The VFL's off-season of player movement has been one of the busiest in recent memory, with exited AFL names, state league stars and overlooked draft talent all finding new homes for 2025.
With the VFL's season start just over a month away, we've looked at the headline moves and signings across the competition as the premiership race prepares to take shape.
Here we named 11 of the best signings ahead of the 2025 VFL season
7Ethan Phillips (Hawthorn to Carlton)
The 2022 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner's time at Hawthorn wasn't as fruitful as first hoped, but with Phillips absent from the AFL team he managed to flourish in his more familiar environment at VFL level with Box Hill.
Alongside fellow Hawks defender Jai Serong, Phillips was named in the extended 2024 VFL Team of the Year squad after averaging 17.3 disposals, 10.2 marks and 7.9 intercepts for Box Hill in 13 matches.
His promise as an aerial threat in defence is sure to have been a key reason for Carlton's play to secure Phillips, with the Blues also weighing up his services as a potential SSP option.
A full year at Princes Park in the VFL could quickly rekindle strong interest in the AFL one-gamer, whose dream to play top-flight football isn't over.
