A horrific motorbike crash on the Monash Freeway in Melbourne has left one rider fighting for life and another under arrest, shaking the city’s weekend traffic and prompting a full-scale investigation by the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

At approximately 12:47 PM on Saturday, two motorcycles were reportedly traveling in tandem along the Monash Freeway near the Wellington Road exit in Wheelers Hill, when tragedy struck. According to Victoria Police, one of the motorbikes collided violently with a car under unclear circumstances. The crash instantly caused major traffic disruption across Melbourne’s south-east corridor.

The rider involved in the collision suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to hospital by emergency medical teams. His identity has not been released. In a shocking development, the second motorcyclist, who was not physically injured, has since been arrested at the scene and is expected to be interviewed by police in relation to the incident.

“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” Victoria Police said in an official statement.

While the driver of the car involved in the crash stopped and cooperated with authorities, the situation remains tense as traffic was severely impacted across multiple lanes of the Monash Freeway. Only one lane remains open in both directions between Wellington Road and Springvale Road, causing chaos for commuters on one of Melbourne’s busiest roadways.

The Scene of the Crash

Eyewitnesses report a disturbing scene at the site of the collision. Several emergency vehicles, including paramedic units and police patrols, arrived promptly, while investigators cordoned off the area to collect evidence. The Major Collision Investigation Unit, a specialized team within the Victoria Police, is now handling the case and examining whether speed, lane behavior, or other contributing factors played a role.

The crash has revived serious conversations about motorcycle safety in Australia, particularly the dangers of group riding at high speeds on metropolitan highways.

Traffic Mayhem in Melbourne

The Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) issued a strong advisory for motorists to avoid the area altogether. According to their official X (formerly Twitter) account:

“Motorists should instead use Ferntree Gully Rd, Springvale Rd, and Wellington Rd to re-enter the freeway or exit earlier at Forster Rd or Blackburn Rd.”

Those heading towards the Melbourne CBD were urged to exit at Police Road and reroute via Princes Highway and Blackburn Road to ease congestion.

The unexpected traffic delays have affected thousands of drivers, including weekend travelers, commercial freight carriers, and emergency services trying to navigate through alternate routes.

A Broader Pattern?

According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), motorbike riders remain one of the most vulnerable road users in the country. In 2023 alone, over 200 motorcyclist fatalities were recorded nationwide. The vast majority of those crashes occurred on highways, often involving other vehicles.

The incident also brings attention back to Monash Freeway’s high-risk zones, particularly the stretch near Wheelers Hill, which has seen multiple accidents in the past 18 months.

Legal Implications

The arrest of the second rider adds a dramatic twist to an already tragic event. According to Victoria Police, the man will be questioned about his role leading up to the accident. While it’s too early to determine whether he will face charges, the decision to detain him signals that investigators believe more factors are at play.

“Anytime we have two motorbikes riding closely together and one ends up critically injured, we have to consider potential road offences or dangerous behavior,” said Detective Sergeant Marcus Linton, an expert on road trauma cases.

Community Reaction

Local residents and drivers have taken to social media to express their frustration and concern. A Melbourne driver who was stuck on the Monash for over 90 minutes wrote:

“It’s scary. You don’t expect to see a bike helmet on the road and someone lying beside it. My heart breaks for the family of that rider.”

A Call for Safety

This tragedy is a reminder that even on a weekend, even during daylight, the roads demand attention and respect. Whether you’re in a car or on a bike, lives can change — or end — in the blink of an eye.

Melbourne authorities continue to urge safe driving, adherence to speed limits, and defensive road behavior, particularly on high-speed motorways like the Monash.

As the Major Collision Investigation Unit works around the clock to determine the cause of Saturday’s crash, Melbourne’s drivers are left navigating not just traffic delays, but a renewed sense of road fragility.

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As Round 19 of the 2025 AFL season heats up, all eyes are on the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the Sydney Swans are preparing to battle the struggling North Melbourne Kangaroos in a high-stakes clash that could reignite their finals campaign. The match kicks off LIVE at 4:15pm AEST, and fans are already buzzing as final teams have been confirmed with no late changes.

This Saturday promises more than just thrilling football. It’s a showcase of grit, strategy, and redemption — the kind of game that makes or breaks a season.

Sydney Swans: Clinging to Finals Hopes

With a record of 8-9, the Swans are treading the tightrope of finals qualification. Their victory over St Kilda last week offered a glimmer of hope, but they’ll need consistency — and perhaps a touch of magic — to make the impossible possible.

A key highlight is the return of Dane Rampe (→ Wikipedia), a crucial piece in the Swans’ defensive puzzle. His comeback from a calf injury comes at a critical time when Sydney must tighten up their backline. Also returning is Peter Ladhams (named as the substitute), adding muscle to the ruck division.

Unfortunately, Tom McCartin (→ Wikipedia) misses out due to concussion protocols, while Aaron Francis has been omitted — changes that will force Dean Cox’s side to reshuffle its structure on both ends.

One player to watch is Errol Gulden (→ AFL Profile), whose creativity and pace on the wing have reignited Sydney’s attacking play. Gulden’s pre-match warm-up drew praise, with commentators noting, “You can feel the hunger in his stride.”

North Melbourne: Fighting for Pride

For the Kangaroos, this season has been nothing short of a nightmare. Currently sitting at 4-1-12, North is searching for answers — and perhaps new heroes — to salvage what they can from a difficult year.

However, today’s team sheet offers a flicker of optimism. Luke Davies-Uniacke (→ Wikipedia) returns to the midfield, where his impact could be immense. He’s joined by Callum Coleman-Jones, Brynn Teakle, and debutant Zac Banch, who’s been handed the substitute vest.

The omissions, however, are telling. Tristan Xerri is out suspended, while Bailey Scott, Finnbar Maley, and Robert Hansen Jnr have all been dropped — a strong message from the coaching panel that form and effort matter.

Coach Alastair Clarkson (→ Wikipedia) has made no secret of his frustration but insists this week is about “resetting the culture and regaining our identity.”

LIVE Action to Follow

Sydney v North Melbourne
📍 Location: SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground)
🕓 Time: 4.15pm AEST
📝 Substitutes:

• Sydney: Peter Ladhams
• North Melbourne: Zac Banch

Meanwhile at the MCG: Demons vs Blues

As fans gear up for the Swans-Roos battle, the Melbourne Demons and Carlton Blues face off in another do-or-die fixture. Both teams are sitting on 6-11 records, making this a pure elimination bout in disguise.

The Demons, fresh off a confidence-boosting win over North, welcome back defensive general Steven May (→ Wikipedia). However, Jake Lever is sidelined again due to an ankle issue, and Harry Sharp replaces Tom Sparrow in the rotation.

On the other hand, the Blues are in freefall after a heavy defeat to Brisbane. Coach Michael Voss (→ Wikipedia) will be banking on the return of Adam Saad, Francis Evans, and Will White to restore balance.

Their live match coverage begins shortly after the SCG clash concludes — a double feature that promises unmissable drama for footy lovers.

The Basement Battle: Eagles vs Tigers

Capping off the evening is a clash between cellar-dwellers West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium.

With a dismal 1-16 record, West Coast has become a cautionary tale in squad management and injury crises. Still, the return of stars like Tim Kelly (→ Wikipedia after a brief WAFL stint brings some much-needed class to the midfield.

Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are also back, hoping to ignite a forward line that’s lacked spark. Missing from the lineup are Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, and Malakai Champion — the latest in a long line of rotations.

Richmond, meanwhile, finally broke a seven-game losing streak by edging past Essendon last week. Despite that, Coach Andrew McQualter is keeping his team unchanged — a rare show of faith in a rebuilding squad.

The Tigers are currently 4-0-13 and desperately chasing pride as the 2025 season limps toward its final stretch.

Why These Games Matter for the Finals Picture

The AFL ladder is tightening, with every game now having serious implications. For Sydney, this is more than just a match — it’s about keeping the flame alive. For North, it’s about identity and growth. For Melbourne and Carlton, it’s a survival test. And for West Coast and Richmond — it’s the fight to avoid wooden-spoon humiliation.

If you’re a footy romantic, today’s lineup is a perfect script: comebacks, debuts, injuries, and wildcards. Whether you’re watching for Errol Gulden’s dash, Davies-Uniacke’s power, or just hoping for a Mark of the Year contender, buckle up.

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On a breezy Thursday morning at Royal Portrush, 55-year-old Phil Mickelson—already a golfing legend—delivered one of the most eye-catching moments of the opening day at The Open Championship 2025. With grit and flair, Mickelson holed out from a bunker to save par at the 167-yard, par-3 third hole, delighting fans and reminding everyone why he’s still one of the sport’s most charismatic figures.

The 2013 Open Champion, who’s had a turbulent run in recent years, didn’t just ride a moment of magic—he built an entire front nine around it. Starting strong, Mickelson posted a bogey-free 34 through the first nine holes, including birdies at the par-5 second and the par-5 seventh.

At the time he made the turn, he was tied for the early lead at 2-under. For context, this was no small feat. In fact, this marked Mickelson’s first under-par round at The Open since 2018, when he played at Carnoustie.

A Shot Worth Rewinding: “He Holed His Third!”

Mickelson’s fireworks at the third hole were vintage “Lefty.” After his tee shot drifted into the greenside bunker, he fluffed his second shot, leaving himself with a tight angle and a lot of sand. What came next was pure magic. With a silky-smooth touch and unshakable confidence, he holed out his third shot—turning what could’ve been a round-ruining moment into a highlight reel special.

The crowd at Royal Portrush roared. Fans on social media quickly began circulating videos with captions like, “Phil’s still got it!” and “Lefty turns back time!”

Stumbles, Then Redemption

After such a strong start, Mickelson did hit a few bumps on the back nine. He dropped shots at the 11th and the 14th holes, both of which tested his accuracy off the tee and touch around the greens. But if there’s one thing the golfing world has learned about Mickelson over the decades, it’s this: never count him out.

At the par-4 17th, he drained a 20-foot birdie putt to get back into red figures, finishing his round at 1-under-par (71)—tying him for 10th place as he signed his card.

Notably, Mickelson has missed the cut in five of his last seven Open appearances. His last brush with Open greatness came in 2016 when he finished runner-up to Henrik Stenson at Royal Troon. His lone Open Championship win remains the unforgettable 2013 victory at Muirfield.

What This Means for Mickelson

Let’s not forget—Mickelson isn’t just a beloved figure for his swashbuckling playstyle. He’s one of only a handful of golfers to win six major championships, including three Masters titles and a PGA Championship.

Now, at 55, many fans have written him off from contending in major events. But Thursday’s performance sends a loud, clear message: Phil isn’t just showing up—he’s showing off.

It’s also worth noting that Mickelson is one of only a few players over 50 to shoot under-par in a major round in recent memory. His ability to stay competitive, particularly in an event as grueling and wind-swept as The Open, speaks volumes about his fitness, mental fortitude, and love for the game.

Golf Fans React: “Is He About to Do It Again?”

The buzz around Royal Portrush is growing. Golf enthusiasts online are speculating whether Mickelson can replicate the dream-like run he had in 2021, when he won the PGA Championship at the age of 50—becoming the oldest major winner in history.

While it’s still early days at this year’s Open, Thursday’s display was enough to reignite belief among Phil’s loyal fanbase.

“He just plays with flair,” said one spectator. “That bunker shot? Unreal. It was like watching the Mickelson of old.”

What’s Next?

If Mickelson keeps his rhythm, fans could be in for a remarkable story this weekend. Whether or not he ends up hoisting the Claret Jug again, one thing’s for certain: Phil Mickelson has added another iconic chapter to his legendary career.

And for all those who thought his best golf was behind him—Thursday was a bold rebuttal.

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