Crunch Time! AFL 2025: Final Ladder Predictions with 10 Rounds Remaining
2025-06-16
The Australian
The AFL season is reaching its critical juncture! With just 10 rounds left, every game matters. We've crunched the numbers and analysed the form to predict each club's final ladder position. Will a surprise team sneak into the top eight? Or will the usual suspects dominate? Get ready for a thrilling finish as we break down the contenders and pretenders in our definitive AFL 2025 ladder prediction.
The Top Four Battle: The race for a top-four spot is heating up. Collingwood, currently sitting comfortably at the top, face a challenging run home with games against Geelong and Brisbane. Can they hold on? Melbourne, despite a mid-season wobble, remain a serious threat, bolstered by their strong midfield and experienced defence. Brisbane, with their explosive attack, are always a danger, but consistency has been their downfall. Geelong, the reigning premiers, are showing signs of fatigue, but their finals pedigree can't be discounted.
The Fight for the Eight: This is where things get truly interesting. Carlton, after a promising start, have struggled to maintain momentum. Sydney, with their young stars, are showing glimpses of brilliance, but need to find more consistency. Essendon, under a new coach, are improving, but face a tough run of games. Adelaide, despite their talent, have been plagued by injuries. Fremantle, showing flashes of their best, need to string together a series of wins to secure a spot. Gold Coast, while exciting to watch, lack the experience to contend for a finals berth. And finally, West Coast, battling injuries and a rebuilding phase, face a difficult end to the season.
The Surprise Packet? Keep an eye on St Kilda. They've shown considerable improvement throughout the season and have a relatively favourable draw. A strong finish could see them sneak into the eight, much to the dismay of some of the established teams.
The Burning Question: As supporters of one club will inevitably be asking themselves in years to come: 'How the hell did we not make the eight?' The margins are tight, and the pressure is on. Every point counts, and every team has something to play for.
Our Final Ladder Prediction (Top 8):
- Collingwood
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Geelong
- Carlton
- Sydney
- Essendon
- St Kilda
What to Watch For: Injuries will play a crucial role in the final rounds. Key players missing can significantly impact a team's chances. Coaching decisions will also be under the spotlight as teams look to fine-tune their game plans for the finals. And of course, the unpredictable nature of AFL means anything can happen!
