As attention turns to the twists and tales that 2025 could offer, new and familiar names are set to emerge as the headline-makers who will shape the AFL in the new year.

The past 12 months saw the likes of Adam Simpson, Christian Petracca, Ken Hinkley, Laura Kane and Harley Reid prominently feature in the news, wanted or not.

Some big names can already be predicted to catch widespread attention in the coming year, while there may be a surprise or two who take the cake.

So, in no particular order, these are eight of AFL's biggest expected headline makers for the 2025 season...

2. Nick Daicos

The trajectory of the Collingwood sensation's career so far has been tantalising to witness and suggests 2025 could be a year like no other.

With Collingwood hopeful of returning to premiership contention off the back of their aggressive off-season of recruitment, Daicos is primed to lead from the front as the new face of the competition - if he isn't already.

At 21 years of age, Daicos has a premiership, two All-Australian selections, an AFLCA gong, a Copeland Trophy and an all-time record average of 1.18 Brownlow votes per game in his career.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Nick Daicos of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 12 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Adelaide Crows at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ranking top five in the competition in 2024 for disposals, contested possessions and clearances per game, it's exciting to see how the mercurial Magpie will reinvent his game this coming campaign.