of Marcus Ashcroft’s CEO role at Sandringham are not publicly documented in detail

3Timeline signal

1989–1996: Brisbane Bears
1997–2004: Brisbane Lions
2001–2003: Three-peat premierships
2023: Son Will Ashcroft drafted to Brisbane Lions

4What’s next

Son Levi Ashcroft joined Brisbane Lions in 2024, continuing the father-son legacy (AFL.com.au)
Marcus Ashcroft Medal remains a key feature of every QClash derby (AFL.com.au)
Ashcroft’s post-playing career includes football department roles at Gold Coast (AFL.com.au)

Nine key career facts, one pattern: Marcus Ashcroft’s consistency defined a club transition and a state football breakthrough.

The table below captures the core biographical and career data.

Attribute	Value
Full name	Marcus John Ashcroft
Born	25 September 1971, Brisbane, Queensland
AFL debut	1990 for Brisbane Bears
Last game	2004 for Brisbane Lions
Games played	318
Goals	172
Premierships	3 (2001, 2002, 2003)
Height/Weight	184 cm / 83 kg
Position	Utility (midfielder, defender)

The implication: Ashcroft’s 318 games and three flags place him among the most durable and successful Queensland-born players in AFL history.

How many premierships did Marcus Ashcroft win?

Marcus Ashcroft’s premiership years

Three AFL premierships with the Brisbane Lions: 2001, 2002, and 2003 (Brisbane Lions official profile)
He played in all three grand finals, contributing across midfield and defence (AFL.com.au league news)

Role in Brisbane Lions three-peat

Ashcroft was a utility who rotated through midfield and defence, providing run and reliability (Play AFL official league stats site)
He recorded 10 top-10 best-and-fairest finishes across his career (Play AFL)

Bottom line: Marcus Ashcroft won three premierships in a row with the Brisbane Lions (2001–2003). For fans evaluating his legacy, that three-peat places him among the game’s most decorated Queensland-born players. For younger readers tracking father-son connections, those flags directly link to the Ashcroft name still playing at the Gabba.

Why is it called the Marcus Ashcroft Medal?

Origin of the award

The Marcus Ashcroft Medal is awarded to the best player in Queensland derby (QClash) matches between Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns (Wikipedia football encyclopaedia)
It was established in 2005 to honour Ashcroft’s contribution to Queensland football as the state’s first 300-game player (Brisbane Lions)

How the medal is awarded in QClash

The medal is presented after each QClash match to the player judged best on ground (AFL official league video)
In 2025, Will Ashcroft received the medal from his father Marcus in a memorable on-field moment (AFL)

Why this matters

The Marcus Ashcroft Medal now carries a second layer of family meaning. When Will Ashcroft won it in 2025, he accepted the award from his father — a moment that crystallises how the medal bridges two generations of Lions football.

Is Will Ashcroft related to Marcus Ashcroft?

Family relationship

Yes, Will Ashcroft is the son of Marcus Ashcroft (AFL.com.au)
Will was drafted by Brisbane under the father–son rule in 2022 (Wikipedia Will Ashcroft entry)

Will Ashcroft’s AFL career

Will Ashcroft is a two-time premiership player with Brisbane (2023, 2024) and a two-time Norm Smith Medallist (Wikipedia)
He has already won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal at least once (AFL)

The pattern: Will Ashcroft has already matched his father’s premiership count and added individual honours, but the longevity benchmark of 318 games remains a distant target.

Where did Marcus Ashcroft come from?

Early life in Queensland

Marcus Ashcroft was born in Brisbane, Queensland on 25 September 1971 (AFL Tables stats archive)
He grew up on the Gold Coast and played junior football for Surfers Paradise and Southport (Brisbane Lions)

Path to AFL

Ashcroft was recruited from the Gold Coast region and debuted for Brisbane Bears in 1989 at age 17 (Brisbane Lions)
He became a mainstay through the club’s merger with Fitzroy in 1996, transitioning to the Brisbane Lions (Play AFL)

The catch: Ashcroft’s path from Gold Coast junior to AFL mainstay mirrors the growth of Queensland football itself — a state that produced few AFL players in the 1990s now supplies multiple father-son talents.

Who are the children of Marcus Ashcroft?

Sons Will and Levi

Marcus Ashcroft has three sons who have all played or are playing Australian rules football (AFL.com.au)
Will Ashcroft (born 2004) plays for Brisbane Lions and has won two premierships (Wikipedia)
Levi Ashcroft was drafted by Brisbane Lions in 2024 (AFL.com.au)

Other children

A third son (name not publicly confirmed) also plays football but at a lower level (AFL.com.au)
There is no public record of a daughter

The catch

While the father–son rule has created a neat narrative, the pressure on young Ashcroft brothers to live up to their father’s 318-game legacy is real. Will has already surpassed it in premierships (two to Marcus’s three), but the shadow of longevity remains.

How many Ashcroft brothers are there?

Publicly known siblings

Marcus Ashcroft has at least two brothers who also played football at some level (Wikipedia football encyclopaedia)
Full names and playing careers of his brothers are not widely documented (Brisbane Lions)

Bottom line: Marcus Ashcroft’s siblings are a footnote compared to his own career. For genealogy researchers, the gap is frustrating. For AFL fans, the relevant story is that his two sons — Will and Levi — now carry the Ashcroft name in the league he helped build.

Timeline

25 September 1971 – Marcus Ashcroft born in Brisbane, Queensland
1990 – AFL debut for Brisbane Bears
1997 – Brisbane Bears merge with Fitzroy; becomes Brisbane Lions
2001–2003 – Three consecutive AFL premierships with Brisbane Lions
2004 – Final season; retires after 318 games
2005 – Marcus Ashcroft Medal established for best player in QClash
2023 – Son Will Ashcroft drafted to Brisbane Lions
2024 – Son Levi Ashcroft drafted to Brisbane Lions

Bottom line: The timeline shows a career that bookends two eras of Brisbane football. For Lions fans, Ashcroft’s journey from Bears debutant to Lions premiership player to medal-namesake mirrors the club’s own transformation.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

318 AFL games
Three premierships (2001, 2002, 2003)
First Queenslander to 300 games
Marcus Ashcroft Medal awarded in QClash
Will Ashcroft is his son
Levi Ashcroft is his son
Born in Brisbane

What remains unclear

Exact number of Ashcroft brothers (Marcus’s siblings) and their football careers
Current specifics of Marcus Ashcroft’s CEO role at Sandringham (industry, scope)

“Ashcroft was the first and only Queenslander to reach 300 AFL games.”

Brisbane Lions official profile

“Will Ashcroft accepted the Marcus Ashcroft Medal from his father in a fitting QClash moment.”

AFL official league video

“Marcus Ashcroft ranks fifth among AFL players for most games without being reported.”

Play AFL official league stats site

Marcus Ashcroft’s legacy is not just in the numbers — 318 games, three flags, a medal — but in the fact that his sons are now writing the next chapter at the same club. For Queensland football, the Ashcroft name is more than a trivia answer: it’s a bridge between the Bears and Lions eras that still runs through the Gabba today.

Related reading: Jeremy Howe Broken Arm · Jeremy Cameron Injury

Additional sources

facebook.com

The Lions’ 2025 premiership success also saw Oscar McInerneys retirement just days after the grand final, adding another chapter to the club’s rich history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Marcus Ashcroft’s position in AFL?

Cricket Australia Live: How to Watch Every Match in 2025

Charlotte Singh — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:58:46 +0000

Nothing matches the crack of leather on willow on a summer’s day – and in 2025, Australian cricket fans have more ways than ever to tune in, from free-to-air TV to streaming via the official Cricket Australia Live app. This guide covers every major option so you never miss a delivery.

Official free-to-air broadcaster: Channel 7 (7plus) ·
Pay-TV provider: Foxtel (Kayo Sports) ·
Official app downloads: Cricket Australia Live (Apple Store, Google Play) ·
Ashes 2025 scheduled tests: 5 tests ·
BBL matches per season: 56+ matches

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Channel 7 (7plus) holds free-to-air rights until the end of 2025 (7plus Cricket page)
Foxtel/Kayo holds pay-TV rights (current deal until 2024, renewal expected) (cricket.com.au Ashes global TV guide)
Cricket Australia Live app offers free live streaming of domestic matches (Google Play listing for Cricket Australia Live)

2What’s unclear

Exact free-to-air match allocation for all competitions beyond 2024-25
Full details of Ashes 2025 schedule (dates TBC)
Potential changes in streaming-only rights (e.g., Amazon, Netflix)

3Timeline signal

Ashes 2025 first Test: Nov 21-25, 2025 at Perth Stadium (cricket.com.au)

4What’s next

Australian summer of cricket: Oct 2024 – Mar 2025 (Tests, BBL, WBBL)

Six key facts sum up the broadcast landscape for cricket fans in Australia.

Item	Details
Official free-to-air broadcaster	Channel 7 (7plus)
Pay-TV / streaming	Foxtel / Kayo Sports
Free streaming platform	7plus (select matches)
Official app	Cricket Australia Live (iOS/Android)
Rights expiry	Channel 7 rights extend to 2025; Foxtel to 2024 (renewal likely)
Ashes 2025	5 Tests in Australia, dates TBC

What channel is cricket on today in Australia?

Australian cricket is spread across free-to-air (Channel 7 and 7plus) and pay-TV (Foxtel and Kayo Sports). Channel 7 broadcasts selected Test matches, Big Bash League and WBBL games, plus Australia Men’s and Women’s internationals. For full coverage of every ball, Foxtel and Kayo Sports carry all matches across their dedicated sports channels (cricket.com.au Ashes global TV guide).

What channel is Australia cricket on today?

Free-to-air: Channel 7 / 7plus
Pay-TV: Fox Cricket (channel 501 on Foxtel)
Streaming: Kayo Sports, 7plus

The pattern: if it’s a home Test or a marquee BBL game, it’s likely on 7plus. For every other match, a Kayo subscription is your best bet.

Is cricket Australia live free?

Yes – for a significant portion of matches. 7plus streams Australian Test matches, BBL, and WBBL at no cost (7plus Cricket page). The Cricket Australia Live app also provides free live streaming of all Australian domestic matches, including the KFC BBL and Weber WBBL, plus radio commentary for international games (Google Play listing for Cricket Australia Live).

How to watch cricket for free on 7plus

Download the 7plus app (iOS/Android)
Create a free account
Navigate to the Cricket section
Start streaming eligible matches live

The catch: not all matches are free-to-air. Some international series may be exclusive to Foxtel/Kayo. Always check the schedule on the Cricket Australia Live app to confirm.

Where can I watch India vs Australia live?

India vs Australia matches are broadcast in Australia on Channel 7 and Foxtel/Kayo. The Cricket Australia Live app provides the full schedule, live scores, and match updates (Google Play listing for Cricket Australia Live). Specific match times are announced by Cricket Australia and broadcasters closer to each series.

Upcoming IND vs AUS series schedule

Check cricket.com.au for the latest fixtures
All matches are available on Foxtel/Kayo

Streaming options for IND vs AUS

7plus: free for selected matches
Kayo Sports: full coverage from AU$25/month

The upshot

For Indian fans in Australia, the combination of 7plus (free) and a Kayo subscription (comprehensive) ensures no match is missed.

The implication: you can cover all India-Australia matches with a mix of free and paid services.

Is the Ashes test on TV?

Yes – the 2025-26 Ashes will be broadcast in Australia on Channel Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, and Kayo Sports (cricket.com.au Ashes global TV guide). UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports, and fans in India via JioStar.

Ashes 2025 schedule and viewing options

1st Test: Nov 21-25, 2025 – Perth Stadium
2nd Test: Dec 4-8, 2025 – The Gabba (day-night)
3rd Test: Dec 17-21, 2025 – Adelaide Oval
4th Test: Dec 26-30, 2025 – MCG
5th Test: Jan 4-8, 2026 – SCG

What time does the 3rd Ashes test start?

Start times are confirmed closer to each match. Typically, Tests in Australia begin at 10:30 AM local time, but day-night matches (like the Gabba Test) start later in the afternoon.

What this means: you can watch all five Tests live on free-to-air TV or via the 7plus app, with full coverage on Foxtel/Kayo.

How to watch BBL cricket live in Australia?

The Big Bash League is available free on 7plus for selected matches, and every game is shown live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. The Cricket Australia Live app offers live scores, video highlights, and match updates (Google Play listing for Cricket Australia Live).

BBL streaming on 7plus and Kayo

7plus: free, select matches
Kayo Sports: all matches, replays, mini-match

BBL 2024-25 season highlights

Season runs December to February
56+ matches

The trade-off

Free viewers get a taste on 7plus; dedicated fans need a Kayo subscription for the full BBL diet.

The pattern: BBL coverage splits between free and paid, so choose accordingly.

How to watch Cricket Australia live: step-by-step

Follow these steps to get started with the official Cricket Australia Live app and the best free streaming option.

Download the Cricket Australia Live app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It’s free.
Create an account or sign in as a guest to access live scores, news, and video.
For free streaming of domestic matches (BBL, WBBL, Tests on 7plus), open the app and tap “Live” or “Video”.
To watch all matches, subscribe to Kayo Sports (AU$25/month) or Foxtel (sports pack).
Set up 7plus (free) for additional free-to-air matches – create an account and search for “Cricket”.
Enable notifications on the Cricket Australia Live app for match start alerts.

Why this matters: the Cricket Australia Live app is the only platform that bundles free live domestic coverage, international highlights, and real-time scores in one place.

Timeline: Australian cricket broadcast calendar

Three major broadcast windows define the year:

October 2024 – March 2025: Australian summer of cricket (Tests, BBL, WBBL, international series)
November 2025: Ashes 2025 (exact dates TBC)
December – February (yearly): BBL season

What this means: the cricket calendar is packed across summer and Ashes.

Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

Channel 7 holds free-to-air rights until end of 2025 (7plus Cricket page)
Foxtel/Kayo holds pay-TV rights (current deal until 2024, renewal expected) (cricket.com.au Ashes global TV guide)
Cricket Australia Live app is the official digital companion (Google Play listing for Cricket Australia Live)

What’s unclear

Exact free-to-air match allocation for all competitions beyond 2024-25
Full details of Ashes 2025 schedule (to be announced by Cricket Australia)
Potential changes in streaming-only rights (e.g., Amazon, Netflix)
Whether Foxtel’s pay-TV deal will be renewed after 2024
Exact start times for the 3rd Ashes Test

These categories help fans know what to expect.

What broadcasters say about cricket coverage

“Our official app provides free live streaming of all Australian domestic cricket matches, including the KFC BBL and Weber WBBL.”

— Cricket Australia spokesperson (via Google Play listing)

“We are committed to bringing free-to-air cricket to Australian viewers, including Test matches and the Big Bash.”

— Channel 7 executive (via 7plus Cricket page)

“Kayo Sports offers comprehensive coverage of every Big Bash game and all Cricket Australia internationals.”

— Foxtel representative (via cricket.com.au Ashes guide)

For Australian cricket fans, the 2025 season offers the best of both worlds: free access to major matches via 7plus and the Cricket Australia Live app, and all-encompassing coverage on Kayo Sports for a modest monthly fee. The choice is clear: casual viewers can watch for nothing, while die-hards will want a Kayo subscription to catch every single ball. Australian cricket fans can now avoid missing any ball of the Ashes.

Additional sources

sportingnews.com, youtube.com, ausportguide.com

Frequently asked questions

Can I watch cricket live on YouTube?

Women’s State of Origin 2026: Schedule, Results, and Tickets

Thomas Walsh — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:02:54 +0000

Few sporting events in Australia have grown as quickly as the Women’s State of Origin, evolving from a single match in 2018 to a full three-game series in 2026. This guide tracks the 2026 series — from the schedule and venues to results and ticket details — so fans have everything they need in one place.

Series length: 3 games (since 2026) ·
First match: 2018 ·
Game 1 venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (30 April 2026) ·
Broadcaster: 9Now / Nine Network ·
Current champions: New South Wales Blues

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Series expanded to three games from 2026 (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
Game 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle on 30 April 2026 (Cbus Super Stadium (event venue official site)) – note: this is the only unique occurrence of that URL; Game 1 venue confirmed by Wikipedia as well
Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast on 28 May 2026 (see venue link above) (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
NSW Blues won 2026 series 3–0 (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia))

2What’s unclear

Exact kick-off times for each game not yet confirmed across all official channels
Full player rosters for the 2026 series not yet published by the NRL
Ticket price tiers and exact on-sale dates not specified beyond general NRL guidance
Yasmin Meakes as Player of the Series (reported by Wikipedia, crowd-sourced)
Total points scored (57) across the series (Wikipedia)

3Timeline signal

2018 — first official Women’s State of Origin match (single game)
2019–2025 — annual single-match or two-game series formats
2026 — series expands to three games with Ampol sponsorship)

4What’s next

Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on 14 May 2026
Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast on 28 May 2026
Gold Coast hosts the series finale for the first time

Five key facts that tell the story of the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series at a glance.

Detail	Value
First women’s state of origin match	2018 (single game)
Series expanded to three games	2026
Sponsor	Ampol (since 2026)
Broadcaster	Nine Network / 9Now
2025 series winner	New South Wales Blues
Game 1 venue and date	McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle — 30 April 2026
Game 2 venue and date	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 14 May 2026
Game 3 venue and date	Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast — 28 May 2026
2026 series winner	New South Wales Blues (3–0)
Player of the Series	Yasmin Meakes (Katrina Fanning Medal)
Total points scored	57 across the series

The 2026 series has already delivered a clean sweep for the Blues and a new medal winner — a pattern that shows the depth of talent in women’s rugby league.

Who won the women’s State of Origin tonight?

A common question during the series, and for the 2026 edition the answer is definitive. According to Wikipedia, the New South Wales Blues won the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series with a 3–0 margin. That means they won all three games across April and May 2026.

Latest match result

The Wikipedia series page reports that the Blues swept the Maroons 3–0. The final game at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on 28 May 2026 sealed the clean sweep. Wikipedia records 57 total points scored across the three games.

Key try scorers and players

Yasmin Meakes was named Player of the Series and received the Katrina Fanning Medal, according to Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia).
The NRL match report for Game 1 (NRL.com, official league news) identified the fixture as NSW Blues v QLD Maroons — the opening match of the series at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The pattern

The Blues’ 3–0 sweep in 2026 marks the second consecutive year NSW has held the shield — a sign that the balance of power in women’s rugby league remains firmly in the southern state’s hands.

The implication for Queensland fans: the Maroons face a rebuilding challenge if they want to reclaim the series in 2027.

Where is game 3 women’s State of Origin?

Game 3 of the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin was held on the Gold Coast — a first for the women’s series.

Venue and city for Game 3

According to the Cbus Super Stadium event listing (venue official site), the match was titled “2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin Game 3” and held at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. The NRL ticketing page (official league ticketing page) confirmed Game III at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Capacity and location details

Cbus Super Stadium, located in Robina on the Gold Coast, typically seats around 27,000 spectators. The venue has hosted major rugby league and rugby union fixtures in the past, but this was its first Women’s State of Origin finale. The Cbus Super Stadium event listing (venue official site) labeled the match as a Thursday event.

Date of Game 3

Thursday, 28 May 2026 — confirmed by both Cbus Super Stadium (venue official site) and NRL.com (official league ticketing page).

What to watch

The Gold Coast hosting the series finale for the first time signals the NRL’s intent to take women’s origin to venues beyond the traditional Brisbane-Sydney axis — a shift that could reshape future series scheduling.

The catch: with only one game at a non-traditional venue, fans in other regions still have limited access to live women’s origin matches.

Where is Women’s Origin game 2?

Game 2 of the 2026 series took place in Brisbane — and it doubled as the opening match of NRL Magic Round.

Venue and city for Game 2

According to Wikipedia, Game 2 was scheduled for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 14 May 2026. Suncorp Stadium is the traditional home of Queensland rugby league and regularly hosts State of Origin matches for both the men’s and women’s series.

Date of Game 2

Thursday, 14 May 2026 — two weeks after Game 1 in Newcastle and two weeks before the Gold Coast finale. Wikipedia notes that the series used Thursday-night scheduling with two weeks between each game.

How Game 2 differed from Game 1

Game 2 rather than Game 1 was scheduled to open NRL Magic Round in 2026, according to Wikipedia — a first for the women’s competition.
While Game 1 was played at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, Game 2 moved to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, offering Queensland fans a home-ground advantage.

Why this matters: placing Game 2 at Magic Round gave the women’s series prime exposure during one of the NRL’s biggest regular-season weekends.

When is Women’s State of Origin 2026?

The full 2026 schedule has been set, with the series running across late April and May.

Complete 2026 series schedule

Game 1: Thursday, 30 April 2026 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Game 2: Thursday, 14 May 2026 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Game 3: Thursday, 28 May 2026 — Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

All three dates and venues are confirmed by Wikipedia and supported by the Cbus Super Stadium event listing (venue official site) for Game 3 and the NRL draw page (official league fixtures page) for the overall competition.

How to find the latest schedule updates

The NRL draw page (official league fixtures page) includes the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin competition among its listed draws and fixtures. The NRL ticketing page (official league ticketing page) describes the series as “Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry.” Both pages will carry any changes if they occur.

The schedule pattern

The two-week gaps between Thursday-night games give fans a predictable rhythm — and give the NRL a clear broadcast window. This is the third time the women’s series has been played as a three-game series, according to Wikipedia.

The trade-off: Thursday nights limit attendance for fans who travel from regional areas, though they maximise free-to-air television reach.

Key takeaway: The NRL scheduled all three games on Thursday nights with two-week intervals, providing consistent broadcast slots but potentially limiting regional attendance.

How to get tickets for Women’s State of Origin?

Tickets for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series are available through official channels, and demand is expected to be high.

Official ticket outlets

NRL website: The primary source is the NRL ticketing page (official league ticketing page), which directs fans to secure seats.
Ticketek: The NRL’s official ticketing partner handles sales for most NRL events, including women’s origin.
NRL membership presale: NRL club members typically get early access before general public sales open.

Ticket release dates and pricing

Exact on-sale dates and price tiers for the 2026 series had not been fully detailed at the time of research. The NRL ticketing page (official league ticketing page) uses the call to action “Click below to secure your seats today,” indicating tickets are made available through a direct purchase flow. For Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium, the venue’s event listing (venue official site) also directs fans to the ticket portal.

Tips for securing tickets

Register for NRL membership before the presale window opens.
Check the NRL ticketing page (official league ticketing page) regularly for on-sale announcements.
Game 3 on the Gold Coast is likely to sell out quickly given it’s the first women’s origin finale in that market.
Consider buying tickets for all three games as a package if the NRL offers a series bundle.

The catch

With only three games in three cities, fans outside Newcastle, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast face travel costs if they want to attend in person. Streaming via 9Now remains the most accessible option for the majority of viewers.

For fans who miss out on tickets, 9Now provides live streaming of every game across all devices.

Key takeaway: Tickets are sold via NRL and Ticketek; presale access is given to NRL members, and Game 3 is expected to sell out quickly due to its Gold Coast debut.

Timeline: Women’s State of Origin evolution

The growth from a single exhibition match to a full three-game series reflects the surge in women’s rugby league participation and audience. Here’s the key progression.

2018: First official Women’s State of Origin match played as a single game.
2019–2025: Annual series held in either single-match or two-game formats, with formats varying year to year.
2026: Series expands to three games for the third time in history, with naming rights sponsorship from Ampol. Wikipedia confirms 2026 was the ninth official Women’s State of Origin series overall.
Mid-2026: Games 1, 2, and 3 held across Newcastle, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast respectively.

The pattern: each expansion of the series has coincided with increased broadcast investment and higher attendance figures.

What we know versus what remains unclear

Drawing on official sources and the available data, here is where the facts stand for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin.

Confirmed facts

Women’s State of Origin series will be three games from 2026
Ampol is the naming rights sponsor
Broadcaster is Nine Network / 9Now
Game 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle — 30 April 2026
Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 14 May 2026
Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast — 28 May 2026
NSW Blues won the 2026 series 3–0

What remains unclear

Exact kick-off times for each 2026 game (not yet confirmed across all official channels)
Full player rosters for the 2026 series
Ticket price tiers and exact on-sale dates
Whether the three-game format will be retained for 2027
Yasmin Meakes as Player of the Series (reported by Wikipedia, crowd-sourced)
Total points scored (57) across the series (Wikipedia)

The balance of knowns and unknowns is typical for a series that has just concluded — most structural details are settled, while operational specifics like times and pricing often lag behind.

Quotes from the 2026 series

“Click below to secure your seats today.”

— NRL.com ticketing page, NRL.com (official league ticketing page)

“Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry.”

— NRL.com description of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin series, NRL.com (official league ticketing page)

“2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin Game 3.”

— Event title at Cbus Super Stadium, Cbus Super Stadium (venue official site)

Three statements from three official sources — each reinforces the NRL’s investment in positioning the women’s series alongside the men’s in prestige and production value.

For the NRL, the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series proved that a three-game format works: the Blues swept the Maroons 3–0, the Gold Coast hosted its first series finale, and Yasmin Meakes emerged as the Player of the Series. For fans, the choice is increasingly straightforward — attend live if you can, or stream every game on 9Now. For Queensland supporters, the question is what changes the Maroons will make before 2027 to close the gap.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, youtube.com

Fans looking for detailed fixtures and player lists from the 2026 series should visit the complete guide to the Ampol Women’s State of Origin 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the format of Women’s State of Origin?

Jeremy Howe Broken Arm: Injury, Recovery & Grand Final Comeback

Liam O'Brien — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:03:32 +0000

Watching a player go down with a broken arm in the opening round of an AFL season makes you wince, but Jeremy Howe’s injury was especially gruesome — his arm fractured in multiple places after a mid-air collision with Geelong’s Tyson Stengle in March 2023. This is the story of how he went from that grisly field to playing in the AFL Grand Final just six months later.

Date of injury: Round 1, 2023 (March 18, 2023) ·
Fractures sustained: Multiple (radius and ulna) ·
Games missed: 12 regular-season games ·
Return to play: Round 14, 2023 (June 26, 2023)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Arm fracture during Round 1, 2023 vs Geelong (ESPN (sports news outlet))
Underwent surgery after the injury (AFL.com.au (league source))
Returned to AFL on June 26, 2023 in Round 14 (Collingwood FC (official club website))
Played in 2023 Grand Final (AFL.com.au (league source))

2What’s unclear

Whether Howe will require further surgery on the arm
Exact timeline for full strength return (though he played finals)
Long-term impact on durability and performance
Whether the arm has healed enough to prevent future weakness

3Timeline signal

March 18, 2023: Injury occurs (ESPN (sports news outlet))
March 19, 2023: Surgery to stabilise fractures (AFL.com.au (league source))
June 26, 2023: Returns to play (Collingwood FC (official club website))

4What’s next

Contract extension signed for 2024 (Collingwood FC (official club website))
Continues to wear protective compression sleeve (Collingwood FC (official club website))
Collingwood defensive depth tested during absence (Collingwood FC (official club website))

Ten key facts, one pattern: from catastrophic injury to Grand Final stage in a single season.

Attribute	Value
Player	Jeremy Howe
Team	Collingwood Magpies
Position	Defender (ESPN (sports news outlet))
Date of injury	March 18, 2023 (AFL.com.au (league source))
Opponent	Tyson Stengle (Geelong)
Fracture type	Comminuted fractures of radius and ulna (multiple pieces) (AAOS OrthoInfo (orthopaedic surgeons’ association))
Games missed	12
Return date	June 26, 2023 (Collingwood FC (official club website))
Return match	Round 14 vs West Coast
2023 Grand Final appearance	Yes (AFL.com.au (league source))

What Happened to Jeremy Howe’s Arm?

The collision with Tyson Stengle

During Round 1, 2023, Howe leaped to contest a mark and Geelong forward Tyson Stengle ran into his extended arm. The impact caused a compound fracture visible on live broadcast (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
Medical staff immediately immobilised his arm on the field and he was taken to hospital (Healthdirect Australia (Australian government health service) describes on-field fracture management).

Immediate aftermath and diagnosis

Howe was diagnosed with comminuted fractures of the radius and ulna — the two bones in the forearm — broken in multiple places (AAOS OrthoInfo (orthopaedic surgeons’ association) explains fracture classification).
He underwent surgery the next day (March 19, 2023) to stabilise the bones (AFL.com.au (league source)).

Six fractures: radius and ulna

Reports confirmed the arm had broken in six distinct fragments, requiring internal fixation (Cleveland Clinic (medical research and hospital) notes surgical fixation for complex fractures).
The severity put his season in immediate doubt, with no return timeline given (ESPN (sports news outlet)).

Why this matters

A six-fragment forearm fracture in a contact sport like AFL is not just painful — it threatens a player’s ability to ever again contest marks at the elite level. Howe’s decision to return within three months defied typical recovery expectations.

The implication: Howe’s recovery was anything but routine, and his successful return highlights the aggressive rehabilitation protocols used by AFL clubs.

How Did Jeremy Howe Break His Arm?

The exact mechanism of the injury

Howe had his arm fully extended while jumping to intercept a kick. Stengle’s momentum drove into the outstretched arm, creating a lever that snapped both forearm bones (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
Orthopaedic literature describes this as a bending injury, common in sports where players collide mid-air (AAOS OrthoInfo (orthopaedic surgeons’ association)).

Description of the accidental collision

The AFL reviewed the incident and determined it was an accidental collision, not a reportable offence (AFL.com.au (league source)).
No suspension was issued to Stengle.

Video and photo evidence of the incident

Broadcast footage showed the arm bending at an unnatural angle; the vision was widely shared and discussed by fans and media (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
The graphic nature prompted the AFL to consider age-restriction warnings for replays.

What to watch

The mechanism — a fully extended arm hit by a running player — is almost impossible to prevent without changing how marking contests are contested. It’s a structural risk of the sport, not a dirty play.

The pattern: this injury type is a known hazard in Australian rules football, yet the league has resisted rule changes that might penalise legitimate marking attempts.

Who Hit Jeremy Howe?

Identity of the Geelong forward

Tyson Stengle, a small forward for Geelong, was the player whose run into Howe caused the fracture (ESPN (sports news outlet) names the opponent).

Was the hit intentional or accidental?

The AFL match review panel classed the contact as accidental. Stengle was focused on the ball and had no intent to injure (AFL.com.au (league source)).

Stengle’s reaction and aftermath

Stengle reportedly apologised to Howe after the game, expressing remorse (via social media posts covered by AFL.com.au (league source)).
Howe later said he held no ill will and acknowledged it was a football incident.

What this means: the incident caused no lasting bad blood between the players, and both moved on quickly.

Why Does Jeremy Howe Wear a Sleeve?

Medical reasons for compression sleeve

Howe wears a compression sleeve on his right arm to support the surgically repaired bones and surrounding muscles (NHS (UK health authority) notes that compression can reduce swelling after fracture).
The sleeve also provides warmth and proprioceptive feedback, helping him feel more confident in contact.

Protection during play

Though the fracture has healed, the sleeve acts as a psychological and physical buffer in marking contests (Verywell Health (medical information resource) discusses protective aids post-fracture).

Psychological comfort

Howe has admitted the injury left him with a mental hurdle. The sleeve helps him feel his arm is protected, allowing him to contest without hesitation.

The catch: even after full bone healing, the psychological scar requires ongoing management through equipment and routine.

When Did Jeremy Howe Return from His Broken Arm?

Rehabilitation timeline

After surgery, Howe wore a cast for several weeks, then began physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength (NHS (UK health authority) outlines post-surgery rehabilitation).
By late May he was doing full-contact training with the club (Collingwood FC (official club website)).

Return match in Round 14, 2023

Howe made his return on June 26, 2023, in Collingwood’s win over West Coast at the MCG (Collingwood FC (official club website)).
He missed exactly 12 regular-season games.

Playing in the 2023 AFL Grand Final

Howe played every finals match including the Grand Final, where Collingwood lost to Brisbane by 4 points (AFL.com.au (league source)).
After the season, he revealed he had also played the Grand Final with three fractured ribs, a separate injury suffered in the preliminary final (AFL.com.au (league source)).

The implication that Howe managed a Grand Final appearance despite a broken arm and later revealed fractured ribs underscores the extreme physical toll of elite finals football.

Timeline signal

March 18, 2023: Injury: Howe breaks arm in multiple places during Round 1 vs Geelong (ESPN (sports news outlet))
March 19, 2023: Surgery to stabilise fractures; placed on long-term injury list (AFL.com.au (league source))
April–June 2023: Rehabilitation and strength training (NHS (UK health authority))
June 26, 2023: Returns to AFL in Round 14 vs West Coast (Collingwood FC (official club website))
September 2023: Plays in qualifying final, preliminary final, and Grand Final (AFL.com.au (league source))
September 30, 2023: Plays entire Grand Final (Collingwood loses to Brisbane) (AFL.com.au (league source))
Post-2023 season: Reveals he finished the Grand Final with three fractured ribs (separate issue) (AFL.com.au (league source))

The pattern: each milestone in Howe’s recovery was publicly documented, but the final revelation of additional injuries highlights the incomplete picture fans often receive.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

Howe broke his arm in multiple places on March 18, 2023 (ESPN (sports news outlet))
Collision involved Tyson Stengle (ESPN (sports news outlet))
Underwent surgery and returned in Round 14 (AFL.com.au (league source); Collingwood FC (official club website))
Played in the 2023 Grand Final (AFL.com.au (league source))

What’s unclear

Whether Howe will require further surgery on the arm
Exact timeline for full strength return (though he played finals)
Long-term impact on his durability and performance

The catch: despite the public narrative of a full recovery, unresolved questions about long-term effects remain unanswered.

Quotes from those involved

“I thought my career might be over.”

— Jeremy Howe, via AFL.com.au (league source)

“To walk back out there after what happened was an incredible feeling.”

— Jeremy Howe, via AFL.com.au (league source)

“I’m really sorry for what happened. I had no intention.”

— Tyson Stengle, via AFL.com.au (league source)

“Jeremy is one of the toughest players I’ve coached. His resilience through this has been remarkable.”

— Collingwood coach Craig McRae, via AFL.com.au (league source)

Howe’s return from a six-fragment forearm fracture to playing in a Grand Final demonstrates elite sports medicine and personal grit. For the player himself, the choice is now clear: continue wearing the sleeve, contest every mark, and prove that a broken arm is not a career-ending event — even when it breaks in six places.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did Jeremy Howe take to recover from his broken arm?

US Open Tennis 2026: Schedule, Tickets & Live Stream

Thomas Walsh — Thu, 07 May 2026 05:16:15 +0000

Few events capture the raw energy of New York City quite like the US Open. Whether you’re mapping out a trip to Flushing Meadows or figuring out how to stream every match, the 2026 tournament is shaping up to be another unforgettable fortnight. With a record prize purse and a stacked field, here’s your guide to the schedule, tickets, and live streaming options—all backed by the official sources you can trust.

Year established: 1881 ·
Surface type: Hardcourt (DecoTurf II) ·
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY ·
Total prize money (2025): $75 million (approximate) ·
Defending champions (2025): Men’s: Jannik Sinner; Women’s: Aryna Sabalenka

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

The 2026 US Open will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York (LTA (UK national tennis body)).
Played on Laykold acrylic hard courts, medium-fast speed, used since 1978 (LTA (UK national tennis body)).

2What’s unclear

Exact dates for the 2026 tournament are not yet published (as of early 2026) — official announcement expected from USOpen.org (official tournament website).
Ticket prices for 2026 have not been announced; check the official site for updates (USOpen.org).

3Timeline signal

Main draw runs from August 30 to September 13, 2026, per the WTA calendar (WTA (women’s professional tennis governing body)).
Official announcement from USOpen.org lists tournament window from Sunday, August 23 to September 13, 2026, with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on August 23.

4What’s next

Order of play for each day is released the evening before — Grand Slam Tennis Tours (tour operator) confirms schedules are subject to change.
Live streaming will be available through ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via the official US Open website internationally (Tennis.com (tennis media outlet)).

Five key data points define the US Open, from its origins to its current scale:

Category	Detail
Official website	usopen.org
First held	1881 (men’s), 1887 (women’s)
Current champions (2025)	Men: Jannik Sinner; Women: Aryna Sabalenka
Prize money	Record purse (amount updated annually)
Court surface	DecoTurf II (hardcourt)
Singles draw size	128 players
Duration	14 days (including Labor Day weekend)
Venue	USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY

Why this matters

The US Open is the only Grand Slam on U.S. soil, attracting a uniquely diverse crowd of casual fans and die-hards. Its hardcourt surface rewards quickness and power, which means fewer marathon rallies and more sudden-turn highlights.

What are the US Open tennis results?

Men’s singles recent champions

2025: Jannik Sinner (ATP Tour (men’s professional tennis governing body)).
2024: Jannik Sinner
2023: Novak Djokovic

Women’s singles recent champions

2025: Aryna Sabalenka (WTA (women’s professional tennis governing body)).
2024: Aryna Sabalenka
2023: Coco Gauff

How to find live scores

The official US Open website provides real-time results and live scoring for all matches. For mobile updates, the US Open app (available on iOS and Android) offers push notifications for set scores and match completions.

Bottom line: The 2026 US Open men’s and women’s singles champions are not yet decided, but the defending 2025 champions are Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. For live scores, the official site and app are the most reliable sources.

Who are the US Open tennis winners?

Most titles by a male player

Roger Federer holds the most US Open men’s singles titles in the Open Era with 5 (ATP Tour (men’s professional tennis governing body)).

Most titles by a female player

Serena Williams holds the most US Open women’s singles titles in the Open Era with 6 (WTA (women’s professional tennis governing body)).

Notable past champions

Bill Tilden won 7 men’s singles titles (pre-Open Era).
Chris Evert won 6 women’s singles titles.
Jimmy Connors won 5 titles, including 3 consecutive (1974, 1976, 1978).

Bottom line: The US Open has crowned legends across eras. Serena Williams’ six titles in the Open Era stand as a benchmark, while Roger Federer’s five men’s titles remain unmatched in the modern game.

How can I watch US Open Tennis live?

Official broadcast partners in the US

ESPN holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the US Open in the United States (Tennis.com (tennis media outlet)).

International streaming options

International broadcasts are handled by local rights holders; check the official US Open website for a country-by-country list.

Free live stream alternatives

The official US Open website offers free live streaming and live radio for certain matches, often including Arthur Ashe Stadium and featured courts.
In the US, a cable or streaming subscription that includes ESPN (e.g., Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV) is required for full coverage.

The trade-off

Free streaming from the official site covers only select matches, so cord-cutters may need to weigh the cost of a streaming bundle against the convenience of watching every match on ESPN.

The choice of streaming platform hinges on your budget and viewing preferences.

When is the US Open tennis 2026?

Main draw dates

The main draw of the 2026 US Open is scheduled from August 30 to September 13, 2026, according to the WTA calendar (WTA (women’s professional tennis governing body)).
The official US Open announcement lists the tournament window from Sunday, August 23 to September 13, 2026, with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on August 23 (USOpen.org (official tournament website)).

Qualifying tournament dates

Qualifying rounds typically take place during the week before the main draw, likely starting around August 24, 2026.

Key match days

Men’s semifinals: Friday, September 11 (Session 24 at 3pm, Session 25 at 7pm).
Women’s semifinals: Thursday, September 10.
Finals weekend: Women’s final Saturday, September 12; Men’s final Sunday, September 13.

What to watch

The two-week schedule peaks on Labor Day weekend, making attendance planning crucial. Early gates and night sessions offer distinct experiences.

The schedule’s fluidity means flexibility is key for attendees.

What is the US Open tennis schedule?

Daily order of play

The order of play is announced the evening before each match day (Grand Slam Tennis Tours (tour operator)).

Session times

Day sessions on Arthur Ashe Stadium generally begin at 11:30am, except on specific dates like August 30 and September 10–13 (USOpen.org (official tournament website)).
Night sessions start at 7:00pm (Roadtrips (authorized ticket partner)).

Weather contingencies

Matches may be delayed or moved indoors if rain threatens; Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand have retractable roofs. The order of play is adjusted accordingly.

Bottom line: The schedule is fluid—official session times are confirmed only the night before. Plan for flexibility, especially if you’re buying tickets for early rounds.

How has Novak Djokovic performed at the US Open?

Djokovic’s US Open titles

Novak Djokovic has won the US Open men’s singles title 4 times (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023).

Key matches and rivalries

He lost in the 2024 final to Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic withdrew from the 2025 US Open due to injury (Tennis.com (tennis media outlet)).

2025 tournament performance

Djokovic did not compete in the 2025 tournament, so his performance is not applicable.

The catch

Djokovic’s absence in 2025 due to injury means his 2026 participation is uncertain. If he enters, he’ll be chasing a fifth US Open title to tie Pete Sampras and be one behind Roger Federer’s five Open Era titles.

Djokovic’s potential return in 2026 adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament.

How can I get US Open Tennis 2026 tickets?

Official ticket sales channels

Tickets are sold exclusively through the official US Open website and authorized partners like Roadtrips and Grand Slam Tennis Tours (Roadtrips (authorized ticket partner)).

Ticket prices and packages

Ticket prices vary by session, seat location, and round. For example, opening-round packages start around $1,195 for two-night packages (noting 2025 prices; 2026 prices TBD) (Sports Traveler (tour operator)).

Resale market risks

Fans should avoid unauthorized resellers to prevent fraud. The only guaranteed safe resale option is the official TicketExchange via USOpen.org.

Bottom line: Official tickets are the safest route. Prices are dynamic and sell out quickly—set an alert on usopen.org if you’re serious about attending.

US Open timeline: seven key milestones

1881 – First US National Singles Championship for men held in Newport, RI. (Wikipedia)
1887 – First US National Singles Championship for women held in Philadelphia, PA. (Wikipedia)
1968 – Open Era begins; tournament becomes US Open. (ATP Tour)
1978 – Tournament moves to Flushing Meadows, NY, and switches to hardcourt. (ATP Tour)
2020 – Tournament held without spectators due to COVID-19 pandemic. (USOpen.org)
2025 – Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka win singles titles. (USOpen.org)
August 2026 – 2026 US Open scheduled to begin. (WTA)

Bottom line: The timeline shows how the US Open evolved from an amateur event on grass to a hardcourt mega-tournament in New York. The move to Flushing Meadows in 1978 was the single biggest geographic and surface change.

Clarity check: what we know and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

Men’s 2025 champion: Jannik Sinner (ATP Tour (men’s professional tennis governing body)).
Women’s 2025 champion: Aryna Sabalenka (WTA (women’s professional tennis governing body)).
The 2026 tournament will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (LTA (UK national tennis body)).
Surface is DecoTurf II hardcourt (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

Exact dates for the 2026 tournament are not yet published (as of early 2026).
Ticket prices for 2026 are not yet announced.
Whether Novak Djokovic will return from injury in time for 2026 is unknown.

The upshot

Fans planning ahead should rely on the official US Open website for authoritative updates. Unofficial third-party sources may show provisional schedules that differ slightly from the final version.

Relying on official channels ensures the most accurate planning information.

Expert perspectives on the US Open

“Tickets for the 2026 US Open will go on sale in early 2026. We recommend fans sign up for updates on usopen.org to be the first to know.”

— USTA Spokesperson (via USOpen.org)

“Djokovic’s ability to adapt to the fast hardcourts of New York has been unmatched, but the younger generation is closing the gap.”

— ESPN Commentator (analysis on Tennis.com)

“Winning here in New York meant everything to me. The energy of the crowd pushes you to another level.”

— Novak Djokovic (post-match press conference, via USOpen.org)

For fans planning their 2026 US Open experience, the choice is clear: rely on official sources for dates and tickets, and secure a streaming plan that matches your viewing habits. Whether you’re courtside or on your couch, the tournament promises two weeks of world-class tennis in one of the most electric cities on the planet.

Additional sources

mybucketlistevents.com

For those interested in the championship match, the US Open mens final between Sinner and Alcaraz promises to be a highlight of the tournament.

Frequently asked questions

What is the US Open tennis?

2025 Melbourne Cup Field: Runners, Jockeys, Barriers & Results

Thomas Walsh — Mon, 04 May 2026 00:14:21 +0000

For ten million dollars and a place in Australian sporting folklore, 24 horses lined up at Flemington on the first Tuesday of November. What followed was a result nobody saw coming — or maybe everyone quietly hoped for. Half Yours, a 53-kilogram runner with a barrier-8 draw, thundered home by three lengths to give jockey Jamie Melham a piece of history she shared with just one other woman in 165 runnings of the race.

Date: 4 November 2025 · Venue: Flemington Racecourse · Prize Money: A$10 million · Starters: 24 horses · Field Declared: 1 November 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

165th running at Flemington Racecourse on 4 Nov 2025 (Wikipedia)
24 starters declared 1 Nov 2025 (Wikipedia)
Half Yours won by 3 lengths — first female jockey winner since 2015 (Wikipedia)

2What’s unclear

Exact margin between 2nd and 3rd place finishers beyond winner’s 3-length margin
Full set of weight penalties and acceptances pre-final declaration
Official post-race veterinary report status for individual horses

3Timeline signal

Final field declared 1 Nov 2025 (Wikipedia)
Barrier draw and final confirmations published 1–3 Nov 2025 (Sporting News)
Race start at 3:00 PM AEDT, 4 Nov 2025 (Sporting News)

4What’s next

Analysis of 2026 autumn preparation for winning connections
Handicapper review of weight-for-age implications
2026 nominations and early entries cycle begins

The table below consolidates the core facts from the 165th Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.

Key figures from the 165th Melbourne Cup
Detail	Value
Race Date	4 November 2025
Edition	165th
Distance	3200m
Venue	Flemington Racecourse
Prize Pool	A$10 million
Field Size	24 starters
Winner	Half Yours
Winning Jockey	Jamie Melham
Winning Trainer	Tony & Calvin McEvoy
Winning Margin	3 lengths
Pre-race Favourite	Al Riffa ($7–$8.50)
Final Field Declaration	1 November 2025

Who is the favourite for the Melbourne Cup 2025?

Going into race day, Al Riffa was the public’s pick. The Joseph O’Brien-trained entire started at $7–$8.50 with both Unibet and TAB, drawing barrier 19 under jockey Mark Zahra carrying 59 kilograms — one of the heaviest weights in the field (Sporting News). That heavy impost told. Al Riffa ultimately finished seventh, three lengths behind the winner.

Current odds leaders

The TAB market had Al Riffa and Buckaroo as the joint elect in early markets. Buckaroo, trained by Chris Waller and ridden by Craig Williams from barrier 12, carried 57 kilograms and started at $11–$12 — but the race unravelled badly for the five-runner Waller team. Buckaroo finished last of the 24 starters (ESPN). The winner, Half Yours, had been available at around $8 — a price that looked generous in hindsight.

Form analysis

Half Yours came into the Cup with solid lead-up form, though few would have predicted the authority of the victory. The McEvoy-trained runner broke from barrier 8 under 53 kilograms — one of the lightest weights in the race — and sat midfield before improving sharply around the turn. The three-length win margin was decisive by any measure. Goodie Two Shoes, also from the Joseph O’Brien yard, finished second and attracted plenty of late each-way support at $31 (Wikipedia).

Why this matters

The favourite has a patchy record in recent Cups — but the 2025 result shows how weight-for-age form and a favourable barrier can outweigh market sentiment. Al Riffa’s 59-kilogram impost was the obvious counterargument to his odds, and it played out exactly as the form suggested it might.

What is the Melbourne Cup 2025 final field?

The final 24-horse field was locked in on November 1, 2025, with the barrier draw confirming positions for every runner (Wikipedia). The list featured a mix of established Cup performers, international raiders, and a handful of horses stepping up in trip for the first time.

All horses, jockeys, trainers

The full grid below shows every runner alongside their barrier, jockey, trainer, weight, and result.

Complete 2025 Melbourne Cup final field with barrier, jockey, trainer, and weight
Horse	Barrier	Jockey	Trainer	Weight	Result
Half Yours	8	Jamie Melham	Tony & Calvin McEvoy	53kg	1st
Goodie Two Shoes	20	Wayne Lordan	Joseph O’Brien	—	2nd
Middle Earth	13	Ethan Brown	Ciaron Maher	—	3rd
Vauban	2	Blake Shinn	Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	56.5kg	6th
Al Riffa	19	Mark Zahra	Joseph O’Brien	59kg	7th
Arapaho	15	Rachel King	Bjorn Baker	56.5kg	12th
Buckaroo	12	Craig Williams	Chris Waller	57kg	24th
Chevalier Rose	5	Damian Lane	Hisashi Shimizu	55.5kg	—
Presage Nocturne	9	Stephane Pasquier	Alessandro Botti	55.5kg	—
Meydaan	22	James McDonald	Simon & Ed Crisford	—	—
Absurde	4	Kerrin McEvoy	Willie Mullins	—	—
Land Legend	16	Joao Moreira	Chris Waller	—	—
Smokin’ Romans	11	Ben Melham	Ciaron Maher	—	—
Changingoftheguard	24	Tim Clark	Kris Lees	53kg	—
More Felons	23	Tommy Berry	Chris Waller	53kg	—
Onesmoothoperator	6	Harry Coffey	Brian Ellison	—	—
Furthur	7	Michael Dee	Andrew Balding	—	—
Parchment Party	3	John Velazquez	William Mott	—	—
Athabascan	1	Declan Bates	John O’Shea & Tom Charlton	—	—
River Of Stars	14	Beau Mertens	Chris Waller	—	—
Royal Supremacy	21	Robbie Dolan	Ciaron Maher	51kg	—
Torranzino	18	Celine Gaudray	Paul Preusker	51kg	—
Valiant King	10	Jye McNeil	Chris Waller	51kg	—

Barriers drawn

The barrier draw threw up several talking points. Vauban drew the favourable barrier 2 — always a sought-after position at Flemington — but the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott runner finished sixth. Athabascan landed barrier 1 under Declan Bates with the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton partnership, while Changingoftheguard had to contend with the widest draw at barrier 24 under Tim Clark (Races.com.au).

Editor’s note

Chris Waller was the dominant trainer by representation with five runners — Buckaroo, Land Legend, More Felons, River Of Stars, and Valiant King — yet none finished in the first four. Ciaron Maher had three runners including the third-place getter Middle Earth (Sporting News).

Is there an Irish horse in the Melbourne Cup 2025?

Ireland had a strong presence in the 2025 field. Joseph O’Brien — whose yard has a proven Melbourne Cup record — trained two runners: the favourite Al Riffa and Goodie Two Shoes. Both horses arrived with solid European form, and the yard’s ability to target the Australian spring was evident in the pre-race buildup.

Irish contenders

Al Riffa represented the primary Irish challenge, carrying 59 kilograms with Mark Zahra aboard — a substantial weight that made the favourite’s task harder than the price suggested. Goodie Two Shoes, drawn barrier 20 under Wayne Lordan, ran a storming second at $31 odds, proving the Irish raid was far from a one-horse show (Sporting News).

International runners

Beyond the Irish contingent, Willie Mullins — one of jump racing’s most successful conditioners — sent Absurde (barrier 4, Kerrin McEvoy) to Flemington, while British handler Andrew Balding was represented by Furthur (barrier 7, Michael Dee). The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Meydaan (barrier 22, James McDonald) added further international depth. American-based William Mott also had a runner in Parchment Party (barrier 3, John Velazquez), drawing on his extensive experience with Cup performers.

The upshot

Irish and international runners have long been a feature of the Melbourne Cup, but 2025 showed the depth of foreign participation. Three nations — Ireland, Britain, and the United States — all had runners in a race won by an Australian-bred mare carrying just 53 kilograms.

Who is performing at the Melbourne Cup 2025?

Beyond the track action, the Melbourne Cup carnival is a major entertainment event. Flemington’s four-day carnival combines racing with live performances, corporate hospitality, and cultural programming that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the venue and broadcasts to millions nationally.

Entertainment lineup

The Victoria Racing Club coordinates the carnival entertainment schedule across the four days of the spring meeting at Flemington. The race-day entertainment typically includes live music, celebrity appearances, and curated dining experiences. While specific performer lineups shift annually, the Carnival is positioned as one of Melbourne’s premier social and sporting occasions, attracting both racing enthusiasts and first-time attendees drawn by the event’s broader cultural profile.

Carnival events

The Melbourne Cup Carnival spans four days: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day, and Stakes Day. Each day carries its own identity — Derby Day focuses on feature racing with a black-tie dress code tradition, while Oaks Day has become synonymous with fashion and hats. Melbourne Cup Day itself centres on the feature race, with the highest attendance of the four days focused on the 3:00 PM AEDT start.

Why has Jamie Melham been suspended?

Jamie Melham has served race-day suspensions throughout her career, consistent with the standard disciplinary framework administered by Racing Victoria. The 10-meeting suspension mentioned in racing coverage is part of the standard penalty structure for code of conduct breaches in Australian thoroughbred racing, applied equally across jockey ranks regardless of achievement.

Suspension details

The specifics of any suspension are determined through the Racing Victoria stewards’ process, which includes a formal inquiry, evidence presentation, and opportunity for the jockey to respond. Penalties scale based on the nature and severity of the breach, with jockeys typically eligible to appeal decisions through the VR Appeal Panel.

Impact on field

Despite the distraction of suspension proceedings, Melham delivered a perfectly timed run aboard Half Yours. Her performance under pressure — navigating a midfield position, improving around the turn, and quickening decisively — suggested the Cup victory was no accident. The win silenced whatever doubts lingered about her ability to perform on the biggest stage (Wikipedia).

The paradox

Jamie Melham’s Melbourne Cup win landed almost exactly ten years after Michelle Payne broke through as the first female jockey to win the race in 2015 — and yet, in that decade, only one other woman had managed the feat. The milestone that felt like a door opening in 2015 turned out to be more of a crack. That context makes the 2025 result both a personal triumph and a quieter statement about the pace of change in Australian racing.

Melbourne Cup 2025 Timeline

Early 2025

Nominations open for the 165th Melbourne Cup

1 November 2025

Final 24-horse field declared and barrier draw published

1–3 November 2025

Final acceptances, weight confirmations, and last-minute odds fluctuations

4 November 2025 — 3:00 PM AEDT

165th Melbourne Cup run over 3200m at Flemington Racecourse

Post-race

Results confirmed, winner ceremony, official race replays published

Confirmed facts

Winner Half Yours, jockey Jamie Melham, trainer Tony & Calvin McEvoy
Final field of 24 declared 1 November 2025
165th edition, 3200m at Flemington, 4 November 2025
Prize money A$10 million
Al Riffa pre-race favourite at $7–$8.50, finished 7th
Buckaroo last of 24 under 57kg from barrier 12
Three-length winning margin for Half Yours
Goodie Two Shoes (Joseph O’Brien) runner-up at $31
Middle Earth (Ciaron Maher) third at $19 pre-race odds

What’s unclear

Exact 2nd/3rd margin beyond winner’s 3-length advantage
Post-race veterinary status for individual finishers
Full weight penalty breakdown for all 24 starters
Pre-race odds for horses beyond top handful

What they’re saying

Half Yours the history-maker, won the Lexus Melbourne Cup by three lengths!

— Race caller, Wikipedia race coverage

Half Yours is coming clear, for Jamie Melham and the Cups Double.

— Network Ten race commentator, YouTube race replay

The race-day commentary captured both the magnitude and the intimacy of the moment — a horse that had quietly gone about his business, a jockey whose name will now sit alongside Michelle Payne’s in the record books, and a trainer partnership in Tony and Calvin McEvoy that had prepared the runner with evident care.

Bottom line: Half Yours was a genuinely talented horse at the right weight carrying 53 kilograms who got a clean passage from barrier 8 and delivered. Jamie Melham’s historic win says more about the patience of her connections than about racing broadly — but for anyone who watched her coolly position the favourite before the turn, the result wasn’t a surprise. The market got it wrong on Al Riffa at 59 kilograms, and the Waller five-runner strategy backfired spectacularly. For punters who backed the value at $8 and women riding in Australian racing, the 2025 Cup delivered something rarer than a result — a moment worth remembering.

Similar to the full field analysis highlighting international runners, Half Yours claimed victory by three lengths from barrier 8 under Jamie Melham.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2025 Melbourne Cup results?

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Cricket Timeline: History & Fixtures

Thomas Walsh — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:45:59 +0000

When Bangladesh claimed their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan in July 2025, it marked more than just a single result—it closed a chapter on nearly two decades of near-total dominance by the Green Shirts. The Tigers had never before won a multi-match T20I series against their neighbors to the northwest, and the fact that it happened in Mirpur gave the upset an extra layer of meaning for home fans. But the rivalry isn’t standing still: Pakistan is already committed to touring Bangladesh again in 2026 for ODIs and Test matches, setting up the next chapter in what remains one of cricket’s more lopsided rivalries.

Next T20Is in Pakistan: May 28 & 30, 2025, Lahore · Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan 2025: Two T20Is in Lahore · Next ODIs: March 11, 13 & 15, 2026, Dhaka · Head-to-head: Pakistan 67 wins in 80 total matches

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Bangladesh won the 2025 T20I series 2-1 (Wikipedia)
1st T20I July 20, 2025 at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium (Pakistan Cricket Board)
1st ODI 2026 scheduled March 11 in Dhaka (Pakistan Cricket Board)

2What’s unclear

Confirmed squads for 2026 ODIs and Tests
Exact second Test venue in July 2025
Full match scorecards from the 2025 T20I series

3Timeline signal

Series 2-1 result flips the script on Pakistan’s dominance (Wikipedia)
2026 tour calendar confirms three ODIs and two Tests (Wikipedia)

4What’s next

Bangladesh tours Pakistan for T20Is in May 2025 (Tapmad)
Pakistan returns to Dhaka for ODIs in March 2026 (Pakistan Cricket Board)
Test matches in May 2026 (part of ICC World Test Championship) (Wikipedia)

Key fact	Detail
First Test Meeting	January 2002, Dhaka — Pakistan’s dominant win
2025 T20I Series Result	Bangladesh won 2-1
Total Head-to-Head	80 matches: Pakistan 67, Bangladesh 12, 1 draw
ODI Record	Pakistan 34-5 in 39 matches
2026 Next Series Host	ODIs in Bangladesh, March 2026

Has Bangladesh Ever Won a Series Against Pakistan?

For years, the answer was a flat no. Bangladesh’s cricket history against Pakistan was defined by heavy defeats across formats, with occasional single-match upsets that never translated into a series win. That changed in July 2025, when Bangladesh completed a 2-1 series victory over Pakistan in Mirpur—marking the first time the Tigers had ever won a multi-match T20I series against their northwestern neighbors.

Bilateral Series History

The overall head-to-head record tells the story starkly: out of 80 total matches played between the two sides, Pakistan has won 67, Bangladesh just 12, with one draw. The gap is even wider in the 50-over format—Pakistan leads 34-5 in 39 ODIs. Before the 2025 T20I series, Bangladesh’s last notable win over Pakistan came in July 2019, when they secured a 37-run victory, followed by another win in September 2018. Those results were exceptions that proved the rule.

Format	Total Matches	Pakistan Wins	Bangladesh Wins	Draw/Tie
ODI	39	34	5	0
T20I	38	30	7	1
Test	3	3	0	0
Total	80	67	12	1

The pattern: Pakistan has historically dominated across every format, with Bangladesh managing only scattered individual match wins rather than sustained series success. The 2025 T20I series win breaks that pattern for the first time in the shortest format.

Test Matches Overview

Test cricket between these two nations remains the most lopsided chapter. Their only Test encounters came in January 2002, just months after Bangladesh gained Test status. Pakistan won both matches comprehensively—the first in Dhaka by an innings and 178 runs, the second in Chittagong by an innings and 44 runs. Those results set the tone for years to come.

Pakistan’s next tour to Bangladesh in 2026 includes two Test matches scheduled for May 8-12 and a date yet to be confirmed, both counting toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027. Bangladesh will host at home, and if the 2025 T20I series is any indication, they won’t be pushovers on familiar pitches.

Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan 2025 Fixtures

While the focus has been on Pakistan touring Bangladesh, the return fixture is already on the calendar. Bangladesh is scheduled to tour Pakistan in 2025 for a two-match T20I series, with both matches to be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The dates are May 28 and May 30, 2025.

What to watch

The 2025 series in Bangladesh was originally scheduled as ODIs but was switched to T20Is due to both teams’ preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The May 2025 return tour in Pakistan will also be T20Is, keeping both sides sharp for the global tournament.

1st T20I Lahore, May 28

The first T20I is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This marks Bangladesh’s first bilateral tour to Pakistan since the format shift was announced. Both teams will be using these matches as crucial T20 World Cup preparation, with the 2026 edition of the tournament on the horizon.

2nd T20I Lahore, May 30

The second and final T20I of the series is scheduled for May 30, 2025, also in Lahore. With both teams prioritizing T20 cricket ahead of the World Cup, expect competitive lineups from both sides.

Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026 Schedule

Pakistan’s 2026 tour to Bangladesh is the most substantial bilateral commitment between these two nations in years. The schedule includes three ODIs in March and two Test matches in May, with all limited-overs fixtures confirmed at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

1st ODI Dhaka, March 11

The first ODI is confirmed for March 11, 2026, at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The match is scheduled as a day-night fixture starting at 1:15 PM local time (2:15 PM Dhaka, 1:45 PM IST). This kicks off Pakistan’s first ODI assignment in Bangladesh since the series was officially added to the ICC Future Tours Program.

2nd and 3rd ODIs Dhaka, March 13 & 15

The remaining two ODIs follow on consecutive days—March 13 and March 15, 2026—both at the same Mirpur venue. A 3-0 whitewash would be a significant statement from Pakistan given their historical dominance in the 50-over format, but Bangladesh’s home advantage and familiarity with local conditions make a clean sweep far from guaranteed.

Why this matters

Pakistan’s last ODI series before 2026 was a whitewash against Sri Lanka in November 2025. How they perform in Dhaka could determine their standing heading into the next ICC cycle.

History of Cricket Matches Between Bangladesh and Pakistan

The Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket rivalry stretches back to 2002, when Bangladesh first played Test cricket. While Pakistan has dominated overwhelmingly across formats, recent years have seen Bangladesh close the gap, culminating in their first-ever T20I series win in July 2025.

2002 Test Series Results

Bangladesh’s first Test matches against Pakistan came in January 2002, just months after earning Test status. The results were brutal. Pakistan won the Dhaka Test by an innings and 178 runs, scoring 490/9 declared while Bangladesh managed only 160 and 152 in their two innings. The Chittagong Test followed a similar script—Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs. Those early encounters set a precedent of dominance that Pakistan maintained for over two decades.

Key Bilateral Encounters

September 26, 2018: Bangladesh won a match against Pakistan, one of their rare victories in the build-up to their 2025 series triumph.
July 5, 2019: Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 37 runs, another single-match upset that suggested potential for series success.
September 6, 2023: Pakistan responded with a commanding 94-run victory, reasserting dominance.
October 31, 2023: Pakistan won by 7 wickets with 105 balls remaining, a dominant chase that underscored their overall superiority.
July 20-24, 2025: Bangladesh completed a historic 2-1 T20I series win over Pakistan in Mirpur.

Recent Pakistan vs Bangladesh Encounters

The most recent chapter in this rivalry before the 2025 series included a mix of results. Pakistan won convincingly in 2023, with both matches ending in clear Pakistani victories. Bangladesh’s last win in that stretch came in 2019, and their next came in 2025 as part of the series win. A match scheduled for February 27, 2025, was abandoned without a ball bowled due to weather, highlighting the logistical challenges of cricket in the subcontinent.

ODI Series in Dhaka

Heading into the March 2026 ODI series, Pakistan holds a commanding 34-5 advantage in the 50-over format across 39 matches. The ODIs in Dhaka will test whether Bangladesh can leverage home conditions to close that gap. Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium typically offers spin-friendly pitches that have historically favored Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

T20 World Cup Context

Both the 2025 and 2026 series between Pakistan and Bangladesh carry T20 World Cup preparation implications. Pakistan, under captain Salman Ali Agha, suffered a Super 8 exit from the most recent T20 World Cup, making the upcoming series essential for rebuilding momentum. The format switches to longer formats for the 2026 tour, but the competitive edge remains sharp on both sides.

Bottom line: Bangladesh’s 2025 T20I series win was historic, but Pakistan’s overall dominance across 80 matches is hard to argue with. For Pakistan fans: the 2026 tour offers a chance to reassert superiority. For Bangladesh fans: home conditions and momentum from 2025 could finally translate into regular series wins. The March 2026 ODIs will tell a lot about which direction this rivalry is heading.

Upsides

Bangladesh achieved first T20I series win over Pakistan (July 2025)
Both teams have confirmed, full schedules through 2026
Home advantage for Bangladesh in 2026 ODIs and Tests
ICC World Test Championship points at stake for both sides

Downsides

Overall head-to-head remains heavily skewed toward Pakistan (67-12)
Exact Test venues and squads for 2026 still unconfirmed
Pakistan’s recent form (Super 8 exit) suggests internal instability
Weather abandoned a match in February 2025, highlighting scheduling risks

Bangladesh won the 3-match series 2–1, achieving their first T20I series win over Pakistan.

— Wikipedia (Cricket Records editors)

Pakistan has clearly been the stronger side in recent meetings. They won convincingly in 2023, both by large margins.

— Tapmad Cricket Analysis

Historically, Pakistan is way apart from the Tigers as per their head-to-head stats in the 50-over format.

— Crex Sports (Cricket Reporter Poulomi Chakraborty)

Summary

The Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket rivalry has shifted dramatically. Bangladesh’s 2-1 T20I series win in July 2025 broke a long-standing pattern of Pakistani dominance and gave the Tigers genuine momentum heading into 2026. Pakistan now faces back-to-back tours to Bangladesh—ODIs in March and Tests in May—where they’ll need to prove they can compete on unfamiliar subcontinental pitches. For Pakistani cricket fans, the 2026 tour is an opportunity to reclaim ground. For Bangladesh, it’s a chance to prove 2025 wasn’t a fluke. The Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur will be the center of attention, and the results there will shape this rivalry for years to come.

Additional sources

crex.com, liquipedia.net

The intense March 2026 ODI series drama in Dhaka underscores moments captured in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh timeline, from 2002 Tests to 2025 Lahore T20Is.

Frequently asked questions

Has Bangladesh ever won a T20I series against Pakistan?

2025 NRL Ladder: Raiders Minor Premiers & Final Standings

Liam O'Brien — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:24:04 +0000

The 2025 NRL regular season has wrapped, and for the first time in years, Canberra is celebrating a minor premiership. After a campaign that saw them dominate at home—11 wins from 12 matches at GIO Stadium—the Raiders finished atop the Telstra Premiership ladder with 44 points from 19 victories. Whether you’ve been tracking every round or just want the definitive final standings, this is your complete breakdown of the 2025 NRL ladder with verified data, historical context, and what comes next.

Season: 2025 Telstra Premiership · Ladder Leader: Canberra Raiders · Games per Team: 24 (with 3 byes) · Top 4 Teams: Raiders, Storm, Bulldogs, Broncos

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Raiders secured minor premiership with 19 wins, 44 points (Sporting News)
Top 8 finals qualifiers confirmed; top 4 earn home finals (Legz)
All 17 teams completed 24 regular season games (Sporting News)

The post 2025 NRL Ladder: Raiders Minor Premiers & Final Standings appeared first on Oz Monitorly.