OPINION: The top 50 biggest AFL stories of 2023: 30-21

THE RE-EMERGENCE of a big, big sound, and how it shaped the season, features in the next instalment of AFL.com.au‘s 50 biggest stories of 2023, alongside an AFLW star who went one better in a brilliant individual season.

There was trouble out west in both camps as record losses and player movement left West Coast and Fremantle assessing the damage at the end of difficult seasons, while a Collingwood star put everything together to deliver on his potential.

In a six-part series, AFL.com.au is counting down the biggest football stories and most memorable on-field moments from 2023, continuing with 30-21.

30. Butters’ brilliance stuns Demons and fans

29. Dees’ Grundy move can’t go the distance

28. Return of the Orange Tsunami

27. Exodus hurts stumbling Freo

26. Superstar De Goey finds right balance

25. Spotlight intensifies on concussion management

24. Conti breaks through as stars rise

23. Record loss a low in Eagles’ worst season

22. Highlights and heartbreak for new Lion

21. The dangerous tackle crackdown