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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 28: Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues reacts during the round three AFL match between Carlton Blues and Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, on March 28, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Where to now for no-composure Blues

Carlton’s inability to win close games in recent seasons is becoming a trend as Michael Voss was left to rue another blown final quarter lead. CHRIS CAVANAGH has the Deep Dive.

AFL News

Former AFL Collingwood player Anthony Rocca who is a mentor at the Northern Knights FC, gives some advice at 3 quarter time in their game against the Sandringham Dragons. Picture: Ian Currie

Rocca: How coaching passion helped me through cancer battle

Anthony Rocca would spend his chemotherapy treatments studying vision to make his Northern Knights players better. The Collingwood great opens up on how football helped during his cancer battle.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 9: Hamish Bird of Calder Cannons in action during the Coates Talent League Boys Testing at Narrandjeri Stadium on March 09, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The potential draft bolter at every Coates League club

The big draft names will be obvious when the ball is bounced for the Coates League season opener – but plenty more are waiting to surprise. Here are all the prospects to watch.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs adjusts his headband during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Footscray Bulldogs and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

33-14: Did lopsided free kick count really rob Dogs of win?

Collingwood came away with a six-point win against Footscray on Friday night. But how big of an impact did the umpiring have on the result? Chris Cavanagh investigates. HAVE YOUR SAY.

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.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/chris-cavanagh/page/2