Australian Rules Football. Aussie Rules. Footy. It is one of the most fiercely contested, highly attended, passionately supported games in the world. The launch of the 2020 season begins like no other year in the sport's history, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reigning premiers Richmond prepare for grave financial implications. Captains Rory Sloane and Stephen Coniglio try to keep their sides focused while fronting the media, while superstars Eddie Betts and Nic Naitanui manage injury concerns. Coach Stuart Dew readies his very young side for round one.

The season resumes as sides return to training. Eddie Betts confronts racial abuse on social media as the Black Lives Matter movement impacts the season. Naitanui prepares to join the Gold Coast hub, while Rory Sloane gears up for the Showdown. Richmond champion player initiatives while Coniglio expands his leadership approach. The Suns look to capitalize as clubs relocate to the Gold Coast.

Tensions rise as players and clubs adjust to this season shaped by Covid-19. Poor form haunts Stephen Coniglio while Eddie Betts focuses on playing good footy in the aftermath of racist vilification.The Adelaide Crows look inward following a string of losses, and Richmond prepare the club for the financial and familial complications of the season. The Suns look to stay near the top of the ladder, while a social media scandal adds fuel to the fire for Nic Naitanui.

The stakes are high as players and clubs battle to manage the constantly shifting goalposts of 2020. With Covid-19 cases rising in Melbourne, all clubs leave Victoria. To keep the season alive, the AFL announces 33 games will be played in a condensed 20 day block, the footy frenzy. The cost is immense, as players and staff manage injuries, defeats, isolation and separation from friends and family.

Competition intensifies as all clubs fight for their place in the final 8. Everyone seeks the motivation and mental strength they need to be at their best. From family and heritage to club connection, self-belief to religious faith, every person needs something to fight for. As the AFL Indigenous Round takes place in Darwin for the first time, the results mean teams start to bow out of the finals race.

Adelaide Crows and GWS face off in a season defining contest for captains Rory Sloane and Stephen Conglio. Stuart Dew shows how far he'll go for his Suns players and Eddie Betts anticipates a family reunion. Nic Naitanui raises the bar, while off field player behaviour exacts a price for the Tigers. As Richmond fight to uphold their lauded culture, the business end of the season serves up lessons in humility.

The season comes to a close as teams look to an unprecedented finals series outside of Victoria. For the first time in 123 years, the Grand Final will take place away from the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Also for the first time, the Grand Final is played at night in a fitting final to a season like no other. Stephen Coniglio recovers from a devastating week. Eddie reflects on his need for growth in the future. Rory looks to light a fire in the club. Stuart dissects the year with his team, while Nic focuses on finals. Richmond put themselves in a strong position. Despite the year that was, the season finishes with a bang.