Record breakers, headline makers: Every club’s under-23s examined
How are your club’s under-23 players tracking? GLENN MCFARLANE looks at the young guns set to have the biggest impact in 2025.
Teams
Crows order ‘immediate review’ after Thebby mishap
The Crows have ordered an “immediate review” of the planning documentation around their $100m plan to construct a new training base at Thebarton Oval after a mix-up.
Predictions, best 23: Patient Port back Hinkley as last stand looms
Port Adelaide have kept the faith in Ken Hinkley for 12 years without a grand final to show for it. Could this be his last hurrah? MATT TURNER previews the Power’s season.
Heart wrenching update on AFL flag winner
Aaron Shattock’s family has released an update after the premiership winner’s freak accident just before Christmas.
Predictions, best 23: Will Daniher’s call rob Lions of another flag?
Brisbane Lions climbed to the summit last year — only to be rocked by Joe Daniher’s post-Grand Final retirement. Will Chris Fagan find a way to replace his most-important player in 2025?
‘Holding onto hope’: Shattock family provide update on premiership Lion
Aaron Shattock’s family has provided an update on the health of the former Brisbane Lions premiership player after he was crushed by an excavator.
The ‘new challenge’ set to breathe life into Silvagni’s return
Jack Silvagni is almost all the way back from his knee injury and when he does return, the Blue will be in a whole new role in a crucial year for his career.
Predictions, best 23: Can Carlton stay fit enough to contend?
After a disappointing end to 2024, can Carlton sort their fitness issues to contend in 2025? JOSH BARNES names their best side, breakout star, player under pressure and much more.
‘Super fit’ De Goey primed to shake off injury pain
Jordan De Goey’s bid to put an injury-riddled 2024 behind him is on track, with a teammate declaring the “super fit” Magpies star is determined to get back to his matchwinning best.
Pies succession plan ticked off, angry fans get an apology
On a big night for Collingwood, Barry Carp was officially voted in as president, two other big names joined the board and Craig Kelly had a message for upset members.
Scott opens up on Stringer trade: A ‘good result for both parties’
Jake Stringer kicked 42 goals for Essendon last year and had a contract for 2025 but Brad Scott has revealed why he has sent to play for GWS. And why fans should know where the club is headed.
The young Bomber tipped for 2025 breakout
Essendon fans will be crying out for more output from this young forward next season, and he might just deliver. See our season preview for the Bombers here.
‘Bit crazy’: Bonkers AFL contract signed until 2033
It could be a momentous statement of faith or an incredible blunder, but Fremantle now have the longest contracted player in the AFL after a staggering move.
Forever Young: Docker signs AFL’s longest contract
Hayden Young is now the longest-contracted player in the AFL after signing a six-year extension tying him to the club well into the 2030s.
Predictions, best 23: Cats the forgotten team in flag convo
The buzz has all been about Brisbane and Hawthorn this off-season. But Geelong is quietly — and confidently — building for another premiership assault. MATT FORREST examines the Cats’ prospects.
‘Rooting for them’: Cats superfan following from 13000km away
Anthony George got the chance to mix with Chris Scott and Cats players at their final session of the year. And he has been watching their journeys from all the way in Utah.
Matt Rowell opens up on Dimma, his Suns future and Victorian interest
Suns midfielder Matt Rowell has spoken about his long-term future heading into the final year of his contract amid strong Victorian interest.
Suns’ summer standouts prompt King’s big 2025 call
Gold Coast spearhead Ben King has raved about the young forwards at the Suns, insisting it could force Damien Hardwick into a rethink of the Suns’ 2025 line-up.
How Hawks fit star recruits in best side as big names miss out
Hawthorn have plenty of work to do at the selection table as they attempt to squeeze Tom Barrass and Josh Battle into an already strong side. Who swings forward and who misses out? Find out here.
First Smith sighting? Cats to face off against rivals in practice match
Geelong is already facing Essendon at Kardinia Park, and now the Cats will face another familiar foe on their home turf in what may be Bailey Smith’s first hit-out as a Cat.
Predictions, best 23: Giant hole ‘The Package’ could fill at GWS
GWS have no issue with contending at the pointy end of the year, but close finals losses have hurt the club. Can Jake Stringer change that? LACHLAN MCKIRDY previews the Giants’ season.
‘Honest chats’: Why Giant said no to Bulldogs
Xavier O’Halloran bucked the trend when he decided to spurn rival interest and remain in western Sydney. He tells LACHLAN MCKIRDY why he chose to stay despite an uncertain role.
Dees’ resurgence hinges on star duo they forced to stay
They both wanted out, but Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were held to their contracts. It’s obvious why, as the Dees’ fortunes hinge on their two stars firing. We preview their 2025 here.
Dees injury shock: Gawn suffers painful pre-Christmas fracture
Melbourne captain Max Gawn is set to miss most of January after suffering a painful blow in the final week of pre-season training before Christmas.
Make or break: Time is now for Roos with LDU at stake
North Melbourne simply must avoid another bottom-two finish in 2025. The future of their best player depends on it. Check out the full Kangaroos’ season preview here.
‘Very rare’: AFL star’s call on loyalty
The business of success in the AFL could lead to the end of the game’s romantic traditions according to a star veteran who was forced to move clubs.
Richmond great weighs in on Tigers’ bold off-season moves
There was a mass exodus of stars at Richmond within just two months of Neil Balme leaving the club. The former Tigers administrator has his say on the trade and draft strategy.
Track watch: Shai who? The Tiger ready to fill Bolton’s huge void
Richmond lost some of their biggest stars in the off-season, including the mercurial Shai Bolton. But one speedy forward is set to step up in a big way. See more from Tigers’ track watch here.
‘90 per cent mental’: Why second-year blues don’t worry young gun
Young Saints star Darcy Wilson played every single game in his first season, and now it is mental not physical preparation he is focusing on to avoid the second-year blues.
Hill backs Saints for finals return, next gen to fire
St Kilda’s finish to 2024 has given Brad Hill plenty of confidence in their pursuit of finals footy next year. Plus he tells GLENN MCFARLANE the next gen stars impressing this pre-season.
‘He’ll be Riak’s brother’: New Swan’s taunt to footy’s $14m man
Riak Andrew arrived in Sydney not long after his brother signed one of the richest deals in AFL history. He speaks to LACHLAN MCKIRDY about sibling rivalry and forging his own path in footy.
‘Like that pressure’: Sydney rookie’s bold Buddy request
Famous football numbers can be a blessing or a curse, but a Sydney Swans draftee asked to fill the biggest possible shoes.
Predictions, best 23: ‘Operation keep Reid’ defines Eagles’ 2025
West Coast’s new coach, Andrew McQualter has a big job ahead of him – the first being, lock down their most important player in Harley Reid. ELIZA REILLY previews West Coast’s season.
Eagles blindside veteran recruiters in off-field scouting cull
West Coast has quietly axed veteran recruiters – two of whom had been at the club three decades – after the Eagles traded out pick 3 ahead of the draft, with new list boss Matthew Clarke now in full control.
Predictions, best 23: Are Bevo’s Bulldogs coming or going?
Western Bulldogs want for little — apart from another premiership to accompany their 2016 triumph. Could 2025 be the year for Luke Beveridge and his men or will they regret an off-season exodus?
Track watch: Dogs talls to ease into training as draftees impress
The Western Bulldogs’ three talisman forwards have a date they will return to the track from injury, while the Dogs have been impressed with the form of fresh faces. See the full training notes.
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