AFL 2025 - What to Expect from Every Team This Season

As we approach the 2025 AFL season, the competition promises to be a thrilling one, with teams fighting for supremacy and others aiming for a fresh start. From potential premiership contenders to clubs in rebuilding phases, every team has a unique path ahead. Below is a breakdown of each team, their predictions for 2025.

Adelaide Crows - AFL 2025 Predictions

Prediction: Mid-Table Finish

Adelaide enters 2025 with optimism as they continue to build a competitive side. The Crows have seen a lot of growth from young players like Riley Thilthorpe and Jordan Dawson, but consistency is still a key issue. While they have the potential to cause upsets, making the top eight will likely be a tough ask. Expect a competitive, yet mid-table finish for the Crows this season.

Key Player: Rory Sloane – The veteran will continue to provide leadership and stability in the midfield.

Brisbane Lions - AFL Premiership Contenders

Prediction: Top 4 Finish

The Brisbane Lions are looking to continue their strong form in 2025 and should be one of the key AFL premiership contenders. With their powerful forward line featuring Charlie Cameron and Eric Hipwood, alongside a stacked midfield led by Lachie Neale, Brisbane is a team to watch. If their defence holds up, they could push for a top-four finish and possibly a grand final berth.

Key Player: Lachie Neale – The Brownlow medalist remains the heartbeat of the Lions' midfield.

Carlton Blues - AFL Finals Hopefuls

Prediction: Borderline Finals Team

After a significant improvement in recent seasons, Carlton enters 2025 with hopes of securing a finals spot. With midfield stars like Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps, the Blues have the talent to compete, but their forward-line issues could hold them back. A borderline finals team prediction is likely, with their fate depending on how consistently they perform against top-tier sides.

Key Player: Patrick Cripps – The captain's leadership is crucial for their finals push.

Collingwood Magpies - AFL Top 4 Favourites

Prediction: Top 4 Finish

Collingwood enters the 2025 season as one of the AFL top 4 favourites, thanks to their dynamic midfield and relentless pressure. Players like Jordan De Goey and Jack Crisp will continue to play pivotal roles in their quest for another premiership. If they remain injury-free, expect the Magpies to be in the mix for the AFL premiership once again.

Key Player: Jordan De Goey – A key contributor to Collingwood's forward and midfield play.

Essendon Bombers - AFL 2025 Team Analysis

Prediction: Mid-Table Finish

Essendon’s rebuild is ongoing, but 2025 could still see them finish in the middle of the table. With exciting young players and veterans like Zach Merrett, the Bombers have the potential to cause some upsets. However, they’ll need to improve their consistency across the board to make a serious push for the top eight.

Key Player: Zach Merrett – The star midfielder will need to lead the charge for Essendon.

Fremantle Dockers - AFL Finals Contender

Prediction: Finals Contender

Fremantle is set to challenge for the top eight in 2025, with a strong defensive unit and talented midfielders like Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw. If their forward line can start to fire, Fremantle could make a serious push for the AFL finals and surprise many by making a deep run.

Key Player: Nat Fyfe – The veteran midfielder will remain central to Fremantle’s success.

Geelong Cats - Top 8 Contenders

Prediction: Top 8 Finish

The Geelong Cats remain one of the strongest teams in the competition, and despite an aging list, their experience will keep them in finals contention in 2025. The likes of Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins will still play pivotal roles. A top-eight finish is expected, but whether they can contend for the AFL premiership remains uncertain.

Key Player: Patrick Dangerfield – Still one of the best midfielders in the game.

Gold Coast Suns - AFL Development and Growth

Prediction: Mid-Table Finish

The Suns continue to develop under a young squad, with standout players like Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson. While Gold Coast has shown promise, they still need to build a more consistent team to challenge for finals. Expect another mid-table finish as they continue their growth.

Key Player: Matt Rowell – The young gun will be a key figure in their midfield.

GWS Giants - AFL 2025 Predictions

Prediction: Borderline Finals Team

The GWS Giants enter 2025 with a talented squad, but injuries and inconsistency have hurt them in recent years. With players like Toby Greene and Josh Kelly still leading the charge, GWS will push for the top eight but may fall short without more consistency from their young stars.

Key Player: Toby Greene – His leadership and goal-scoring ability are vital.

Hawthorn Hawks - Rebuilding AFL Team

Prediction: Rebuilding Season

Hawthorn is in a rebuild phase and 2025 is likely to be another season of growth for their younger players. While they’ll be competitive, their lack of depth and experienced players might see them fall outside the top eight. Expect them to focus on development.

Key Player: James Worpel – The young midfielder is crucial to Hawthorn’s rebuild.

Melbourne Demons - AFL Premiership Contenders

Prediction: Top 4 Finish

Melbourne is primed to make another strong push for the AFL premiership in 2025. With a well-balanced squad that includes elite midfielders like Christian Petracca and ruckman Max Gawn, the Demons will be looking to make a deep finals run and remain a top AFL team.

Key Player: Christian Petracca – One of the AFL’s most dynamic players.

North Melbourne Kangaroos - AFL Rebuild Phase

Prediction: Rebuilding Season

North Melbourne is continuing its rebuild in 2025. With exciting talents like Luke Davies-Uniacke leading the way, North Melbourne will be focusing on developing their young players and building for the future. A finals appearance isn’t in the cards, but growth is the priority.

Key Player: Luke Davies-Uniacke – One of the brightest young stars for the Kangaroos.

Port Adelaide Power - AFL Finals Contender

Prediction: Finals Contender

Port Adelaide remains a dangerous side in 2025. With stars like Ollie Wines and Travis Boak still leading the midfield, Port is poised to make a serious push for the top eight. They will be a finals contender, but whether they can go all the way will depend on their forward line and consistency.

Key Player: Ollie Wines – The midfield powerhouse will be central to their push for finals.

St Kilda Saints - AFL 2025 Predictions

Prediction: Bottom Half of the Ladder

St Kilda’s rebuilding phase continues into 2025. While they have key players like Jack Steele in the midfield, the Saints will struggle to break into the top eight and will likely finish in the bottom half of the ladder again this season.

Sydney Swans - AFL Finals Hopefuls

Prediction: Top 8 Finish

Sydney enters the 2025 season with a team full of promise, despite the departure of legendary forward Lance Franklin. With young stars like Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney leading the way, the Swans have the potential to secure a top 8 finish and challenge for finals. Their midfield depth and forward-line talent will be crucial to their success. If they can maintain consistency and manage injuries, they will be strong contenders for the finals.

Key Player: Isaac Heeney – A dynamic forward and versatile player, Heeney’s ability to hit the scoreboard will be crucial for Sydney’s chances in 2025.Key Player: Jack Steele – A leader in the midfield and one of St Kilda's best.