AFL 2025 Premiership Winner Prediction
It's time to look into the future and give you some of the best predictions for the upcoming 2025 AFL season.
Brisbane Lions ($7.00) - The Lions could do no wrong in the 2024 decider as they pumped the Swans by 60 pts, ending a 20-year premiership drought. It will be interesting to see how the back up in 2025. It's hard to remember but the Lions were 2-5 last year and struggling. Every team in the league will be gunning for them and let's see how they handle the pressure. They've also lost some experience like Joe Daniher and Zorko / Neale are getting older. But you have to like their young talent, such as Will Ashcroft winning the Norm Smith after recovering from an ACL. I still think they make the top 8 but I'm not sure they can go back to back.
Hawthorn Hawks ($8.00) - They come off 14 wins last season and that was even more impressive considering they lost 5 straight to begin 2024. So they'll have to deal with expectations in 2025 and as a young team, it could be tough. But I like their talent around the park and they've upgraded the backline with Battle and Tom Barrass. That should help them rely less on James Sicily if he's out. The forward line has some question marks, such as whether Mitch Lewis can get back out there and the midfield does have some depth issues if injuries happen.
Collingwood Magpies ($9.00) - The odds are saying that Collingwood get back into the top 8. After winning the 2023 decider, the Pies just missed the finals by percentage last season. They had a tough year in 2024 with a lot of injuries so that's the key factor. If they keep their best 22 on the park, I think they'll comfortably make the finals on the back of the Daicos brothers. However, you have to be concerned about their aging midfield between Pendles, Sidebottom, Crisp and Mitchell.
GWS Giants ($9.50) - The Giants should have a good year in 2025. They made the top 4 last season but struggled in the finals, losing against the Swans and Lions. However, I think their team balance is looking spot on and their forward line is one of the best in the league. Scoring points should not be an issue, especially after adding Jake Stringer. The midfield is strong and Sam Taylor is a gun in the backline.
Carlton Blues ($9.50) - At the end of last season, the Blues were ravaged by injuries and limped into the finals. But coming into 2025, if they get their best players into form, this squad has so much talent. You have Curnow and McKay up forward, a great midfield led by Cripps and Weitering/Docherty locking down the backline. As usual with the Blues, the question is how they deal with big expectations because they're not the best at dealing with pressure.
Sydney Swans ($10.00) - After a massive 60-point loss in the Grand Final, the Swans will be fired up to prove themselves this year. They've got a new coach in Dean Cox, but I don't expect much to change. There are some question marks about their forward line, Chad Warner's contract and Callum Mills. But with a strong home-ground advantage at the SCG, the Swannies should be back up there.
Geelong Cats ($10.00) - When you talk about consistency, the Cats are one of those teams that just can't be counted out of the premiership race. They come off 15 wins last season and added Bailey Smith in the offseason. Losing Hawkins to retirement will hurt their forward line but I think they have the depth to cover it. I think a top 8 spot is a lock and they offer good odds to do so.
Best Bet
Greater Western Sydney ($9.50)
AFL 2025 - Top 4
Greater Western Sydney - There's a big big sound from the West. I think the Giants are potentially the best team in the AFL. In the offseason, they picked up Jake Stringer and their forward line was already stacked with talent - headlined by Greene and Hogan. In the midfield, Green is a star and they have some good youngsters as well, such as Callaghan. While in the backline, Sam Taylor is one of the best defenders in the league. I don't think they have many weak areas and a top 4 spot should be a lock.
Best Bet
Greater Western Sydney ($2.25)
AFL 2025 - Top 8
Gold Coast Suns - This should be the year that the Suns finally get into the finals. They just need to figure out how to win away from Carrara or the NT. Last season, they went just 2-10 away from those venues. But I think another preseason for Dimma should help them. They've also picked up some nice additions to the team, such as Dan Rioli from the Tigers and John Noble from the Pies. Their backline ball movement should be impressive. Matty Rowell has committed to the club and Noah Anderson should shine as the Suns captain. Expect big things from the Suns in 2025.
Best Bet
AFL 2025 - Season Wins
West Coast
I think the Eagles will show more improvement in 2025 under new coach Andrew McQualter. Harley Reid is a star in the making and I think he'll be able to single-handling get the Eagles a few wins here and there. They're always tough to beat at Optus Stadium and I think some Interstate teams could struggle to get a win there.
Best Bet
Melbourne
I can see the Dees sliding further in 2025 after finishing with just 11 wins in 2024. There's the Oliver distraction and Petracca wasn't happy about how his injury was handled last year. Max Gawn is getting older too. Their forward line is always a bit shaky and their backline relies too heavily on May/Lever. I think it's time for a rebuild and this could be the year.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs
I think the Dogs are underrated. They come off 14 wins last year and I don't see their offseason losses hurting too much. Macrae, Daniel and Bailey Smith are all gone - but they all struggled to get playing time last year. They have a lot of young talent and the Bont is still as good as ever. 12.5 wins seems achievable.
Best Bet
