2024 writers
HB MEYERS
HB has been around and seen a bit. He’s possibly been around too long and seen a little too much. Some would call him jaded, and others would call him any number of unflattering names. He is a passionate Hawks fan but is highly critical of them a little too often for some. An unashamed football romantic, he makes no apologies for the way he writes about the sport he loves. We’re about footy at The Mongrel. Not gossip or scandal. Just footy.
Follow him on Twitter at @themongrelpunt
GABRIEL ROSSI
Melbourne comedian since 1996. Can be seen regularly at The Comic’s Lounge in North Melbourne. Passionate Blues man. Single-figure handicap golfer (it’s a sport page, so let him brag). Also runs a nice little pizza place in Coburg
You can get more of Gab at www.gabrielrossi.com.au
MATT OMAN
An armchair sports veteran (remarkable considering he’s just 33), Matt loves his footy, and can be seen at every Central Districts game in the SANFL. He’s followed Hawthorn since 1998, Chelsea FC since the Russian took over, and his American sports teams, the Detroit Pistons and New York Jets are average at best, but are on the right track.
If you’re in Adelaide, he can be heard in 1079 Life FM from time to time, but head to Elizabeth Oval and he’ll be there. Count on it.
TRENT ADAM SHIELDS
Trent started his Aussie Rules infatuation early, attending his first game as a three-week old, a record he proudly bested with his own son at age 2.5 weeks. He is a 30+ year club member, and 25+ year MCC member, the fortunate beneficiary of a prenuptial agreement between his football loving parents that saw his Mum raise him as a passionate Hawk, while his dear sister until recently was burdened with a love for the Tigers following after her Dad. Trent is heavily involved in community sport, most notably Subbies Cricket with the Mighty Oaks, and is a long-suffering Washington Nationals fan in the MLB.
NICHOLAS SLUGGETT
Another bloody Geelong fan… they’re multiplying too quickly for my liking…
Nick has a keen eye for the little things and spots things in the context of a game that others miss. His reviews are spot on and he doesn’t get too upset when the Cats blow Grand Final leads and fall in a heap. Of course, we don’t hear from him for a while after those occasions…
ALEX DOCHERTY
The Doc is a Bulldogs man and loves both their AFL and AFLW teams. Well-versed in knowledge around the women’s league, Alex leads our coverage of the AFLW season and is one of the more respected voices on the competition amongst those in the know.
Alex also runs a great little podcast you can follow here – The A3 Footy Podcast
JB EDDY
A North Melbourne man, JB is best known for his stunning good looks and manner. Often seen as part of the Melbourne social scene, his fashion sense has seen him attempt to bring back double-denim, as well as the look where you tuck your thumbs into the belt-holders on your pants and lean against a doorway. Classy!
Also, he is a hell of a game reviewer.
TIM HUNT
Quickly gaining a following as a breath of fresh air within AFL writing circles, Tim loves to dive deep into stories and really get to the meat of things. His article on the history of the West Coast Eagles was extensive, and with a St Kilda version in the works, expect him to go onto bigger and better things.
JIMMY AYRES
A Bombers man, Jimmy likes to concentrate on the historical side of footy whilst maintaining a love for the current product. His work detailing the lives of personalities like Neale Daniher and Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer have drawn praise from those close to their subjects. He can also be seen dabbling with the AFL Horoscopes, and his ‘Sliding Drawers’ article when the mood takes him.
Hit him up for some of the best beef jerky you’ll ever taste
MATTHEW PASSMORE
Fremantle tragic, dedicated father, and lover of annoying Essendon fans with his notoriously prophetic tipping. Is now a teacher, so is responsible for the education of your children – be afraid.
You can get more of Matt and peruse his thoughts on Twitter
DANIEL JON KERSHAW
Our resident West Coast Eagles supporter and perhaps the only rational one in the country. Just kidding, DJK is as irrational as any West Coast fan when it comes to his Eagles. Kept trying to convince me that West Coast’s rebuild was going to be better than Hawthorn’s.
BRETT HODGSON
A Gold Coast fan. I am not lying – he exists. Now all we need is a Melbourne fan and we can prove they exist, as well.With a more tactical view of the game, Hodgey provides insights many others simply miss.
JIMMY DAY
With a background in statistics, and having worked in that field for an AFL club, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Loves his footy, loves his Cats, and leaves no stone unturned with his analysis. Also wears the hat of ‘The Prophet’ to make some bold, and both accurate and inaccurate predictions.
MATT PARNELL
Matt loves his stats. he crunches the numbers and believes in them. His analytical mind enables him to see patterns and trends in the game that we often miss. He’s kind of like Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind… only not as rich.
JEREMY WOHLFART
The Wolfman loves the draft, and keeps a close eye on the trade period as well. Just as well, because HB barely has any idea about these subjects and needs someone to guide him along. Jeremy is that man, and once the season finishes, he comes into his own.
SAM FIELD
Sam jumped aboard in 2024 and sunk her teeth into the articles that draw the most views – our game reviews. With a keen eye for the game, and a passion for all things footy, he insights are highly valued here, at The Mongrel.
JUSTIN RAKE
Has the best name in the business… JJ Rake, but opted to use Justin because it was the name his parents gave him. How selfish of them! A Freo tragic who likes to cast an eye over the entire league, Justin picks up on things others miss.
PETER ‘DISCO’ MONAGLE
Known for his ability to spot trends within games and seasons, ‘Disco’ loves his Swans, but will not hesitate to call them out when their play is not up to standard. Also, has a bit of a thing for David Bowie, and looks to work in a few Ziggy Stardust references as often as he can.
JARRED OPHORST
The team’s Big O! Actually, I am not sure how big he is, but he is the Big O by default. He joined us in 2024, and has immediately jumped into the game reviews, as well as pieces about his beloved Port Power.
JONO MWANANGELA
A Pies man… but one of the good ones!
Jono is a poet, at heart, and writes effortlessly, whereas it takes most of us plenty of effort. His ability to see things in a game makes him an absolute asset at The Mongrel.
TIMBO HIGGINS
Another Pies man, Tim is often heard getting angry at free kicks not being paid interstate, but is able to put those angry… very angry thoughts away when he writes about the game.
MRS MONGREL
Last, but most certainly not least, the gorgeous Mrs Mongrel enjoys the finer points of the game – big thighs, and shorts being pulled down in tackles. She also believes that Gold Coast and GWS are the same team, Nic Cage is the greatest actor of all time, and Matt Rowell can do no wrong. Also known to swap teams randomly.
MONGREL ALUMNI
TOM BASSO
He was the first person to put his hand up and join the team, back in 2018. As a young whippersnapper, Tom was always destined for big things, and with a great head on his shoulders (in terms of intellect, if not looks), it’s been wonderful to watch him move on to work for Austereo in Adelaide, where he is forced to endure Andrew Jarman on a daily basis. God help him.
JASON IRVINE
Jason loves most sports, and wanted to write about more than just footy. As such, he has branched out to freelance at many sites over the last couple of years.
SAM MARCOLIN
Sam is not a dyed-in-the-wool Geelong supporter. In fact, no one is really sure why he goes for the Cats, but everyone agrees that he’s fairly passionate about the cause. Growing up in a family of long-suffering Carlton and Richmond supporters, the AFL has been charmed for him for the majority of his memory. As a footy purist, he’ll endeavour to watch any game he can, even if that means enduring an open-roofed Marvel Stadium.
Want to write for The Mongrel? Give us a yell at hbmeyers@themongrelpunt.com and we’ll have a bit of chat.