As autumn sets in across Australia, a familiar anticipation grips the nation. Dusty scarves are pulled from storage, pub debates reignite, and footy fans prepare for another season of triumphs, heartbreaks, and controversies. In 2025, the AFL is poised for a pivotal year, both on and off the field, with major changes, looming legal battles, and the continued evolution of the game set to make this one of the most significant seasons in recent memory.
A New Tradition: Opening Round Takes Center Stage
For the second consecutive year, the AFL will kick off its season with the Opening Round outside of Victoria, with games scheduled in Queensland and New South Wales. Initially met with skepticism in 2024, the format was nearly cemented as a new tradition before a tropical cyclone delayed the Brisbane match, reminding the league that nature has a say in scheduling too. While the format remains divisive, its second iteration will reveal whether it’s a fixture worth keeping beyond 2025.
Yet, this is merely a side note in what will be an intense year for the AFL, with several pressing issues set to dominate discussions throughout the season.
Concussion: The Defining Challenge of 2025
One issue looms above all others: concussion. The AFL faces a potential landmark class action lawsuit from former players who have suffered long-term effects of head injuries sustained during their careers. If the case proceeds, it could fundamentally alter the league’s approach to player welfare, safety regulations, and even the very essence of the sport.
The AFL has been caught between its duty to protect players and its desire to preserve the fast, high-impact style of play that has defined Australian rules football for generations. However, with mounting scientific evidence linking head trauma to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the league will likely have to implement stricter rules regarding high-contact incidents, even at the risk of alienating traditionalists.
Key questions will arise throughout the season: Will the Tribunal hand out harsher penalties for head-high bumps? Will the league introduce mandatory longer stand-down periods for concussed players? And, most critically, will the lawsuit result in a massive financial settlement that forces the AFL to rethink its entire approach to player safety?
The Rise of Trade and Free Agency Frenzy
The AFL has long admired the spectacle of American-style player movement, and 2025 may be the year that vision is fully realized. With the introduction of future draft pick trading—allowing clubs to trade selections two years ahead—the trade period is expected to be more chaotic than ever.
Combine this with increasing player salaries, and the market is primed for major shakeups. The league may see its first $2 million-per-year player, and clubs will be forced to make tough retention decisions. Expect big names to dominate headlines, including speculation over contracts and potential trades.
Among the most talked-about players will be Chad Warner, Matt Rowell, Tom De Koning, Oscar Allen, Luke Davies-Uniacke, and Kysaiah Pickett. However, no one will be under more scrutiny than West Coast’s young star Harley Reid, whose future will be the subject of endless debate as his contract situation unfolds.
Drug Code Reform and the Generational Shift
AFL executives are expected to finalize changes to the league’s drug policy following criticism in 2024. While details remain uncertain, the league faces a balancing act between player welfare, public image, and discipline. With a new generation of players entering the system—many of whom have different cultural and social attitudes toward recreational drug use—the AFL will need to navigate these changes carefully.
Coaches, who are more in tune with the evolving values of young footballers, may be supportive of policy adjustments. However, friction with certain media figures and league officials is inevitable. The divide between traditionalists and progressives will once again be on display, adding yet another layer of debate to the season.
The Tribunal and MRO Controversies
The AFL’s Match Review Officer (MRO) and Tribunal have long been a source of frustration for fans, and 2025 is unlikely to be different. Consistency in rulings has been a perennial issue, with supporters often convinced that their team has been unfairly treated.
The ongoing concussion debate will only add more scrutiny to the system, with every mistimed bump or reckless tackle seen as a test case for the league’s commitment to player safety. Expect another year of Tribunal hearings that generate controversy, outrage, and endless sports talk radio discussions.
The Footy Itself: What to Watch in 2025
Amid all the off-field chaos, there is still a game to be played. The Brisbane Lions enter the season as defending premiers, and every other club will be plotting their downfall. Can Hawthorn build on its surprise 2024 campaign and solidify its place among the contenders? Will Collingwood bounce back from their grand final heartbreak? Can Richmond or Carlton return to the top after years of near misses?
The AFLW’s continued rise will also be a major talking point. The league’s decision to shift the season to spring has been largely successful, and momentum is building behind the women’s competition like never before.
The AFL’s Unstoppable Media Machine
One of the AFL’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep the sport in the headlines year-round. Whether through trade speculation, rule changes, or Tribunal decisions, the league ensures there is always something to talk about. Figures like Kane Cornes and other media provocateurs will continue to fuel the fire, ensuring that debates rage on long after the final siren each weekend.
While this relentless coverage can be exhausting for some, it’s also a sign of the league’s strength. The AFL’s ability to generate constant interest, regardless of whether there is an actual game being played, is unparalleled in Australian sport.
Embracing the Joy of the Game
Amid all the off-field drama, rule changes, and controversies, it’s important to remember why fans keep coming back. The magic of the game lies in the moments of pure brilliance—the impossible goals, the soaring marks, the underdog victories that send stadiums into a frenzy.
2025 will be a long and demanding season for players and fans alike, filled with highs and lows. But through all the frustrations, injuries, and controversies, the heart of the game remains strong. It’s the hope, the passion, and the shared experiences with mates and family that make footy so special.
So, as the first bounce approaches, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of the sport. Watch as a young player realizes his potential, as a veteran relishes one last shot at glory, and as teams battle through adversity in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
The AFL is in for a season like no other, and whether the game undergoes seismic change or holds onto tradition for another year, one thing is certain: footy will continue to captivate Australia like nothing else can.
