The Australian Football Hall of Fame welcomed eight new inductees, including Ken Farmer who was elevated to Legend status. The historic night celebrated trailblazing AFLW greats Daisy Pearce and Erin Phillips, alongside AFL champions Garry Lyon, Luke Hodge, and Nick Riewoldt.

Ken Farmer, a South Australian goalkicking great, was elevated to Legend status in the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He was celebrated for his remarkable career where he booted 100 goals or more for 11 consecutive seasons between 1930-1940, retiring with a still-SANFL record of 1417 goals.

The other new inductees included George Owens, John Leedham, and Peter Darley. Luke Hodge, Daisy Pearce, and Erin Phillips were 'first-ballot' entries after meeting the required retirement time. Nick Riewoldt, who agreed to the honor in 2023, was part of this year's ceremony after living abroad with his family in the United States.

A change in criteria last year allowed AFLW players to be inducted one year after retirement, leading to Pearce and Phillips becoming the first AFLW players in the Hall of Fame. The night also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Hall of Fame.

Ken Farmer, known for his goalkicking prowess, joined the Hall of Fame in 1998 after a stellar career where he led North Adelaide's goalkicking and the SANFL's goalkicking. He captained his team and coached them to premierships before enlisting in the Air Force during World War II.

Daisy Pearce, an AFLW icon, was a trailblazer in the women's game, winning premierships and leading the way for future stars. Erin Phillips, another AFLW great, retired as the competition's most decorated player with numerous accolades and a successful career.

Luke Hodge, a recent retiree, was inducted for his outstanding career with multiple premierships and individual awards. Nick Riewoldt, a St Kilda champion, joined the Hall of Fame after a stellar career that included captaincy and Grand Finals.

Garry Lyon, a media figure, was recognized for his career with Melbourne, excelling at both ends of the ground and being a key figure in the 1988 Grand Final. George Owens, a champion player and umpire, was also inducted for his contributions to the game.

John Leedham, considered Tasmania's greatest player to never play in the VFL/AFL, was honored for his achievements. Peter Darley, a charismatic figure from South Adelaide, was celebrated for his SANFL stardom and contributions to the game.