As the year draws to a close, Canberra's sporting landscape is reflecting on a rollercoaster 2025 filled with iconic highs and gut-wrenching lows. From moments that brought a city to its feet to frustrations that have become all too familiar, the past twelve months have delivered drama in spades.
The Highs: Heroes and Unforgettable Moments
The image of veteran prop Josh Papali'i slotting a conversion in his record-breaking 319th NRL game for the Canberra Raiders, reducing coach Ricky Stuart to tears, is etched into the capital's collective memory. That emotional highlight symbolised a season where Papali'i cemented his status as a club legend.
But the fan favourite had competition for adoration, notably from his own seven-year-old son, Noa. Dubbed "Lion Kid" online, the younger Papali'i became a social media sensation, charming fans after games with his signature mullet and willingness to sign autographs.
On the field, the Raiders provided one of the games of the year, albeit in a heartbreaking loss. Their extra-time finals defeat to the Brisbane Broncos in week one was an epic, featuring a 16-point lead, a stunning Reece Walsh-led comeback, and a last-gasp try by Jamal Fogarty that was ultimately overruled. The roar from 25,523 fans at Canberra Stadium ultimately faded into disappointment.
The Lows: Stadium Crisis and Missed Opportunities
For every triumph, there was significant heartbreak. The city's two major teams, the Raiders and the ACT Brumbies, both fell agonisingly short in their respective semi-finals. The reigning champion Canberra Cavalry baseball team was shut down. Yet, perhaps the most persistent and disappointing story remains the state of the city's main venue and the failure to launch a promised A-League team.
The decrepit state of Canberra Stadium was highlighted embarrassingly during the British and Irish Lions tour. A major internet outage left touring media scrambling for hotspots, unable to file stories from the capital's premier ground—a problem locals know all too well. The venue, plagued by poor transport, odd smells, and press conferences held in change rooms or demountables, remains stuck in purgatory with no new stadium in sight.
Meanwhile, Canberra's A-League Men's bid appears dead in the water. Over 1000 days after being named a preferred expansion location, the city has watched Auckland FC launch and succeed, while its own talks with investors have stalled. This failure also jeopardises the future of the Canberra United women's team.
The Quotes and Characters That Defined the Year
The year wasn't short on memorable soundbites. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart caused a stir after the finals, stating, "Well, they've set a precedent now. You're allowed to headbutt," in criticism of Reece Walsh's treatment of Hudson Young. Young himself promised to "pull his big mullet" if facing Josh Papali'i in State of Origin.
Former Brumby Ben Alexander offered a dose of humour upon joining the University of Canberra's Sport Walk of Fame, admitting his lengthy degree was prolonged because he was "balancing uni with going to the pub." Cult hero Beau Hartas, with his VB-themed tattoos and attire, also captured attention by downing six schooners in 60 seconds.
As the doors of The Locker Room close for 2025, Canberra sport is left with a mix of pride and frustration—dreaming of what might have been while hoping the new year finally brings solutions to its longest-running problems.
