Game on: club-by-club preview of 2025 VFL season
High-profile recruits, a bunch of new coaches and a switch to televised games on Saturday nights highlighted the VFL off-season. Here’s the state of play at clubs ahead of Round 1.
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The bounce of the ball to start the 2025 VFL season is only days away.
A strengthened Carlton and perennial finalists Box Hill Hawks will fight out the first game, and Footscray and the Northern Bullants will take centre stage in the first match to be televised on Saturday night.
The home-and-away season will consist of 21 rounds, with every team playing 18 matches.
The top-ten will qualify for the finals, starting with the wildcards on the weekend of August 23-24.
Here’s a club-by-club guide to what’s ahead for the 21 teams.
BOX HILL HAWKS
Coach: Zane Littlejohn (third season)
Last year: 12-16, elimination finals
In: Jack Baldwin, Trent Bianco, Kye Declase, Max Donohue, Sam Durdin, Tom Farrer, Griff Julian, Will Kellar, Billy McCormack, Zac McGown, Corey Preston, Jack Sammartino, Blake Simondson, Ethan Stanley.
Out: Kye Agosta, Heath Bidgood, Callum Brown, Lachlan Bryce, Toby Cossor, Ben De Bolfo, Andrew Mathieson, Remy Maclean, James Parsons, Ed Phillips, Jed Rule, Mitch Sruk, Jaylon Thorpe, Josh Tovey.
State of play: Since the competition revamp of 2000, the Hawks have been an exemplar of consistency, reaching the finals on 20 occasions, including 14 of the past 15 seasons. Everything suggests they’ll be seeing in September again in 2025, despite the loss of club champion Callum Brown. They’ve retained top-liners Ben Cavarra, Can Porter, Tyler Brown and Stuart Horner, emerging types like Andreas Stefanakis and Nathan Philactides, and brought in four players who had time on AFL lists: Trent Bianco, Kye Declase, Sam Durdin and Ethan Stanley. This year also marks the 50-year anniversary of the iconic Mustang jumper, a milestone that will no doubt be celebrated by a club so mindful of its history. And they’ll probably mark it with another finals appearance too.
BRISBANE LIONS
Coach: Ben Hudson (third season)
Last year: 13-5, preliminary finals
In: Dan Annable, Harry Arnold, Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, James Creighton, Ryan Gilder, Curtis McCarthy, Fergus McFadyen, Charlie Offermans, Harrison Ronchi, Taylem Wason.
Out: Rohan Bailey, Joel Budarick, Owen Collins, Zack Derksen, Kyle Dunkley, Tom Gillett, Elijah Glass, Bailey Gordon, Riley Greene, Liam Hude, Nathan Jensen, Jake Lohmann, Ewan Macpherson, Will Martyn, Darryl McDowell-White, Lockie Rayner, Bailey Reeves, Billy Richardson, Jamison Shea.
State of play: The Lions are looking to take another step this year after playing in the past three preliminary finals, a terrific run in a 21-team competition. They’ve shed some good players from their VFL list, including Kyle Dunkley, Ewan Macpherson, Will Martyn and Joel Budarick, and they’ll also have to make do without retired AFL player Jarryd Lyons, the 2023 JJ Liston Trophy champion and last year’s best and fairest. On the positive side, Harry Arnold is back with the Lions and will strengthen the defence after two years as an AFL-listed Sydney Swan; Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, James Creighton, Curtis McCarthy and Charlie Offermans also arrive with VFL experience; and Taylem Wason has made the move from Warrnambool. Wason, a left-footer, won his club’s best and fairest last season and was in the Hampden league’s team of the year. Curtis McCarthy, the brother of luckless AFL Lion Lincoln, has also joined the squad.
CARLTON
Coach: Luke Power (third season)
Last year: 4-14, 19th
In: Denver Grainger-Barras, Cooper Hamilton, Zac Harding, Liam Farrar, Nash King, Taj Logan, Ethan Phillips, Stirling Phipps-Parsons, Jack Polkinghorne, Cooper Vickery, Ollie Warburton.
Out: Noah Barnes, Jed Brereton, Ned Cahill, Jess Gedi, Hayden Gill, Luca Goonan, Blake Kuipers, Bailey Lambert, Jack Lefroy, Zavier Maher, Jack Maruff, Hugo Nosiara, Tom Phillips, Michael Rudd, Tyson Sruk, Lachie Swaney, Callum Verrell, Lachie Young.
State of play: The Blues spent last season bumping along the bottom rungs of the ladder, but they look far better equipped for 2025. They’ve gained four players straight from AFL lists – Hawks Denver Grainger-Barras and Ethan Phillips, Giant Cooper Hamilton and Swan Cooper Vickery – as well as the highly rated Nash King from the Coates Talent League. In another bonus, Will Hayes, so influential in his return to the VFL last year, is going on again. Look for slippery Will White to continue his rise and perhaps pop up as a midseason draft prospect. Liam McMahon, last year’s leading goalkicker and best and fairest, will share the captaincy with Heath Ramshaw.
CASEY DEMONS
Coach: Taylor Whitford (third season)
Last year: 5-13, 17th
In: Riley Baldi, Riley Bonner, Lachie Bryce, Chance Doultree, Jack Ferraro, Jenson Garnham, Jarrod Gatt, Ollie Green, Mitch Hardie, Patrick Ireland, Mitch Kirkwood-Scott, Wardell Lual, Max Roney, Deakyn Smith, Tyson Sruk, Noah Yze.
Out: Jack Bell, Leo Connolly, Max Coughlin, Campbell Hustwaite, Ned Moodie, Charlie Muley, Harvey Neocleous, Tom Sheridan, Roan Steele, Mitch Szybkowski, Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, Ryan Valentine, Mitch White.
State of play: no crystal ball is needed to envision the 2022 premier being a sharp improver for 2025. The Demons took a tumble down the ladder last year, but their list looks considerably stronger despite the departures of ace captain and 2024 best and fairest Mitch White and runner-up Roan Steele. They’ve brought in experienced AFL defender Riley Bonner, best and fairest-winning VFL Cat Mitch Hardie, their own former best and fairest Deakyn Smith and leading Gippsland league midfielder Riley Baldi (who, like Smith, is returning for a second stop at Casey). Leading Gippy forwards Patrick Ireland and Jenson Garnham are also having a dash at the state league. Smith, who joined North Melbourne VFL last year, will skipper the Demons, supported by vice-captains Baldi and Paddy Cross and leadership group quartet Charlie Peters, Tom Freeman, Max Gregory, and Kai Windsor.
COBURG
Coach: Jamie Cassidy-McNamara (third season)
Last year: 5-13, 18th
In: Matt Allison, Jack Andrew, Jack Bytel, Joe Furphy, Jordyn Gillard, Nick Hodgson, Jack Lefroy, Sam Mason, Lachie McArthur, Dom Payman, Jonathan Tomasiello, Ryan Valentine, Josh Walker, Declan Willmore.
Out: Charlie Beasley, George Belcher, Charlie Bowes, Jack Briskey, Sam Grant, Luke Kennedy, Dylan Laurie, Tom McKenzie, Harry Nolan, Daniel Owen, Ben Rigoni, Tom Rowland, Giacomo Thomas, Josh Watson.
State of play: It’s time for the Lions to amplify their ambitions after an encouraging 2024 and a productive off-season in which they retained the players they wanted and gained onballer Jack Bytel (Collingwood) and tall forward Matt Allison (St Kilda) from AFL lists. Sam Mason, an impressive and versatile performer in 2023, has returned to the City Oval, and VAFA pair Ryan Valentine (Old Scotch) and Dom Payman (Old Trinity) will make the Burgers better in attack. The retention of 29 players should bring continuity to Coburg: Luke Bailey, Will Bella, Hugo Bromell, Henry Brown, Ben Cameron, Davin Cameron, Jesse Corigliano, Ben Crick, Ingo Dammersmith, Josh D’Intinosante, Caleb Ernst, Rhys Galvin, Flynn Gentile, Braedyn Gillard, Daniel Johnston, Deacon Kalpakis, Max Kennedy, Cooper Keogh, Ben Major, Josh May, Liam Podhajski, Mitch Podhajski, Liam Serong, Ryan Sturgess, Max Thompson, Donovan Toohey, Joel Trudgeon, Lachlan Walker and Kyle Weightman are all back. That’s a good mix of players and the Lions should be able to give a wildcard final a shake.
COLLINGWOOD
Coach: Andy Otten (first season)
Last year: 4-14, 20th
In: Josh Bennetts, Josh Browne, Ned Byrne, Ben De Bolfo, Ryan Eyre, Brady Grey, Liam Hude, Michael Kiraly, Remy Maclean, Max Mahoney, Riley Mason, Tadhg McCarthy, Josh Murphy, Curtis Taylor, Josh Tovey.
Out: Yuyu Ashwin, Nicky Christian, Ben Crocker, Patrick Farrant, Harry Flynn, Jett Hartman, Campbell Lane, Jedd Longmire, Josh Mathey, Rye Penny, Liam Purcell, Kaden Schreiber, Ben Silvagni, Sam Sofronidis, Ryan Sparkes, Jonathan Tomasiello, Ollie Warburton.
State of play: The proud Pies knew plenty of dark days last season, at one stage suffering 12 consecutive losses. Andy Otten has come in as the new coach, replacing club great Josh Fraser, and there’s a package of new players, headed by former Kangaroo Curtis Taylor, the experienced Brady Grey and ex-Hawk speedster Josh Bennetts. Liam Hude, who played 10 games with Brisbane VFL last year, showed he would be a handy pick-up when he kicked four goals in a practice match against Richmond. The Magpies also secured Josh Murphy, who booted 32.13 in 11 games for Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League last year and who was described by AFL talent guru Kevin Sheehan as an “explosive forward who is quick on the lead and has strong hands out in front’’. Riley Mason, from Seymour, is another regional recruit for the Magpies. He slotted 72 goals from 18 matches last season and was a Goulburn Valley league representative. At some point during the year Collingwood will celebrate the 175th senior game of Tom Wilson, a milestone that brings life membership of the VFL.
ESSENDON
Coach: Cameron Joyce (first season)
Last year: 9-9, 11th
In: Dom Akuei, Jordan Busuttil, Shane Clough, Kieran Gallagher, Lachlan Hogan, Riley Leedham, Nic Quigg, Noah Scott, Tyler Sellers, Hamish Sinnott.
Out: Luca Alessio, Charlie Bolmat, Noah Caracella, Oscar Duncan, Ryan Eyre, Malik Gordon, Macca Hallows, Jack Jedwab, Michael Kiraly, Kane Loftus, Will Madden, Ayui Makieng, Alex Molan, Jake Moorhead, Amin Naim, Bailey Scott, Tom Toma, Declan Willmore.
State of play: The VFL Bombers were numbed by the death of coach Dale Tapping in February, just a few months after his appointment to replace Blake Caracella. The popular Tapping had put a lot of work into the list, re-signing regulars Jackson Hately (last year’s best and fairest), Xavier O’Neill, Jack Peris, Jared Eckersley, Matt Foley, Solly McKay and Oskar Smartt, as well as key defender Will Hoare, who was chased by a few other VFL clubs. Cameron Joyce came in as coach in late February, bringing the experience of roles with the Gold Coast Suns’ AFLW team from 2021-24 and the Tasmania Devils’ women’s Under 18s. He was also list manager and then general manager of football at North Melbourne. The Bombers split their season at 9-9 last season, starting slowly only to flash home and miss the wildcard finals round by four points. Perhaps the addition of key forward Tyler Sellers can help them into the top 10. He joined the Bombers from North Melbourne, where he booted 30 goals in 2023 and another 30 last year after being promoted to the AFL list.
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS
Coach: Stewart Edge (sixth season)
Last year: 14-3-1, preliminary finals
In: Omar Abou-Eid, Cody Bramble, Riely Collins, David Cuningham, Liam Hunt, Xavier Kardachi, Bailey Medwell, Ted Middleton, Luca Muratore, Kane Sexton, Fred Valpied.
Out: Angus Bade, Trent Bianco, Josh Chatfield, Chance Doultree, Lachie McArthur, Rhett Montgomerie, Charlie Naish, Josh Sparkman, Kai Stretton, Connor Watson, Sam Willoughby.
State of play: The ‘Scray looked ticketed for the grand final after an excellent home-and-away season last year, only to be nosed out by Southport in the preliminary final. They should again occupy top-four territory after answering a few departures with some excellent inclusions. Ex-Blue David Cuningham is a significant addition and the experienced Liam Hunt is the back in the competition where he won a best and fairest with Coburg. Hunt joins his cousins Ethan Hunt and Marcus Bontempelli at the Whitten Oval. Luca Muratore is one to watch. Star AFL Western Bulldog Aaron Naughton, a development and assistant coach at Essendon District league Airport West, recommended Muratore to the Dogs after watching him boot 47 goals from 18 games last year. Bailey Medwell, from Sebastopol, is also expected to adapt to the higher level. He had 41 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 13 clearances in a match last season. Dan Orgill will captain Footscray, backed by 2024 best and fairest Cooper Craig-Peters.
FRANKSTON
Coach: Jackson Kornberg (second season)
Last year: 10-8, elimination final
In: Kobe Askew, Tom Blamires, Kade De La Rue, Jordan Doherty, Corey Ellison, Clayton Gay, Will Hamill, Darby Hipwell, Bailey Lambert, Riley Mihailovic, Ned Moodie, Jacob Noble, Tarkyn O’Leary, Owen Williams.
Out: Matt Aldous, Josh Butland, Darcy Gilbert, Ryan Jacobs, William Kennedy, Troy Maggs, Josh Mounter, Jack Newnes, Jet Peckett, Connor Riley, Tom Roberts, Kyle Stainthorpe, Josh Stern, Max Williams.
State of play: Under first-year coach Jackson Kornberg, the Dollies surged up the ladder last season to grab a wildcard final and thrillingly defeat Gold Coast Suns in an eliminator. It was stirring stuff from a club that had last played finals in 2008. The task this year is to replicate that success and an off-season of retention and shrewd recruiting has the list in good shape. Of the newcomers, Corey Ellison’s arrival from Williamstown adds 40 goals to the forward line (and takes heat off Noah Gown), Darby Hipwell strengthens the midfield, Bailey Lambert can play a number of roles, and former Adelaide Crow Will Hamill and ex-Zebra Tom Blamires will come off half-back, Hamill with a sweet left-foot. Kornberg probably would have liked to sign another key defender to support Taine Barlow and underrated Joe Lloyd. But with an excellent senior core (Trent Mynott, Tom Murphy, Jackson Voss, Tyson Milne, George Grey, Matt Johnson, Blake O’Leary, Seb Quirk, Barlow, Lloyd) and a few emerging types (Taj Campbell-Farrell, Angus Grant, Ollie Moran, Lochie Reidy, Lachie Riley), the Dolphins look well positioned to consolidate in the top half of the ladder.
GEELONG
Coach: Mark Corrigan (third season)
Last year: 12-5-1, semi-finals
In: Joey Chaplin, Paddy De Grandi, Kobe George, Felix Katsaros, Patrick Kelly, Nathan Kreuger, Mitchell Lloyd, Doyle Madigan, Charlie McCartin, Jay Rantall, Brock Williamson, Taj Wyburd.
Out: Lachlan Bond, Kade Chalcraft, Mace Cousins, Ryan Eyers, Brayden Ham, Liam Kershaw, Ajang Kuol Mun, Tanner Lovell, Nic Minchin, Tyler Norton, Darby Schilder, Hamish Sinnott, Bailey van de Heuvel.
State of play: Daniel Capiron, unheralded but not to be underestimated, will again captain the Cats, and early in the season will bring up his 100-game milestone in the VFL. He’s on 97 matches, having started in the state league with Frankston in 2016. Geelong finished in the top-four last season, only to take a straight-sets exit from the finals. Since then they’ve made a dozen list changes, with the returning Nathan Kreuger and another ex-Magpie, Jay Rantall, the most noteworthy of the newcomers. Charlie McCartin, who was called up to play two games for Sydney’s VFL team last year, is also on board, getting his chance after starring for Lorne in the Colac and District league. Marcus Herbert, who came fourth in the best and fairest last season, and big Kaelan Bradtke are among the re-signings.
GOLD COAST SUNS
Coach: Tate Kaesler (second season)
Last year: 10-6-2, wildcard round
In: Fraser Cameron, Max Cruse, Miles Enders, Aiden Fyfe, Hugh Greenwood, Cody Harrington, Cooper Hynes, James Tsitas, Oscar Wood.
Out: Matthew Evans, Tom Fields, Finn Hay, Corey Hitchcock, Nathan Kady, Beau Lester-Sutherland, Ben O’Brien, Tom Reeves, Harry Sullivan, Josh Zanker-Close.
State of play: Premiers in 2023, the Suns fell to seventh last year and were knocked over by Frankston in the wildcard finals round. It was obvious that their forward line lacked the firepower of the previous season, when Brodie McLaughlin, Chris Burgess and Mabior Chol regularly had days out. The Suns will be captained this year by popular clubman James Tsitas, who chose to stick around after being cut from the AFL squad. The tough onballer was second in the best and fairest last year and will lead the only way he knows – by example. Hugh Greenwood, back at the club as a development coach, will play for the VFL team and another ex-Roo, Fraser Cameron, has made the move from VAFA club De La Salle. Former Suns rookie Aiden Fyfe, a grand final player with Southport in 2022, is another handy inclusion.
GWS
Coach: Wayne Cripps (third season)
Last year: 8-10, 14th
In: Hugo Birks, Mitchell Blow, Noah Bradshaw, Jaiden Butson, Ben Coghill, Declan Fitzgerald, Khy Gibbs, Nick Irvine, Perry Lewis-Smith, James Lugsdin, Liam McCarthy, Sam McMeeken, Jace McQuade, Louie Montgomery, Hunter Pickett, Luke Skrivanic, Mitch Szybkowski.
Out: Cooper Bell, Jackson Bowne, Ned Byrne, Billy Clark, James Creighton, Kale Gabila, Daniel Gauci, Ethan Grace, Jensen Hargreaves, Coby Hilton, Sam House, Lochlan Jenkins, Charlie McCormack, Nic Quigg, Nathan Richards, Joel Rush, Josh Smith, Giorgio Varagiannis, Ethan Williams, Oliver Withers.
State of play: A new approach for the Giants in the VFL, creating a hub in Albury for top-up players. They say it is to provide a pathway for talented players in the region to train, develop, and potentially play in the VFL team, “further strengthening the club’s community ties and commitment to nurturing homegrown talent’’. Up to 10 players will train once a week in Albury under coach Josh Duffy. “This program provides a fantastic opportunity for local players to showcase their skills and take the next step in their development,” Giants head of talent Adrian Caruso said. “It’s all about creating opportunities for players who have the potential but may need a bit of guidance and exposure to make it to the next level.’’ Noah Bradshaw, Nick Irvine, Ben Coghill, Jaiden Butson, Liam McCarthy and Jace McQuade were signed to kickstart the initiative. The well-travelled Perry-Lewis Smith and 2024 VFL Sydney Swan James Lugsdin are other notable new players as the Giants look to push up a few places.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Coach: Tom Lynch (third season)
Last year: 8-10, 15th
In: Hugh Byrne, Matthew Clarkson, Adrian Cole, Liam Gunson, Olli Hotton, Matt Keast, Sam Linder, Ollie Lowe, Darcy Macpherson, Ewan Macpherson, Jack O’Sullivan, Paddy O’Sullivan, Tyson Scoble, McLaren Spiteri, Nathaniel Sulzberger, Adam Tomlinson, Oscar Van Dam.
Out: Ned Conway, Calvin Daraio, Ben Davis, Kade De La Rue, Mitch Hannan, Sam Hayes, Nick Hodgson, Jamie Hope, Sam Lowson, Hamish Murphy, Tom O’Sullivan, Deakyn Smith, Jack Watkins.
State of play: When the Kangaroos signed seasoned former AFL player Adam Tomlinson in late January, it set the seal on a tremendous run of recruiting. By then they’d already picked up former Gold Coast Sun Darcy Macpherson and his brother Ewan, delisted Saint Olli Hotton, Sandringham’s Ollie Lowe, former Hawk Jack O’Sullivan and Sandringham Dragons premiership trio Nathaniel Sulzberger, Sam Linder and Adrian Cole. The Kangas also signed Koroit’s Paddy O’Sullivan, the brother of their high draft pick and Round 1 AFL debutant Finn. And Ben Bath, Louis Butler, Tom Cappellari, Connor Downie, Charlie Harrop, Ben Hopkins, Ben Huggard, Coby James, Will Lambert, Nick Newton, Alex Noblett, Bode Stevens, James Tarrant, Cooper Trembath and Lachlan Wynd have all returned. Talent abounds at Arden St, and you suspect one of coach Tom Lynch’s stiffest tasks this season will be to find places for everyone.
NORTHEN BULLANTS
Coach: Rohan Welsh (second season)
Last year: 2-16, 21st
In: Deng Andrew, Yuyu Ashwin, Charlie Bolmat, Liam Coghlan, Peter Costanzo, Harry Flynn, Brody Glenn, Sam Green, Riley Greene, Will Madden, Amin Naim, Ben Quaynor, Luke Ryan, Christopher Scerri, Kaden Schreiber, Lochie Simpson, Blade Sulzberger, Liam Taylor, Giorgio Varagiannis, Jackson Weidemann.
Out: Arthur Armstrong, Corey Barbaro, Hudson Barrett, Kobe Brown, Josh Buchanan, Harry Butterworth, Josh Cooper, Jared Crosbie, Charlie Di Stefano, Felix Dreher, Lucas Edmonds, Cooper Ellis, Ryan Gardner, Luke Green, Sam Hayes, Marcus Holland, Matthew King, Christos Kosmas, Jason McCormick, Isaac McMillian, Caleb McPherson, Tyson Pickett, John Roumeliotis, Tristen Waack, Jed Wallace, William Wallace.
State of play: Turmoil hit the Bullants a few weeks out from the season when senior coach Rohan Welsh, owed money from last year and at odds with the board, considered walking away. Thankfully he chose to stay, but then an ankle infection put him out of action for three weeks, leaving his assistants to prepare the team for the Round 1 match against Footscray. The Ants didn’t land any high-profile recruits going into 2025. But they did improve their depth by bringing in the likes of Kaden Schreiber, Jackson Weidemann, Liam Coghlan, Will Madden and Amin Naim. Importantly, they retained senior men Jean-Luc Velissaris, Liam Mackie, Patrick Fairlie and John Jorgensen, as well as emerging pair Will Elliott and Maison Goodman. The Bullants won’t soar up the ladder, but they should maintain a level of competitiveness that puts them in quite a few games.
PORT MELBOURNE
Coach: Brendan McCartney (first season)
Last year: 6-12, 16th
In: Kaine Baldwin, Dom Bedendo, Lachlan Bond, Jayden Davey, Felix Dreher, Paddy Farrant, Tom Graham, Sam Grant, Ned Hawkins, Dyson Heppell, Ajang Kuol Mun, Charlie Lazzaro, Archie Lazzaro, Drew Lloyd, Will Martyn, Flynn Penry, Riley Polkinghorne, Max Rider, Connor Riley, Michael Rudd, Jack Skinner, Josh Sparkman, Hugh Trigg, James Van Es, Tex Wanganeen, Malachi White.
Out: Sam Allen, Anthony Anastasio, Kyle Borg, Liam Coghlan, Jacob Conlan, Lucas Conlan, Felix Flockart, Billy Gowers, Sam Green, Cody Henness, Spencer Johnson, Harry Maguire, Robbie McComb, Dan McKenzie, Bryce Milford, Lachie Modica, Mitch Moschetti, Oscar Roberts, Baker Smith, Roarke Smith, Nick Stuhldreier, Kye Turner, Kyle Viccars, Campbell Walker, Zach Walter, Cam Wild.
State of play: No club was busier in the off-season nor has more to prove this year than the Borough, who for a while there were taking headlines away from AFL clubs. They grabbed ex-Bombers captain Dyson Heppell as a senior player, Essendon great James Hird as director of coaching and former Western Bulldogs AFL mentor Brendan McCartney as senior coach to replace Adam Skrobalak. The Essendon link continued with the signings of Tex Wanganeen, Jayden Davey and, after the SSP trials, Kaine Baldwin. Former Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro had a Port presence too, chipping in with recruiting. Young ruckman Ajang Kuol Mun is a player to watch – it won’t be a surprise if he quickly emerges as a mid-season draft prospect – and former Kangaroo Charlie Lazzarro will be dominant through the middle. Two things can be said of Port Melbourne with certainty: it will be fit (“rock-hard fit’’, according to one former player) and it will play with the uncompromising edge that McCarthy instils in all his teams.
RICHMOND
Coach: Jake Batchelor (first season)
Last year: 10-8, wildcard round
In: Max Clohesy, Kai Daniels, Tom Ferguson, Sam Flockart, Zane Greenham, Jhett Haeata, Reuben Hanson, Sean Lai, Seth Macdonald, Tom McKenzie, Phil Moi Moi, O’Neill Moncrieff, Sam Phillips, Massimo Raso, Sam Toner.
Out: Tom Bower, Tom Brindley, Harry Broderick, Ry Cantwell, Matthew Clarkson, Sam Davidson, Luk Haddara, Chad Harris, Archie May, Joel Nathan, Cam Olden, Luke Teal, Liam Thomas, Harry White.
State of play: There’s a lot to like about the Richmond VFL program. The Tigers win games – they made the wildcard finals round last year – and there’s always a player or two bubbling up and taking the attention of recruiters. Last year it was Sam Davidson. In 2023 it was James Trezise and Mykelti Lefau. In 2021 it was Sam Durham. Perhaps this year it will be Sam Toner, who jumped out of the ground last season for the Dandenong Stingrays and was talked up as a draft hope. Or it may be Cheltenham signing Sean Lai, the twin brother of Port Adelaide bolter Josh. Former defender Jake Batchelor takes charge of the talent, having returned to Punt Rd as an assistant after four years as coach of Sandringham’s VFL team.
SANDRINGHAM
Coach: Brendon Goddard (first season)
Last year: 8-9-1, 12th
In: Sam Buck, Jonah Campigli, Jack Cheep, Zac Greeves, Josh Hutchings, Ned Maginness, Andrew Mathieson, Bailey McKenzie, Jet Peckett, Liam Purcell, Billy Richardson, Jez Rigoni, Charlie Rozenes, Cameron Saultry, Ben Seers, Ben Stephenson, Aaron Taylor, Ethan Williams.
Out: Max Benier, Lachlan Benton, Tom Blamires, Will Brown, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Darby Hipwell, Ollie Lowe, Luca Macnab, William Nish, Tarkyn O’Leary, Luke Ryan, Anthony Seaton, Will Vesely, Bayleigh Welsh, Logan Young, Vince Zagari.
State of play: Talk about a turnover. Only new captain Blake Watson, Josh Docking, Misilifi Faimalo, Sam Latreille and Levi Young are back from last year for the Zebras. They didn’t have the greatest list of all-time, as St Kilda indicated when it chose not to promote a Sandringham player to its rookie list. But Darby Hipwell, Tom Blamires, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Darby Hipwell, Ollie Lowe and Anthony Seaton could all confidently and competently play at senior level. With them no longer around, it’s left Wheeler and new coach Brendon Goddard to start from scratch with a young squad. There’s little doubt they will be leaning on good numbers from the St Kilda end this season. But in time the reliance will lessen as the likes of Lachie Voss, Ned Maginness, Bailey McKenzie and Jonah “Joey’’ Campigli take in games and experience.
SOUTHPORT
Coach: Matthew Primus (first season)
Last year: 12-6, grand final
In: Sam Cilmi, Owen Collins, Josh Cresswell, Mason Field, Josh Gore, Finn Hay, Tai Hayes, Joe Kennedy, Marcus Khoo, Justin Krok, Sam Lowson, Hewago Oea, Charlie Rowe, Darby Scott, Harry Sullivan.
Out: Ryan Banks-Smith, Rhys Clark, Byron Finch, Aiden Hall, Charlie Harmelin, Cody Harrington, Ben Jepson, Jay Lockhart, Jesh Morgan, Lachie Rhook, Matt Shannon, Jacob Townsend.
State of play: Disappointing in 2023, the Sharks hit back with the might most expected, climbing to fifth, then performing brilliantly in the finals to reach the last match of the season. They go into 2025 with a new coach, Matthew Primus, but with the collection of star players that makes them such a formidable opponent: Jacob Dawson, Boyd Woodcock, Brayden Crossley, Wylie Buzza, Zac Foot and Jacob Heron. To it they can add Sam Lowson, the dynamic little goalkicker who has relocated to the Gold Coast after stops at Coburg and North Melbourne. It’s easy to imagine him filling a bag or three this season. Hewago Oea – who played 13 AFL games for the Gold Coast Suns – is another fine pick-up.
SYDNEY SWANS
Coach: Jarrad McVeigh (first season)
Last year: 8-9-1, 13th
In: Oscar Davis, Cameron Este, Declan Fitzpatrick, Angus Hanrahan, Tom Hitchens, Jack Kluske, Harrison Podmore-Taylor.
Out: Toby Alker, Ben Ashley-Cooper, Jake Bartholomaeus, Hugo Birks, Joel Cochran, Tye Gander, Joe Harrison, Ned Hawkins, Will Kelly, James Lugsdin, Charlie McCartin, Phil Moi Moi, Hamish Morrison, Harry Morrison, Josh Nicholls, Bili Robertson, Monty Velthuis.
State of play: The Swannies appointed a new coach in the off-season, club great Jarrad McVeigh, but otherwise they were quite. Aside from ex-Port Melbourne flanker Angus Hanrahan and South Australian Country representative Jack Kluske, they sourced their signings from their Academy program and AFL Sydney clubs. The experienced Ben Edwards, who ran third in the best and fairest last year, was an important returnee, as were Nick Shipley, Max Geddes and Matty Lloyd. “Really pleased with the way the young players have been going,’’ McVeigh told CODE Sports. “We see a lot of potential in them.’’ Shipley, approaching his 50th game, will be the Swans’ skipper.
WERRIBEE
Coach: Jimmy Allan
Last year: 15-3, premier
In: Sam Allen, Mace Cousins, Anthony Depasquale, Ryan Eyers, Archer Gardiner, Hayden Gill, Jackson Grundy, Dom Gugliotti, Spencer Johnson, Ben Kellett, Liam Kershaw, Jake Lohmann, Jedd Longmire, Harry Maguire, Myles McCluggage, Harry Miller, Isaac Nixon, Rye Penny, Noah Tullio, Cooper Ward, Tylar Watts, Cam Wild, Brady Wright.
Out: Emmanuel Ajang, Kobe Annand, Darcy Bennett, Riley Bice, Gennaro Bove, Mitchell Chafer, Nathan Cooper, Nick Coughlan, Kye Declase, Nick Hayes, Jack Henderson, Aidan Johnson, Matt Keast, Wardell Lual, Oliver Northam, Sam Paea, Hamish Pierson, Corey Preston, Jamie Quick, Stefan Radovanovic, Jay Rantall, Michael Selsby, Connor Thar, Reuben William.
State of play: The breaking of a 31-year premiership drought produced stirring scenes at IKON Park last year as the Bees turned their minor premiership into a memorable flag. A photograph of long-serving CEO Mark Penaluna raising his arms in triumph in front of the Gardiner Stand made for one of football’s best images of 2024. But Werribee has known great change since. Riley Bice, Jack Henderson and Aidan Johnson were drafted and fellow premiership players Nick Hayes and Stefan Radovanovic, Nathan Cooper and Sam Paea have moved on, as has former skipper Nick Coughlan. The newcomers are mostly unproven hopefuls from local and Coates Talent League ranks, and the Bees will hope to uncover another Bice or two to complement the likes of JJ Liston Trophy champion Dom Brew, Louis Pinnuck, new skipper Jesse Clarke, Hudson Garoni and Jack Riding. It’s hard to see them reaching last year’s heights, but Werribee, well coached and resourced, isn’t to be underestimated.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Coach: Justin Plapp (fifth season)
Last year: 11-7, semi-finals
In: Nicco Conlan, Lachlan Gollant, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Damon Hollow, Nathan Jensen, Ben Kennedy, Carter Michael, Hamish Morrison, Tom Mundy, Hamish Murphy, Ned Pendergast, Luke Scicchitano, Max Stobie, Kye Turner.
Out: Ben Andrews, Josh Browne, Akol Deng, Corey Ellison, Will Fordham, Darby Henderson, Will Jury, Josh Kemp, Corey Rich, Ryley Stoddart.
State of play: Consolidating the list was a focus for coach Justin Plapp in the off-season and 30 players returned, including all the top-bracket Towners: Tom Downie, Brodie McLaughlin, Luke Parks, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Nick Ebinger, James Cousins, Mitch Cox, Aiden Bonar, Joel Fitzgerald, Jake Greiser, Finbar O’Dwyer, Cam Polson and Jack Toner. Plapp would have liked to keep key forward Corey Ellison, but should be able to cover his departure with former Adelaide Crow Lachlan Gollant. Hugo Hall-Kahan, Kye Turner and Carter Michael, former AFL-listers all, are other good additions and Damon Hollow, the son of former Towner Brad, should quickly make his mark at senior level after crossing from the Calder Cannons, where he was captain and best and fairest last year. The top-four looks well within the compass of Willy.
ROUND 1
Friday (7:05pm): Carlton v Box Hill Hawks at Ikon Park
Saturday (12:05pm): Brisbane v Port Melbourne at Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday (12:05pm): Collingwood v Sydney at Victoria Park
Saturday (1:05pm): Southport v Werribee at Fankhauser Reserve
Saturday (3:05pm): Essendon v Williamstown at NEC Hangar
Saturday (7:10pm): Footscray v Northern Bullants at Whitten Oval
Sunday (11:05am): Casey v North Melbourne at Casey Fields
Sunday (11:05am): Richmond v Coburg at Holm Park
Sunday (2:05pm): Sandringham v Geelong at Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Originally published as Game on: club-by-club preview of 2025 VFL season
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