As attention turns to the twists and tales that 2025 could offer, new and familiar names are set to emerge as the headline-makers who will shape the AFL in the new year.
The past 12 months saw the likes of Adam Simpson, Christian Petracca, Ken Hinkley, Laura Kane and Harley Reid prominently feature in the news, wanted or not.
Some big names can already be predicted to catch widespread attention in the coming year, while there may be a surprise or two who take the cake.
So, in no particular order, these are eight of AFL's biggest expected headline makers for the 2025 season...
4. Dean Cox
The Swans assistant takes on the top job in 2025 after premiership mentor John Longmire's decision to step down from his role in November.
While the handover might not have come as a surprise, the timing of the decision caught many off guard given Longmire's contract status and the Swans' dominance in 2024.
Sydney were heavily favoured for the flag for most of the year before falling to Brisbane in the season decider, with Cox now tasked with attempting to go the distance in his first season in the senior job.
Also home to a star-studded ensemble of players, the Swans should again challenge for the premiership and could benefit from a fresh voice leading the group.
Collingwood and GWS rocketed up the competition shortly after the appointments of Craig McRae and Adam Kingsley respectively in recent years, with Cox a live chance to match Geelong's Chris Scott with a premiership in his first year as senior coach.
