For fans of the AFL and great sports writing, this collection provides a compelling look at events on and off the field.

The Game collects the best AFL stories on and off the field told by the best writers around. They delve behind the statistics, examining the players, coaches and teams that make the game.

Greg Baum brings to life the epic drawn 2010 grand final and Jake Niall dissects game styles and tells how the Cats saved football in 2008. Caroline Wilson uncovers the psyche of such greats as former Western Bulldog star Scott West and Shane Crawford during his struggles as the reigning Brownlow Medallist. Jake Niall examines Nathan Buckley's search for football utopia while Samantha Lane details how Lance Franklin handles the fame game. Emma Quayle recalls the bond that ties West Coast Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui and Carlton defender Chris Yarran, and coach Ross Lyon opens up to Rohan Connolly about the most emotional year of his life.

From Carey to Cousins, Judd to Franklin, Sheedy to Malthouse, the dark days of the Blues to the dynasties of the Brisbane Lions and Geelong, The Game offers the winning combination of great stories and top-notch writers.