2024 is almost over, with the year - from an AFL lens - packed with drama, excitement and controversy.

Reflecting on the year that was, we've listed our biggest moments and stories from the past 12 months that combined to make 2024 a memorable one for the AFL.

From in-game drama to off-field headlines, these are the nine biggest AFL stories of the year...

7. Strike sees Heeney ruled ineligible as Cripps claims Brownlow with record tally

The 2024 Brownlow Medal will be remembered for its record-breaking amount of votes accomplished by Carlton star Patrick Cripps.

The Blues skipper toppled the previous record (36 votes) by a whopping nine votes, finishing the AFL's night of nights with 45.

Ironically, fellow contender Nick Daicos also broke the record (38) but was unable to get near Cripps as he stormed toward his second 'Charlie'.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrick Cripps of the Carlton Blues poses with the Brownlow Medal after winning during the 2024 Brownlow Medal at Crown Palladium on September 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

But as it is every year, the build-up to the Brownlow Medal count is just as exhilarating as the evening itself.

Sydney's Isaac Heeney looked to be a runaway winner, quickly becoming the frontman for the Swans' surge toward the minor premiership.

Albeit competing with fellow teammates Chad Warner and Errol Gulden for maximum votes, Heeney jumped out to 21 votes by Round 11.

However, his efforts were to be to no avail before the event began.

In Round 17, Heeney was suspended for one match for his errant arm strike on St Kilda's Jimmy Webster, ultimately ruling him out of the Brownlow Medal race.

After a failed attempt at the Tribunal to eradicate the week off, the Swans headed to the Appeals Board, which found no issue with the Tribunal's decision.

The so-called football act Heeney displayed caused a furore among the community, dividing many given how substantial the punishment was.

Calls for the rules to be re-written to accurately reflect the modern game have been put forward, which the AFL refused to entertain.