After another gruelling season, AFL stars whose teams haven’t made the finals have jetted off to all parts of the world to let their hair down.
A number of high-profile teams like Carlton, Sydney and Richmond won’t play September footy in 2025, which means their big-name players have been spending their big-money pay packets in A-list destinations including the Big Apple, Japan and southern Europe.
CHARLIE CURNOW
Arguably the biggest star enjoying the off-season abroad is disgruntled Carlton forward Charlie Curnow.
The 28-year-old is holidaying in New York City with partner and fashion stylist Tiana Simic.
Simic posted photos of the pair taking in the sights and dining out in the Big Apple, and also revealed that they have been enjoying the action at the US Open tennis.
Curnow will no doubt be enjoying not being recognised in America as speculation continues to mount about his desire to play for a club outside of Melbourne and live a more balanced life, away from the pressurised fishbowl environment he’s currently in.
Carlton star Charlie Curnow has been enjoying the famous fine dining in New York’s restaurants with his glamorous partner
Curnow explored the Big Apple with Tiana Simic as speculation about his future in the game raged back in Australia
Curnow and Simic (pictured at the Brownlow Medal) also got seats at the US Open
Curnow’s teammate Brodie Kemp took in the stunning views while he holidayed in Turkey
‘Come to the Swannies Charlie,’ one fan posted to his Instagram.
He certainly was lapping up New York, dining at fine restaurants and looking very relaxed with Ms Simic.
Curnow even found time to watch Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur at the US Open in Flushing Meadows.
Curnow’s teammates Matt Cottrell, Francis Evans and Lachie Cowan are on iconic party island Ibiza.
Brodie Kemp is nearby in Turkey with his partner, where they are taking in the sights by the ocean.
JY SIMPKIN
After yet another disappointing season for North Melbourne, their skipper Jy Simpkin fled to Bali for a break that will leave the club’s trainers and dietitians thrilled.
The Kangaroos leader was clearly enjoying the warmth of Indonesia compared to gloomy Melbourne.
But, in a sign of the times, it wasn’t all Bintang beers and nightclubs for the 27-year-old.
North Melbourne’s Jy Simpkin soaked up the sunshine in Bali – but not the Bintang beers
Simpkin was up early for a swim in his private villa
In a departure from what footy fans usually associate with stars going to the Indonesian party hotspot, Simpkin kept in top nick with some Pilates
The Kangaroos skipper was still eating healthy despite being on holidays
Simpkin’s teammate Bailey Scott uploaded this picture of his girlfriend as they visited Japan
The 27-year-old was up early eating healthy acai bowls and even taking part in a Pilates class on the holiday island.
One Kangaroos fan was happy the skipper was looking after himself with his eating habits but wasn’t too happy when he saw a picture of Simpkin and a scooter.
‘Mate, healthy eating is great but please stay away from the scooters in Bali. We need the captain to stay in one piece,’ the fan wrote.
‘Don’t be crashing on the bike, Jy. Skipper,’ another posted.
Teammate Bailey Scott posted a picture of his girlfriend as they visited a shrine in Japan, while another Kangaroos star, Harry Sheezel, has headed to America and enjoyed some time in Beverley Hills before taking in the impressive SoFi Stadium, which is home to NFL team the LA Rams.
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans aren’t used to missing the finals but at least their disappointing season gave their stars an early mark to jet out of Australia.
Swans ruckman Hayden McLean only played nine games in the AFL this season, but he’s currently living it up in Portofino, Italy, while teammate James Rowbottom is also in Europe.
Swans star Chad Warner (middle) was impressed with Bodrum, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Turkey
Warner’s teammate Hayden McLean isn’t exactly doing it tough in Portofino, Italy
James Rowbottom was enjoying himself in Turkey after a tough season at the Swans
The midfielder is having a well-earned break in Bodrum, Turkey after playing all 23 games of the home and away season in 2025, where he led the league in tackles made with 186.
Chad Warner is also looking very relaxed in Bodrum which he said on social media ‘could be best place ever’ as he dined out in a picturesque location.
CODY WEIGHTMAN
The Western Bulldogs forward’s season ended before it started as he didn’t play a game in 2025 due to a lingering knee injury.
He underwent surgery in February to fix a rare congenital condition called bipartite patella, which is a false joint that sits within his kneecap bone.
He had several setbacks and underwent more surgery in May before he was ruled out for the season.
It hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the sights of Copenhagen, Denmark.
He visited art galleries, a library, was pictured enjoying some downtime with a coffee, and even got a tattoo.
Bulldogs star Cody Weightman is pictured against the stunning backdrop of hot-air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey
Before he visited the junction of Asia and Europe, Weightman took in the sights in Copenhagen, Denmark
The 24-year-old got a tattoo while he was on the road
Pictured: One of the holiday snaps Weightman took in Copenhagen
‘That last empty spot is done now,’ he said of his new ink.
His Bulldogs teammates are waiting for both their Mad Monday celebrations and any travelling as they wait to see whether VFL compatriots at Footscray can win the state league premiership.
AFL players have come under fire recently after it was revealed some would be getting a 93-day break between their final game of the season and the start of pre-season training.
Retired St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt quipped that ‘AFL footy will remain a part-time job in 2026’.
