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Chris CavanaghAFL Reporter

Chris Cavanagh is a reporter for News Corp’s network AFL team and CODE Sports. Chris is based in Melbourne.

@chriscavanagh1

Chris Cavanagh

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AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Steele Sidebottom of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the round two AFL match between Footscray Bulldogs (Western Bulldogs) and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Zero to hero: Heroic Sidebottom’s 10-minute redemption arc

Steele Sidebottom put a horror moment behind him to inspire Collingwood to a thrilling win over Western Bulldogs on a night where the Magpies had to overcome the spirit of Footscray.

AFL

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Oliver Greeves of Vic Metro celebrates a goal during the AFL National Development Championships U16 boys match between Vic Metro and Western Australia at Heritage Bank Stadium on July 04, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Day protege reveals inside story of Hawks NGA snub

He’d trained with Hawthorn and been mentored by Will Day. But the AFL has said no to Oliver Greeves being part of the Hawks’ next gen academy. Greeves explains how he took the news.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh of the Blues warm up prior to the round 17 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Carlton Blues at ENGIE Stadium, on July 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Voss sounds off on Opening Round as Blues star firms for R1

The Opening Round concept remains under fire, with Carlton coach Michael Voss the latest to hit out at the idea, as the Blues continue to prepare for their season opener against Richmond.

AFL

Carlton's Patrick Cripps leads out his side during the AFL Community Series pre-season match between the GWS Giants and Carlton Blues at Manuka Oval, Canberra on February 28, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

Fact or Fiction: Will Blues miss finals? Can Pies bounce back?

Hot takes have been coming in thick and fast after pre-season matches – but are they fact or fiction? We tackle the burning questions ahead of opening round. HAVE YOUR SAY.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Tim Taranto of the Tigers reacts to a missed shot at goal during the 2023 AFL Round 10 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Grim reality sets in as hapless Tigers face unwanted record

Most fans expected Richmond to be bad in 2025. But this bad? CHRIS CAVANAGH says pre-season has painted a grim picture of what lies ahead for Tigers supporters.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Dan Houston of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Old and new Pies show ominous touch against dismal Tigers

Nick Daicos led the usual suspects at the Pies as they tore apart the Tigers, but it was the performances of the new recruits at Collingwood that will have the Magpie army talking.

Hawthorn

Team of the century: Legendary names lead Hawks’ golden era

The Hawks had fallen off a cliff by 2004. 20 years later, they’re considered one of the most dominant clubs of the millennium. Chris Cavanagh picks out their best team this century.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Richmond draftees (L-R) Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong, Josh Smillie, Sam Lalor, Jonty Faull and Taj Hotton pose for a photograph during the 2024 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 21, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tiger Tracker: When will Richmond’s draftees be unleashed?

Richmond’s prized draft crop is set to shape the club’s next era. But as CHRIS CAVANAGH writes, Tiger fans will have to be patient. See where every player is at in our Tiger Tracker.

AFL

Collingwood training. Saturday, February 15. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Track watch: Bolter firms for key role in revamped Pies defence

Collingwood’s defence is set for a shake up, with a new face looming as a key part of the club’s backline in 2025. Check out the latest track intel from CHRIS CAVANAGH.

AFL

MELBOURNE, FEBRUARY 14, 2025: Richmond Football Club pre-season training at Punt Road Oval. Nathan Broad, Noah Balta. Picture: Mark Stewart

Makeshift Tigers defence takes shape, bolter emerges

With players missing through suspension and injury to begin the year, Richmond will be forced to fill holes down back — and the mix is becoming clearer. Plus a round 1 bolter and more.

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