{
  "id": 4147958,
  "title": "Live: Demons and Blues bid to stay alive in AFL wildcard clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/live-demons-and-blues-bid-to-stay-alive-in-afl-wildcard-clash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T08:36:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-29/afl-wildcard-melbourne-carlton-live-blog/107093746"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tonight, the MCG is set to host a crucial wildcard clash between the Melbourne Demons and Carlton Blues. Melbourne, led by newly-confirmed permanent coach Josh Fraser, are on a mission to stay alive in the season. Key players Jake Bowey, celebrating his 100th game, and Kysaiah Pickett, marking his 150th game, return to the field for Melbourne. Jack Viney, returning after 352 days out due to Achilles surgery and a back injury, and Xavier Taylor, playing his third game, will also feature for the Demons. For Carlton, Nick Haynes replaces Wade Derksen in the lineup. The Blues, missing their coach Steven King, will aim to continue their incredible comeback run or secure a place in the last eight for Melbourne. Joining the live coverage is Andrew McGarry, along with his colleague Dean Bilton, who will bring you all the action tonight.",
  "summary": "We're back at the MCG as Melbourne take on Carlton led by newly-confirmed permanent coach Josh Fraser as they try to keep their seasons alive. Follow live.",
  "key_points": [
    "Melbourne Demons aim to stay alive in season with wildcard clash",
    "Carlton Blues miss coach Steven King, focus on last eight spot",
    "Live coverage features Andrew McGarry and Dean Bilton"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Live: Demons and Blues bid to stay alive in AFL wildcard clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/live-demons-and-blues-bid-to-stay-alive-in-afl-wildcard-clash-4148549",
        "published": "2026-08-29T08:36:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "AFL LIVE: Melbourne Demons, Carlton Blues chase fairytale win in wildcard game at MCG",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/afl-live-melbourne-demons-carlton-blues-chase-fairytale-win-in",
        "published": "2026-08-29T08:39:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "AFL LIVE: Melbourne Demons, Carlton Blues chase fairytale win in wildcard game at MCG",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/afl-live-melbourne-demons-carlton-blues-chase-fairytale-win-in-4148864",
        "published": "2026-08-29T08:39:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}