A host of players across the competition are enjoying career-best seasons, with some still in the early years of their development, while others are ageing like fine wines.
While the AFL doesn't have a 'Most Improved Player Award' like other codes across the globe, there are plenty who would be worthy winners of that title in 2025.
At the midway mark of the season, we've identified the most improved players to start the AFL season.
So, here's our selected 'most improved' 22 for the season so far...
1Defenders
It's hard to go past All-Australian chance Lachie Ash as arguably the most improved defender in the game this season.
Already a key cog in Adam Kingsley's slingshot system, Ash has stepped up as the No.1 man down back for the Giants to make his case for a maiden AA blazer.
Gold Coast recruit John Noble has undergone a similar rise in his first season with the Suns, linking up with fellow newcomer Dan Rioli to be pivotal in the Queensland club's transformation as a premiership contender.
Brisbane lockdown defender Noah Answerth has flourished in the absence of premiership teammate Brandon Starcevich, often quelling the opponent's best small forwards, rounding out our ground-level backmen.
Our key defenders include Collingwood's Billy Frampton, breakout Bomber Zach Reid and forward-turned-defender Jack Silvagni.
The latter has again returned to the backline, this time after a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury. Partnering with Jacob Weitering, Silvagni has arguably been the Blues' best stopper this season.
Frampton has also stood tall when the Magpies needed him to, filling a void in defence over a year on from Nathan Murphy's retirement, while Reef McInnes' season is over and captain Darcy Moore has spent multiple weeks on the sidelines.
Reid looked to have shaken off the worst of his injuries to enjoy a breakout start to this season, only for a hamstring strain to bring an end to his purple patch. Nevertheless, Reid has warranted a spot in this team.
