Two AFL players in front of 2025 team rankings board, showing top six teams.

It’s never a dull moment in the Australian Football League and this year has been no exception. From landslide victories to unexpected comebacks to devastating injuries, the season’s ups and downs have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Best of all, with only a few rounds remaining, there’s more action, more upsets, and more roaring excitement still to come. But before you look forward to the rest of the season, take the time to look back on everything that’s happened. We’re recapping the 2025 AFL season highlights so far, including the highs, lows, and standings that have shaped the season.

2025 AFL Midseason Review: Quick Recap

Since kicking off in March, AFL fans around Australia and the world have been spoiled with nonstop excitement. From the very first round, the season has delivered jaw-dropping goals, underdog victories, and unforgettable moments of sportsmanship. While there are roughly two months left until the AFL Grand Final, Collingwood, the Brisbane Lions, and the Adelaide Crows have so far fought their way to the top of the ladder.

The Wins, Losses & Groundbreaking Moments: 2025 AFL Season Highlights

To date, the 2025 AFL season has been jam-packed with surprises, setbacks, and standout performances. Below are some of the most exciting moments that have unfolded:

Richmond Conquers Carlton in Round 1

One of the biggest shocks of this year’s AFL season came early in Round 1 when the Richmond Tigers defeated the Carlton Blues. 

The Blues — who secured 8th place in the 2024 AFL season — entered their first match hoping to cement their position as one of the top teams in the league. At first, it was looking like they would do just that as they led by 41 points in the second term. But the Richmond underdogs fought valiantly, ultimately kicking 12 of the last 14 goals and triumphing by 13 points. 

No.1 Draft Pick Sam Lalor was the star of the show, scoring two goals for Richmond in his debut performance. In addition to his goals, Lalor had 18 disposals and eight score involvements, earning him a Round 1 AFL Rising Star nomination.

Carlton’s loss will go down as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport. In a video posted to social media, former Carlton player Daniel Gorringe expressed his disappointment with the team: “Well, this is officially the darkest day in Carlton’s history. This is bottom of the bottom.”

Adelaide’s Rise to the Top

Adelaide Crows players celebrating in uniform with team logo overlay.

The Adelaide Crows’ progression between 2024 and 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite only finishing 15th last year, the Crows have climbed their way to the top three of the AFL ladder.

One of their most impressive victories came in Round 12 when they defeated the Sydney Swans 131–41. Josh Rachele and Ben Keays both dominated the pitch with three majors each, while Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Isaac Cumming also played a huge part in the team’s success. The 90-point victory was a particularly devastating blow for Sydney fans, given that it took place on home turf at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 

Sydney’s Fall From Grace

The Swans’ loss to the Crows has been one of the many disappointing 2025 moments for the team. 

Once exceptional, the Swans have struggled to find their rhythm this year, with many speculating that the resignation of former coach John Longmire could be the cause. Since taking over for Longmire, former assistant coach Dean Cox has tested risky tactics such as switching players’ positions. So far, they have yet to pay off; at the time of publication, the Swans are sitting in 10th place, a considerable drop from their runner-up finish in 2024.

A Heartbreaking Early Retirement

For West Coast Eagles’ veteran Jeremy McGovern, the 2025 AFL season marks the end of the road. 

After suffering a head knock in the Eagles’ round-eight game against Melbourne, McGovern was granted a mandatory 12-day period to recover. However, after he failed to make a full recovery in that period, he was referred to the AFL’s concussion panel. Ultimately, the panel ruled that McGovern couldn’t return to the sport for health and safety reasons. 

With the decision, McGovern’s 197-game career came to an end. While the early retirement has left him “gutted”, McGovern leaves behind an incredible legacy as an “intercept king”.

“It’s been an absolute honour to pull on the West Coast jumper for the past 15 years and it’s something that I will forever be grateful for,” he said in a club statement. 

AFL player in yellow and black jersey standing with hands on hips, looking down with a pained, reflective expression.

Official Standings: The 2025 Midseason AFL Ladder

At the time of publication, this is where every team is sitting on the 2025 midseason AFL ladder:

  1. Collingwood – 56 points
  2. Brisbane Lions – 50 points
  3. Adelaide Crows – 44 points
  4. Geelong Cats – 44 points
  5. Hawthorn – 44 points
  6. Western Bulldogs – 40 points
  7. Gold Coast SUNS – 40 points
  8. GWS GIANTS – 40 points
  9. Fremantle – 40 points
  10. Sydney Swans – 28 points
  11. Port Adelaide – 28 points
  12. Carlton – 24 points
  13. Essendon – 24 points
  14. Melbourne – 20 points
  15. St Kilda – 20 points
  16. North Melbourne – 18 points
  17. Richmond – 12 points
  18. West Coast Eagles – 4 points

For the most up-to-date standings, check out the 2025 season ladder on the AFL website.

The Road to the Finals:

The first rounds of the 2025 AFL season have been a bona fide rollercoaster, complete with all the excitement and anticipation fans know and love. Best of all, there are still plenty of thrills left to come.

As the finals quickly approach, one question remains: who will win the premiership title? Will the Lions overtake Collingwood and retain their position at the top? Could the Crows or Cats shake things up and claim the victory? 

To stay up to date on the latest 2025 AFL season highlights, keep checking back in with Ignition Australia.