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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
Perth Wildcats were knocked out in the semifinals.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
BasketballCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
‘Clearly we have to address that’: Wildcats make roster vow

Perth Wildcats were knocked out in the NBL semifinals and they will now spend the off-season trying to fix one of the most glaring weaknesses in their roster.

Craig O'Donoghue

Tim Kelly

AFLCommentsPremiumTime for more experience? Eagles pondering selection moves

West Coast had an incredibly young team against Gold Coast last week so is now the time to bring in some experienced heads like Tim Kelly to face North Melbourne?

Craig O'Donoghue

2025 AFL pre-season game - Fremantle Dockers v Melbourne FC at Rushton Park, Mandurah. Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
AFLCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
How Dockers duo plan to overpower Goliath Gawn

Fremantle will have to find a way to quell Melbourne captain Max Gawn’s imposing presence when they clash on Saturday but ruckman Luke Jackson has a clear view on one way to give his team an advantage.

Craig O'Donoghue

Brennan Cox.

AFLVideoCommentsDockers put line through injured duo ahead of Dees clash

Fremantle will be without key defender Brennan Cox for another week as the club takes a cautious approach to his return from a calf concern, while an injured veteran is also unavailable.

Craig O'Donoghue

Fans could win entry to Fremantle’s rooms after Saturday’s game.

AFLCommentsHow Freo fans can get on field and in the rooms on Saturday

Fremantle fans will get the the chance to win entry to the changerooms or be on the field before Saturday’s game against Melbourne in an unprecedented move to get the Purple Army to Optus Stadium early.

Craig O'Donoghue

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