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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

Latest

AFL

Player ratings: Struggling Blue ‘lucky to be getting a game’

Nick Daicos was the hero — but he wasn’t alone for the Magpies in a famous win over arch rival Carlton. See how every player rated and have your say.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Jagga Smith 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)

Draft Intel: Vic metro bolters, best mid-season prospects

Vic Metro has unveiled a stacked squad ahead of the under-18 national championships — which includes at least nine first-round draft fancies. Plus, the latest mid-season draft news and more.

AFL

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 5: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos during the round four AFL match between Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Norwood Oval, on April 5, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

‘Mick’s right’: Watch Clarkson respond to scathing criticism

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has responded to a scathing article by Herald Sun columnist Mick McGuane which criticised the club’s training standards. See the column and watch Clarkson’s response here.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Tom Gross 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)

Top 50: Latest Coates League rankings, Pies’ father-son stars

While some big names missed games with other commitments, there were some huge performances by others in the Coates Talent League over the weekend. See the latest rankings here.

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.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/chris-cavanagh/page/8