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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
Fremantle are set to be among the teams contending for a premiership in 2026.

AFLCommentsPremiumMeet every Docker set to pursue club’s maiden flag in 2026

Fremantle are set to be among the teams contending for a premiership in 2026 with a list brimming with talent and experience. Here’s every player who will assist their bid this season.

Craig O'Donoghue

Optus Stadium will be empty this weekend.

opinion
opinion
AFLCommentsPremium
opinion
Empty Optus piles on early pressure for Dockers and Eagles

Optus Stadium isn’t hosting soccer this weekend but it’s not available for Fremantle or West Coast either, and that puts heaps of pressure on both clubs to start the season well, writes Craig O’Donoghue.

Craig O'Donoghue

Justin Longmuir and the Dockers will be aiming high in 2026.

analysis
analysis
AFLCommentsPremium
analysis
No excuses for Dockers in 2026 flag pursuit

Fremantle were belted to the tune of 78 points by Geelong in round one last year but 2026’s repeat should prove a stark difference as the Dockers look to announce themselves as flag contenders.

Craig O'Donoghue

John Rillie and the Wildcats were edged out in Game 1.

BasketballCommentsLegendary coach has his say on Rillie’s ‘no time-out’ policy

Wildcats coach John Rillie once again raised eyebrows among fans by not calling a time-out to draw up a play late in their play-off loss to Sydney. Kings coach Brian Goorjian reveals his thoughts on the tactic.

Craig O'Donoghue

Dylan Windler

BasketballCommentsPremiumWindler injury a savage blow as Cats lose semifinal thriller

Perth Wildcats suffered a heartbreaking loss to Sydney Kings on Wednesday night and they may have lost import Dylan Windler for the next game too after he suffered an injury during the final play.

Craig O'Donoghue

David Duke in action.

BasketballCommentsPremiumDavid Duke targets the “head of the snake” in Kings battle

Perth Wildcats star David Duke understand what his defensive assignment will be against Sydney Kings and he’s determined to cut off the head of the snake in the semifinal battle.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Wildcats are the only semfinalist without a dominant scorer this season.

BasketballCommentsPremiumWildcats’ roster tactics get ultimate test during play-offs

Perth Wildcats are the only semfinalist without a dominant scorer this season, but that’s exactly how they wanted it to be when they signed their squad. Now they’ll find out if that gives them a finals edge.

Craig O'Donoghue

Shai Bolton's kicking efficiency has declined over the past seven seasons.

AFLCommentsPremiumDockers looking to address Shai’s kicking decline

Fremantle star Shai Bolton can tear games apart, boot incredible goals and take amazing marks, but there’s one aspect of his play that keeps letting him down and the Dockers are working hard to fix it.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie.

BasketballCommentsPut some respect on Rillie’s name, demands star Wildcat

Perth Wildcats will play in their third consecutive semifinal series under coach John Rillie, but he continues to receive criticism. One of his biggest stars wants everyone to recognise what he’s doing.

Craig O'Donoghue

Jo Lual-Acuil

BasketballCommentsPremiumCandid JLA reveals inspiration behind match-winning effort

Perth Wildcats have won through to the semifinals after Jo Lual-Acuil produced a massive game against Melbourne United and he was extremely open about what led to his brilliance.

Craig O'Donoghue

Murphy Reid.

AFLCommentsPremiumMidfielder or forward? Longmuir’s call on mighty Murphy Reid

Murphy Reid has been a standout for Fremantle all summer and his move into the midfield has totally changed his game. But will he stay there? Coach Justin Longmuir has revealed his plans for the young star.

Craig O'Donoghue

Jagga Smith.

opinion
opinion
AFLVideoCommentsPremium
opinion
Trading the Jagga Smith pick could haunt Eagles until 2040

Jagga Smith’s brilliant debut for Carlton on Thursday was a reminder to West Coast fans that the club traded away pick three in 2024 and they could now spend the midfielder’s entire career wondering what if?

Craig O'Donoghue