From year 12 to AFL: How professional footy has changed my life

Western Bulldogs young gun Lin Jong looks back over the past three years since being drafted and tells Maddi Vantarakis about how different everything is now.

What do we know about sexual assault?

When writing this article I was astounded at how many of my friends were personally affected by sexual assault or abuse in their lifetime. Chances are it’s the same for you. Next time you take a look around, consider the pain that others surrounding you may have been through. This article aims to bring to light the realities of female sexual abuse: it’s not all dark alleyways and intoxicated women, it’s real and it’s happening now.

Fairpark ends its run of outs

In a thrilling Mountain District Netball Association A Grade grand final, Fairpark Dennis took the 2014 title after a final-quarter frenzy saw it hold on to defeat the Rowville Vipers 47-44 at the Knox Regional Netball Centre on Saturday.

Rowville wants birthday present

The Rowville Netball Club is making history.

Twin towers see Rowville through to Grand Final

Off the back of an excellent shooting performance the Rowville Vipers have advanced through to the Grand Final, with a triumphant win over Mountain Gate Beachley 39-32 at the Knox Regional Netball Centre in Ferntree Gully today.

Fairpark immune to Rowville venom

Fairpark Dennis has booked a place in the 2014 Mountain District Netball Association A Grade Grand Final, following a 26-goal win over Rowville Vipers at the Knox Regional Netball Centre in Ferntree Gully today.

Climate change or climate variability?

For people of the 21^st century global warming is a reality. 

The Earth is heating up as a result of human energy usage habits. Sea levels are rising, animals are endangered and the ozone layer is thinning out- and we know this because we’ve seen the science reports.

Auty: Climate variability snuck in as explanation of climate change

Following her resignation as Environmental Commissioner, Professor Kate Auty expressed concern with the State Government’s use of the term ‘climate variability’, instead of climate change.

10 DAYS – DONCASTER

THE Doncaster Football Club seems to have Division 3 covered, winning flags in 2011 and, most recently, 2013.

18 DAYS – SOUTH BELGRAVE U17’S

SOUTH Belgrave has entered an Under 17’s side into the junior EFL competition over the past two seasons – and it will happen again in 2014.

18 DAYS – SOUTH BELGRAVE

WITH a long-awaited premiership now in the bag, South Belgrave is ready for the next level in 2014.

22 DAYS – COLDSTREAM JUNIORS

COLDSTREAM Junior Football Club president Shannan Hawkins speaks to Maddi Vantarakis as his club prepares for the 2014 season.

22 DAYS – COLDSTREAM

AFTER just missing out on finals in 2013, Coldstream has re-invented itself over the summer.

28 DAYS – FOREST HILL JUNIORS

FOREST HILL Junior Football Club president Brendan McKenna speaks to Maddi Vantarakis as his club prepares for the 2014 season.

28 DAYS – FOREST HILL

FOREST Hill was arguably the fairy-tale of all Division 4 teams in 2013.

Electronic Cigarettes: Healthier or not?

Are electronic cigarettes really a better alternative to ordinary smoking? Maddi Vantarakis takes a look at this new trend, which is gaining in popularity every day.

The ultimate weight-loss story: Janet Kane, supermum and pro-bodybuilder

Welcome to the life of pro-bodybuilder Janet Kane, Maddi Vantarakis shows us what makes up this marvel of a woman and how she got to where she is now.

The quiet life in retail

The retail industry is enduring a time of struggle as people zip their wallets up, writes Maddi Vantarakis

RADIO: Day in the Life of the CLEO Gal

RADIO: Instagram Bans Pro-Eating Disorder Groups

Vixens dominate Tactix

Also available via The Substitute online.

An experienced Melbourne Vixens side has heavily beaten the young Easiyo Tactix, claiming victory 60-40 at Hisense Arena in Melbourne tonight.

RADIO: No Dobson Street Speed Humps

10 DAYS TO GO – UFTG JUNIORS

Also available via The Eastern Football League online.

Upper Ferntree Gully Junior Club President Bob McLachlan speaks to Maddi Vantarakis ahead of the 2013 season.

10 DAYS TO GO – UPPER FTG

Also available via The Eastern Football League (EFL) online

ENTERING its third year in Division 2, Upper Ferntree Gully will be starting this season faced with a very different situation.

ANZ Round 1 Wrap-up: Vixens too strong for Mystics

Also available via The Substitute online

Following an excellent pre-season the Melbourne Vixens have capped-off the ideal start to their 2013 ANZ Championship campaign, defeating the LG Mystics 60-46 at the Trusts Stadium in Auckland last night.

Pre-Season Preview: Melbourne Vixens

Also available via The Substitute online.

After falling short at the final hurdle of last year’s Championship season, the Melbourne Vixens are stepping it up in 2013.

21 DAYS TO GO – ST SIMONS JNRS

Also available via the Eastern Football League online.

FOLLOWING a successful year on the field, the St Simons Knights are looking forward to an even more successful one  in 2013.

Pre-Season Preview: Haier Pulse

Also available via The Substitute online.

New Zealand based side Haier Pulse will be looking to capitalise on excellent trades and re-signings, in order to challenge at the top in 2013.

Pre-Season Preview: NSW Swifts

Also available via The Substitute online.

The solid returning NSW Swifts side is determined to go one step further in the 2013 ANZ Championship season, after being pipped at the business end of 2012.

Pre-Season Preview: Easiyo Tactix

Also available via The Substitute online.

Following a dismal last-placed finish to the 2012 season, the Easiyo Tactix are looking for a complete turn around this year, following the addition of exciting new players in the off season.

Pre-Season Preview: Queensland Firebirds

Also available via The Substitute online.

After underperforming in 2012, the Queensland Firebirds will be looking to improve and continue their excellent pre-season form leading into this year’s ANZ Championship season.

31 DAYS TO GO – WAVERLEY BLUES

Also available via The Eastern Football League online.

NEW coach, new players, returning players – this could be the winning formula for the Waverley Blues as they strive to make Division 2 finals in 2013.

31 DAYS TO GO – WAV BLUES JNRS

Also available via the Eastern Football League (EFL) website.

After a promising season in 2012, the Waverley Blues Junior Football Club is looking forward to an even better season in 2013.

Pre-Season Preview: LG Mystics

Also available via The Substitute online.

Following an excellent off-season recruiting period, the LG Mystics are looking to go all the way in 2013.

Pre-Season Preview: Adelaide Thunderbirds

Also available via The Substitute online.

Proud netball side, the Adelaide Thunderbirds are making all the right moves in preparation for an excellent 2013 ANZ Championship campaign.

Pre-Season Preview: Southern Steel

Also available via The Substitute online.

After finishing with only two wins in 2012, the Southern Steel are looking to make this year ‘their year’ to win the Championship- especially with the international addition to their line-up in Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler.

Pre-Season Preview: West Coast Fever

Also available via The Substitute online.

After finishing in 8^th position last season, the West Coast Fever will be looking to improve their form with the help of new talent, in order to challenge for the 2013 title.

Pre-Season Preview: Kia Magic

Also available via The Substitute online.

Reigning champions and New Zealand based side, the Kia Magic, will be aiming for back-to-back titles as they go into their 2013 ANZ Championship season.

45 days to go- Lysterfield Jnrs

Also available via The Eastern Football League online.

FIVE years after its inception in 2008 and now in its third season out on its own, the Lysterfield Junior Football Club is flourishing, fielding sides from the youngest Under 8’s age group through to the Under 14’s.

Firebirds second side with undefeated status

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The Queensland Firebirds have rivalled the Melbourne Vixens, also finishing undefeated by claiming victory over the Adelaide Thunderbirds 38-30 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne today.

Vixens finish undefeated

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The Melbourne Vixens have finished their 2013 pre-season campaign undefeated after defeating the LG Mystics 41-28 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne today.

Aiken slots winner for Firebirds in final seconds

Also available via The Substitute online.

Queensland Firebird Romelda Aiken has converted a final second goal in order to give her side the victory over the NSW Swifts, 30-29 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne today.

Vixens continue success against Fever

Also available via The Substitute online.

The Melbourne Vixens have retained their undefeated status during the 2013 Summer Challenge, claiming victory over the West Coast Fever 41-33 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne today.

Steel down Swifts in final second frenzy

Also available via The Substitute online.

The Southern Steel have defeated the NSW Swifts  36-35, as Jamaican recruit Jhaniele Fowler slotted the final goal to cement victory  at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne today.

McMahon aids Vixens to victory

Also available via The Substitute online.

A second half start for Australian favourite Sharelle McMahon has added to the icing on the cake for the Melbourne Vixens, as they claimed their second win of the Summer Challenge, beating the Adelaide Thunderbirds 35-27.

Fever dominate Mystics

Also available via The Substitute online.

The West Coast Fever have made an excellent start to their 2013 Melbourne Vixens Summer Challenge campaign, with a win over the LG Mystics at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne tonight.

Vixens begin Summer Challenge with a bang

Also available via The Substitute online.

The Melbourne Vixens have kicked off an excellent pre-season with a 39-25 victory over the Easiyo Tactix at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne tonight.

Ange: It’s not about the individuals

Also available via The Substitute online.

Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou has said that his side will not be focusing on ‘individual’ performances ahead of their clash against league leaders Central Coast tomorrow night.

NAB Cup Round 1 Preview: North Melbourne, Richmond, Melbourne

Also available via The Substitute online.

This Round 1 clash sees three Victorian clubs looking to make their mark in 2013. All have something to prove, making tomorrow night’s round robin at Etihad Stadium to be an exciting night of football.

Wanderers close gap at top

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The Western Sydney Wanderers have taken themselves to within one point of first place with a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park tonight.