The 2024 AFL season was one for the history books, packed with unforgettable highlights and stunning individual performances. From the pre-season to the last Saturday in September, fans were treated to a year of footy that won’t soon be forgotten. As we reflect on a season filled with triumphs and tribulations, let’s count down the 20 moments that defined AFL 2024.
Patrick Cripps Shatters the Brownlow Record
In a year filled with remarkable individual achievements, Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps stood head and shoulders above the rest. The midfield bull polled an astonishing 45 votes to claim his second Brownlow Medal, obliterating the previous record of 36 votes set by Dustin Martin in 2017. Cripps’ utter dominance saw him poll in 17 games, including 12 best-on-grounds, leaving the footy world in awe of his unrivaled brilliance.
“What Crippa achieved this year was just phenomenal. To poll 45 votes in a season is something I don’t think we’ll ever see again. He was unstoppable out there.”
– Carlton coach Michael Voss
Ferocious Lions Roar to Premiership Glory
After a heartbreaking Grand Final defeat in 2023, the Brisbane Lions entered 2024 on a mission. Led by a transcendent Lachie Neale and a star-studded midfield, the Lions surged to the top of the ladder and never looked back. Their scintillating brand of footy was on full display in a dominant Grand Final performance against the Swans, powering to a commanding 60-point victory. As Chris Fagan held aloft the premiership cup, the Lions faithful rejoiced, their 20-year flag drought finally over.
Heeney’s Gravity-Defying Mark Stuns the SCG
In a year filled with spectacular grabs, Isaac Heeney’s soaring mark in the first semi-final stood alone as the season’s defining specky. With the game on the line in the final quarter, Heeney launched himself onto the shoulders of Giant Jack Buckley, hanging in the air for an eternity before crashing to the turf with the Sherrin firmly in his grasp. The SCG erupted as Heeney slotted the goal from 65 meters out, sealing a famous Swans victory.
The End of an Era: Dusty Calls it a Day
After 302 games, four flags, three Norm Smith medals, and a Brownlow, Richmond superstar Dustin Martin announced his retirement in an emotional farewell at the MCG. More than 92,000 fans packed the grand old ground for Dusty’s send-off game, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players of the modern era. While the Tigers fell short against the Hawks, the day belonged to Martin, his legacy as an all-time icon of the game firmly secure.
“Dustin Martin is the greatest big game player I’ve ever seen. His ability to stand up in the biggest moments, on the biggest stage, was simply unmatched. He retires as an all-time legend of our game.”
– Richmond coach Andrew McQualter
The Giants’ Finals Heartbreak
For three quarters in their semi-final clash against the Lions, it looked as though the GWS Giants were heading for a preliminary final berth. Leading by 44 points midway through the third term, the Giants had one foot in the next round. But a stunning Brisbane surge, led by Joe Daniher, turned the game on its head, the Lions snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in one of the greatest comebacks in finals history. For the Giants, it was a case of what might have been.
A Fond Farewell to Two Coaching Greats
The 2024 season marked the end of an era for two of the game’s most successful coaches. After 13 seasons at the helm of the Swans, including leading the club to five Grand Finals and one premiership, John Longmire announced he was stepping down from the role. His legacy as one of Sydney’s greatest ever coaches is assured. Meanwhile, out west, Adam Simpson and the Eagles parted ways after a tenure that included the 2018 premiership. Both men depart as revered figures at their respective clubs.
Paying Tribute to Cam McCarthy
The footy world was rocked by the tragic passing of former Fremantle and GWS forward Cam McCarthy in May. Aged just 29, McCarthy’s death sent shockwaves through the AFL community. Tributes flowed for the talented but troubled McCarthy, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the importance of mental health support for past and present players. A minute’s silence before Fremantle’s clash with Sydney was a moving tribute to a life gone too soon.
Harley Reid Emerges as a Future Superstar
As the number one pick in the 2023 draft, Harley Reid arrived at the Eagles with plenty of hype. And the prodigiously talented teenager wasted no time showing why he’s viewed as a generational prospect. Reid’s Round 10 goal against the Demons, where he gathered the ball in the middle of Optus Stadium, burned off Christian Petracca, and slotted a goal on the run, announced his arrival as a true difference-maker. With the Eagles in rebuild mode, Reid looms as the cornerstone of the club’s future.
More Magic Moments that Made the Season
- Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott takes one of the great Anzac Day screamers
- Port Adelaide’s Darcy Byrne-Jones kicks an after-the-siren goal to sink the Hawks
- Ken Hinkley and James Sicily’s heated exchange during an epic semi-final
- Collingwood secures top free agent target as Dan Houston heads to Victoria
- The AFL’s controversial “Opening Round” fixtures cause debate and frustration
- Sam Lalor becomes the number one pick as the Tigers secure a future star
- Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury joins the 400-club in a win over Carlton
- Mac Andrew kicks the only goal after the siren for the season to down the Dons
- Christian Petracca’s horror injury cruel’s Melbourne’s premiership defense
- Jimmy Webster cops seven weeks for an ugly bump on Kangaroo Jy Simpkin
From the first bounce to the last, the 2024 AFL season captivated fans with its incredible highlights, stunning upsets, and individual brilliance. In a year filled with unforgettable moments, these 20 stories stood tall. As we look back on another remarkable season, one thing is certain – footy has never been better.
