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 

6The invincible Kangaroos

Roos break records as Lions coach makes big claim after onslaught
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 30: Kangaroos players pose with the premiership cup following the AFLW Grand Final match between North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park, on November 30, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

North Melbourne continued their spellbinding run of recent years, going back-to-back in an undefeated season. The Kangaroos have not lost since the 2023 decider, going 27 games unbeaten since that defeat.

Records fell seemingly at will for Darren Crocker's side, who won this year's decider against Brisbane in dominant fashion. Their 27th straight game without loss surpasses the V/AFL record held by the 1952-53 Geelong Cats, who did not taste defeat for 26 consecutive outings.

Ash Riddell won the league's best and fairest medal, becoming the Kangaroos' first recipient of that honour, while Eilish Sheerin claimed grand final best afield honours.

Crocker was also named coach of the year, rounding out the Kangaroos' haul of individual awards for their outstanding season, with only the leading goalkicker nod evading the side.

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