One reason why every AFL team can make the eight - and one reason they'll struggle

A new footy season will soon be upon us and hopes are always high in late January.

Before results begin to roll in and squash that hope, let’s go through why every team can make the eight in 2025.

We’ll also look at the other side of the coin and why they may struggle.

See them all below:

Why they can

They added three quality best 22 players in Alex Neal-Bullen, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling, while draftee Sid Draper should also have an impact.

Riley Thilthorpe is healthy and ready to break out, Izak Rankine is an All-Australian lock if he stays fit and the backline will hopefully be more stable in 2025.

Why they may struggle

It's still tough to fully trust Adelaide's defensive group. Can their key position players stay healthy? Are they good enough to begin with? Do they have enough run off half-back? Can they move the ball from end to end?

Will they still be reliant on the likes of Rory Laird, Matt Crouch and Brodie Smith in 2025 or will the next generation stand up?

There's a lot of question marks.

Why they can

Not sure you're going to need a heap of convincing here. The reigning premiers were an absolute juggernaut in the second half of 2024 and even overcame a slow start and injuries to go all the way.

They've lost Joe Daniher, but in comes Levi Ashcroft. They get back a quartet of players who tore their ACLs. They'll be fine.

Why they may struggle

We've seen teams take their foot off the gas following a premiership tilt recently. Geelong missed finals after 2022 and Collingwood did the same a year later.

Daniher was their most important player in 2024 given his role not only as a goal kicker, but with his ruck and clearance work in the middle, and his contested marking. They don't have a clear replacement for him and that will build pressure on others.

Why they can

The Blues looked certain top four finishers last season before their season derailed in the final month of 2024. With a moderate amount of injury luck, an injection of youth from the likes of Jagga Smith and Ashton Moir, and (hopefully) a full year from Tom De Koning, Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh - the Blues have all the tools to make the eight again.

Few teams can do more damage when things are rolling than the Blues as we saw in the first half of 2024. Their midfield is potent and their forward line is well supplied and hits the scoreboard consistently.

Why they may struggle

The pressure will be ON at Princes Park. If Carlton gets off to a sluggish start, Michael Voss will be in the hot seat and this playing group has faltered in the spotlight a couple of times now.

On paper, they have the list to get the job done, but nothing is ever straightforward or easy for Carlton and no team has been hit harder by week-to-week injuries than the Blues these last three years.

Their backline is also suspect following the loss of Nic Newman and with the lack of a genuine second key defender next to Jacob Weitering.

Why they can

This is still mostly the squad that won the premiership 16 months ago, and now they've added a dual All-Australian in Dan Houston.

The Pies got off to a slow start in 2024 coming off the flag, but have since had the mental rest over this summer and will surely hit the ground running on their way to recapturing a top eight spot.

They've been in every big game (and close game) scenario, they have a proven system and if things fall their way, like they did in 2023, we know how tough to stop they are.

Why they may struggle

They're old. Really old. The Magpies are clearly all-in on 2025, and as they should be given the demographic of their list. Scott Pendlebury is 37, Jeremy Howe is nearly 35, Steele Sidebottom 34, Jamie Elliott will be 33 this year, Brody Mihocek 32, Jack Crisp 31...

On top of that, can they keep their forwards healthy after last year's significant issues? And if they do, can they kick winning scores? Tim Membrey comes in and Dan McStay is back - how big of an impact will they have?

Why they can

Brad Scott always gets the most out of his list, but the Bombers will need a bit of luck with the likes of Zach Reid (fingers crossed), Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako having an immediate impact and injecting some x-factor into this side.

The Dons spent a fair chunk of 2024 in the eight. They must address their late-season fades if they are to hold onto their spot in 2025.

Why they may struggle

The Bombers were quiet in the trade period and haven't added much to a list that didn't make the eight last season. Do they have the top-end quality to match the best teams? Beyond Zach Merrett and Nick Martin, who is capable of breaking a game open for this Essendon side without Jake Stringer? Can Nate Caddy become that immediately?

The forward line feels like it lacks the potency required to compete with some of the teams around them and youngsters like Elijah Tsatas, Ben Hobbs, Nik Cox, Zach Reid and Alwyn Davey are yet to prove they can be difference makers.

Why they can

The Dockers don't lack for anything on paper. Their midfield is as strong as any in the competition, they've got two quality key forwards in Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy, their backline is solid, they've added Shai Bolton AND they have a free extra home game thanks to North Melbourne's generosity.

If they can win the majority of their 13 games at Optus Stadium, Freo will be close to a lock for finals.

Why they may struggle

Can Justin Longmuir's Dockers tweak their defensive ways enough to make the most of their offensive weapons in 2025? They have felt a bit too set in their ways recently.

They've been a middle-of-the-road team since making the eight in 2022 and they'll have a bit to prove early in the season.

Why they can

The Cats won 15 games last year and did so with key players missing chunks of the season with injuries. They've added Bailey Smith, while key young players like Lawson Humphries, Ollie Dempsey and Ollie Henry are ready to take on major roles.

Under Chris Scott, Geelong has been the mark of consistency (outside of 2023) and it's hard to imagine they won't leverage Kardinia Park en route to another finals appearance.

Why they may struggle

Patrick Dangerfield, Rhys Stanley, Mark Blicavs, Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Tom Stewart, Jeremy Cameron, Jed Bews... all of these players are 31 and older.

If injuries and form issues hit these guys hard, the Cats will be asking a lot of their younger core. Sam De Koning, Bailey Smith, Toby Conway and Jack Martin have all also struggled with availability at times as well.

Why they can

The Suns were a dominant team at home in 2024 and hapless on the road. Their first win south of Queensland came in Round 24 against a rock-bottom Richmond.

The equation is simple: become more consistent across the board and finals is a possibility. Especially with an improving young list and a second season under Damien Hardwick.

Why they may struggle

The Suns, in their entire existence, have never shown the ability to perform consistently across an entire season. They're an impossible team to trust until you see it with your own eyes.

Ben King also carries too heavy of a load inside 50. He kicked 55 goals in 2024, with Ben Long surprisingly second on 26. Jack Lukosius was third and he is now at Alberton. The Suns need to find consistent finishers inside 50 and cannot yet rely on Jed Walter.

Why they can

The Giants have thrived under Adam Kingsley and have been as close as you could get to a premiership these last two seasons. Jesse Hogan was the most improved player in the competition in 2024, winning the Coleman Medal and they have arguably the best back six in the game. Could Aaron Cadman's continued emergence and the addition of Jake Stringer make them even more dangerous?

They have a trustworthy system, star players on every line and a ton of x-factor. GWS remains well and truly in the flag race, let alone the top eight.

Why they may struggle

The Giants have there fair share of key players who have struggled with availability across their career, and this would be one way things derail.

Sam Taylor, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene (who's 31), Stephen Coniglio (also 31) and Jake Stringer (a wildcard in all of this) have all missed significant time with injury at points in their career, and the Giants have battled lengthy injury lists pretty consistently in the last decade.

What happens if Kieren Briggs goes down? Does a 35-year-old Lachie Keeffe become the number one ruckman?

Also, will there be scars from the costly finals fadeouts against Sydney and Brisbane?

Why they can

The Hawks were the white-hot team of 2024 after a sluggish start and nearly rode that momentum to a Preliminary Final. Assuming they can keep that energy up, the additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass strengthen what felt like their key weak spot in defence.

The likes of Will Day, Josh Weddle, Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson and more are all capable of going to the next level and adding even more flexibility to this side.

Why they may struggle

Improvement is rarely linear and things are never so simple. Yes, the Hawks were near-unbeatable for the second half of 2024 and should be better this season with their list improvements - but it's never this simple, and opposition teams have had a full summer to work out ways to blunt their strengths.

They got outstanding productivity inside 50 out of Mabior Chol in 2024. However, he has never put back to back quality seasons together in his career. Mitch Lewis remains injured and Calsher Dear is a teenager. Can they get reliable production from their key forwards? Or will too much fall to another teenager in Nick Watson?

Why they can

There's no doubting the firepower at Melbourne's disposal when everything is going well ... it just hasn't gone well for a while.

But 2025 is when that could all change! Clayton Oliver looks as fit as he's ever looked, Christian Petracca is back, Max Gawn is still going around, Jacob Van Rooyen could have the breakout key forward season - there's a lot of reasons to be excited at Casey Fields.

Most importantly, it's been quiet. There's been minimal drama this summer. Fingers crossed we haven't just jinxed it.

Why they may struggle

As always, the most important question with Melbourne is what happens if Gawn misses chunks of time? The answer being Tom Campbell or Tom Fullarton isn't super reassuring.

Coach Simon Goodwin will find himself on the hot seat if they start slowly, particularly given the turmoil the club has been in for a few years now. The Dees must tread carefully to ensure things don't derail as they did in 2024.

Why they can

Let's hypothesise optimistically:

Everything clicks into place as it did for Hawthorn last year. They have a great run with injury luck and the defensive trio of Griffin Logue, Charlie Comben and Aidan Corr play every game. Comben breaks out as an All-Australian defender.

Jack Darling ends up being the perfect foil for Nick Larkey, while Luke Parker and Caleb Daniel fill holes and add crucial leadership. Harry Sheezel, Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw become a top five midfield group in the competition.

It's going to take a pretty epic swing for Alastair Clarkson's side to jump from the canvas to September.

Why they may struggle

Well, they sold two home games to Perth, including what would've been one of their few favourable matchups against West Coast. That makes things harder. Can they jump from a half-decade in the bottom four into the top eight? It's not impossible, but they've certainly made life harder for themselves in order to pocket some cash.

Asking them to win 10 more games in 2025 with a disadvantageous fixture is asking for too much. Maybe 2026 we'll have an easier time making the argument.

Why they can

They finished second on the ladder in 2024 and won 16 games, showing a maturity during the home and away season that separated them from a few other teams.

Ken Hinkley's men have rarely struggled to win the games required to make finals and they are super consistent at home. Jason Horne-Francis, Jase Burgoyone, Miles Bergman, Josh Sinn and Ollie Lord all have the potential to go to the next level in 2025 and lead the next generation of Port Adelaide.

Why they may struggle

They have lost a few key pieces from last season in back-to-back All-Australian Dan Houston and key forward Todd Marshall. On paper, they have players capable of filling those roles, but it's hard to expect similar quality immediately.

They never really solved their lack of size in defence and clearly gave up Esava Ratugolea as a key defender. Is Jordon Sweet their long-term ruck? Can Mitch Georgiades be your primary target inside 50? There's a few important questions the Power will likely need to solve on the fly in 2025.

Why they can

Top draft picks are having an influence on games earlier than ever, and the Tigers just added seven of them. They'll need the likes of Sam Lalor, Josh Smillie, Harry Armstrong and Luke Trainor to have an immediate impact and energise the rest of the group.

Tom Lynch returning to full health and kicking 50+ goals is likely necessary for Richmond to make the eight, as are full (and excellent) seasons from Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Toby Nankervis.

Why they may struggle

They won two games last year and lost Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Jack Graham. Finals just aren't on the agenda for Richmond in 2025.

Why they can

Despite a rough campaign with injuries and inconsistencies, the Saints still won 11 games last season. Ross Lyon teams are always hard to beat and always maximise the potential of those in the squad.

A fully fit Max King would go a long way, while they'll be hoping for breakout years from guys like Mattaes Phillipou, Darcy Wilson, Marcus Windhager and Mitchito Owens.

They have a ton of speed and quality ball users across the field. Can they put the pieces together in 2025? They'll need some luck.

Why they may struggle

They are already lacking that luck on the injury front, that doesn't help.

St Kilda's midfield group still lacks the firepower to match the best teams in the competition and their forward line actually looked better without King last year, and they've since lost Tim Membrey - how do they find the best mix in 2025?

Their key defensive depth is questionable as well beyond Callum Wilkie.

Why they can

The Swans won the minor premiership last year on the back of an improved defensive group, midfield goal kickers and the emergence of Isaac Heeney as one of the competition's best players.

They had a quiet trade period and are bringing back essentially the same squad. Can Logan McDonald have the breakout season and elevate himself into a top key forward in the game? It feels like the only missing piece remaining for the Swans.

Why they may struggle

The last time Sydney got hammered in a Grand Final (2022) they got off to an incredibly sluggish start to the season and ultimately only squeaked their way into finals. Will they bounce back mentally better this time around?

John Longmire's decision to step down as coach will surely have an impact on the group, regardless of how ready Dean Cox is to fill those shoes. Chad Warner's contract looms as a distraction and their forward line remains questionable.

Why they can

If West Coast is to be the team that jumps from the bottom four into the top eight, they will need an almighty twin towers season from Jake Waterman and Oscar Allen. Can they combine for 100 goals? They'll get 25-30 out of Matt Owies and will hope Liam Ryan has a point to prove in 2025.

So they have some firepower up front - but can Harley Reid make the Nick Daicos leap in his second season? They'll need something of the sort to make such a huge jump up the ladder.

Why they may struggle

The Eagles won five games in 2024 and have lost Tom Barrass, one of their few reliable stars. Jeremy McGovern will now be asked to carry an extraordinary load in defence, and he will be 33 and has had consistent injury issues in the past.

Elliot Yeo is already injured after playing a full 2024, Ryan is in hot water and they just have too many question marks around the ground to have any confidence that they will be this year's rapid riser.

Why they can

They have the best player in the competition in Marcus Bontempelli and elite midfield support for him with Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards and Adam Treloar.

Sam Darcy could be absolutely anything and they'll be hoping for some injury luck alongside him with Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman in particular. The Dogs have the weapons to make the eight again in 2025, if they stay out of their own way...

Why they may struggle

Things already some rocky at The Kennel, with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan clearly a long-shot to feature in the first chunk of the season. How big a distraction will this be for the group? Speaking of distractions, Luke Beveridge is out of contract and that brings its own media spotlight.

Can a 34-year-old Liam Jones be the starring key defender for a top eight side? If not, is Rory Lobb really a long-term key defender? It looms as an important storyline to watch for the Dogs.