As the final siren sounds on 2025, it's time to reflect on a year packed with unparalleled drama, historic achievements, and heart-stopping moments across the Australian sporting landscape. From the hallowed turf of the MCG to the global stages of Formula 1 and the UFC, our athletes have once again written a compelling chapter in the nation's sporting story.
Farewells and New Beginnings in Football
The year saw an era end in the AFL, with the retirement of four genuine club legends. For Fremantle, the departure of two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe and goalkicking great Michael Walters left a monumental void. Across town, West Coast fans bid adieu to premiership heroes Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed, forever remembered for their iconic roles in the 2018 grand final victory.
In brighter news for the Eagles, the club secured its future by locking away young gun Harley Reid on a mega-money deal until 2028, fending off fierce rival interest. This commitment was part of a ruthless list strategy that saw West Coast amass picks one and two in the national draft, ultimately selecting Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler to spearhead their rebuild.
Fremantle's year, however, was punctuated by finals agony, losing a home elimination final to Gold Coast by a solitary point after a frantic late comeback fell short.
Global Triumphs and Domestic Dominance
On the world stage, Australian teams enjoyed moments of sheer brilliance. The Australian men's cricket team emphatically retained the Ashes on home soil, dismantling England's 'BazBall' approach in just nine-and-a-half days of play. In swimming, the shock retirement of four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus at age 25 sent waves through the sport, as she bowed out while still holding the 200m freestyle world record.
Perth's own Ben O'Connor delivered a cycling masterclass, winning the brutal Queen Stage of the Tour de France up the Col de la Loze. Meanwhile, golfer Minjee Lee ended a title drought to claim her third career major at the Women's PGA Championship, joining an elite group of Australian golfers.
Domestically, North Melbourne's AFLW team established a breathtaking dynasty, remaining undefeated for 28 consecutive games across two seasons. In netball, West Coast Fever's record 13-game winning streak cruelly ended in a one-goal grand final loss to the Melbourne Vixens.
Heartbreak, History, and Hope
The year was not without its crushing disappointments. Australia's all-conquering women's cricket team suffered a stunning World Cup exit, falling to India in a record run-chase during the semi-final. In Formula 1, Oscar Piastri's dream of a maiden world title was pipped at the post by McLaren teammate Lando Norris after leading for much of the season.
Yet, history was made in the octagon, with Perth's Jack Della Maddalena becoming Western Australia's first UFC champion by claiming the welterweight belt. Jockey Jamie Melham also etched her name in the record books, becoming the first woman to win the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double.
Football provided a rollercoaster, from Sam Kerr's long-awaited return from injury for Chelsea and the Matildas to the dual sackings of Ange Postecoglou in the English Premier League. The Socceroos, however, delivered unbridled joy, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to a last-gasp winner from Aziz Behich in Perth.
From the Wallabies breaking a 62-year hoodoo in Johannesburg to Rory McIlroy finally completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters, 2025 was a year that reminded us why we love sport. It was a testament to resilience, a celebration of legends, and a glimpse into a future brimming with new stars.
