Whether you are first on the ladder or eighth, each team going into the AFL Finals Series has at least one reason why they could win a premiership or a reason why they can't.
Each team has every reason to believe they can win it all from here, whether it is based on form, game style, or experience. Every finals team has its own strengths and weaknesses, and now it's a matter of who can utilise their strengths to their advantage while minimising their weaknesses.
Below is listed every team's biggest reason why they can or can't bring home the 2025 AFL premiership.
1. Adelaide Crows
Why
Form
They are the minor premiers and have boasted one of the best defences and offences all season.
Adelaide's backline has been terrific throughout, ranking second in points against. Mark Keane and Josh Worrell have led the way down back, ranking number one and two in interceptions.
The Crows also ranked third in points, thanks to their multi-dimensional offence, which is led by the big three of Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker. Don't count out their smalls either, with Ben Keays and Alex Neale-Bullen able to impact a match in a number of different ways.
Historically, it has been an absolute necessity to have a high-ranked offence and defence to win the premiership, which gives Adelaide fans a significant reason to be optimistic.
Why not
Izak Rankine
Rankine, who is one of Adelaide's best players, is not going to be there for their September run due to his four-game suspension.
That is, unless Adelaide loses their qualifying final and then wins their semi-final and preliminary final, going the long way around to the last Saturday in September.
There are also doubts on whether livewire Josh Rachele will be back for their campaign, and missing him, along with Rankine, makes it even harder.
