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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

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.

AFL

AFL 25: The biggest draft moments of the century

The steal of the century? 25 draft calls that will go down in history

Booms, bargains, busts and backflips. The past 25 years have been filled with draft decisions that have shaped the direction of clubs – in both directions. We rank the biggest calls of the century.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: The first five draftees (L-R) Nick Watson of the Hawks, Colby McKercher of the Kangaroos, Harley Reid of the Eagles, Jed Walter of the Suns and Zane Duursma of the Kangaroos pose for a photograph following the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

First year wrap, contract latest: Where 2023 draft’s top 30 sit

With season two ahead, check out how the top 30 players picked in the 2023 AFL Draft are tracking — including a contract update.

AFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 6th February, 2025 . North Melbourne training at Arden Street. Harry Sheezel of the Kangaroos kicks at goal . Picture: Michael Klein

Sheezel the forward? Clarko hints at Roos shuffle

Nick Larkey, Jack Darling and Harry Sheezel? North Melbourne has given a hint one of its biggest talents could be used as an attacking weapon in 2025. See full track notes here.

Police & Courts

Clubs back May and Prestia after vicious Sorrento pub brawl

Melbourne and Richmond are standing by Steven May and Dion Prestia after new details emerged about the pair’s alleged involvement in a brawl that left a man with a broken eye socket.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Nate Caddy of the Bombers in action during the round 22 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, on August 10, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)

Jake who? Dons ready to leave Stringer reliance in past

Jake Stringer was the leading goalkicker in an inconsistent Bombers forward line last year. CHRIS CAVANAGH examines how the Dons’ attack will look without him.

AFL

18-1: Vic powerhouses humbled in McGuane’s 2025 list rankings

How does your team’s list stack up compared to the rest of the competition? MICK MCGUANE analyses every club, with a clear gap between the top eight and the rest.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Sam Draper of the Bombers and teammate Nick Bryan in action during the Essendon Bombers AFL training session at The Hangar on January 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Kept me hungry’: Bryan hoping to form dynamic pairing with Draper

Nick Bryan turned his back on suiters to re-sign with Essendon, but has only been rewarded with 19 games in five years. Here’s how he hopes to work in tandem with Sam Draper in 2025.

AFL

Jordan De Goey at Collingwood football training. Friday, January 10, 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Pies track watch: De Goey latest, Daicos brushes off foot concerns

Jordan De Goey sent a shudder through Collingwood’s camp after limping off the track with a calf complaint and there’s relief not only for him, but another superstar Magpie.

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