The AFL 2025 season is gearing up to be rife with excitement, as recent predictions by over 20,000 avid fans gathered by AFL.com.au shed light on who might rise to glory and who could face the looming specter of disappointment. With Brisbane named as the pre-season favorite to reclaim the premiership, this year promises to be another vibrant chapter of Australian Rules football.
Brace yourselves, as the results are not merely numbers; they weave the narrative of hope, expectation, and undeterred enthusiasm characteristic of this iconic league. According to the survey, more than 25% of the responding fans are backing the Brisbane Lions to defend their title, establishing them firmly as frontrunners for 2025. Following closely are Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood, claiming 11.8% and 11.4% respectively, stirring interest among their fans, particularly for the Collingwood supporters considering the team missed finals last season.
Aclow Fumble, who participated in the predictions survey, expressed confidence, saying, "Brisbane has the talent and resilience to defend their title, and I anticipate them showcasing their strength this season." His sentiment resonates with many as the Lions prepare to unroll the banner for their inaugural match against Geelong at the Gabba.
Club pressure has emerged as another hot topic, and surprisingly, it’s Carlton under the spotlight. The Blues are deemed to carry the heaviest burden, with 19.6% of fans believing they are under the most pressure this season, closely followed by Adelaide at 10.6%. The weight of expectations will likely test Carlton, especially as they strive to break their recent playoff jinx.
Reflecting on fan sentiments, Carlton supporter Melissa Carter commented, "After reaching the preliminary finals two years ago, the Blues must perform now and silence the critics. Anything short of finals would feel like failure. We want the pressure to pay off!" A veteran of the field, she captures the pervasive sentiment among Blues fans introspecting on overlaps with past seasons.
On individual accolades, the spotlight turns to those predicted to earn prestigious awards. The Brownlow Medal, often regarded as the highest individual honor, sees Collingwood's Nick Daicos touted as the clear favorite with 43.3% of fans backing him for the season. Contributing to the hype, Daicos has previously finished high on the voting charts and now stands poised for another leap, intriguing analysts and fans alike with his potential dynamics on the field.
Another prediction sure to raise eyebrows is Jesse Hogan’s anticipated victory as the Coleman Medalist for consecutive years. Captivated by his mastery, 27.9% of respondents expect Hogan to replicate his success. Richmond Tigers' struggles could result in them taking home the dreaded wooden spoon, with over 75% of the fans aligning with this expectation.
Among potential teams poised to reclaim their spots, Fremantle is favored by 30.2% of fans to jump back among the top eight, signaling their bounce-back potential. Meanwhile, Collingwood is also forecasted to push for re-entry with 28.2% backing them. Conversely, six clubs, including the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, are predicted to vacate the top eight, experiencing declines this season.
Hawthorn, on the other hand, has caught the attention of many football luminaries as contenders for the finals. Expert predictions from Fox Footy analysts predominantly favor Hawthorn and Brisbane as favorites to contend for the championship. Jake Niall, Chief Football Writer, stated, "Hawthorn’s remarkable rise last year proves they are not to be overlooked. They could showcase why they belong with the top teams once again this year."
This season will undoubtedly be marked by competitive fervor, with teams vying for success and fans rallying behind their beloved clubs. These predictions elicit reflective conversations, motivating fans to stay engaged and injected with hope as the first whistle draws near.
For the dedicated football enthusiasts, the 2025 season transcends mere predictions. It encapsulates aspirations, emotional investments, and the heartbeat of the competition, echoing across stadiums as supporters prepare to witness the thrill of victory and taste the bitterness of defeat once more. And as more than just sport, this AFL season will once again reflect the vibrant pulse of community belonging.
Whether you cheer for your team from the stands or from your living room, the atmosphere as matches kick off will echo the shared determination to make this season unforgettable. The fans’ voices are heard, and their predictions ignite the spirit of competitive rivalry, ensuring the 2025 AFL season will be nothing short of spectacular.