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...
4. Swans announce shock succession plan
Former Sydney coach John Longmire had already begun thinking about his future long before the shock grand final loss to Brisbane.
The Swans' power figures had met throughout 2024 to see whether the man they call 'Horse' still had fire in the belly, which was met with energy and a zest for the game as the club stormed toward the minor premiership.
Lingering in the background was the persistent noise surrounding Dean Cox, and whether he'd reunite with the club he played 290 AFL games - West Coast - following the sacking of long-term coach Adam Simpson.
Cox categorically, and respectfully, denied the advances from the Eagles on multiple occasions, which offered two lines of thinking.
One - the Swans were still in flag contention, and the champion ruckman didn't want to add another distraction before he headed west, or;
Two - Something was cooking between Cox, Longmire and Sydney in the near future.
The latter, albeit confirmed well after the 2024 campaign had ended, proved to be true.
The Swans denied the notion of a succession plan, affording 'Horse' the right to put his hand up when he was ready.
But with one year remaining on his deal, and four grand losses in his kit bag, Longmire admitted he "needed to stop and rest and reset and regenerate", opening the door for Cox to succeed him.
The latter had been earmarked to take over from Longmire as the leading candidate for Sydney's top job for some time, and 2025 will see Cox finally get his moment.
Despite Longmire stepping aside, he will remain at the club in the new role of executive director of club performance.
