Our Journalists

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

Latest

Aus Open

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates a point against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland in the Women's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The ‘secret weapon’ driving Australian Open’s biggest stars

Winning a grand slam – or even a single match – is an enormous feat of planning, endurance and recovery. Everyone needs a secret weapon. Nine stars reveal the secrets to their success.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Lindsay of Team Heppell and Beau Addinsall of Team Sloane pose with their best player medalsduring the Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match between Team Heppell and Team Sloane at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 28, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Ball magnets, famous names: Top 25 draft prospects of 2025

A massive year is only just beginning for the draft class of 2025 and here are the names to watch, with several No.1 pick contenders firmly in the mix. These are the names to watch.

ExclusiveAus Open

USA's Danielle Collins celebrates victory over Australia's Destanee Aiava after their women's singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2025. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Daily serve: Destanee speaks out on Collins antics

Danielle Collins made herself the villain of Melbourne Park when she gave the crowd at Kia Arena a serve. Now her Australian opponent Destanee Aiava has given her opinion on the American.

UPDATEDTennis

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 13, 2025: 2025 Australian Open Tennis, Day Two. Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) celebrates his win against Roman Safiullin (RUS) on Kia Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart

‘Every game show under the sun’: Kokk’s cheeky Woodbridge sledge

Thanasi Kokkinakis has fired back at Todd Woodbridge’s criticism of his preparation with a cheeky jab, while revealing the extent of his injury woes after a four-hour marathon win.

AFL

Pre-season training session was today, December 9, at Gosch's Paddock. Christian Petracca. Picture: Melbourne FC Alex Ratcliffe/Melbourne FC

Petracca suffers fresh injury blow at pre-season training

Melbourne star Christian Petracca has been dealt a fresh injury blow, just months after returning to fitness following a lengthy lay-off.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUGUST 11, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 22 - Carlton Blues V Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG. Patrick Cripps of the Blues drops his head on the siren. Picture: Mark Stewart

Why navy blue will be Hawks fans’ least favourite colour in 2025

Hawks fans were among the most confident (annoying?) footy fans in season 2024, and this year, as well as barracking for the brown and gold, they will have added incentive to hope Carlton disappoints.

News

Mick Turner lays down the laws at the first Falcons session of the season.

The touching tribute Cats great received in his final days

Geelong legend Michael Turner was honoured by the AFL just days before losing his two-year battle with pancreatic cancer in a touching tribute.

AFLW

The top draft prospect who helped make AFLW happen

She used to pester Gillon McLachlan about when an AFLW competition would be introduced. Now, Sophie McKay is preparing to live out her dream of becoming a Carlton player.

AFLW

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Ash Centra of the AFL National Academy Girls handballs during the Marsh AFL National Academy Girls vs U23 All-Stars at Ikon Park on April 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

47 reasons why Ash will take Centra stage on draft night

Ash Centra is best known for a 47-touch, four goal starring performance, but there’s much more to the first-round prospect. CHRIS CAVANAGH speaks to the possible No.1 pick.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - June 02: Archer Day-Wicks of the Pioneers in action during the 2024 Coates Talent League U18 Boys Round 10 match between Bendigo Pioneers and Gippsland Power at La Trobe University on June 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

Shock call that turned Adelaide-bound youngster into a Bomber

Archer Day-Wicks thought he’d be moving to Adelaide in 2025, before an unexpected call changed his plans. He tells CHRIS CAVANAGH how it all went down.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/chris-cavanagh/page/3