The 2025 AFL season had plenty of highlights and jaw-dropping moments.

But after careful consideration, three players stood out for their efforts with the ball in hand, who somehow found a way to deliver the football through the big sticks.

Gold Coast captain Noah Anderson's clutch effort against Collingwood in Round 18 from the centre bounce caught the eye of the beholder.

It channelled a Chris Judd, Gary Ablett-like performance to win the clearance and then give-and-get the ball back from teammate Lachie Weller, before slotting the goal from 30 metres out.

Earlier in the year, his teammate Sam Flanders showed fans a glimpse of his soccer skills in the pouring rain against Fremantle.

In Round 12, with the time ticking down in the final term, Flanders hacked the ball off the ground with his right foot from the left-side pocket and somehow passed through the multiple goalkeepers (Dockers players) to register six points.

Last but not least was the 2023 Goal of the Year recipient, Will Ashcroft.

The son-of-a-gun was seen against Richmond assessing his options hard up against the boundary line late in the third quarter.

With no clear options available or any open teammates, Ashcroft decided to dribble the ball towards the goal, beating all the Tigers' defenders.

All three players will be participating in the first week of the 2025 AFL Finals Series.

The winner of the 2025 NAB AFL Goal of the Year will receive $50,000, and NAB will donate an additional $10,000 to their local community football club.

Voting is now open, with the overall winner determined by a combination of votes from the AFL All-Australian Panel and the public.

The winner will be announced at the 2025 Brownlow Medal on Monday, September 22.

Fans can now vote for their favourite goal at afl.com.au/goal-of-the-year. Everyone who votes for their favourite goal will also have a chance to win $5,000 thanks to NAB.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION