Ordinary or game-changers? Dons’ key under-23s question 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 and asks the hard questions about Essendon’s youngsters.
Teams
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.
Lions 2025 preview: Fagan’s tough call on premiership hero
Brisbane will be battling up forward without Joe Daniher in 2025, but perhaps the toughest call for Chris Fagan might be what happens down back. Callum Dick previews their 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.
Tigers’ dynasty ‘godfather’ in Crows’ sights for board role
After multiple attempts to lure one of footy’s most respected minds to the club, the Crows could be on the verge of getting their man with a board shake-up looming.
The unsigned AFL stars Crows and Power must chase in 2025
Both South Australian clubs have been aggressive in adding to their lists across the past few years, so why should that stop in 2025? Simeon Thomas-Wilson highlights the names to watch.
2025 preview: Blues’ biggest recruits won’t be on the field
Michael Voss still has the goodwill of 2023 from the Carlton fans, but how long will it last if they don’t contend again? JOSH BARNES writes, their biggest addition might just be off the field.
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: Two glaring problems plaguing the Magpies
Collingwood has a determination to reset without rebuilding, so will it be the young guns or the old heads that push them back into the premiership frame? JOSH BARNES previews their season.
‘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.
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.
‘A class above’: Breakout Giant that can push GWS’ flag chase
GWS have no issue with contending at the pointy end of the year, but haven’t been able to reach their ultimate goal. Which young guns can change that? Lachlan McKirdy previews their 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.
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.
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.
Gather Round? What redeveloped Alberton could mean for Power
Government funding for Port Adelaide’s home at Alberton Oval could see it emerge as a future venue for Gather Round fixtures, as the Power look to cash in on their impressive AFLW crowds.
Hinkley’s last stand: Who can push Power over the line in 2025?
Once again, all eyes will be on Ken Hinkley’s future at the Power in 2025, which players will have to lift in order for Port to finally break through? MATT TURNER previews the Power’s season.
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.
Look out, Eagles: Harley not the only star on rivals’ radars
West Coast’s new coach, Andrew McQualter has a big job ahead of him – but first, he needs to lock down their biggest stars. 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.
What does Dogs’ list overhaul mean for Bevo’s future?
There’s been a slight changing of the guard at Whitten Oval in recent times, could it extend to the coach if this list fails to deliver in 2025? Lachlan McKirdy previews their season.
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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