AdvertisementIn today’s AFL Briefing, your wrap of footy news: Collingwood are keen for Jeremy Howe to play on next year. North Melbourne are acutely aware they’re the AFLW’s “hunted team” in 2026. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has inked three-year a contract extension that ties him to the Hawks until the end of 2030. Getty ImagesAdvertisementEach is firmly in the running for the AFL Rising Star award, but Smith may have the edge. “And having been coached under Crocs [North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker, who also led the Australian coaching contingent against Ireland] for the last few days, you can understand why he’s so successful.