Who will win AFL Coaches Association player of the year

In the fierce arena of Australian Football League (AFL), the AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA) Player of the Year award stands as a towering testament to skill, determination, and undeniable impact on the field. Unlike many accolades decided by media panels or fan votes, this prize is directly shaped by the very architects behind every team’s strategy — the coaches. Every moment and every move in a game is scrutinised through their eyes, blending technical precision with an appreciation for the player’s grit and influence. In 2025, the race for this prestigious honour climaxed in a historic tie, echoing the unpredictable drama and raw emotion that fingerprint AFL itself.

The spotlight shines brightly on two extraordinary athletes: Gold Coast’s fiery captain Noah Anderson and Geelong’s midfield maestro Bailey Smith. Both have fuelled their teams with relentless energy and elite performances, carving seasons that are as enthralling as the iconic rivalries and high-flying marks that send stadiums buzzing. Yet, beyond stat sheets and highlight reels, their stories intertwine with themes of resilience, transition, and leadership under pressure — qualities that resonate far beyond the AFL fields. This is a tale not just of who scores the most goals or disposals, but who commands presence, shapes outcomes, and elevates their community.

Meanwhile, rising stars and seasoned veterans vie for recognition, reminding us that the AFL ecosystem thrives on balance between raw youth and crafted experience. Each player — whether donned in the signature Nike or Adidas gear, clutching the time-tested Sherrin ball, or stepping onto the turf in Reebok boots — carries the heartbeat of footy culture. The following deep dive breaks down the thrilling contest for the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year, examining player statistics, coaching perspectives, team dynamics, and the nuances that tip the scales in favour of greatness.

Analyzing the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year Voting Battle

The 2025 AFLCA Player of the Year voting exemplified the competitive spirit and narrow margins separating the league’s best. Players are rated by coaches after every home-and-away game on a 5-4-3-2-1 voting system — a method that values consistent excellence and impact over the course of the season. Throughout the year, Noah Anderson and Bailey Smith emerged as the titans of this rating system, finishing head-to-head with a commanding 103 votes apiece. This result marked only the third occasion since the award’s inception in 2003 that a tie was declared, placing this showdown among historical landmarks alongside the 2022 and 2006 ties.

Noah Anderson, the Gold Coast Suns’ captain, dazzled with career-high averages of 30.2 disposals, 12.7 contested possessions, and 7.1 clearances per game. His leadership played a pivotal role in steering the Suns to their first-ever finals appearance, a milestone that injected fresh excitement into the club’s rich narrative.

Bailey Smith made a seamless transition to Geelong after a high-profile move from the Western Bulldogs, countering a lengthy injury hiatus to average 31.7 disposals, 5.9 clearances, and 11.1 contested possessions per game. His biting competitiveness and preparation impressed not only teammates and fans but also the coaching fraternity, who recognized his profound influence right from round one.

• Voting Highlights: Anderson polled in 15 out of 23 games, including three perfect 10-vote rounds.
• Smith’s Consistency: Appeared in 15 out of 20 games, scoring one 10-vote performance.
• Key Moments: A nine-vote blitz in the final match from Anderson sealed the historic tie.

Anderson’s leadership was widely praised, with Suns coach Damien Hardwick citing his “relentless pursuit to want to get better” and his deft ability to “play his moments” as a blueprint for aspiring captains. Smith’s impact was equally lauded by Chris Scott, who highlighted the midfielder’s fierce determination and enviable work rate, hallmarks of his successful induction into the Cats’ system.

Midfield Dominance and the Coaches’ Valuation

The 2025 votes underlined the supremacy of midfielders as the engine room of AFL teams. Apart from the compelling battle between Anderson and Smith, other midfielders populated the top ten leaderboard, including Matt Rowell, Nick Daicos, Max Gawn, Jordan Dawson, Marcus Bontempelli, Zak Butters, and Ed Richards. This pattern confirms a trend where coaches heavily weight the capacity to gain possession, clearances, and influence the flow of the game.

• Matt Rowell, also from Gold Coast, finished a competitive third, only six votes shy of the leaders with 97 votes, demonstrating the Suns’ rising midfield strength.
• Nick Daicos, the 2024 champion, maintained his position as a critical game-changer for Collingwood with 96 votes.
• Max Gawn, Melbourne’s captain and premier ruckman, was the only non-pure midfielder consistently recognised, underscoring his vital role in the contested ball arena with 92 votes.

The coaches’ focus on midfield productivity reflects the importance of smart positioning, stamina, and tactical awareness. Players wearing the latest from Under Armour and Asics often dominate contested possessions and clearances, leveraging not only physical prowess but technological advances in footwear design and training innovation.

Leadership and Resilience: The Human Stories Behind the Votes

Numbers only tell part of the story in AFL. Behind every disposal and goal lies a narrative of personal challenges, leadership evolution, and the sheer mental toughness demanded by footy’s punishing schedule. The joint winners—Noah Anderson and Bailey Smith—embody these virtues in compelling ways.

Noah Anderson’s rise is the story of a leader driving a transformation at Gold Coast. His steady improvement, evident through the use of training gear from brands like New Balance and Puma, complements his on-field tenacity. Anderson’s 34-disposal and three-goal finale against Essendon not only clinched the historic tie but also symbolised the Suns’ audacious ambition to carve a new finals legacy. His capacity to handle captaincy pressures with focus and composure sets him apart as a role model in the leadership landscape of young AFL captains.

On the flip side, Bailey Smith’s story is one of triumphant return. Following a significant injury layoff, his first year at Geelong after a trade from the Western Bulldogs has seen him not only recover but thrive at an elite level. Known for his preparation routines and ferocious work rate, Smith’s performance has been instrumental in Geelong’s charge into premiership contention, with coaches lauding his ability to consistently deliver under pressure. His journey offers hope for any player overcoming setbacks, a theme captured in the narrative of breakout stars revitalizing the competition.

• Anderson’s leadership transformed the Suns’ finals prospects.
• Smith’s comeback season redefined resilience.
• Both players were honoured by peer and coaching fraternity alike – true testaments of respect.

These player journeys also highlight the footy culture’s symbiotic relationship with leading sports brands. From the iconic Sherrin football that drives every contest to the cutting-edge ISC apparel geared for performance and comfort—these athletes fuse tradition with modern athletic technology. The AFLCA award not only celebrates excellence but also reflects the evolving nature of AFL gear that amplifies capability and endurance under season-long pressure.

The Impact of Youth and Experience: Emerging Stars and Veteran Presence

While Anderson and Smith captured the limelight, the depth of talent in AFL is continuously refreshed by a mix of youthful energy and hard-earned experience. The AFLCA’s Best Young Player Award, won by Geelong’s Shaun Mannagh, underscores the significance of maturity blended with a late start to AFL careers. Drafted at 26 after dominating the VFL, Mannagh’s rapid adaptation to top-tier football—booting 28 goals and averaging close to 19 disposals—exemplifies how late bloomers can shape the league’s future.

Veteran players also influence the award landscape. The likes of Nick Daicos and Max Gawn provide strategic stability and high-impact moments, ensuring that footy remains a showcase where raw talent meets polished skill. The AFL continues to nurture this balance, evident in intricate team strategies that blend the dynamism of younger recruits with the savvy of seasoned campaigners.

• Shaun Mannagh: A mature-age recruit setting standards for consistency and goal-kicking.
• Nick Daicos: Young star with a rising trajectory solidified by the 2024 AFLCA crown.
• Max Gawn: Veteran ruckman whose work dominates centre bounces and contested play.
• Upcoming stars like Jordan Dawson and Marcus Bontempelli reinforce midfield strength.

Exploring team tactics, coaches often emphasise utilising efficient inside 50 entries, forward pressure success rates, and controlling centre bounces, attributes that seasoned players like Gawn master. Meanwhile, young stars sharpen their impact by adapting to high-pressure finals environments and showcasing versatility on the field—traits covered in insightful analysis of clutch AFL finals impact.

The Role of Coaching Perspectives in Shaping the Player of the Year Award

The AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award stands unique due to its judging body — 18 coaching panels who evaluate every game from a tactical and strategic vantage point. Coaches assess more than flashy highlights; they scrutinise hard-to-measure contributions like defensive pressure, leadership under fire, positioning, and the ability to influence team structure. This approach offers a holistic view distinct from other awards focused primarily on statistical achievements.

Voting patterns throughout 2025 reveal how coaches weigh moments of sustained impact and decision-making acumen. For example, the neutral scoreboard might miss how precisely Noah Anderson plays his moments during critical transitions, or how Bailey Smith’s relentless work rate frees up teammates, turning pressure into scoring opportunities. Coaches’ nuanced evaluation reveals the underlying chess match on the field, with players wearing the latest from Mitre and Adidas harnessing performance technology to elevate their game strategy.

• Consistent impact over flashy stats — Players valued for their influence on team tactics.
• Pressure moments weighted heavily — Late-quarter dominance sways coaches’ votes.
• Leadership and adaptability — Captains who raise their teams in adversity gain recognition.

Understanding coaches’ perspectives offers a window into the evolving tactical fabric of the AFL, especially when paired with the smart integration of player performance gear from brands like Nike and Puma. This season’s voting underscores that behind every disposals count lies a layer of strategy designed, executed, and appreciated by the tactical minds leading teams.