The 2023 AFL season will go down as one of the all-time greatest years of footy seen in our code, with countless high-profile storylines generated on the field and off the field.
On the field, we saw controversy, comebacks, clutch moments, big games and maybe the greatest Grand Final ever.
Off the field we saw drama, sackings, major acquisitions and a Brownlow Medal count out of a fantasy novel.
With endless headlines to pick from, see below what we picked as the top 10 AFL stories of the 2023 calendar year.
4. Damien Hardwick resigns then signs
Another story which spanned multiple months, this competition-altering event begins with perhaps the best finish to a Dreamtime clash in that match's history, as the Bombers clawed home to a dramatic victory after a Sam Durham goal, virtually on the siren.
While the result clearly dented Richmond's finals hopes for 2023, no one could have predicted what would transpire the following Wednesday, when SEN'sย Tom Morris broke the news that three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick would step down from his role at Richmond, effective immediately.
Without a definitive explanation as to why, the insinuation of 'burn-out' became the the prominent narrative behind Hardwick's departure, leaving the AFL world perplexed as to if and when he would return to coaching fold.
On the 'Dyl & friends' podcast only weeks later, Hardwick confirmed his intention to coach again while delving into his decision to step away from Richmond, believing he could no longer get the utmost out of his players.
A change of scenery for Hardwick seemed imminent and rumours began swirling.
A pub pint with Dustin Martin on the Gold Coast after a reported meeting with Sun's CEO Mark Evans and chairman Bob Easton drew major speculation as reports of a five-year deal being fronted to Hardwick made headlines.
Just over two months after stepping down, Hardwick's hunger was replenished enough for a hefty six-year deal with Gold Coast, locking him in as Suns' senior coach until the end of 2029.
Hardwick will now look to enhance his legacy as the coach who finally takes the Gold Coast to the promised land.
