As the 2025 AFL season rapidly approaches, discussions often centre around perennial powerhouses and how they will fair in the upcoming year.
There are always teams left out of the conversation for September, however some commentators do so at their own peril. While many teams aren't given the respect they deserve by the media, several teams are poised to surpass expectations and make significant strides in season 2025.
Of course, Hawthorn, Collingwood, and Carlton often feature heavily in the conversation, as the powerhouses that they are in the Victorian-centric media, but the surprise addition to this year's flag favourites are up-and-comers Fremantle. However, none of these teams have actually proved themselves to be serious 2025 contenders.
We need to put the spotlight on three heavily underrated teams who are all too often forgotten in the media, while also addressing the potentially overrated status of three clubs.
1. Underrated: Port Adelaide
The Power are often the most underrated team heading into each season, and in the last few years, have time and time again proven those who discard them wrong.
Despite facing challenging fixtures and extensive travel, Port Adelaide has consistently demonstrated resilience, and in their last five years have finished their seasons in first, second, third and second.
Their ability to develop emerging talent and maintain competitive performances suggests they are primed for a standout season. Their midfield and backline are formidable and easily amongst the best of the competition, and with the additions of a couple of talented forwards, there is no reason for a vast majority of media commentators leaving them out of the eight for 2025.
