Predicting the 2025 AFL Season: Top Contenders and Dark Horses

Image credits: AFL Photos

The 2025 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several top contenders and dark horses emerging. According to a recent survey, Brisbane is the favorite to win the premiership, with 25.5% of respondents backing the Lions to defend their title. Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood are also among the top contenders, with 11.8% and 11.5% of the vote, respectively.

However, other teams are also looking to make a statement in the 2025 season. Fremantle, for example, has a talented young core and is expected to be a major player in the competition. The Dockers have a strong squad, with players like Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan, and Jordan Clark leading the charge. Geelong is another team to watch, with a strong squad and a good mix of experienced players and young talent.

Meanwhile, some teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons in 2024. Collingwood, for example, missed the finals last season but is expected to be a major player in 2025. The Magpies have a strong squad, with players like Nick Daicos and Brody Mihocek leading the charge. Carlton is another team looking to improve, with a strong squad and a good mix of experienced players and young talent.

In terms of individual awards, Nick Daicos is the favorite to win the Brownlow Medal, with 43.3% of respondents backing the Collingwood midfielder. Levi Ashcroft is the favorite to win the Telstra AFL Rising Star, with 44.9% of the vote, while Jesse Hogan is the favorite to win the Coleman Medal, with 27.9% of respondents backing the GWS forward.

Here are the predicted top eight teams for the 2025 AFL season:

• Hawthorn
• Brisbane Lions
• Fremantle
• Geelong
• Collingwood
• Sydney Swans
• Western Bulldogs
• Gold Coast Suns

• Richmond
• West Coast Eagles
• North Melbourne
• St Kilda

Overall, the 2025 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several top contenders and dark horses emerging. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, this season promises to be one to remember.