Sports
Nate Caddy Proves Why Ignoring Him in the Draft Could Be the AFL’s Biggest Mistake
Essendon’s teenage sensation shines against the reigning champs as experts question the nine teams who let him slip past

He’s only 19, still a few months away from turning 20, but Nate Caddy is already making AFL pundits wonder — did nine clubs just miss out on the next great key forward?
Essendon may have lost a thriller to the Brisbane Lions on Thursday night, but it was Caddy who walked away with the spotlight. The young gun kicked two crucial goals, collected 10 disposals, and showed maturity far beyond his years, asserting himself as a serious threat at the Gabba.
Fielding a squad averaging just 24.5 years of age and managing a long injury list, the Bombers still went toe-to-toe with the reigning premiers, even taking the lead late in the final term. But while the scoreboard eventually favored Brisbane, Essendon’s future looked a little brighter, thanks in no small part to their Round 10 draft pick from 2023.
Former AFL star and respected commentator David King couldn’t help but rave about Caddy’s work ethic and relentless presence. “He’s not just a match-day performer,” King said on SEN’s Fireball. “What he does at training — the way he gets to every contest — I haven’t seen that kind of hunger in a young tall forward in a long time.”
Drafted tenth overall, Caddy wasn’t at the top of everyone’s board — but perhaps he should’ve been. His performance has now sparked fresh scrutiny on the teams that passed on him. Fireball co-host Kane Cornes was blunt in his assessment: “Every club is desperate for a powerful forward, and they let this one slide. This is going to be one of those drafts we keep revisiting.”
North Melbourne, in particular, has drawn attention. Rather than drafting Caddy to pair with Nick Larkey, they opted for runners like Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma. King believes it may be their “biggest draft mistake in five years.” That decision forced them to trade heavily just to get a key position player last year — a move that may now look short-sighted.
The Bombers, meanwhile, are relishing the synergy between Caddy and his close friend and Next Generation Academy product, Isaac Kako, who also showed flashes of brilliance. From deceptive footwork to smart positioning, Kako is proving he’s not just along for the ride — he’s part of a potentially elite duo in the making.
“There are little things you see with these kids,” King observed. “The way Kako threw off Dayne Zorko with a stutter step — it’s instinctive. It’s the kind of move you see from seasoned pros.”
Even though the result left Essendon outside the top eight, there’s a growing sense that something special is brewing. With Caddy developing into a centerpiece and other young guns rising to the occasion, this season might be more about building belief than banking wins.
As the mid-season All-Australian buzz circulates and seasoned stars like Max Gawn chase their eighth blazer, it’s the next wave of talent — players like Caddy — that have fans and experts talking. Because sometimes, even in a loss, you witness a career’s beginning — and perhaps a league’s biggest draft regret.
Personality
Merab Dvalishvili Net Worth Skyrockets After UFC 316 Victory Over Sean O’Malley
From Georgian wrestler to UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili’s rise has also brought impressive financial gains

Merab Dvalishvili is no longer just the name of a UFC champion — he is now a bona fide star in the mixed martial arts world, with a rapidly growing fortune to match. Following his dominant performance at UFC 316 against Sean O’Malley, the Georgian fighter’s net worth is now a hot topic in combat sports circles.

According to several reports and estimations from sports finance platforms, Merab Dvalishvili’s current net worth is believed to be between $2 million to $3.5 million USD, a figure that continues to climb with each main event appearance and endorsement deal. His impressive UFC run — now boasting 13 consecutive wins — has positioned him not just as a dangerous athlete, but a valuable asset to the UFC brand.
The bantamweight champion first made waves in the Octagon through his grinding wrestling and cardio-heavy fighting style, earning the nickname The Machine. But it wasn’t until his title win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 and the recent rematch submission at UFC 316 that his earnings truly spiked. As per combat sports insiders, his purse for UFC 316, including fight bonus, base pay, and sponsorships, could be in the ballpark of $500,000 to $750,000, not including potential PPV points.

The Georgian sensation, known for his humility and intense discipline, has consistently invested in his training and personal growth. He trains out of the esteemed Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York, a gym known for producing elite-level talent. His strong connection to both his homeland and the American MMA circuit has also opened doors to endorsement deals, including gear sponsors and fitness brands, which further pad his income.
Outside the cage, Merab’s appeal is growing. While not as flashy as some of his rivals, his underdog narrative, grounded personality, and inspirational post-fight speeches have made him a fan favorite. His social media following has seen a surge since becoming champion, offering more opportunities for monetization.
With a potential title defense against Cory Sandhagen looming, and his name climbing up the pound-for-pound rankings, financial analysts in the MMA world speculate that Dvalishvili’s net worth could easily cross $5 million by late 2025 — especially if he continues to headline PPV events and secure Fight of the Night or Performance bonuses.
The UFC bantamweight king may not be one to flaunt his riches, but his journey from a struggling Georgian immigrant to a millionaire UFC star is nothing short of inspirational. As he said after UFC 316, “It doesn’t matter what you have, as long as you know where you’re going.” Clearly, Dvalishvili knows — and that direction is upward, both in rankings and riches.
UFC
Merab Dvalishvili Chokes Out Sean O’Malley in UFC 316 Masterclass to Cement His Legacy
The UFC bantamweight king silences all doubts with a dominant third-round submission over rival Sean O’Malley at the Prudential Center

The wait for a conclusive end to one of the UFC’s most anticipated rivalries came to a thunderous close Saturday night, as Merab Dvalishvili submitted Sean O’Malley in the third round at UFC 316. With this definitive win, Dvalishvili not only retained his bantamweight title but also reinforced his growing legend in the octagon.
Held inside the packed Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the fight was billed as a high-stakes rematch. Their first clash at UFC 306 ended in a unanimous decision, but many felt O’Malley still had cards left to play. This time, however, the Georgian powerhouse made sure there was no ambiguity. The reigning bantamweight champion walked into the cage with a singular mission — and walked out having delivered a flawless, crushing performance.
The UFC champion overwhelmed his flashy opponent with relentless pressure, mixing calculated striking with explosive grappling. From the first bell, he took away O’Malley’s usual rhythm, smothering the former champ and cutting off his flashy striking game. Dvalishvili’s takedowns were textbook execution, and it was his fifth successful takedown that led to the fight-ending D’Arce choke at 4:42 in Round 3.
This victory marks the 13th straight win for the relentless 135-pounder, tying him for the fourth-longest streak in UFC history — a feat that places him among the greats. The bantamweight phenom has now successfully defended his belt twice, with his first defense coming against Umar Nurmagomedov earlier this year. He is now set to face top contender Cory Sandhagen, who recently dispatched Deiveson Figueiredo with clinical precision.
The former titleholder, often dubbed “The Suga Show,” was humble in defeat. Having recently recovered from hip surgery and stepping into the cage as a new father, O’Malley showed heart but was simply outmatched. The UFC statistics told the story bluntly — Dvalishvili outlanded O’Malley 135 to 34 in total strikes and controlled nearly every aspect of the fight.
After the match, the Georgian warrior delivered an emotional message to fans: “I just work every day and repeat. Training is number one for me. Please believe in your dreams and work for them. Everything is possible.”
Despite the loss, the flamboyant striker maintained his signature composure in the post-fight octagon interview, calling Dvalishvili “a motherf—er” with a mix of admiration and resignation. “I didn’t feel like it was going to go like that,” he admitted. “But I’m excited to go home to my kids and my perfect wife.”
With back-to-back wins over elite contenders and a complete shutout over one of the UFC’s biggest names, Dvalishvili is no longer just the bantamweight champion — he’s a serious pound-for-pound force. Currently ranked No. 4 globally, he continues to climb, one takedown and one dream at a time.
Sports
Alzarri Joseph Net Worth 2025 Revealed: West Indies Speedster’s Wealth Hits New Heights
From IPL debut to multimillion-dollar deals—how Antigua’s fast bowling ace Alzarri Joseph amassed an $11.3 million fortune

Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, the towering Antiguan pacer who burst onto the scene with a record-breaking IPL debut, has built an impressive financial empire. As of mid‑2025, his estimated net worth stands at US $11.3 million (₹93.66 crore), cementing his place among the wealthiest West Indies cricketers

Joseph’s monetary ascent is fueled by a varied income stream: a central contract with Cricket West Indies, lucrative match fees across international formats, and major franchise league deals. Highlights include IPL contracts with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and RCB—capped by a staggering ₹11.5 crore ($1.38 million) deal in 2024 . The Antigua News Room confirms his cumulative wealth, including an extra $1.3 million from league fees, reaching $11.3 million

Joseph also commands a strong regional brand presence. He is associated with sponsors like Nike, Coca‑Cola, Pepsi, and Deluxe Sports Company, boosting his off-field earnings . His passion for luxury is evident in his car collection, which includes a Mercedes S-Class, BMW X5, and Lamborghini Huracan
At just 28, the fast bowler has secured a solid financial foundation. With continued IPL success and international stardom, his net worth shows every sign of further growth—cementing his status as both a cricketing powerhouse and lucrative personal brand.
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