RICHO’S TOP 10: Fremantle must do better in 2025 after signing Shai Bolton, Geelong have best high forwards

1. The best news I’ve heard coming out of AFL House in the last few weeks is that there are no rule changes in 2025.

We have seen some big changes over the last few years, such as the holding-the-ball rule change early last season, and I’d love to let the game settle down with no more changes. I think the game is in good shape.

2. Take a look at your club’s list.

If you don’t have three to four quick high forwards that can kick goals you can’t win the flag. Geelong are the blueprint with Tyson Stengle, Brad Close, Gryan Miers and Oliver Dempsey. Teams with a similar forward line will go deep into September.

3. The club with no excuses in 2025 is Fremantle.

Losing the last four games in 2024 and missing finals has the pressure well and truly on the Dockers. Their list looks complete to me with the signing of All-Australian dual premiership Tiger Shai Bolton. They should be finishing in the top four.

4. North just have to win eight or more games this year after they added the experience of Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel and Jack Darling.

Griffin Logue is back from injury to help an emerging Charlie Comden down back, while Jy Simpkin looks primed to return to his best. Tristan Xerri is almost an All-Australian ruckman and Luke Davies-Uniacke is at his peak. Bailey Scott and Tom Powell are improving, while Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar and Paul Curtis provide good options up front. Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw are among the Roos’ small arsenal of young guns. It’s time for North to move up the ladder.

5. Hope everyone is excited for Hokball 2.0 this year but it’s not going to be without some challenges as the Hawks will be missing key forwards to start the season.

Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis are out until at least after Gather Round. That puts a lot of pressure on Mabior Chol and an ageing Jack Gunston. If they can navigate this early period they will be well placed after round five.

6. Tom Edwards signing at Essendon could be one of the stories of the year.

The 24-year-old school teacher has gone from the amateur leagues in Perth to WAFL footy and now has a crack at the AFL. Watch this space.

7. While I would love to see state of origin footy make a comeback I just don’t see how it works unfortunately.

Clubs just don’t want their million-dollar stars injured in these games. We have taken a lot from the NFL over the years. The draft and salary cap first come to mind. The fact they have wound their showcase Pro Bowl game back to flag football shows how the NFL clubs fear losing their stars in a game that really means nothing to fans. Speaking of injuries I feel gutted for Jagga Smith who was the Blues’ first pick in the draft. I don’t know him but have only ever heard positive things about him and wish him well. With character like he has he will be back and will be a star at Carlton. It’s been a tough pre-season at Princes Park with the club suffering several injuries to key players.

8. It really is going to be a feast for footy fans on free-to-air TV in 2025.

Channel Seven will be rolling out new shows every night from Sunday to Wednesday. The show I’m looking forward to the most is the new one-on-one interview show Unfiltered. Hamish Mclachlan has a way of getting great stories out of his interviewees. Some of the biggest names in the game will be joining him. I can’t wait.

9. I still don’t get the criticism of Adem Yze in his first year at Richmond.

My favourite jibe was that he will be “cheerleading” from the bench. Three of the last four premiership coaches, Simon Goodwin, Craig McRae and Chris Fagan, led from the boundary in a positive and reinforcing way. It’s Yze’s young team now to truly mould after losing a lot of experienced players over the summer. My judgement is well and truly reserved.

10. One of my strong tips is the Demons to bounce back into the eight in 2025.

After a disastrous 2024 on and off the field things seemed far more settled this summer. Clayton Oliver looks fit and ripped. They have many A-graders in this team so they should rebound strongly. Melbourne must take advantage of this squad before Father Time gets the better of them. It’s now or never for the Dees. If you think you have the inside running on which teams will bounce back this year, then back yourself and join The Game tipping competition. Just click here to sign up and tip against your mates or Abbey Holmes and I.