There’s been something for every footy fan so far in season 2025.
Triumph, tragedy, big grabs, classic goals and gutsy wins. There’s been moments that got us out of our seats in elation, and others that made us laugh or cry.
Steele Sidebottom, Bailey Smith, Jack Ginnivan and Rory Lobb are among those who’ve made a mark on season 2025.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty
No matter which team you follow, there’s been memorable moments, positive signs for the future and something to love.
So let’s recap them:
Adelaide
Best moments: Adelaide have posted some sizeable wins and kicked a heap of goals but Mark Keane’s courageous mark in the dying minutes against Port Adelaide sealed a dogged win and added to his legacy as a fan favourite.
Adelaide’s Mark Keane took a game-saving mark to deny Port Adelaide an attacking opportunity late in the Showdown match of round 10.Credit: Fox Footy
Looking forward to: The roar at Adelaide Oval for a preliminary final. Maybe we are going too soon, but this Crows team promises so much, close your eyes and you can almost hear the faithful sounding off after a Riley Thilthorpe goal.
Something I loved: Thilthorpe has gone from strength to strength as a key forward, and I love to watch him in contests, but the impact Alex Neal-Bullen and his relentless running has had on the Crows has been profound. He sets the pace and standard, and the others are keeping up.
Brisbane Lions
Best moments: The reigning premiers took their time clicking into gear, but they’ve produced some highlights. Their comeback from 32 points down to beat Geelong was explosive, capped by a memorable running goal from sub Bruce Reville. And let’s not forget the way the Lions players showed their love and admiration for coach Chris Fagan in celebrating his 200th game.
Charlie Cameron and Brisbane Lions teammates show their love for coach Chris Fagan, and (inset) Cameron performs an Indigenous dance on field.Credit: Getty / AFL Images
Looking forward to: The rise of the Ashcrofts has been a sight to behold as brothers Will and Levi grow into match winners as part of a midfield that is already star-studded. I can’t wait for their face-off against the Daicos brothers and Collingwood at the MCG on August 2. Grand final preview, anyone?
Something I loved: All the Charlie Cameron goal celebrations. His dance after kicking a goal against Hawthorn during Sir Doug Nicholls round was fitting, his three goals in three minutes weren’t bad either, while I still love him revving the motorcycle. Lions fans still clearly love singing along to Take Me Home, Country Roads any time Cameron scores a goal at home.
Carlton
Best moments: Harry McKay’s courage to step back and deal with his mental health meant he missed games early in the season, but his return climaxed with a match-winning goal against St Kilda in round nine. The outpouring of love and support was stirring.
Looking forward to: Blues fans are still holding hope for a second-half resurgence, like they got from their team in 2023. So many of those players are still there and there are plenty of winnable matches coming up.
Something I loved: George Hewett has enjoyed a career-best year for the Blues. His goal in the final minutes sealed the surprise win over Geelong in round seven. He’s tough, tireless and keeps turning up. It was a win and a moment for Blues fans to savour.
Collingwood
Best moments: Steele Sidebottom’s renaissance has been eye-catching, headlined by his best-on-ground effort on Anzac Day and his winning goal against the Bulldogs. The league-leading Pies have had plenty of highlights from Ned Long’s emergence to more Daicos brilliance.
The Magpies celebrate Steele Sidebottom’s game winning goal against the Western Bulldogs.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: Jordan De Goey’s return. The premiership winner has battled an Achilles issue, but is training again, and with a flag up for grabs, his match-winning talents could be enough to push the Magpies to the ultimate prize. They may well need him late in the season, as they face a tough run home with games against the Lions, Hawks, Crows (away) and Demons in the final month. Effectively, their finals campaign will start early.
Something I loved: Oleg Markov’s Bunnings to Marvel Stadium performance against North. Craig McRae dragged him from outside the squad into the team and he starred in an undermanned team. His goal celebration for his baby son Lenny and post-game interview just topped it off.
Essendon
Best moments: The wins over Melbourne, Sydney and Port Adelaide were highlights but Nate Caddy’s career-best display against the Lions was a league-wide statement of intent; his goal of the year contender won’t be forgotten either. Zach Reid’s defensive work in the wins over the Dees and Swans showed his promise when fit.
Nate Caddy kicks a stunning goal against the Lions.Credit: Fox Footy
Looking forward to: More Caddy, more Isaac Kako, more of the time. They are the future and the present. A healthy run from Reid, Mason Redman and Jordan Ridley in defence would be a godsend too.
Something I loved: First-gamer Angus Clarke relished his MCG debut against Richmond kicking three goals, while the smiling South Australian country boy’s post-game interview alongside dad Stuart was one for the ages.
Fremantle
Best moments: Shai Bolton and Andrew Brayshaw’s desperate efforts led the Dockers to an emotional win on the Gold Coast last month. Coach Justin Longmuir’s celebrations post-game showed what it meant to him after speculation over his future. It was Freo at their best, and the question is, can they keep it going?
Shai Bolton celebrates kicking a goal during Fremantle’s win over Gold Coast.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: With five wins on the trot, the Dockers now have their future in their own hands and the chance to solidify their spot in the top eight over the next two rounds against the Saints and Swans. Their fixture gets a bit tougher after that, but some testing matches leading into September should harden them for the challenges ahead, and the influential Hayden Young is due to return in that stretch of games.
Something I loved: Luke Jackson’s future seems a recurring story this season, but his superb play both in the ruck and when pushing forward has been eye-catching. Michael Frederick’s speed and pressure play has also been a highlight. Both are just cracking the surface of what they can do.
Geelong
Best moments: The Bailey Smith comeback tour has taken all before it. Match-winning displays, classy goals, headbands, spicy comments that spawn wild reactions, a few minor indiscretions and even a fireside chat with the AFL boss. And we are only at round 15, what will he do in the run to the finals?
Bailey Smith (centre) celebrates a goal with his Geelong teammates.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: More Patrick Dangerfield up forward. Danger’s reinvention as a match-winning goal-kicker has been fun to watch. Injury fears mean he will likely rest for a game here and there, but he has more games like his Melbourne and Adelaide performances to come.
Something I loved: The speedy production of Max Holmes feels like it has been a little overshadowed by Smith and Dangerfield, but 40 touches against Gold Coast and his three-bounce, running goal against the Bulldogs showed he is class.
Gold Coast
Best moments: The Suns’ win over Hawthorn in May had all kinds of meaning. They beat a contending side, won in Touk Miller’s 200th game and continued their winning record in Darwin. John Noble gaining more than 1000 metres topped off a statement win. Like Noble, the Suns have come a long way.
Looking forward to: A home final in Darwin … any final. The Suns are on track for the finals, maybe even the top four. A Darwin final seems out of the question, but the Suns are so good up north, they should ask the question.
Something I loved: Mac Andrew’s brash, high-flying performances, have showcased his unique assets. I also love how Nick Holman and Ben Long just put their heads down and make things happen. Andrew’s last-minute spoil to secure a win against Adelaide was powerful, even if his post-game antics were a little silly. Meanwhile, Long and Holman’s effort plays continue to set the standard for their teammates.
Greater Western Sydney
Best moments: Callan Ward’s heartbreaking knee injury brought out all the feelings as Lachie Whitfield lovingly comforted his teammate. But true to his way, Ward dragged himself up and gave his side a stirring three-quarter-time address. They beat Richmond as a result.
Looking forward to: More Brent Daniels and, hopefully, more Stephen Coniglio. Daniels returned last round from injury and should only get fitter from here, he’s always been an X-factor for the Giants. Coniglio has battled injury in recent weeks, his leadership will be vital down the stretch.
Something I loved: Win or otherwise, Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley continue to dominate in the air with their intercept possessions and marks. They are often looked over but rarely kicked over.
Hawthorn
Best moments: Jack Ginnivan’s ball-showing taunt to the Bulldogs stands out to many fans, especially when he backs up the showmanship, but veteran Jack Gunston’s 28 goals have been a pleasant surprise, including three late majors in the win over the Demons.
The provocative Jack Ginnivan against the Bulldogs.Credit: Getty Images
Looking forward to: As goes Will Day, as go the Hawks. The injured midfielder can’t return quick enough. The Hawks say round 20 is their aim and they’ll be counting down the days.
Something I loved: Sam Butler returning against the Bulldogs in June after 418 days out following a broken leg in the VFL last April. Perserverance is a special trait, Butler clearly has it.
Melbourne
Best moments: Kysaiah Pickett has gone to a new level this season, winning the ball in the middle and still kicking goals and pressuring at an elite level. He’s become a matchwinner for the Dees, most notably in the memorable win over Brisbane at the Gabba in round 10.
Kysaiah Pickett celebrates one of his goals.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: A second half run to the finals. Maybe Melbourne have done their dash, but they have a bunch of winnable games on the home stretch, especially if they can improve their efficiency up forward. They bring the drama, but they could still make the top eight.
Something I loved: Max Gawn leading from the front. Gawn is still the top ruckman in the AFL and among the leading skippers. The Dees are a rollercoaster club, but Gawn’s consistency stands out, even when he makes errors like his late-game turnover against Collingwood.
North Melbourne
Best moments: Roos skipper Jy Simpkin played through the grief of losing his beloved nan and his side saluted for him in the round 10 win over Richmond. Simpkin shed tears post-game but did his family and team proud.
Looking forward to: If George Wardlaw and Paul Curtis can avoid injury and suspension, North fans would be overjoyed. Both match winners, these two have simply missed too much footy. I’d also love to see more Finnbar Maley. He brought spirit and physicality to the side when he was introduced.
Something I loved: Luke Davies-Uniacke’s re-signing was widely celebrated by the Roos faithful after watching for years as players, such as Jason Horne-Francis, walked out on the club and other outside free agents spurned generous offers to join the club. It’s no fun to watch star players constantly join the same big clubs.
Port Adelaide
Best moments: Jason Horne-Francis’ furious reaction to taunts from his former club North Melbourne and the efforts of captain Connor Rozee, vice captain Zak Butters and coach Ken Hinkley to calm him down was captivating in round seven. They hung on for the win.
Tempers flared between Tristan Xerri (in helmet) of the Kangaroos and Jason Horne-Francis of the Power.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: A fitting send-off for Hinkley in his final games with wins on the field and full acknowledgement for his role in turning the Power’s fortunes around. He deserves both in full measure.
Something I loved: Willie Rioli had faced some unfortunate off-field dramas this season, some of his own making and some not. But I loved the way he took extra time for fans at Manuka Oval for pictures and photos, so much so that his team had to send out someone to get him for the team song. He’s a fan favourite for a reason.
Richmond
Best moments: The young Tigers have won hearts this season, even while losing games. Tom Brown’s match-saving tackle against West Coast showed why. His quote post that he was going to get “smoked in the review” if he hadn’t made the tackle just topped it off.
Looking forward to: The Tigers would love to see No.7 pick Josh Smillie get his debut, but injury has stopped him so far. There’s plenty of optimism about his promise as a playmaker and goal-kicking threat, while it would be a blessing seeing defender Josh Gibcus return from his latest injury.
Something I loved: Top pick Sam Lalor has wowed the Tigers faithful from his first few training sessions right up to now, including the round one win over Carlton. Seth Campbell has gone to a new level this season and deserves his flowers.
St Kilda
Best moments: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s evolution into one of the AFL’s elite ball-users, and Jack Macrae’s re-emergence as an elite ball-winner have been compelling to watch. But Marcus Windhager’s tagging job on Kysaiah Pickett in the round 12 win over Melbourne in Darwin showed the application and dedication Saints fans are looking for.
Mitch Owens celebrates a goal with a respectful bow to the fans.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: A Jack Higgins Coleman Medal. Could the Saints small forward run over the top of the big guns? Heading into round 15, he was on 30 goals from 13 games, 14 off leader Jeremy Cameron. Pipe dream? Maybe, but if Higgins can get more shots on goal, you couldn’t rule him out.
Something I loved: More big marks and celebrations from Mitch Owens. I love the bow, a nod to his Japanese heritage, and I hope we see Owens bring it out some more. I also love his attack on the ball when it is there to be marked. He’s special.
Sydney
Best moments: Riley Bice’s rise from excavator driver in Albury to AFL player is a feel-good story. He’s played 12 games since his debut, his match-winning display against North in round four was beautiful to see.
Riley Bice of the Swans celebrates a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
Looking forward to: Some more home wins, hopefully. North Melbourne and Essendon are both due at the SCG in coming weeks, and the Swans faithful deserve the chance to go home happy.
Something I loved: It was a decade in the making but defender Joel Hamling kicked the first goal of his AFL career in the clash with GWS on May 5. He marked, was bowled over but still got up and converted under pressure. He’s since goaled against Carlton and Melbourne.
West Coast
Best moments: From the heartbreak of Adam Selwood’s untimely death, the Eagles’ win over St Kilda on May 18 snapped an 11-game losing streak and came when supporters needed it most. Oscar Allen’s emotional words post-game should ring out long after the match is forgotten.
Looking forward to: The draft. I’m joking, but I’m not the only person who thought it. There are some winnable games to come, with GWS and Richmond flying west in July. A mark of the year flyer from Harley Reid or Liam Ryan would be a treat, too.
Something I loved: Key defender Reuben Ginbey has faced a trial by fire, but his battle with Jeremy Cameron in round 12 was fun viewing. “He got the chocolates,” Cameron said post game. Cameron finished with five goals, but four of them came in the Cats’ last-quarter surge, after Ginbey had won a number of earlier contests.
Western Bulldogs
Best moments: The Dogs have taken fans on a rollercoaster of epic highs and frustrating lows. Buku Khamis’ towering mark in round 10 was pretty incredible too.
Looking forward to: Big man Sam Darcy was among the most dangerous forwards in the league before his untimely knee injury. Thankfully for the Dogs, he made an encouraging return last round against St Kilda, picking up where he left off.
Something I loved: Rory Lobb’s hair colours. Every one of them. Maybe it’s the old Dennis Rodman fan in me, but long may his colours beam out over a dreary winter.
