AFL 2025: Every club’s predicted best 23 ahead of the practice matches
Pre-season is back in full swing and practice matches are just around the corner. So, how is your club’s side shaping up for 2025? Our experts predict the best 23 for every team.
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Pre-season is back in full swing after the Christmas break and players are starting to make their move as the start of the campaign draws closer.
For some, that hard work will pay off, while others will be unlucky to miss out.
As the practice matches loom, our experts have had a crack at naming the best 23 for every club – plus what to watch for from a SuperCoach point-of-view.
NOTE: Best 23s are made up of players available for the majority of the season.
ADELAIDE
Simeon Thomas-Wilson says: It should be a much changed best Crows team with the players they have brought in and those returning from long injury layoffs in 2024. Neal-Bullen should slot straight into a half-forward role, Cumming looks set to provide some class off half-back with a fully fit Wayne Milera, while Peatling is likely to rotate between a midfield and forward role. Draper has shown such promising glimpses in pre-season so far that he should bang down the door to the Crows side pretty quickly.
The big SuperCoach question: Where does Dan Curtin play?
The highly touted draftee can play anywhere, which makes predicting his output difficult. But he has been tried as a tall midfielder over summer and that would be the best possible result for a player SuperCoaches can pick on their forward line bench for $158,600. – Al Paton
BRISBANE
Callum Dick says: Daniher is the obvious omission but former Sun Sam Day should get first crack at assuming his role. The Lions will also be buoyed by the return of defensive duo Tom Doedee and Keidean Coleman, the latter was on course for a breakout season last year before rupturing his ACL. Ryan Lester would be a stiff out but it’s a very competitive side to break into.
The big SuperCoach question:How do all the returning (and new) faces fit in?
Daniher’s surprise retirement creates one vacancy in the premiership side, but there is a queue of players hoping to break in – or back in after missing the flag through injury. Coleman, Linc McCarthy and Doedee, plus boom draftee Levi Ashcroft – they could all be good SuperCoach picks, priced well under their likely output. We’ll find out a lot more in Opening Round. – Al Paton
CARLTON
Josh Barnes says: The injury headache has already hit Michael Voss, with the reliable Nic Newman gone for the year. Voss has been forced to draw on depth too often in the past two years to cover injuries, but at least now this squad now has strong depth. Having trained there through most of the summer, Ollie Hollands can step right in on the back flank for Newman. Marc Pittonet, Lachie Cowan, Brodie Kemp, Corey Durdin and Orazio Fantasia are all ready to play big minutes but didn’t make our cut. And then the youngsters like Ashton Moir, Ben Camporeale and Billy Wilson should be pushing. This is a squad with good depth, even if some extra midfield speed hasn’t been found yet.
The big SuperCoach question: One ruck or two?
Tom De Koning showed he could be a SuperCoach scoring beast when unleashed as a solo ruckman last season, but Michael Voss often opted to partner him with Marc Pittonet – leading to a huge drop in his SuperCoach output. We would love to get an early insight into Voss’s plans for 2025. – Al Paton
COLLINGWOOD
Josh Barnes says: The glaring thing with this side is the lack of height in defence. Craig McRae will surely find a place for Billy Frampton or Charlie Dean, but squeezing them in is tough. The Pies love young Ed Allan and the team needs more young legs in the midfield. Wil Parker added some dare to the backline and the Pies need more of that, which will be bolstered by Dan Houston’s arrival and Josh Daicos playing back there more. When fit, the Magpies midfield is still strong, but getting them fit at their age is the battle. This is a strong team - even recruit Tim Membrey is relegated to back-up status - but everyone needs to be firing.
The big SuperCoach question: Is Ed Allan a regular?
Nick Daicos says he could be a ‘superstar’ and the 20-year-old played his best AFL game (of two) in the final round last season. The Pies need to refresh their midfield and Allan ($194k MID) is at the front of the queue. – Al Paton
ESSENDON
Josh Barnes says: Midfield depth is no issue for Brad Scott, who will leave out a number of decent players should he have a full list to play with this year. The likes of Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, Matt Guelfi and Will Setterfield may have some work to do to break into the team. Plus rucks Nick Bryan and Todd Goldstein are also around, and Brad Scott likes to play two rucks when he can. But the keys are a question. Is Peter Wright capable of getting back to his best, and can Nate Caddy and Harry Jones provide enough support?
The big SuperCoach question: Can Elijah Tsatas crack a regular best 22 spot?
Taken at pick 5 in the 2022 draft, Tsatas has played 11 games over two seasons, including starting as the sub in five of his seven appearances in 2024. Priced at just $191k, he’s a great option if he becomes a regular. – Al Paton
FREMANTLE
Eliza Reilly says: With Shai Bolton set to enhance Fremantle’s class and finishing capabilities up forward, the Dockers need to turn their attention to half-back. He might not start the season in the seniors but don’t be surprised if first round draft pick Murphy Reid is given a crack at the role. It’s also understood the Dockers have floated the idea of playing veteran Michael Walters behind the ball to give Fremantle some poise.
The big SuperCoach question: Is there a midfield spot for Neil Erasmus?
The top-10 draft pick has bided his time for three years on the Dockers list, playing just four matches last year but setting the WAFL finals series alight, winning the Simpson Medal as best afield in the grand final with 26 disposals, 11 tackles, six clearances and two goals. It’s a hard midfield to break into, but he’s priced at just $119k in SuperCoach – and a MID-FWD. – Al Paton
GEELONG
Matthew Forrest says: The question isn’t ‘how long can they keep it up’, rather whether they did enough in the off-season to make the leap to premiership favourites. They brought in Bailey Smith at long last, who will fill their biggest need in the centre square, while Shannon Neale looks ready to fill a Tom Hawkins-sized hole at full forward.
The big SuperCoach question: Who plays in the ruck?
The perennial question at the Cattery. If Toby Conway ($343k) wins the role on a full-time basis, it throws an exiting new name into the SuperCoach mix. – Al Paton
GOLD COAST
Callum Dick says: Rioli and Noble instantly upgrade the back six and allows Hardwick to keep Flanders in a mid-forward rotation where he can do the most damage. First-rounder Leo Lombard will likely get an early look in the senior side as a harassing small-forward capable of stints in midfield.
The big SuperCoach question: Sam Flanders mid, back or forward?
In one sense it doesn’t matter because he scored well in multiple roles last season, but he’s a defender in SuperCoach in 2025 – and the most expensive one available at $641,500. But where Damien Hardwick places his magnet will have flow-on effects to a number of other fantasy prospects.– Al Paton
GWS
Lachlan McKirdy says: The Giants still have a very clear best 23 despite losing three players from their strongest side in Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling. The two potential holes are likely on the wing and for another inside mid. Finn Callaghan might spend more time on the wing, while Jacob Wehr and Ryan Angwin are other options ready to prove their worth. Cody Angove has also been recruited with an eye to playing in that position, while James Leake has proven ability playing anywhere on the ground.
The big SuperCoach question: Who fills the holes?
Jake Stringer’s arrival fills one hole, but there will be opportunities for young players at AFL level – and in lucrative SuperCoach scoring roles. Leake and Conor Stone are two high draft picks to watch. – Al Paton
HAWTHORN
Matthew Forrest says: The biggest question mark over Hawthorn’s side is surrounding its key forward depth. The main man, Mitch Lewis, is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in round 17 and isn’t expected back until late in the season, while Calsher Dear is also under an injury cloud with his back and at just 19 years old cannot be expected to shoulder the load. Mabior Chol was recruited as a ready-made option but was poor in the finals.
The big SuperCoach question: James Sicily back or forward?
It seems a simple equation. Barrass, Battle in, freeing up James Sicily to intercept everything and score lots of SuperCoach points. But the Hawks skipper showed in bursts last year he can be a weapon up forward, too. Does that remain a break glass in emergency move for Sam Mitchell (pick Sicily with confidence) or a more permanent shift (avoid!)? – Al Paton
MELBOURNE
Callum Dick says: Petracca in the mix will make the midfield hum once again, assuming he can get back to his best after a long lay-off. As above, the time is now for Jefferson to prove the Demons’ patience correct but is he a best 23 starter? No. 6 pick Harvey Langford comes highly touted and with his 191cm frame could add a different dimension through the middle. New recruit Aidan Johnson could find a role forward with a touted move back for Harrison Petty.
The big SuperCoach question: Does Harry Sharp claim a wing?
The ex-Lion and time-trial specialist has been a popular rookie selection in SuperCoach before. He never cemented his spot in the Brisbane team but has a chance to do that at the Demons while still priced under $200,000.– Al Paton
NORTH MELBOURNE
Matthew Forrest says: Much has been spoken about the Kangas’ key defensive stocks and experience, and they brought in Jack Darling, Luke Parker and Caleb Daniel to answer some of those queries. But the club’s key defensive depth was a concern last year and that will continue into 2025. Corr and Comben – when fit – look set to start the year as the key duo, but Wil Dawson will likely get his chance to solidify a senior spot as the year goes on. Kallan Dawson is also a low ceiling option.
The big SuperCoach question: Where does Colby McKercher play?
Like Harry Sheezel before him, McKercher put up some huge numbers free-wheeling at half-back in his debut season. But, like Sheezel, he’s also destined to move up the ground. Does it happen from round 1? SuperCoaches wouldn’t mind if Clarko takes his time with the $476k option. – Al Paton
Port Adelaide
Matt Turner says: How will the Power replace Dan Houston at half-back? Burgoyne was best on ground in that role during the semi-final, but he made the wing his own this year and was expected to stay there in 2025. As long as he remained healthy, Sinn should play far more than the six games he did this year. Sweet-kicking Kane Farrell, who missed the finals due to a hamstring injury, became more crucial the moment Houston was traded to Collingwood. Port is leaving the door ajar, but will need to re-think it’s early-season forward mix with Todd Marshall undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles.
The big SuperCoach question: Who takes his points?
Houston was a SuperCoach stud at the Power as an attacking defender who added more points by taking kick-ins. His departure opens the door for another player – Farrell, Logan Evans and Sinn – to take those points. – Al Paton
RICHMOND
Matt Turner says: Rioli’s move to Gold Coast opens a spot at half-back, where Sam Banks and Hugo Ralphsmith loom as players who can help fill the void. Banks did not miss a game after the Tigers’ bye this year, for a total of 15 last season, his third at AFL level. Tasmanian Banks featured in defence and on a wing in 2024, but was drafted as a half-back. Ralphsmith lined up in 18 matches this year and finished equal-16th in the best-and-fairest. While he featured regularly on a wing, he might be an option to move to defence with Rioli gone.
The big SuperCoach question: How many draftees get games early?
Richmond refreshed almost a quarter of its list on one night last November, but a number of those draft picks were used on longer-term prospects and players on the comeback trail from injury. Josh Smillie ($176k) looks the most ready to plug and play, and there is a spot available up forward to partner SuperCoach steal Tom Lynch - if he’s fit for round 1. – Al Paton
ST KILDA
Simeon Thomas-Wilson says: How is the Saints midfield going to look in 2025? You’d imagine Macrae slots right in there after his move from the Bulldogs but there might be some other players Ross the boss flicks in there. Phillipou is tearing up the track in pre-season so maybe he is one for more time in the engine room while could draftee Tobie Travaglia also get some time there in his debut season? Down back it looks like Arie Schoenmaker is set to get the first crack to replace Josh Battle as the third tall defender.
The big SuperCoach question: Does Mattaes Phillipou play midfield?
The former No.10 draft pick spent time in the VFL last season working on his midfield craft and it paid dividends late in the year. SuperCoaches are excited about what the $313k MID-FWD can do in 2025, but the arrival of Macrae makes Ross Lyon’s centre square mix an interesting watch. – Al Paton
SYDNEY
Lachlan McKirdy says: Luke Parker was the major departure this off-season and there are several candidates suited to his midfield-forward hybrid role. Taylor Adams is the main one who should be a beneficiary of a fresh start under new coach Dean Cox, while Braeden Campbell could be another one looking to impress after a few fleeting cameos late in the season. The ever-reliable Robbie Fox will also be hoping he’s more than just a bit-part player after being yet again one of the few who could hold their head high on grand final day.
The big SuperCoach question: Is Callum Mills in the guts?
One of the big questions Cox has to answer is how to use his captain, who managed only six games last year and was used as John Longmire’s Mr Fixit all over the field. SuperCoaches would love to see him play as a permanent centre bounce mid, where his value would surely skyrocket from his low $357k starting quote. – Al Paton
WEST COAST
Eliza Reilly says: Perhaps the most intriguing positional battle this pre-season will be the battle for the No.1 ruck role. The Eagles were elated to prise Matt Flynn out of GWS as a free agent in the 2023 trade period but he played just four games last season due to injury and form woes. Flynn was set to make his club debut in round only to suffer a freak hamstring injury at training that required surgery. The 27-year- old played his first game in round 13 but hurt his ankle a month later. In his absence, Bailey Williams shouldered West Coast’s ruck responsibility and was playing well enough to keep Flynn out of the side when he returned from injury.
The big SuperCoach question: Where does Liam Baker play?
The former Tiger filled holes for years at Punt Road and now has the chance to settle in one spot - if it’s half-back, SuperCoaches will be very interested. The only problem might by coach Andrew McQualter had a close-up look during his time at Punt Rd at how good Baker was in other roles. – Al Paton
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Lachlan McKirdy says: Harvey Gallagher produced some really good football during his first year in the AFL, playing 20 games and looking like a genuinely exciting product on the wing. At just 21, there should be even more opportunities for him to thrive following the departures of Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae. If Richards plays a prominent midfield role, an extra distributor down back would certainly help rather than relying heavily on Bailey Dale. Bramble came to the club and quickly became one of Beveridge’s favourites, and will be hoping to take an extra step in his development at his second club.
The big SuperCoach question: Does Sam Davidson get a go?
Luke Beveridge loves a VFL recruit - think Anthony Scott, Lachie McNeill, Will Hayes. In November’s draft the Dogs snapped up Sam Davidson, a 23-year-old mobile forward who starred for Richmond’s VFL team. Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’, the medicine student is likely to be a favourite among fans - and SuperCoaches if he gets a chance at just $113k. – Al Paton
Originally published as AFL 2025: Every club’s predicted best 23 ahead of the practice matches
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