Hazlewood bowls Australia to a big first-Test win in Durban, Nick Blakey heads to North Melbourne as the AFL trade period closes, and the A-League kicks off on Friday with the Sydney Derby.
Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban, with Josh Hazlewood taking six wickets to finish the job. Pat Cummins' side now leads the three-match series 1–0.
The second Test starts on Sunday 18 October, and the third runs from 27 to 31 October.
The stories from each code this week.
Nick Blakey has left Sydney for North Melbourne in the biggest deal of the trade period. The Swans get pick 6, pick 47, a 2028 first-round pick and two future second-rounders. Blakey still had five years left on his Swans contract.
Next up: the AFL Draft on 19–20 November.
Sydney FC host Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium on Friday 16 October, the first Sydney Derby to open a season. Auckland FC are the defending champions after beating Sydney FC in last season's grand final.
Tasmania beat Illawarra in a record-setting win, Adelaide got back on track against the Sydney Kings, and Melbourne United beat South East Melbourne. Perth also held on in a close one.
Off the court, Tasmania champion Anthony Drmic has announced he will retire after 11 seasons, and the Breakers are dealing with an injury to Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
The Sydney Roosters are the 2026 premiers after a 19–18 grand final win over Newcastle. The 2027 season starts in Las Vegas on 28 February (AEDT), with Parramatta v Gold Coast and Melbourne v Wests Tigers at Allegiant Stadium.
Recent final scores. Full season calendar →
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 9–13 Oct | Cricket | Australia d South Africa by 214 runs1st Test, Durban · Hazlewood six wickets |
| Round 4 | NBL | Tasmania JackJumpers d Illawarra HawksRecord-setting win |
| Round 4 | NBL | Adelaide 36ers d Sydney Kings |
| Round 4 | NBL | Melbourne United d South East Melbourne Phoenix |
| Sun 4 Oct | NRL | Sydney Roosters 19 d Newcastle Knights 18Grand Final, Stadium Australia |
Times AEDT. See every match →
| Date | Competition | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 15 Oct | NBL | Brisbane Bullets v South East Melbourne Phoenix7:30pm · Brisbane Entertainment Centre |
| Fri 16 Oct | A-League | Sydney FC v Western Sydney WanderersSeason opener · Allianz Stadium |
| Fri 16 Oct | NBL | Tasmania JackJumpers v Adelaide 36ers7:30pm · MyState Bank Arena |
| Sat 17 Oct | A-League | Auckland FC v Melbourne City · Macarthur v Perth Glory · Newcastle v Central Coast |
| Sat 17 Oct | NBL | Phoenix v Cairns Taipans · Sydney Kings v Perth Wildcats5:30pm · 7:30pm |
| Sun 18 Oct | Cricket | South Africa v Australia, 2nd Test18–22 October |
| Sun 18 Oct | A-League | Wellington v Melbourne Victory · Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar |
| Sun 18 Oct | NBL | JackJumpers v Breakers · Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks3:00pm · 5:00pm |
Talking points from the week.
Winning by 214 runs away from home is a statement. With two Tests left, South Africa now has to win twice to take the series, while Australia can rotate bowlers ahead of a long home summer.
Losing Blakey hurts, but pick 6 plus a future first gives the Swans real options at the draft. North Melbourne, meanwhile, gets a proven defender in his prime to build around.
With five clubs under new coaches and Western United gone, the early weeks will show who has settled fastest. Auckland start as champions but with a new man in charge.