The 12 most improved AFL players of 2025

After the completion of the AFL 2025 season, there's no doubt fans saw players across the league have an improved year compared to what they have had in the past. Some players were expected to improve, while some came out of nowhere, but all were among the AFL's top improvers. In this piece, we go through our most improved players of 2025. From 34-year-olds to second-year players, along with some of the top players our game has to offer, the league saw a range of players take big steps. We have named 12 players who deserve to be recognised for their outstanding improvement in 2025. Riley Thilthorpe Riley Thilthorpe has become one of the better key forwards in the AFL. He was definitely one of the more improved players in 2025 with his ability to win one-on-one contests and his vital role in Adelaide's scoring power. The big forward was ranked as one of the best players in the AFL throughout the year due to his impact on his team and impact on winning games. After missing some time in 2024, Thilthorpe delivered a full season in 2025, during which he was able to kick 60 goals for the season, seeing him earn his first All-Australian selection. Ed Richards Ed Richards transformed himself into an elite midfielder in 2025 with the Western Bulldogs. After being a solid contributor to the team, Richards saw a bigger role in his midfield time this year. Richards became one of the more elite ball users in the AFL and increased his averages in disposals, goals and clearances. With this rise in performance, he was able to get 11 Brownlow votes, which was nearly double his tally from the year prior. The midfielder was able to win the Western Bulldogs' best and fairest after finishing fifth in the award the year before too. Along with Thilthorpe, Richards was ranked as one of the better players throughout the year in the AFL, which led to him earning his first All-Australian nod. Seth Campbell Seth Campbell was a lively small forward all year, having a huge impact for a young Tigers team that surpassed expectations. The third-year player was a much-improved player across the board. He nearly tripled his goal total, going from 10 to 28, but it was not just the stats that impressed. He also improved as a pressure forward, forcing turnovers and turning them into quick scores. Campbell quickly became a fan favourite with his speed and tricks on the field. Ben Long Ben Long was a much-improved player for the Gold Coast Suns this season. Long was an important player for the Suns in their forward line, becoming a top-tier small forward with his pressure and goalkicking ability. Long kicked an outstanding 45 goals for the season, which was a huge increase from his 26 in 2024. His pressure as a forward was among the best throughout the league as well. He was important in Gold Coast's rise to their first finals appearance, which nearly earned him an All-Australian nod, but he fell just short of making it as he made the final 44 squad. Ned long Ned Long was a hidden gem that the Magpies unlocked in 2025. The inside midfielder was important in Collingwood's contested midfield work. He quickly turned into one of the better tacklers in the AFL, where he averaged seven tackles per game, which ranked ninth in the AFL. After playing in seven games for the Magpies in 2024, he then played in 25 this year. Increasing his stats in disposals, marks, tackles, goals and more, Long had multiple career performances in his 2025 emergence. Logan Morris After having a breakout season in 2024, there were questions if Logan Morris could go to another level in 2025, which he had little problem proving. Once Joe Daniher retired, along with Eric Hipwood's injury issues, Morris was asked to lead Brisbane's forward line, which saw him have an increase in his stats across the board. In his 26 games, Morris kicked a total of 53 goals, which was 29 more than the year befor, and he also had an increase in marks with a total of 105. The key forward had his best career performance with six goals against Collingwood in Round 21. The second-year player was a crucial part of Brisbane winning back-to-back premierships and he was definitely one of the more improved players in 2025. Archie Roberts Another second-year player to feature as one of the most improved players in 2025 is Archie Roberts. The young speedy defender saw an increase in role as a ball user for the Essendon this year. After playing in four games in 2024, he then turned into one of the Bombers' better players in his sophomore season. Roberts had an increase in all stats across the board, which led him to average 24 disposals per game off the half-back line. His emergence saw him finish second in Essendon's best and fairest. Lachie Ash Ash quickly became one of the elite half-backs in the AFL through his much-improved season in 2025 for the Giants. He had an increase in disposal per game, going from 20 to 27. He also averaged 553 metres gained, which ranked ninth across the entire league. His ball use and dash were important in the way the Giants played. Ash turned into a star for the Giants, which saw him earn his very first All-Australian squad nod in 2025. Josh Worrell Josh Worrell turned into an absolute star for Adelaide in 2025, being an important piece for one of the best defences in the league. Worrell saw an increase in his disposals, marks and intercepts. He ranked third in intercepts in the AFL with an average of eight per game. He was important for the ladder leaders' ball movement, defence and general play across the back-half. This improvement saw him earn a spot in the 44 All-Australian squad, and was perhaps unfortunate not to make the final side. Bailey Smith After an ACL tear that kept Smith out from playing in 2024, he returned in 2025 with a new club and became one of the best players in the AFL. From 2023, Smith had an increase in disposals, which rose from 23 to 31 per game. The midfielder also had an increase in contested possessions, metres gained, goals and clearances. His dash was important all year for the Cats, which saw him finish third in the Brownlow Medal with 29 votes and become an All-Australian for the first time in 2025. Jack Gunston It is quite outstanding that a 34-year-old, who is a three-time premiership player, can be called one of the most improved players of 2025. But what Jack Gunston did this year was very special. In 2024, Gunston played in a total of 18 games, kicking a total of 29 goals. In 2025, Gunston kicked a total of 73 goals in his 23 games while being a big factor in helping the Hawks get to a preliminary final. Gunston was also awarded with an All-Australian jacket after being among the top five goal kickers in the AFL. Patrick Voss Voss became one of the more improved players in the AFL in 2025, as he was important for Fremantle's offensive system. After playing only seven games in 2024, Voss found his way as a consistent player, playing in 20 games for the Dockers this year. His goal tally increased from seven to 37 in 2025. His impact was not only reflected in his stats, but his pressure and intensity made him a very crucial player.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

The 12 most improved AFL players of 2025

The players who took the highest leaps this year👇

8Lachie Ash

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

Why these 11 AFL teams CAN, or CAN’T, win the 2026...

Adelaide list manager poached

Track watch: Merrett a no-show as illness hits Essendon, midfielder dealing...

Bulldogs revamp leadership group as superstar midfielder steps down

‘Could’ve done better’: Suns captain opens up on fallout of young...

FOLLOW US