AFL 2025
Reality bites as crisis in the number of Indigenous AFL players gathers pace
The number of Indigenous players on AFL lists will continue its alarming decline in 2025 as few players are considered for selection in the national draft.
- by Peter Ryan
Latest
Richard Goyder wants to remain as AFL chair until 2028
Goyder surprised senior AFL people when he revealed his intent to remain in the top job until 2028.
- by Michael Gleeson
Analysis
For subscribers
Fox Footy has given viewers a choice. Will they pay up?
Fox Footy’s move to have their own commentary team call AFL matches in 2025 will change the landscape as viewers will have a choice – and Foxtel’s exclusive Saturday coverage will add to the temptation to subscribe.
- by Peter Ryan
‘Choice is a great thing’: Hudson and Whateley to call Friday night football on Fox
Viewers who subscribe to Foxtel will have a choice of callers for Friday night football in 2025 as the network announces its Friday night call team.
- by Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
The Hawks won TikTok this year. Now they’re cashing in
After their breakout year, the Hawks are back as a prime-time AFL team, and their fans are getting swept up in the excitement with membership and merchandise sales soaring.
- by Michael Gleeson
Not the Kings or McKays: Meet the anti-twin big men who had 16 AFL clubs visit their country home
Matt and Jack Whitlock were born two minutes apart, are each almost 200 centimetres tall and will be first-round picks in the AFL draft – but they want to be known for more than being twins.
- by Marc McGowan
Opinion
For subscribers
The fix-ture is in: Why handicapping teams flies in the face of AFL’s integrity
The fixture should not be another lever for equalisation. The premiership race should be run at even weights, like the Derby – not weighted in the manner of the Melbourne Cup.
- by Jake Niall
‘Just a reco’: Blues superstar Charlie Curnow reveals the extent of surgery that ended his season
The two-time Coleman medallist has spoken about his progress in returning from the injury that curtailed his 2024 campaign.
- by Andrew Wu
The big fix: Revealing the secret formula that goes into making the most-read list in Australian sport
If you thought footy fans were obsessed with the AFL fixture, spare a thought for the man whose job it is to balance the interests of all 18 clubs and the broadcasters, while accommodating the league’s traditions and quirks.
- by Jon Pierik
AFL Briefing
Melbourne Demons
Clayton Oliver returns early for Melbourne pre-season training
Oliver, 27, joined several senior teammates including vice captain Jack Viney and utility Harrison Petty – along with Melbourne’s first-to-fourth-year players at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday.
- by Jon Pierik and Hannah Kennelly
Board challengers force Pies’ succession plan to a vote
Collingwood have four board vacancies and a succession plan. But two additional candidates have nominated, meaning the upcoming election will be contested.
- by Jake Niall
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/afl-2025-6h25