About Richard Hinds
About Richard Hinds
Richard Hinds is the Melbourne-based sports writer for the Sydney Morning Herald. Hinds has covered the AFL for almost two decades, several Olympic Games, international golf and numerous Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Hinds grew up in Victoria where he witnessed the expansion of the national competition and, during his time with the SMH, has reported on some of the key moments in the Swans' gradual rise from unloved interloper to Sydney icon - including their stunning 2005 premiership victory.
This Roughie's a sure-fire bet
He is a powerful marking forward whose goalkicking ability is a major threat to the Swans tomorrow night. He will kick 100 goals this season, predicts Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd. And, as if Richmond fans did not have enough heartache, their club's decision to overlook him in the 2004 national draft is a continuing cause of anxiety.
Buddy's solidarity a sticking point
Media-shy Hawthorn superstar Lance "Buddy" Franklin emerges briefly from his club's protective cocoon to help promote the game against the Swans at ANZ Stadium.
AFL calls up a Buddy to boost Sydney turnout
The Swans are hoping a Hawk can get them a big crowd.
New blood lacks old intensity
After one of Sydney's worst performances in his time as coach, Paul Roos said his side must maintain intensity of it is to succeed this season.
Does Swans' new blood spell end of Bloods' culture?
AFTER one of the Swans' most dismal performances in his six years in charge, coach Paul Roos made the point that for all the personnel changes and tactical tinkering that might have taken place during that period, the same criteria applied if his usually serially dogged team was to succeed this season.
McVeighs see second son rising
After a long apprenticeship, Jarrad McVeigh is realising his potential.
Cousins comeback ends in tear
With Richmond trailing by 10 goals early in the final quarter, Ben Cousins' comeback had been a disappointment.
First blood could be vital for flag favourites
Can the outcome of an entire season be determined by the result of just the second of 185 games?
Roos and co know history is against Swans
Over a sandwich yesterday, the Swans coaching panel did what most reporters and armchair experts do at this time of year - picked their final eight.
Swans to see September but Cats have the flag
Richard Hinds previews the 2009 AFL season, which begins on Thursday.
Swans warn of funds struggle
Sydney chairman Richard Colless says only an outstanding on-field performance is likely to stop the Swans recording another financial loss this season.
Swans may have to put their hands out
Sydney chairman Richard Colless says only an outstanding on-field performance is likely to stop the Swans recording another financial loss this season.
Roos may perform a backflip with Pyke
Swans coach Paul Roos says he will consider Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke's claims to a first round debut against St Kilda on merit.
Demetriou must get footy's rule changes right
Footy's big picture is a work of art. Its rules, however, are scrawled like graffiti.
Lawmakers continue to tinker with rules
The AFL's big picture is a work of art. Its small details - little things such as the rules - are scrawled like graffiti.
Melbourne's full of bums on seats
It is a Friday night that will test the theory that sport in Melbourne is not merely an obsession but an addiction.
Stars fortuitously align for Swans' fan-only ads
THE final cut of the Swans' new promotional commercial was delivered to the club last Friday, as the unfortunate chain of events that caused the NRL's multimillion-dollar advertising campaign featuring Manly's Brett Stewart to be consigned to the cutting room floor was unfolding.
As pretty a grand final as can be
The climax of the AFL's official pre-season competition looks enticing - a grand final between Geelong and Collingwood, who share some interesting recent history.
Miscreants will answer to the league
The AFL lands what it hopes will be a crucial blow in the fight to control the incidence of what it euphemistically calls "off-field incidents".
Zoning: don't blame Sydney this time
In past instalments of the AFL's "ugly football" debate, one thing could be taken for granted: it was always the Swans' fault.