The 2008 season was the 112th completed season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest-level Australian rules football competition in Australia. There were 84 players who first participated in an AFL premiership match during the 2008 season.[2][3] The regular season commenced on 20 March and concluded with the AFL Grand Final on 27 September, where the premiership was won by Hawthorn.[4] This year celebrated the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Australian football as a sport in 1858.[5]
The premiership season is inclusive of home-and-away and finals series matches only, and does not include pre-season matches or representative games (such as State of Origin or International rules football).[6] Of those making their AFL debut, there were 17 rookie-listed players who were elevated to their clubs' senior list during the season.[7] Rookie players receive a reduced salary in comparison to senior-listed players, and are not necessarily automatically eligible for selection in games, unless they are elevated.[8]
In addition to those players making their debuts, there were 25 players who played their first game with a new AFL club after previously having played with another club in the league.[2][9] Notably, former West Coast captain Chris Judd played his first game for Carlton in the first round of the season, after being traded in the preceding off-season.[10][11] Cyril Rioli played every game for Hawthorn in the 2008 season, playing a total of 25 games (including the Grand Final)—the most of any debut player that year.[1] Jack Anthony scored the most goals out of first-year players in 2008, attaining 25 goals in his 12 matches.[12]
- ^ a b "Cyril Rioli". AFL Tables. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
- ^ a b "2008 Season Records". AFL Tables. Archived from the original on 21 May 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
- ^ Lovett 2009, p. 586
- ^ Morrissey, Tim (27 September 2008). "Hawthorn win AFL flag". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ Williams, Rebecca (27 November 2007). "Roll up to best game ever". Herald Sun. Melbourne: News Limited. Archived from the original on 14 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ "Regulations" (PDF). AFL.com.au. Australian Football League. February 2015. p. 12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 June 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ Lovett 2009, p. 587
- ^ Elliott, Josh (20 June 2017). "Everything you need to know about the AFL's new CBA". The Roar. Conversant Media. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
- ^ Lovett 2009, p. 585
- ^ "Chris Judd". AFL Tables. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
- ^ Spits, Scott (11 October 2007). "Judd deal done with Carlton". realfooty.com.au. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
- ^ "John Anthony". AFL Tables. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.