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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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Draft news

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Luke Trainor of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Footscray Bulldogs at Whitten Oval on April 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Scouting notes: Defender stands tall in midfield manic draft

A highly-rated father-son prospect was named best-on-ground in the AFL Academy’s second match against Footscray’s VFL side on Saturday. But a key defender has thrown his name up in lights.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: General scenes of AFL House on March 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The truth about AFL’s draftee skinfold testing

There has been uproar in recent times over the dumping of skinfold testing and player weight availability, but in reality there hasn’t been as much change this year as some may think.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Ken Hinkley, Senior Coach of the Power speaks to media during the Port Adelaide Power captain's run at Alberton Oval on April 04, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Hinkley concedes Port slapped with ‘reality check’

The Port Adelaide midfield was mauled against Collingwood and coach Ken Hinkley admits his side are a fair way off the pace in 2024.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Bobby Hill of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal during the round six AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

Pies’ stunning 73-point turnaround a warning to flag rivals

Scott Pendlebury is poised to break another record on Anzac Day after Craig McRae’s surprise move in the final stages of Collingwood’s come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Josh Smillie of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Coburg Lions at Ikon Park on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Draft Intel: Early No. 1 tip, top-10 bolter, mid-season prospects

A midfielder whose father was once on the list of Carlton and Essendon has risen to be the No. 1 pick fancy this year, while an intercept defender has caught the attention of clubs.

EXCLUSIVECollingwood

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Nathan Murphy of the Magpies leaves the field with trainers during the 2023 AFL Grand Final match between Collingwood Magpies and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 30, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Pies’ $1m sacrifice put Murphy health before salary cap

Collingwood signed Nathan Murphy to a contract extension despite knowing he was unlikely to play out the deal, it can be revealed. JON RALPH has details of the Pies’ sacrifice.

AFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Harley Reid of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on April 14, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Reid’s ‘oh no’ Dusty moment on way to Rising Star nod

Harley Reid’s Rising Star nomination was never going to take too long. He talks about his stellar performance against the Tigers, coming face-to-face with Dusty and where the Eagles are at.

Draft news

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Levi Ashcroft of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Coburg Lions at Ikon Park on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Draft intel: Father-son gun tops rankings in AFL Academy game

The race to be the top pick in this year’s AFL draft is heating up, with the son of a Lions legend pushing his case to be taken first. Get all the stats and ranking points from the AFL Academy clash.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Tyler Welsh of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Coburg Lions at Ikon Park on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Your club’s father-son prospects in the 2024 draft

The father-son rule is set to deliver again for AFL sides, with 17 club-aligned prospects sitting on draft boards across the county. CHRIS CAVANAGH assesses their prospects.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Tobie Travaglia of the Bendigo Pioneers in action during the 2023 Coates Talent League Boys Testing Day at Maribyrnong College on March 11 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

Full list: Vic Draft bolters added to elite squad

The AFL Academy team takes on Coburg’s VFL side this weekend in an exhibition game closely watched by club recruiters – and there have been a few late call-ups.

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