Chaos Unfolds at Powerhouse: The Most Unexpected Story from Every AFL Club in 2025

The 2025 AFL season is already showcasing its fair share of shockers and unexpected developments. Following the dramatic conclusion of last year, where Sydney’s coach John Longmire resigned, this season has continued to be filled with surprises, many of them stemming from AFL headquarters itself.

From emerging talents to unforeseen downturns, every club has its unique narratives unfolding as the season progresses.

ADELAIDE

Most surprising development: Bouncing back from the bottom four to the top four

Adelaide seems to have finally found its stride, a breakthrough that has been a few years in the making. As we approach Round 15, they boast the highest percentage in the competition and occupy fourth place on the ladder, with a favourable run leading towards the finals.

Riley Thilthorpe is emerging as a crucial forward, Jordan Dawson is a strong contender for the Brownlow Medal, and their defensive game has seen a notable uplift.

Considering the Crows finished 15th last season, there’s every chance they can leap from bottom four to top four.

BRISBANE

Most surprising development: Logan Morris’s breakthrough

After the sudden retirement of Joe Daniher, Brisbane spent the last six months strategising on how to fill the gap. They recruited Sam Day from the Suns, but he was merely there to fill the position rather than take over, which has proven to be accurate.

While Brisbane has been linked with other high-profile forwards, young star Logan Morris has stepped up and asserted himself as a key player. At 191cm, he plays impressively beyond his height, amassing 12 goals over the last five matches, which includes one scoreless outing.

While they still seek a permanent replacement for Daniher, Morris has significantly alleviated the burden of scoring this season.

CARLTON

Most surprising development: Just how subpar they’ve been

The Blues may have been unexpectedly pleased by the emergence of Jack Silvagni in defence, Nick Haynes’ impact, or George Hewett’s standout performance this season, yet these pale in comparison to their overall mediocrity.

They are falling short of being strong contenders and are likely not even a top-eight side. Their second-half performances have been notably lacklustre—on several occasions, they have transformed halftime advantages into losses.

The round one defeat to the Richmond Tigers, who were placed 17th, remains a heavy burden on their 2025 campaign. There are many considerations they need to address as the season progresses.

COLLINGWOOD

Most surprising development: Reliable form from veteran players

Collingwood’s absence from the finals last year may have gone unnoticed, as they have made a remarkable comeback in 2025, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat. Their resurgence can be attributed to their veterans, who have consistently delivered strong performances.

Scott Pendlebury, at 37, remains a standout, while Steele Sidebottom has reached career-best form at 34. Jeremy Howe, also 34, has delivered outstanding performances, and Jamie Elliott is nearing 33, with Jack Crisp excelling in the Coleman Medal race. Their collective performances have everyone astonished.

The Pies are on a mission to become the oldest team to capture a premiership, and they now boast enough wins to pace their veterans as the season unfolds.

ESSENDON

Most surprising development: Their sole healthy tall player nearing 37

It’s noteworthy that no Essendon player over 194cm has featured in 11 games this season. Brad Scott is acutely aware of this, which is why they procured two more tall players during the mid-season draft and had them debut immediately.

The injuries to their key position players have wreaked havoc, and even with low expectations this season, things have unfortunately spiralled for the Bombers.

They have suffered three ACL injuries, a torn Achilles, a broken ankle, long-term concussion issues, and a serious foot injury… Yet 37-year-old Todd Goldstein continues to be a reliable presence in the ruck.

FREMANTLE

Most surprising development: The rise of Murphy Reid

While many anticipated a Reid making a significant impact in Western Australia, few expected it to be Murphy instead of Harley. As the 17th pick in the 2024 draft, Murphy has hit the ground running as a dynamic half-forward for Fremantle, contributing 15 goals and eight assists this season.

Impressively, he has recorded multiple games with four goals and will likely rank highly in the Rising Star award. Given Fremantle’s depth, his immediate impact was unexpected, making him a valuable find with the 17th pick.

GEELONG

Most surprising development: The impact of Bailey Smith

Despite Bailey Smith’s evident talent, he struggled to find consistency in previous seasons. After joining Geelong and recovering from a torn ACL, many anticipated a more subdued season.

However, he has excelled, emerging as a favourite for the Brownlow Medal due to his ability to gather possessions and gain territory, significantly contributing to Geelong’s successful campaign this year.

The 24-year-old has been revitalised at the Cats and shows great promise for the future, much to the chagrin of Bulldogs supporters.

GOLD COAST

Most surprising development: Ben Long’s transition to an All-Australian small forward

Ben Long’s transformation from a lockdown defender to a threatening small forward has been one of the season’s standout shifts. The 27-year-old has scored 24 goals thus far and likely earned himself a spot in the All-Australian squad midway through the season.

Initially viewed as depth in defence upon joining from St Kilda, he has now established himself as a key player for the Suns, proving to be a significant threat in the forward line.

GWS

Most surprising development: Jake Stringer’s minimal contribution

Jake Stringer entered the season as a highly anticipated recruit, primed to complement an already formidable Giants lineup. However, persistent soft tissue injuries have limited him to just seven games.

With a return slated for Round 15, there remains significant speculation regarding his ability to perform when it counts in September.

HAWTHORN

Most surprising development: James Sicily’s difficulties

The arrival of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle seemed to unsettle Sicily, resulting in a statistically poor season compared to previous years. The captain’s positional changes haven’t yielded success, and his overall effectiveness and ball usage have noticeably dipped.

The club has consistently downplayed his ongoing groin issues, only to later reveal he has been sidelined with a hip injury. Coming out of their bye, Hawthorn must devise a strategy to restore Sicily’s form upon his return.

MELBOURNE

Most surprising development: Kysaiah Pickett’s long-term commitment

News of Kysaiah Pickett signing an extension until 2034 came as a shock, especially given he had been vocal about homesickness and was in communication with Fremantle players before the start of the season.

Having secured a deal valued at $12m, he is now one of the most pivotal players for the Dees this season, impacting both the midfield and the scoreboard, much to the relief of Melbourne fans eager to see him remain with the team.

Despite criticism surrounding the contract, the Dees can take comfort in knowing Pickett is committed for the foreseeable future.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Most surprising development: Challenging Brisbane to the end

No one anticipated North Melbourne would stand toe-to-toe with reigning premiers Brisbane in Hobart, yet they delivered a commendable performance. The match saw Brisbane lead for most of the game, typically predicting a straightforward win.

Unexpectedly, the Kangaroos erupted in the final term, scoring four goals and taking the lead before narrowly missing the victory. This match showcased one of their most significant performances in recent years.

PORT ADELAIDE

Most surprising development: The announcement of the succession plan in February

While the intention had been whispered around the league, the official announcement in February that coach Ken Hinkley would leave at the end of 2025 captured many by surprise.

The introduction of an anticipated succession plan with Josh Carr set to take over in 2026 has evidently affected the Power, who have dropped from a top four position last year to struggling in the mid-table this season.

Given Hinkley’s reputation as a motivational figure, the disclosure of his departure before the season began has proved to be a gamble that hasn’t paid off.

RICHMOND

Most surprising development: Consistent competitiveness from the outset

Richmond’s victory over Carlton in Round 1 remains one of the most astonishing outcomes in recent history, particularly as many speculated they might not secure a win in 2025.

This unexpected result seemed to derail Carlton’s season entirely, while Richmond has also claimed wins against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium and West Coast, who are still in reconstruction mode.

After a summer that saw the departure of multiple key players including Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes, the tenacity shown by Adem Yze’s youthful squad has been a refreshing surprise for fans, highlighting a promising future ahead.

ST KILDA

Most surprising development: Another disappointing season for Max King

Max King will not see any game time in 2025, as ongoing knee problems continue to hinder his career. A further surgery in April was expected to be the last procedure needed, but unfortunately, it has not resolved the issue.

According to Nine’s chief AFL reporter, Tom Morris, it is anticipated that King will be sidelined for the entire season, putting pressure on St Kilda to address his future effectively. With a contract extending until the end of 2032, the Saints will be eager to see him back on the pitch and making contributions.

SYDNEY

Most surprising development: The swift decline post-Longmire

John Longmire’s unexpected resignation as Sydney’s coach marks the most shocking story within the last year, with ramifications that have been felt throughout the team. Just as surprising is how poorly the Swans have performed, significantly affected by injuries to key players.

Dean Cox, who stepped into the role, faces a challenging season ahead as his team appears set to drop from minor premiers to potentially outside the top eight. Can they navigate the fallout from Longmire’s departure and maintain the standard of success that has defined the Swans for more than two decades? Things have decidedly taken a tumultuous turn in Sydney.

WEST COAST

Most surprising development: Oscar Allen’s tumultuous season

The saga surrounding Oscar Allen at West Coast has had its twists from the very beginning. Entering the season as a restricted free agent, his injury problems and captaincy placed him in the spotlight for reasons not usually seen.

A meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell made headlines and prompted a public apology from Allen, creating quite the stir around the club.

Now, with knee and Achilles injuries keeping him out for the season, he is seemingly nearing the end of his tenure with the Eagles.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Most surprising development: The rise of Ed Richards

Ed Richards has consistently showcased his capabilities, but his leap to the forefront as a star midfielder this season came as a surprise even to his fans. Now 25, he’s playing at an elite level—leading statistics in numerous areas, including disposals, clearances, goal assists, and inside 50s.

In a season where key players like Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar have faced injury challenges, Richards has stepped up significantly. The Bulldogs may have discovered another generational talent among their ranks, complementing an already star-studded lineup.