About Greg Baum
About Greg Baum
Despite more than 20 years as a sports writer, Greg Baum still gets excited about going to the MCG to cover an event. He was first exposed to the passions generated by Australian football when, as a six-year-old, he witnessed his uncle's excitement over St Kilda's 1966 premiership triumph. Even though he was obsessed with sport and wanted to become a journalist, the thought of combining the two ideas hadn't crossed his mind. He was an aspiring political journalist but his ability to vividly tell sporting stories was soon in demand. Baum, now The Age's chief sports writer, is widely-respected for his flair with words and his understanding of what really matters to fans.
In twilight, slowly fades the Don
The MCG provides an ambiguous celebration for Hird and Sheedy, a finale but not a final.
The plumber and the prince
Kevin Sheedy and James Hird arrived separately for their joint news conference in the Hall of Fame at Windy Hill yesterday, and left separately afterwards.
The moral of the story is brought to us by commercial interests
Apparently, it is OK to lie in football as long as it doesn't cost any money.
Geelong forgets how to lose
Geelong has become its own hardest marker as the winning roll gathers even more momentum.
Passing parade a rite to savour
The departure of a host of stars again has highlighted the gulf between the needs of fans and broadcasters.
Ghosts of failures past haunt Cats
As the Cats' winning streak continues, there's an air of anxious anticipation.
It's a fast-paced numbers game, but only up to a point
Statistics about the game can tell us only so much; the rest has to be about the results.
Bombers desire for dignified 'divorce' may end in tears
Kevin Sheedy's departure has Essendon in a pinch, and, just as in a family, inner strength will be needed to get through it.
Adonis falls to hip and shoulder
Time catches up with everyone, even the Carlton Adonis, as Anthony Koutoufides announces his retirement.
For some Don doubters, Sheedy outstayed welcome
Not all Essendon fans had an unconditional love for the veteran coach, many believing he and the club should have parted a decade ago.
The day that had to come
At the end of an era - his era - Kevin Sheedy walked into a blitz
of camera flash guns.
Footy's fountain of youth
Football has become a game favouring younger coaches, but old dogs can still learn new tricks.
Richo the reliable maverick
He's in the Richmond team of the century and plays his 250th game on Sunday, but the Tiger's fan on the field still believes there's time for finals success.
Inexperience the hurdle for Voss
At present, doubters are holding Michael Voss to an almost impossible ideal.
Government's meddling in drug issue deserves zero tolerance
The Federal Government is embracing the NRL's illicit drugs code, but that, too, allows for more than one strike.
Reward can shift flood stain
One of the appeals of Australian football is its free form. Players are not restricted within zones or behind real or imaginary lines.
Handy idea: let umpires umpire
Now that an umpire has joined critics of the hands-in-the-back law,
it is time the AFL acted for the good of the game
Akermanis shows nothing is forever
Football and its tactics are evolving, and the proof was there for all to see at the Gabba.
National order restored
Victorian clubs should rest easier and enjoy the comfort of dwelling in the seat of power.
'Best fit' not to stitch up fans
The looming blockbuster of the Collingwood-Hawthorn clash should be
moved to the MCG.
Keep up to date with the latest AFL news.