2024 is almost over, with the year - from an AFL lens - packed with drama, excitement and controversy.
Reflecting on the year that was, we've listed our biggest moments and stories from the past 12 months that combined to make 2024 a memorable one for the AFL.
From in-game drama to off-field headlines, these are the nine biggest AFL stories of the year...
6. Simpson sacked after horror run for West Coast
Adam Simpson's tenure as West Coast head coach reached the highest of highs, but as the football world witnessed, the lowest of lows.
The proud Western Australian club hadn't dipped below ninth position under Simpson between 2014 and 2021, but what happened next ultimately dictated the narrative.
Following the implementation of COVID-19 strategies to continue playing football in 2020, all clubs agreed to top-up players to ensure the competition survived.
However, the Eagles, who were decimated by an unfathomable amount of injuries, were also hit with persistent virus-related absences, resulting in the use of 47 players in 2022.
West Coast finished 17th that year after winning two games, the least in their history.
Ironically, the following season saw an increase of victories by one; however, it saw the club drop further down the ladder to secure its second wooden spoon.
The tabloids were coming for Simpson as questions about whether he was the right man to steer the battling club into clearer waters.
Despite finishing in 18th position, the Eagles board emphatically endorsed the continuation of Simpson's tenure into 2024, with his contract expiring at the cessation of 2025.
But, given the heightened sense of urgency for a change, both West Coast and Simpson called it a day midway through the most recent campaign, handing the reins over to caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield for the remainder of the year before Andrew McQualter was appointed.
Simpson ended his coaching career at the Eagles with a premiership (2018) and a winning record (122-1-119) after 242 games.
