Stories from Melbourne · Australia

The AFL commission has approved changes to the national draft to level the playing field. New rules will limit the number of matched bids on top father-son and academy prospects. Clubs finishing in the bottom five of the previous season can receive a second-round compensation pick if their first-round pick slides due to match bids on concessional players. Each club is limited to one compensation pick per draft. Clubs are now limited to a maximum of two picks to match a bid on top father-son or academy prospects up to pick 36.

The Melbourne Football Club has announced Dan Taylor as its new signing. The announcement follows a shift within the MRRT society. The club noted that having squad depth allows players to regain match fitness through club rugby. The club cited a breakdown of relationships as the reason for the dismissal. The move comes amid questions regarding the financial impact of a payout to Guerra. The club's leadership said the need for a new leader with strong values. The dismissal followed a breakdown of relationships between Guera and the club board. Guerra was removed from the role after seven months due to a breakdown in relationships with the board. Club President Stephen Smith stated that ensuring strong leadership was the priority despite the financial impact of the payout. Taylor is also an Executive Director at Stan Australia.

Victoria's deputy premier stated the state government aims to reach a deal with teachers regarding a long-standing pay dispute by the end of the week. Teachers across the state have been planning rolling strikes to coincide with state events.

Outgoing Melbourne Football Club CEO Paul Guerra is considering legal options following his dismissal after seven months in the role. Veteran AFL administrator Brian Cook will serve as interim Chief Executive until a permanent replacement is appointed.

The Victorian Education Minister is reportedly preparing a revised wage offer for 52,000 teachers ahead of a planned strike next week. The Allen government's proposed increase is 28 per cent over four years, an increase from a previous offer of 17 per cent.

A 65-year-old pharmacist named Russell Freeman was subjected to a vicious assault in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda yesterday. The victim was punched in the face by an unknown man, leaving him bruised, bloodied, and with broken glasses. His wife, Charlotte, reported that they waited more than five hours for police assistance after staff called triple zero. A man from Tarnit was arrested after allegedly punching a 65-year-old pharmacist in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda. The incident occurred around noon at a chemist on Fitzroy Street. The suspect is facing charges including attempted theft, drug possession, and bail offences. Police have not confirmed the motive behind the assault.

The Victorian state government will offer teachers a 28 percent pay rise over a four-year period. The proposal is part of an effort to address workforce issues in the state. The news was reported via The Age in Melbourne.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is expected to return for the match against Hawthorn at the MCG this Thursday night. Moore had previously been optimistic about recovering from a hamstring injury in time for the Anzac Day clash against the Bombers but fell short in his recovery. Veteran Scott Pendlebury will not play as the club manages his workload following a five-day break.

The Melbourne Football Club has sacked CEO Paul Guerra after seven months in the role. Guerra joined the club following a period of administrative instability that included the departures of former CEO Gary Purtt and President Kate Roffey. The club has not yet provided a reason for the dismissal. The AFL club confirmed Guerra departed on Tuesday but has not provided a specific reason for the decision. Veteran administrator Brian Cook will serve as interim chief executive until a permanent replacement is appointed. Melbourne Victory has confirmed the departure of its Chief Executive after seven months in the role. Men's captain Roderick Miranda stated the club expects to win the A-League Soccer Championship trophy. Victory finished the regular season in fourth position and will host Sydney FC in an elimination final this Saturday. Taylor succeeds Paul Guera, who was sacked on April 28.

AFL St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has offered to stand down from his position. The offer follows reports that a comment made during a training session earlier this month upset several Indigenous players at the club. Lyon reportedly referred to a specific chain of play during the session. Saint Kilda Football Club CEO Carl Delina stated he only learned Coach Ross Lyon offered to consider resigning. Players Bradley Hill and N'Ziowangane Miller previously raised concerns regarding Lyon referring to them as having a 'brother-boy connection' during a training session.