Essendon in the Apple Isle; Collingwood coaching departures; Geelong’s teething problems. Snap Shot is a weekly column taking a look at the lighter side of football.

Pat Cummins and Mitch Starc tore through Pakistan in the final session on Wednesday. Now the Australians will look to build their lead and push for victory in Lahore.

Geelong defender Mark Blicavs joked to Shai Bolton that he hopes for royalty payments from images of the young Tiger’s incredible mark on Friday night.

IOC vice-president John Coates said there was no ‘hypotheticals’ being entertained as he backed a vaccine program plus health protocols to see Tokyo succeed.

A few months ago, I said Australia should not expect to win a match in their upcoming three-Test series against France. I’d like to retract those comments.

It is impossible to think just two years ago Penrith were headed for the wooden spoon after an embarrassing night during Magic Round. They’ve come a long way since then.

Suffice to say this was no affair to remember. But for coach Brett Ratten, all that will count is the result: a nine-point win to the Saints, who had trailed for the vast majority of the match.

Greater Western Sydney survived a brave fightback from Essendon, with a left-foot snap from Jacob Hopper at the death sealing a heart-stopping two-point win.

The Raiders can expect another week of scrutiny after a 24-16 loss to Newcastle continued a disturbing inability to close out games.

A Doncaster placegetter last year, Brandenburg had attracted the attention of several Hong Kong agents, but the seven-figure offers were refused.