The 20th biggest AFL story of 2025: A September to remember
As AFL 2025 unfolded, September delivered a season-defining moment that instantly joined the annals of the game’s great seasons. Among the headlines, one story stood out as a turning point for both a rising talent and a seasoned champion. This is the 20th entry in our countdown of AFL.com.au’s 50 biggest stories of 2025, a season packed with drama, resilience, and unforgettable performances.
The rising star stakes: a young talent staking a claim
In a year when several debutants announced themselves, one young star captured the imagination with a blend of poise, pace, and load-bearing performances. Across multiple games in September, this player surpassed expectations, delivering match-defining moments that suggested a long and luminous career ahead. Critics hailed a player who could shape lineups, influence tackles, and convert chances under pressure, signaling a new era for their club and the league alike.
The veteran maestro: a champion midfielder’s enduring impact
Parallel to the rise of fresh talent was the continued excellence of a champion midfielder who has become synonymous with consistency and big-game brilliance. Months of steady work culminated in a September full of influence, where the veteran’s leadership and flawless decision-making helped steer his team through tight contests. His performances demonstrated that even as the AFL evolves with younger players, experience remains a decisive edge in finals-caliber football.
Why this story mattered for the season
The September surge didn’t just produce individual highlights; it reshaped team trajectories and added layers to the season’s narrative. The young star’s emergence offered hope for clubs seeking to build sustainably from within, while the veteran’s form underscored the value of experienced heads during the business end of the year. Together, their stories created a balance between youth and experience, a dynamic that is central to AFL’s ongoing evolution.
Impact on clubs and players beyond September
For coaches, selectors, and fans, the September performances provided talking points about preparation, development pathways, and the role of leadership in football culture. For the broader AFL audience, the convergence of a promising new star and a proven champion offered a compelling narrative arc: how young players adapt to pressure and how seasoned veterans adapt to changing game styles. The lessons extend into training culture, talent development, and the strategic use of game-time risk in pursuit of finals success.
Looking ahead: what this means for 2026
With the season’s late-stage drama behind us, the conclusions drawn from September’s standout performances set expectations for 2026. The young star’s trajectory will be watched closely for consistency and growth, while the champion midfielder will be measured by how effectively he mentors emerging talent and sustains performance across a longer campaign. The AFL landscape remains dynamic, and the seeds planted in this month could blossom into defining chapters of the next season.
As we continue counting down AFL.com.au’s 50 biggest stories of 2025, this particular entry reminds fans that the league is a living narrative—where fresh stars are forged in the crucible of championship contention, and where a veteran’s excellence continues to drive teams toward glory.
