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Craig O'DonoghueSports Journalist

Craig O'Donoghue is part of The West Australian's sports writing team. He joined The West Australian in 2000 and spent 2013-14 working in the Melbourne bureau. He now focuses on AFL and basketball.

Email Craig O'DonoghueX @Craig_ODonoghue
Sean Darcy in action against Swan Districts.

AFLCommentsPremiumHow dogged Darcy is fighting to earn back his Dockers spot

Sean Darcy took another step in his quest to return to the Fremantle team with a strong display for Peel Thunder where he overcame personal frustrations throughout the first half to seize control of the match.

Craig O'Donoghue

Ex-Perth Wildcats Mike Ellis, Paul Rogers and Damian Martin.

BasketballCommentsPremiumNot just guns for hire! Message ex-Cats will give new stars

Former Perth Wildcats players gathered last week to form a new Bloodline group and ex-skipper Mike Ellis wants them to quickly become involved with the team to make the new stars understand the club’s history.

Craig O'Donoghue

Brandon Walker was injured against Swan Districts.

AFLCommentsPremiumBrandon Walker cops another injury during Peel Thunder win

Fremantle have concerns for defender Brandon Walker after he was unable to get through Peel Thunder’s win over Swan Districts following a big collision in the first half.

Craig O'Donoghue

Peel Thunder have extended their winning streak to 11 matches in a row.

WAFL 2026CommentsPremiumThunder storm past spirited Swans to extend winning streak

Peel Thunder have extended their winning streak to 11 matches in a row, thanks to a dominant final term, but only after overcoming a spirited fight from Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval.

Craig O'Donoghue

Oscar McDonald was superb on Friday night.

AFLVideoCommentsPremiumCan Oscar play in same team as Pearce and Cox? JL says maybe

Oscar McDonald has been enormous in defence for the last two games and now Fremantle have to work out if there’s way they can keep him in the team when Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox are both available.

Craig O'Donoghue

Caleb Serong.

AFLCommentsPremiumFreo embrace ‘problem solving’ radical opposition tactics

The Western Bulldogs were the latest club to try something different against Fremantle this season and star Docker Caleb Serong is loving how much his team is having to think on the run during games.

Craig O'Donoghue

West Coast are re-building

opinion
opinion
AFLCommentsPremium
opinion
Re-building is a myth that’s not worth the long term pain

Either West Coast or Richmond will experience the rare joy of a win on Sunday as both clubs fight through tough re-builds. The big question is, will it be worth the pain in the end? History suggests it won’t.

Craig O'Donoghue

The Dockers have put together a record-breaking season.

AFLCommentsSet up our season! Longmuir’s pride in record breaking year

Fremantle have broken records and locked away their top two spot after winning their 18th game of the season and coach Justin Longmuir knows precisely how important that is for their premiership dreams.

Craig O'Donoghue

Fremantle have all but sewn up the minor premiership.

AFLCommentsDockers create history as magical 2026 season breaks records

Fremantle have all but sewn up the minor premiership and won a club record 18 games in a home and away season, on a night where the Western Bulldogs used radical tactics to try to create an unlikely upset.

Craig O'Donoghue

Brennan Cox will miss another game.

AFLVideoCommentsPremiumDockers make huge call on Brennan Cox’s knee injury

Fremantle rested Brennan Cox from last week’s win over West Coast and now they are facing the call on what to do about his knee injury for Friday night’s game. Justin Longmuir has made up his mind.

Craig O'Donoghue

Luke Jackson will star in the grand final timeslot in round 24.

AFLCommentsPremiumHome before 10pm! Dockers get best possible draw in round 24

Fremantle’s round 24 fixture has given them the ideal finish to the home and away season and they’ll be back in Perth at a decent time instead of having a nightmare return home

Craig O'Donoghue

Harley Reid has given away a lot of free kicks this year.

analysis
analysis
AFLVideoCommentsPremium
analysis
Every single Harley Reid free kick this season analysed

The West Australian has watched all 58 free kicks paid against West Coast star Harley Reid this season and judged where they are correct or incorrect.

Craig O'Donoghue