Fremantle went into this year of AFLW without key players Kiara Bowers and Ange Stannett — but a combination of new personnel, a change in game style and better team defence has the Dockers on track for their best return in three seasons.

A new course to help community coaches, umpires, participants and volunteers deal with incidents of racism in the moment is hoped to improve local sport.

Spain's Rafael Nadal, a 22-time grand slam champion, says it was a difficult decision that took him some time, but "in this life, everything has a beginning and an end".

Sam Konstas continues to flag his potential as a star of the future, writing his name alongside Ricky Ponting in the history books with another Sheffield Shield century.

The Socceroos have come from behind to beat China 3-1 at Adelaide Oval, handing Tony Popovic victory in his first match as coach.