The AFL landscape was once again defined by storylines of significance in 2025.

Paradigm-altering trades, moments of individual brilliance and administrative decision-making were just some of the sagas to fuel the perpetual news cycle this season.

So with most of the year in the rearview mirror, let's count down the 10 biggest stories of 2025, with some honourable mentions to kick us off!

Honourable mentions
- Richmond's Round 1 win over Carlton
- Jeremy Cameron's pursuit of the elusive 100-goal season
- The departure of Melbourne's dynamic midfield duo of Petracca and Oliver
- AFL scraps the bounce as the method of restarting play
- Tasmania's stadium gets parliament approval 

8From Lygon St to Circular Quay

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Charlie Curnow poses after being traded to Sydney during a Sydney Swans media opportunity in South Melbourne on October 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Charlie Curnow poses after being traded to Sydney during a Sydney Swans media opportunity in South Melbourne on October 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Sydney Swans added to a proud lineage of ‘big fish' acquisitions when they announced their successful coup of dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow in the recent trade window.

Curnow departed Carlton after an injury-interrupted decade at the Blues, while livewire forward Will Hayward and three first-round draft picks departed the Harbour City for Princes Park.

Given the significant haul surrendered by the Swans in exchange for Charlie's services, and the resume the spearhead has built in just 149 games, on-field expectations on the Geelong Falcons product will be high.

Similarly, Sydney will be hoping his off-field brand will continue to grow its footprint in the rugby league-mad city, with the ‘rockstar' moniker following the 28-year-old up the Hume.

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