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...
6. Michael Christian
Commentary surrounding the Match Review Officer and AFL Tribunal processes has sharply risen over the past 24 months, placing even further pressure on Christian given the weight of his decision-making.
Whether it be the MRO's decisions or the AFL's questionable ability to communicate and educate fans of ongoing game and law changes that impact the MRO's decision-making, frustration has continued to be directed toward Christian.
Significant suspensions and charges filled weeks and weeks worth of headlines in 2024, with Isaac Heeney's one-game suspension for striking and Dan Houston's eventual five-game ban from the Showdown among the biggest stories of the season.
Over 300 charges were handed down by the MRO in 2024 - a significant jump on year-on-year comparisons.
