A significant feature of the season was the celebration of the 150th anniversary since the sport of Australian rules football was first established in 1858.

The premiership was won by the Hawthorn Football Club for the tenth time, after they defeated Geelong by 26 points in the 2008 AFL Grand Final.

The Coleman Medal was awarded to Lance Franklin for kicking the most goals at the end of the home and away season.

Controversially, however, he was not appointed to umpire the AFL Grand Final, with Scott McLaren, Michael Vozzo and Shaun Ryan selected ahead of Rosebury.

[33] Experienced field umpires Martin Ellis and Matthew Head both announced their retirements during the year.