With the curtain closing on another year, we've once again asked our ESPN experts to pull out their crystal balls to predict the future. What does 2025 hold in store for these sporting codes?
We take a look at some of the biggest questions. Who will win the feature competition? Who will be the winner of the major individual award? Read on and see whether you agree.
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Aussie Rules
What will change from 2024?
This might be the biggest, boldest call of all, but could we actually, finally, get some MRO and tribunal consistency? For years we've been scratching our heads at decisions and rulings, constantly unsure what to expect from just about any offence a player commits. The AFL has made it a point of emphasis to make the process more transparent and, hopefully, understandable. Surely, we'll get there eventually.
What will remain constant?
The evenness of the competition. We talk ad nauseum about just how tight the ladder is at any point of the year and nothing epitomised parity quite like Brisbane winning the premiership from outside the top four. By the end of the home and away season, third to 9th were split by just two wins! Expect more of the same in 2025.
What will define the season?
It may not define it, but one of the major discussion points of season 2025 will be the winless Tigers. Yes, Richmond will not win a game all year! At the end of this past season the Tigers waved goodbye to superstar Dustin Martin and traded away just about every valuable player on its list, getting a head start on its rebuild. And while we admire the plan, there's no doubt there is going to be some serious short-term pain.
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Who will win the premiership?
AFL - We know how difficult it is to go back-to-back in any sport, so we're looking beyond obvious candidate Brisbane. Instead, could it be Hawthorn under Sam Mitchell? After a dire 0-5 start to 2024, the Hawks went on a scintillating five-month run when they were the best offensive and defensive team in the league. They've improved this offseason and have shortened significantly in premiership betting. Watch this space.
AFLW - It's the boring, easy, and obvious answer all in one, but it's still probably the right answer -- North Melbourne. They're coming off a stunning Grand Final win and a season in which they went undefeated, and while it's difficult to see a side replicate that next year, the Roos still boast a list better than anyone and have weapons all across the field. Becoming the first AFLW team to go back-to-back is not beyond them.
Who will win the major individual award?
AFL - Nick Daicos could very easily be a two-time Brownlow Medal winner. The 21-year-old Collingwood phenom has polled a ridiculous 66 votes across the last two seasons, making a strong case to be the No. 1 player in the league. In the season just gone he averaged 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances, and almost a goal per game. Expect even more in 2025 as he finally takes home 'Charlie'.
AFLW - There'd be no more popular guess than Jas Garner, and for good reason, but we're going to go with her hard-running teammate, Ash Riddell. The 28-year-old midfielder has now finished runner-up in the award in two consecutive seasons, which followed a fourth-place finish in 2022. Riddell just knows how to win the footy, is an integral part of the best side in the competition, and is now a proven vote poller.
Who is in the firing line?
Where to begin!? It seems as if half of the coaches in the league would be sweating on the first month of the season, but it's hard to look past Simon Goodwin. The Demons have endured a horror run -- both on and off the field -- and that 2021 flag is beginning to look like a distant memory. Melbourne finished this past season in 14th place and a repeat performance would likely have Goodwin searching for new employment.
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year?
AFL - Percentage is always a strong indicator of how well a team fared over the course of a season. Fremantle went 12-10 with a draw in 2024, but finished the campaign with a percentage of 111.9, seventh best overall. The Dockers were also 1-5 in games decided by 11 points or fewer and you can naturally expect that to even out from year to year. Geelong just keeps on keeping on, or so we always say, but with a tougher draw and more experience having walked out the door could Chris Scott's side be heading for a down year? Don't rule it out.
AFLW - Collingwood didn't have a lot go right for them in 2024 and clearly lacked star power across the park, losing 10 of 11 games and finishing bottom of the ladder. They were ravaged by injuries to key personnel which didn't help, so provided they stay fit, bring more talent through the door -- which they will with the No. 1 draft pick -- and maybe add another key position player or two, they should be far more competitive next season. As for a slider? Well, the Western Bulldogs were able to salvage a few wins this season and finish 12th, but their percentage of 63.1 -- lower than two bottom four sides in Sydney and GWS -- suggests there might be some cause for concern moving forward.
What will be the headline of the year?
Dustin Martin to play for Gold Coast in 2026.
Rugby League
What will change from 2024?
Wests Tigers will not win the wooden spoon in 2025. The Tigers have collected enough spoons of late to supply the timber for the Leichhardt Oval renovations. While continuing to struggle, coach Benji Marshall has been quietly building his roster nicely to the point where they could very well contend for a Top 8 spot this season. Their spine of Jahream Bula, Lachlan Galvin, Jarome Luai and Apisai Koroisau is shaping to be among the best in the league and the inclusion of Terrell May and Royce Hunt adds some real starch to the forward pack. Picking who will end up with the spoon in 2025 will be a tougher challenge now that the Tigers are officially out of the race.
What will remain constant?
The Panthers will remain the team to beat throughout the 2025 season, despite the departure of more star players. With Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris joining the salary cap squeeze exodus, the Panthers face their toughest season since they started their run of four straight premierships. It would be easy enough to expect a possible tumble down the ladder, but the club has proven time and again to have the pathways and systems in place to find the next crop of star players to fill the gaps. They will continue to set a high bar for all other teams to aspire to.
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What will define the season?
Laurie Daley's return to the Blues coaching role will be more closely scrutinised than any other appointment in recent history. With the Blues returning to the winner's circle last year under coach Michael Maguire, there was hope across New South Wales that the days of seemingly endless Maroons glory were over. Now with Maguire gone, the NSWRL has gone back to the past to resuscitate Daley's coaching aspirations. Blues fans remember Daley's first tilt as being one of much misery at the hands of a dominant Queensland team. Can he do more with the talent on offer today and will he benefit from a Queensland team going through its own talent upheaval? We'll all be watching.
Who will win the premiership?
Men's: Remember when Makybe Diva won three-straight Melbourne Cups? My money was on something else to win each time. Well, how many times can I be wrong about the Panthers? Surely this is the year they falter, after losing even more big-name players. The trick once again is to name the team that will beat them. Each of the vanquished grand finalists in the past few years have stumbled the following season, so does that rule the Storm out of contention? Well, the Storm are never out of contention and if the Panthers' reign is to end this year, then I think it will have to be at the hands of the Melbourne Storm.
Women's: The NRLW welcomes two new teams in 2025 with the Bulldogs and Warriors entering the competition. The NRL has been very careful with its expansion plans, cautious to avoid the the pitfalls faced by the AFLW where the talent pool appears to have been spread way too thinly. Having said that, the movement of players between teams continues, which raises the hopes that new teams will challenge for the title each year. Still, with Tamika Upton returning to the Brisbane Broncos in 2025, it is not difficult to tip them to win the newly expanded competition.
Who will win the major individual award?
Dally M Medal Men: Such a tough one to pick when injuries can play such a big part in determining who wins. Nathan Cleary missed a chunk of last season through injury and doubts remain about his shoulders. If the Panthers maintain their dominance and Cleary remains on the field, he should be right up there in the voting. But I'm going to go with a new recruit at the Tigers, in Jarome Luai. There has been plenty of talk over the years about Luai being only as good as Cleary made him look at the Panthers. But, I think we saw during Cleary's absence at club and Origin level last year that Luai is a star in his own right. At the Tigers he will be completely out of Cleary's shadow and a standout each week for the improving club.
Dally M Medal Women: Roosters back-rower Olivia Kernick charged out of the pack to win the Dally M Medal in 2024. Sharks captain Tiana Penitani collected both centre of the year and captain of the year and managed to knock Jessica Sergis out of her Jillaroos jersey. She is my tip to take the big one in 2025.
Who is in the firing line?
Ricky Stuart's tenure at the Raiders must be under threat after another lacklustre season in 2024, where they finished just outside the Top 8. Stuart has been head coach at the Raiders since 2014 and has a 51% winning record in that time, making the finals five times in 11 years with one grand final appearance. While his manic behaviour in media conferences might be entertaining, Raiders fans are growing tired of a lack of onfield success, followed by repetitive excuses. If the Raiders get off to a poor start in 2025 the coach-eating vultures will surely start circling.
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year?
The Rabbitohs finished the 2024 season in second last, just above the Tigers. They welcome back supercoach Wayne Bennett in 2025 and you can't imagine him standing for such an inept performance. Expect the Bunnies to make a rapid rise up the ladder under Bennett, possibly sneaking into the Top 8. As the Rabbitohs ascend the ladder in 2025, passing them on the way down will be the Dragons. St George Illawarra finished two points out of the Top 8 last season, but enter 2025 without Ben Hunt. They have signed Clint Gutherson, but it is hard to believe that a tumble down the ladder doesn't await them.
What will be the headline of the year?
Laurie Daley loses Blues coaching job after 3-0 Origin defeat
Rugby
What will change from 2024?
Men: An Australian team will make the Super Rugby Pacific final. Need us to identify who it will be? Okay, the Reds. Queensland's efforts under Les Kiss in 2024 were impressive, but they just lacked that little bit of consistency. But boosted by the arrival of former Rebels Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Filipo Daugunu, Matt Gibbon and Lachie Anderson, the Reds now have greater depth in the tight-five and outside backs. Are they good enough to win the whole shebang? Yes, but this looks like being the most competitive Super Rugby season for some time.
What will remain constant?
Men: The form of Fraser McReight. Did you catch the Queenslander in action for the Wallabies in Dublin? He was the best player on the pitch -- and by some margin, too. A couple of years ago there were questions marks over McReight's ability to influence a Test match like he does Super Rugby, with his durability firmly in the spotlight. But following his return from a hand injury at the backend of the Rugby Championship, those same questions have been banished completely.
Women: As has been the case since 2016, the Australian women's sevens team will continue to dominate the World Series with Maddi Levi set to break even more records with her try-scoring exploits. Following a disappointing Paris Olympics where the side failed to medal, they opened the new SVNS season with another gold medal in Dubai. Although the competition is heating up, and the gap between nations is shrinking, the talent of Charlotte Caslick, the Levi sisters and the many rising young guns will see the side raise the SVNS World Series title once again.
What will define the season?
Men: The British & Irish Lions Series. Given they only visit Australian shores once in every 12 years, this event is probably the country's No. 1 sporting highlight in 2025, full stop. What other sport has anything like it; the coming together of four proud nations, who bring 30,000 travelling fans with them, for contests against domestic and invitational teams, and, of course, our very own Wallabies? The answer is there isn't one. And where this series looked like being a cakewalk for the Lions even a couple of months ago, the Wallabies' form on their recent spring tour suggests that is no longer a concern. This Aussie outfit will be better equipped to compete than the 2013 outfit that lost the series 2-1. Bring. It. On.
Women: The World Cup in the UK. Despite a slow start under new coach Jo Yapp in 2024, the Wallaroos closed out the season with a massive WXV2 win and plenty of confidence heading into 2025 and next year's World Cup. Even better, several of Australia's best sevens players have put their hand up for selection, prepared to fly the flag for Australia in the UK and help lead the Wallaroos to their best finish at the World Cup since 2014.
Who will win the Super Rugby?
Men: As mentioned above, this looks like being the most keenly contested Super Rugby Pacific competition yet. You can make a genuine case for at least half a dozen sides, but it's hard to go past the defending champion Blues, particularly with Beauden Barrett returning to the squad after another Japanese stint. What first-year Blues coach Vern Cotter did in 2024 was simplify the team's approach, it was very much route one rugby with Hoskins Sotutu, who could not get a game for the All Blacks in 2024, at the heart of it. Don't expect the Blues to stray too far from that approach, but with Barrett showing signs that he is getting back to somewhere near his World Rugby Player of the Year form from a few seasons back, the Aucklanders will have yet another attacking dimension in 2025.
Women: With the inclusion of several Australian sevens players in the competition, many of whom will join the Queensland Reds, it's the NSW Waratahs title to lose. Dominating through 2024, the Waratahs have retained much of their playing group including Wallaroos' Maya Stewart, Desiree Miller, Piper Duck, Georgina Friedrichs and Layne Morgan, while they'll welcome back Em Chancellor from a long-term knee injury. Fijiana Drua will once again provide welcome competition, but with World Cup squad places on the line, expect big things from the Waratahs.
Who will win the major individual awards?
Men: Given we've pumped up his tyres already, we're sticking with Fraser McReight for the John Eales Medal. In fact, we think he can do the Aussie Super Rugby Player of the Year and Wallabies MVP double. McReight will have already racked up the votes in the U.K. last month -- the JE Medal voting restarts ahead of the spring tour -- and providing he stays on the field throughout the Test season we'll see the tireless No. 7 end Rob Valetini's two-year run as Australian rugby's standout men's player.
Women: Given we're already two tournaments into the SVNS season and Maddi Levi has already broken the try-scoring record at a tournament, expect she'll make it back-to-back Australian sevens player of the year titles. She's a good chance of taking out Wallaroos' debut player of the year as well if she manages to earn her place in the World Cup squad and transition her incredible skills across to the 15s game. Meanwhile, another try-scoring dynamo, Maya Stewart could make it back-to-back titles as the Wallaroos' player of the year.
Who is in the firing line?
This is a tough one to answer from an Australian perspective, given the relative stability of the Force, Reds and Brumbies, and the fact that the Waratahs have just hired Dan McKellar. Furthermore, Rugby Australia and Joe Schmidt are meeting to see whether the Kiwi can be convinced to extend as Wallabies coach beyond the Lions. With that in mind, we're taking a broader lens here and identifying Crusaders boss Rob Penney and England coach Steve Borthwick as two key names to keep an eye on in the first half of next year. If Penney can't get the Crusaders rolling early in Super Rugby Pacific, he'll be out the door quick smart, while Borthwick needs to find some wins in the Six Nations, otherwise the RFU will be under huge pressure to change things up at Twickenham..
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year?
There's only one way for the Waratahs to go right? Technically they could plateau and finish last yet again, but with McKellar onboard and Wallabies Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea, Darby Lancaster and Andrew Kellaway all wearing sky blue, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii already demonstrating in Test rugby his code switch won't be an issue, it's hard to see how NSW won't climb up the Super Rugby ladder considerably.
Conversely, watch for the Fijian Drua to drop down from seventh after a couple of playoff finishes the past two seasons. The condensing of talent across the Australian franchises has made the Drua's task a little tougher and they are yet to beat any of the New Zealand franchises, Moana Pasifika aside, away from home.
What will be the headline of the year?
Lions tamed: Schmidt delivers Wallabies' biggest prize since '01
Football
What will change from 2025?
Men: In a league in which Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory exist, the Central Coast Mariners don't look like returning to the A-League Men cellar any time soon. In fact, you'd still be backing them to play finals football. However, the loss of Max Balard and Josh Nisbet from their treble-winning engine room may prove two departures too far for the Gosford-based side, with it very hard to see them making it three straight A-League Men titles in 2025. Oh, and we're also supposed to be getting a National Second Tier launching at the tail end of the year, which is a potentially seismic reform even if its initial Champions League-like model was nobody's first choice.
Women: The last time Sydney FC weren't in an A-League Women Grand Final, Malcolm Turnbull was the Prime Minister, Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You' was top of the charts, and the AFLW was in its very first season of existence. The Sky Blues have since made seven straight Grand Finals since missing out in February 2017, but that streak is set to change this season.
What will remain constant?
Men: If there was one adjective that could best describe the A-Leagues in recent times, it would be tumultuous. And there's no reason to believe that this will change heading into 2025. We're still no clearer, for instance, on what's happening with a Canberra expansion that's already been pushed back one season - at this point last year, in contrast, American billionaire Bill Foley had already been unveiled as a preferred owner of Auckland. Elsewhere, the year ended with reports emerging from Western Australia about the ATO hovering over Perth Glory, there remains uncertainty over the broader stadium picture as Roar tread the waters of stagnation, and Western United is still yet to break ground on its promised stadium. Then there are central rights distributions from the APL, the fallout of 777 Partners and Melbourne Victory, and Richard Peil handing back the Mariners' licence.
Women: Melbourne City will continue to set the standard both on and off the park. From their distinctive style of play to the production line of new Matildas and state of the art facilities, the rest of the competition will once again look to those in City blue.
What will define the seasons?
Men: The young talent that is emerging and how that affects squad construction and minutes distribution. Belatedly, the A-League Men looks to have fully embraced its status as a place where young talent is sold, with a recent PFA report claiming transfer fees exceeded the money brought in by the league's broadcast deal for the first time in 2024. A revenue source no other code in Australia can replicate, it arguably offers the path to sustainability for Australian clubs. As we enter this era, though, how football departments adjust will be defining. Especially given there's no relegation, do you add a veteran who raises your floor but who simultaneously lacks resale value? Or is that place in the squad or off the bench better served to go to an academy prospect who could one day attract a fee?
Women: Following the Matildas' two games against Chinese Taipei, which saw an A-League-dominant squad take to the park, the connection between the national team and the national league will become obvious to a whole new generation of fans. In turn, the A-League will bask in a different kind of Matildas glow, one where fans of the Tillies actively search for their next favourite player from the endless options plying their trade in the dub.
Who will win the premierships?
A-League Men: Auckland FC has made a fantastic start to life in the A-League Men and looks well-placed to make an instant impact, but can they sustain this throughout a full season, especially their defensive prowess? Until they answer that, someone like Melbourne Victory should be considered a title favourite -- possessing attacking depth the envy of the rest of the league and set to bring star goalkeeper Mitch Langerak back to the club once the January transfer window opens.
A-League Women: Melbourne City look on track to win the double.
Who will win the major individual award?
Johnny Warren Medal: Nicolas Milanovic has started the A-League Men season incredibly strongly and assuming that Western Sydney doesn't look to cash him in when the mid-season transfer window opens on January 16, he is at an age where he should be able to kick on for the rest of the season.
Julie Dolan Medal: Emily Gielnik and Fiona Worts are top of the goalscoring charts while Lourdes Bosch and Tameka Yallop have been influential for their respective teams.
Who is in the firing line?
A-League Men: Given the above tumultuousness referenced, A-League administrators the APL are an obvious one - both with fans and clubs exacerbated at their custodianship of the league. But Football Australia, too, faces a significant year. Still looking for a Matildas coach, scrutiny over how the federation handled management and oversight of Graham Arnold, as well as the appointment of Tony Popovic upon his resignation, will only heighten if the Socceroos fail to automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup in the current phase of qualification. Add to this the National Second Tier's launch and the federation faces some significant tests in 2025.
A-League Women: Western Sydney Wanderers are winless to start the season and after a promising first season in charge, head coach Robbie Hooker appears to be suffering an almighty sophomore slump.
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year?
A-League Men: Given that they're working from a baseline of 'not existing' Auckland FC will be this season's biggest risers, probably set to be in contention for a home final, at the very least, come the end of the season. Brisbane and Perth, conversely, were already working off a pretty low base but at present look like they'll struggle to beat anyone except each other in a 'race' for the wooden spoon.
A-League Women: Brisbane Roar are sitting in the top four and appear strong, led by Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop and a cast of young, talented players. They look on track for a first finals appearance since 2021. Meanwhile Sydney FC have been uncharacteristically poor to start the season and are sitting down the bottom end of the table. Even if they bounce back and maintain their streak of always making finals, it looks like they will be well down on their usual top two finish.
What will be the headline of the year?
Mohamed Touré hat trick lifts Socceroos to World Cup qualification in win over Saudi Arabia.
Cricket
What will change from 2023?
It's not the most exciting thing to talk about, but Cricket Australia will have a new CEO come March with Todd Greenberg taking over from Nick Hockley. He comes in at a time of significant change and challenges for the game, both locally and globally, with the cricket season in Australia being squeezed at both ends while India's influence only gets stronger on the world game. Keep an eye out, too, on the top of the men's Test team. While this side may well stay together for next summer's Ashes, there could be a spot or two open up.
What will remain constant?
The build-up to the Men's Ashes will include a lot of silliness and plenty of mentions of Jonny Bairstow's stumping at Lord's (even though Bairstow is unlikely to be part of the England side).
What will define the season?
Australia's men: Early in 2025 we will know the outcome of the Test series against India. It's one that Australia really must win. Then later in the year it will be the Ashes. England are building a team that may just have a chance of pushing the home side for first time since 2010-11.
Australia's women: It's a big year. First there is the Ashes in January - the prize was retained in England last year, but there was frustration at the overall 8-8 draw in the multi-format series. Then there's the ODI World Cup in India during October. After elimination at the semifinal stage of this year's T20 World Cup, they will want to reestablish their credentials while there is a chance it could be the last global event for one or two of the senior players. Megan Schutt has already flagged the tournament will likely mark the end of her international career.
Who will win the major individual awards?
The Allan Border and Belinda Clark Medals are announced early in the year for the preceding 12 months: Travis Head and Beth Mooney.
Who is in the firing line?
A couple of Australia's top order if they don't turn their form around. Keep an eye on Usman Khawaja whose returns have diminished somewhat during 2024 (note, this may well have changed by the time you read this).
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year?
Biggest riser: Sam Konstas will play Test cricket by the end of 2025 while Georgia Voll will star in both the Ashes and ODI World Cup.
Biggest slider: Mitchell Marsh's return to the Test side has been a fantastic story, but his body will struggle to keep up with the demands of the game.
What will be the headline of the year?
Australia's best since Bradman, Steven Smith, announces retirement