AFL Editorial and Opinion

The player to watch at every AFL club in 2025

We’ve put the spotlight on a player to watch from every club ahead of the 2025 season.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Before every AFL season, fans and supporters dive into their crystal balls and see what the future holds for their club.

A part of that prediction is singling out which player will rise above the expectation set upon them during the summer months.

A player that should be looked out for heading into the new season and one that is on the verge of stardom.

Whether it be a new signing, draftee or someone just set to make waves, we've picked one player from each club to keep an eye on in season 2025.

Adelaide

Dan Curtin

The highly-touted utility was forced to bide his time in his maiden season at the Crows, playing seven games after being taken with Pick 8 in the 2023 draft.

Curtin's size and frame see him feature on all lines, but Adelaide initially opted to play him in a defensive post, utilising his skills and aerial capabilities.

However, across the pre-season, reports have indicated a move into the midfield to add bulk and power to the Crow's on-ball cohort.

The talented youngster has all the attributes to play senior football and will be one Adelaide fans hope comes on quickly as the club looks to return to the finals for the first time since 2017.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Cam Rayner of the Lions tackles Daniel Curtin of the Crows during the 2024 AFL Round 08 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval on May 02, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane

Tom Doedee

The forgotten intercept defender who has yet to play a game for the Lions since crossing from Adelaide at the end of 2023.

Doedee quickly made a name for himself in 2021 and 2022 as a force to be reckoned with but injuries have let him down.

Spending the entire year on the sideline, the former Crow will be looking for a fresh start, similar to what Joe Daniher and Lincoln McCarthy experienced during their time at the Lions.

And at age 27, there is plenty of time for Doedee to make an impact at the Queensland club.

Brisbane Lions recruit Tom Doedee at pre-season training, 2024 (Image via Brisbane FC)

Carlton

Jesse Motlop

The Blues showed their hands when allowing small forward Matt Owies to explore his options.

And that is how much they value Jesse Motlop.

The 21-year-old impressed in his second season with 24 goals from 21 games but failed to produce a similar output last year, hindered by injury and form woes.

But putting that behind him, and with a vacancy in the small forward department at Carlton, Motlop is ready to take that next step.

Admittedly, the Blues rely heavily on Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, but they desperately need a third prong up forward.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Jesse Motlop of the Blues in action during the round 23 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 21, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Collingwood

Reef McInnes

There's been a lot of talk about Ed Allan's emergence and the acquisitions over the off-season but Reef McInnes is beginning to make waves.

The former Pick 23 has been at Collingwood for five years, playing 20 games as a tall forward.

However, the 22-year-old has struggled to cement his spot in the side, and when the club acquired Dan McStay, the writing was on the wall.

But in Craig McRae's (and his coaching staff's) wisdom, they trialled him down back to replace the retired Nathan Murphy.

And so far, it has worked to good effect.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Reef McInnes of the Magpies is tackled by Will Hoskin-Elliott of the Magpies during a Collingwood Magpies AFL training session at on May 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Essendon

Isaac Kako

The Bombers have been screaming out for a genuine small forward and finally, they got one.

Kako joins the club following multiple years at the NGA, and, if it wasn't for his direct link to Essendon, he would've been selected in the top 10 at the 2024 AFL Draft.

He has pace and explosiveness in spades but also helps create a lot of scores and opportunities, setting himself apart from the rest of his cohort.

Kako's clean skills, vision and agility were on display for Vic Metro and the Calder Cannons and now Essendon fans are glad he'll be donning the sash.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Isaac Kako of Victoria Metro celebrates kicking a goal during the 2024 Marsh AFL Championships U18 Boys match between Victoria Metro and Victoria Country at Marvel Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

Fremantle

Shai Bolton

A pretty easy one to keep an eye on but how much will Richmond premiership player Shai Bolton influence his new club?

At his best, Bolton is a 40+ goal-kicking midfielder who can rotate through the forward line. Look at his 2022 stats.

The Dockers gave up two first-round picks for him, so they believe he can be a difference-maker.

But what Bolton will immediately add, aside from his extraordinary skillset, is flexibility through the midfield.

Hayden Young was thrown forward at times in 2024 and looked very dangerous, meaning the two can now work in tandem to increase the club's scoring power.

Shai Bolton and Caleb Serong of the Fremantle Dockers at training in 2024 (Image via Fremantle FC)

Geelong

Patrick Dangerfield

Despite how accomplished Dangerfield is, the 2025 season will be an interesting one for the Geelong skipper.

The inclusion of Bailey Smith should free up the eight-time All-Australian, with the notion of playing him forward certainly a part of Chris Scott's consideration.

Dangerfield hasn't put together a full season due to hamstring issues that revolve around his explosiveness and need to produce star performances.

Fortunately for him, the Smith and Max Holmes combination should lessen the burden on the skipper's shoulders.

Yes, Dangerfield will still play predominantly midfield, but if the Cats can create a strong midfield without him, the 2016 Brownlow medallist could be the cherry on top.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats reacts after missing a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at GMHBA Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Gold Coast

Jed Walter

The departures of Sam Day and Levi Casboult have opened up a permanent vacancy in the Gold Coast forward line and Jed Walter is the man to fill it.

Walter has only been with the Suns for 12 months but has shown plenty of promise in his 14 games, playing second fiddle to Ben King.

The former Pick 3 will be viewed as a key focal point as the AFL's brainchild looks to break the finals drought and feature in September football.

Gold Coast Academy talent and draft prospect Jed Walter (Image by Rookie Me Central)

GWS

Jake Stringer

The 'Package' essentially departed his second AFL club on bad terms, like he did the Western Bulldogs all those years ago.

However, there is no denying Stringer's talent, and when he gets going, there are very few who can stop him.

The former Bomber kicked 42 goals last year from 23 outings, whilst also being used through the midfield sporadically.

GWS would benefit immensely from Stringer's versatility, but the question is which Stringer will they get?

Adam Kingsley is a no-fuss operator but so were Luke Beveridge and Brad Scott and look how that panned out.

Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer of the GWS Giants at training in 2024 (Image via GWS FC)

Hawthorn

Jack Ginnivan

It's hard not to always watch Ginnivan. His theatrics and unique skills turn him into a must-watch player.

But what Hawthorn achieved in 2024 was derived from players producing performances well above their pay grade, and the former Pie was one of them.

And now the 'Hollywood Hawks' are being hunted as they have quickly bounced back into premiership contention.

Ginnivan has always been a player who thrives on pressure and owning the moment, but how long can he have a target on his back? And when will it take its toll?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Melbourne

Harvey Langford

Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver will be a curious case following their desires to leave the club during the off-season.

But not enough has been spoken about Melbourne's first pick in the 2024 draft: Harvey Langford.

The ready-made midfielder stands at 190cm and could be on for an early debut.

Langford's reliability and consistency made him rise up the estimation of recruiters whilst his scoreboard impact and contested game shouldn't be understated.

Harvey Langford of the Melbourne Demons at pre-season training in 2024 (Image via Melbourne FC)

North Melbourne

Charlie Comben

It would be easy to say a raft of high-end draft picks at the Kangaroos but Charlie Comben is an interesting one.

Comben has battled both injury and form since joining the club ahead of the 2020 season but last year he showed he is more than capable of playing at the elite level.

After a failed attempt as a forward, Alastair Clarkson threw the 23-year-old down back and it worked.

Comben utilised his aerial prowess and 199cm frame to good use, plucking the opposition's kick and hinting at what North Melbourne's future might look like.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Charlie Comben of the Kangaroos kicks the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 05 match between the Brisbane Lions and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Hills on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Port Adelaide

Jack Lukosius

The former Sun crossed over during the latest off-season after finding himself playing at both ends far too often.

A self-declared forward, Lukosius is looking to be a permanent fixture in the front half, utilising his silky ball use and versatility to consistently impact the scoreboard.

In 2023, the 24-year-old kicked 39 goals which is something Port Adelaide hopes he produces regularly.

Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius addressing media in 2024 (Image via Port Adelaide FC)

Richmond

Josh Smillie

One of the seven selections Richmond made during the 2024 draft, Smillie has declared himself ready for the rigours of AFL football.

Albeit the second pick (following Sam Lalor), the Eastern Ranges product stands at 195cm and has already shown his immense capabilities at pre-season thus far.

The Tigers are in desperate need of the next wave of stars to take the club on a new direction and Smillie's self-confidence and skillset is a major part of that.

His athleticism and poise with the ball were on display during his draft year and will be a great point of difference in Richmond's midfield.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Richmond's draft picks, Sam Lalor, Josh Smillie and Harry Armstrong pose for a photo during the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

St Kilda

Max King

At full flight, there are not many defenders that can go with Max King, but unfortunately, the past two seasons have seen injury after injury, resulting in 23 games.

The Saints have given King extra time to prepare himself for the 2025 season, and he has returned in ripping nick, noticeably putting size on that is required for a key forward.

In 2022, he kicked 52 goals from 22 games but missed a lot of opportunities.

King is more than capable of slotting 60 goals and becoming one of the premier talls in the competition.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Max King of the Saints celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 02 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sydney

Ben Paton

The delisted St Kilda defender received a lifeline from the Swans and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Sydney is hopeful that Dane Rampe, Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd continue producing high-end performances but father-time naturally catches up to them.

Enter Ben Paton. It was only two years ago that he established himself as an elite up-and-coming defender in the competition before injury curtailed his development.

And although he didn't cost the Swans much, Paton has the capability of contributing a lot more than his redrafting would suggest.

Sydney recruits (back row) Ben Paton, Riak Andrew, Riley Bice and Blake Laidler, and (front row) Ned Bowman and Jesse Dattoli. Picture: Sydney Swans

West Coast

Harley Reid

The West Coast wunderkind burst onto the AFL scene was his trademark (ironic given he has only played 12 months of AFL football) fend-off and freakish power at a very young age.

Reid is arguably the most watched and therefore scrutinised player in the competition but has met, if not, risen above the heights of expectation.

He is the face of the Eagles' rebuild and will be highly sought after by every club in the land.

But Reid lets his football do the talking, and after an extraordinary maiden season, it will be interesting to see how he backs it up.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Harley Reid of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 10 match between Waalitj Marawar (West Coast Eagles) and Narrm (Melbourne Demons) at Optus Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs

Ryley Sanders

The young midfielder was starved of opportunities in his maiden season at AFL level, with coach Luke Beveridge making him earn his stripes.

And despite dominating in the VFL, Sanders was seen on 14 occasions, five of which were involved with the substitute.

But the former Pick 6 is setting his sights on a more permanent fixture in the midfield after the club saw Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel depart.

Sanders joined the Bulldogs well-equipped for the rigours of the top grade and will demand more minutes in 2025.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Ryley Sanders of the Bulldogs in action during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on April 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Published by
Aidan Cellini