Time to see where the latest premiership team fits in to to the list. I use my own knowledge from the time of have spent watching football combined with anecdotal, statistical, and written accounts from the early years to rank the 118 premiership teams. I use relativity, taking into account the standard of the competition at the time, so as to not disadvantage teams from the past who were not competing in a national competition, with the resources and professionalism of modern day clubs.
Hawthorn of 2014, were an even, skilful side able to withstand the loss of players through the season. Similar to the year before, they based their premiership win around precise, skillful football, with multiple players able to kick goals. Over the season, they complied:
- a 20-5 season.
- a percentage from 25 games of over 141.1%
- 3 finals wins by 36, 3 and 63 points
- 2nd on the ladder at end of H&A season
- the number one attack, 6th-best defence.
I have decided to rank them, as the 48th-best premiership side in VFL-AFL history. Not one of the most dominant teams by pure numbers, but a mature, skilful proud team, able to withstand the loss of their best player from the year before. I don't subscribe to the theory that they are a better team without Franklin - no team could be. However a spread of EIGHT players kicking 17 or more goal for the year shows how much goalkicking depth they have. They were a well-coached team, able to structure a gameplan around efficient use of the ball in the attacking half of the ground. Their ability to find loose players inside 50 is a testament to the coaching staff confusing the opposition defence and being able to create and efficient path to goal.
The list is as follows:
1.) Essendon 2000. This team earnt the right to be called the greatest in VFL-AFL history with a 24-1 record, a percentage of 163.9 from 25 games, winning three finals by an equal-record combined 230 points with margins of 125, 45 and 60 and a percentage versus the finalists of 160% - 20% higher than any other team in the modern era has managed. At no stage did they look like losing, with even their one loss being narrow, after having 27 more inside 50's, with the Bulldogs having to tactically change the way the sport was played. The Essendon team of 2000 did everything that you could ask, in order for them to be called the best ever. As close to being unbeatable as a team has ever been in VFL-AFL history, with the closest challenge being.....
2.) Collingwood 1929. This team went 19-1 over 20 matches with a percentage of 159.5. They had champions on every line, and were regarded as the greatest combination to have played to that point. The ONLY team to ever be unbeaten in the H&A season. Collingwood fans may label them the best ever VFL-AFL side – I put them at number 2 out of 118. A 62 point loss to Richmond in the finals costs them the number one position on my list. Gordon Coventry was the first to person to kick 100 goals (124) and the Pies completed the treble with Albert Collier winning the Brownlow.
3.) Melbourne 1956. The Dees were at their zenith this year with an 18-2 record and a percentage of 149.4%. Coached by the VFL-AFL coach of the century, Norm Smith and with champion players such as Barassi, Adams, Cordner and Beckwith leading the way, the 1956 Melbourne side was their best side in the most dominant era by one club in VFL-AFL history. A side that could turn it on at will. Many old-timers suggest this was the type of team who could have gone undefeated if they really wanted to.
4.) Hawthorn 1989. The Hawthorn side of ’89 was their best in one of the most powerful eras in history. The Hawks reached their zenith in ’89. They went 21-3, with a percentage of 149.5, had champions everywhere and at their best, were simply unstoppable. I rate them the 4th best of 118 premierships sides. However, unlike Essendon of 2000, or Collingwood of 1929, they didn’t quite have the aura of being totally invincible. Their loss to the Bears holds them back a spot.
5.) Essendon 1950. Tempted to put them higher, but number 5 is fair enough. Here was a team that was near invincible. Just look at their record: 19-1, with a percentage of 159.2. With Coleman at his peak, Dick Reynolds and Hutchison lurking, this was the best Essendon side in their golden era. At the time, many rated this side alongside the 1929 Magpies team as the best of all time.
6.)Geelong 2007. A fantastically dominant team in '07, winning the Grand Final be a record margin, having a percentage for the year over 160% from 25 games. Only great teams can do that. A team, who used skillful, attacking "corridor" midfield play, complimented with a group of players in the mid 20's who have played over 100 games giving them the perfect mix of youth and experience. 21-4, a percentage over 160% and three finals wins by a total of 230 points.
7.) Geelong 2011 A dominant team who didn't have any flat-spots finishing 22-3 with a percentage of 157%. The second oldest premiership side in history meant a wealth of mature bodies and experience. 3 easy finals wins, and a tough defence. More of a long kicking game plan with a defensive edge to it than the flags sides of 2007 and 2009, but perhaps a little less dominant overall than the 2007 side which is ranked one spot higher
8.) Carlton 1908. Carlton’s first golden era produced three great sides, the best of which was the 1908 side. Jack Worrall became the first ever coach, and propelled the Blues to 19-1, with a percentage of 173.7%. Old timers still hold this side as the greatest, and if modern coaching techniques were applied, no doubt they would still be hard to beat in the present day.
9.) Melbourne 1955. Marginally behind the 1956 side, this Melbourne side went 17-3 with a percentage of 150.3%, and showed the makings of a team that would continue to dominate for years to come. The 1955 Melbourne side was heralded as one of the all time greats. A great even spread of talent with no reliance on individuals - a hallmark of the Melbourne teams of this era
10.) Hawthorn 1988. Only behind their ‘89 team due to their inferior defence which conceded 200 points more than the ’89 model. This great team was ruthless, skilled and efficient, and amassed a 21-3 record. Many believe they peaked in ’88, but I believe the Hawks reached their absolute zenith in 1989. Deserve their ranking as the 9th best out of 118.
11.) Collingwood 1927. After losing the Grand Final in 1925 and 1926, this side was ready to peak. They amassed a 17-3 record, with many superstars, proving they could be a champion team and a team of champions. With Coventry kicking 97 goals, and his brother winning the Brownlow, the 1927 side featured the Magpies greats close to their best.
12.) Geelong 1952. Although other teams have amassed superior records, this Geelong side was still one of the greatest in history. They won the premiership in the middle of an unbeaten run that would stretch to 26 consecutive games into the following season, and their attacking, free-flowing style of play became a Geelong tradition. Their 18-2-1 record (140.2%) was a testament to their greatness. Geelong’s best ever side until 2007.
13.) Carlton 1995. This great side had it all - experience, hardness, skill, and a willingness to win. Amassing a 23-2 record with a percentage of 140.6% they played with a professionalism that no club had previously matched. Incredibly, did not lose to a finalist all year. They didn’t quite have the same aura of invincibility as some of the sides in the top 10, but their almost unbeatable record alone ensures them a high ranking.
14.) Carlton 1979. With a 21-3 record and a percentage of 138.9%, and three narrow, spaced losses, this team didn’t have any obvious weaknesses. They nearly blew it in the Grand Final, but their performances through the year were worthy of one of the all time great sides. A rampant mosquito fleet, with a bevy of big name stars all over the field.
15.) Essendon 1985. Sheedy's team peaked to such an extent that they blew away the opposition with a 21-3 record, and were hailed as one of the grea sides of all time. With no apparent weaknesses, a top ruckman, onballers, options everywhere in attack, and a solid defence, this side ranks as one of the greats. Their three losses were all substantial which takes a little away from them, but I still rate them at number 15 out of 118.
16.) Collingwood 1928 Slightly behind their 1929, and 1927 sides the '28 side was one of the greats but perhaps not that far ahead of the other contenders that year. Finished with a 17-3-1 record, and a percentage of 132.5%. Right smack-bang in the middle of the Magpies most famous era. Won the Grand Final by 33 points. Gordon Coventry kicked 89 goals.
17.) Melbourne 1960 This Melbourne side amassed a 16-4 record but with the players at their disposal, that record arguably didn’t do them justice. This was a side that could have easily gone through the season losing only one or two games. In their 7th consecutive Grand Final, they kept Collingwood to only 2.2.14.
18.) Essendon 1911 Under the guidance of the first super-coach, Jack Worrall, who previously led the Blues to three consecutive premierships, the Same Old's as they were known at the time amassed a 17-2-1 record with a percentage (including finals) of 173.3%! The two losses were by 3 and 8 points. Unlucky not to be higher.
19.) Melbourne 1959 Another Demons super-side from their golden era. Not talked about in the same breath as 1955, 56, but this side, along with 1960, were at roughly the same level. The team has a 15-4-1 record from 20 games, winning two finals by 44 and 37 points
20.) Carlton 1907 A great side that would become even better one year later. This side topped the ladder with a percentage of 155.7%. Coached by the first VFL coach, the great Jack Worrall, the Carlton 2007 side was one of the greats.
21.) Hawthorn 1986 Just when it seemed the era was coming to and end in 1985, the experienced ruthless Hawks bounced back in 1986 to finish minor-premiers with 18 wins, and crushed Carlton by 42 points in the Grand Final. The difference between a young Jason Dunstall kicking 77 goals from 22 games in 1986, compared to his 132 in 1988 and 138 in 1989, is essentially the difference between the rankings of where those teams sit compared to this one.
________________________________________________________
22. Essendon 1962
23. Geelong 1937
24. Fitzroy 1913
25. Fitzroy 1899
26. South Melbourne 1933
27. Collingwood 2010
28. Essendon 1901
29. Geelong 1925
30. Port Adelaide 2004
31. West Coast 1992
32. Richmond 1974
33. Brisbane 2002
34. Fitzroy 1898
35. Carlton 1906
36. Collingwood 1902
37. South Melbourne 1909
38. South Melbourne 1918
39. Essendon 1984
40. Richmond 1967
41. West Coast 1994
42. North Melbourne 1996
43. Hawthorn 2013
44. Geelong 2009
45. Hawthorn 1971
46. Richmond 1932
47. Collingwood 1930
48. Hawthorn 2014
49. Melbourne 1957
50. Melbourne 1964
51. Essendon 1946
52. Geelong 1951
53. Collingwood 1936
54. Geelong 1931
55. Collingwood 1903
56. Carlton 1914
57. Collingwood 1919
58. Carlton 1915
59. Hawthorn 2008
60. Brisbane 2001
61. Richmond 1980
62. Carlton 1981
63. Carlton 1972
64. Essendon 1949
65. Carlton 1982
66. Geelong 1963
67. Hawthorn 1961
68. Hawthorn 1983
69. Carlton 1987
70. Richmond 1934
71. Brisbane 2003
72. Richmond 1969
73. Melbourne 1939
74. St.Kilda 1966
75. Collingwood 1953
76. Carlton 1968
77. Hawthorn 1991
78. Sydney 2012
79. Carlton 1947
80. Richmond 1920
81. Essendon 1923
82. Essendon 1942
83. Melbourne 1926
84. Richmond 1973
85. Essendon 1965
86. West Coast 2006
87. Melbourne 1941
88. Fitzroy 1905
89. Fitzroy 1944
90. Carlton 1970
91. Carlton 1938
92. Richmond 1943
93. Collingwood 1935
94. Collingwood 1990
95. Collingwood 1958
96. Essendon 1924
97. Melbourne 1940
98. Hawthorn 1978
99. North Melbourne 1975
100. Hawthorn 1976
101. North Melbourne 1977
102. Essendon 1993
103. Collingwood 1910
104. Essendon 1897
105. Adelaide 1998
106. Fitzroy 1904
107. Fitzroy 1922
108. Adelaide 1997 (like any flag side they were good, but there were many better)
109. Sydney 2005 (workmanlike, needed everything to go right)
110. Essendon 1912 (stole it off South Melbourne)
111. Melbourne 1948 (stole if off Essendon)
112. Carlton 1945 (percentage of only 106% and came from 4th, as war ended.)
113. Footscray 1954 (a modest win-loss record in a very even year)
114. Kangaroos 1999 (Worst defence of the top-10 teams. Percentage of 115%)
115. Richmond 1921 (stole it off Carlton)
116. Collingwood 1917 (war years)
117. Melbourne 1900 (came from 6th and helped by finals system)
118. Fitzroy 1916 (war years. Won wooden spoon and flag)
Hawthorn of 2014, were an even, skilful side able to withstand the loss of players through the season. Similar to the year before, they based their premiership win around precise, skillful football, with multiple players able to kick goals. Over the season, they complied:
- a 20-5 season.
- a percentage from 25 games of over 141.1%
- 3 finals wins by 36, 3 and 63 points
- 2nd on the ladder at end of H&A season
- the number one attack, 6th-best defence.
I have decided to rank them, as the 48th-best premiership side in VFL-AFL history. Not one of the most dominant teams by pure numbers, but a mature, skilful proud team, able to withstand the loss of their best player from the year before. I don't subscribe to the theory that they are a better team without Franklin - no team could be. However a spread of EIGHT players kicking 17 or more goal for the year shows how much goalkicking depth they have. They were a well-coached team, able to structure a gameplan around efficient use of the ball in the attacking half of the ground. Their ability to find loose players inside 50 is a testament to the coaching staff confusing the opposition defence and being able to create and efficient path to goal.
The list is as follows:
1.) Essendon 2000. This team earnt the right to be called the greatest in VFL-AFL history with a 24-1 record, a percentage of 163.9 from 25 games, winning three finals by an equal-record combined 230 points with margins of 125, 45 and 60 and a percentage versus the finalists of 160% - 20% higher than any other team in the modern era has managed. At no stage did they look like losing, with even their one loss being narrow, after having 27 more inside 50's, with the Bulldogs having to tactically change the way the sport was played. The Essendon team of 2000 did everything that you could ask, in order for them to be called the best ever. As close to being unbeatable as a team has ever been in VFL-AFL history, with the closest challenge being.....
2.) Collingwood 1929. This team went 19-1 over 20 matches with a percentage of 159.5. They had champions on every line, and were regarded as the greatest combination to have played to that point. The ONLY team to ever be unbeaten in the H&A season. Collingwood fans may label them the best ever VFL-AFL side – I put them at number 2 out of 118. A 62 point loss to Richmond in the finals costs them the number one position on my list. Gordon Coventry was the first to person to kick 100 goals (124) and the Pies completed the treble with Albert Collier winning the Brownlow.
3.) Melbourne 1956. The Dees were at their zenith this year with an 18-2 record and a percentage of 149.4%. Coached by the VFL-AFL coach of the century, Norm Smith and with champion players such as Barassi, Adams, Cordner and Beckwith leading the way, the 1956 Melbourne side was their best side in the most dominant era by one club in VFL-AFL history. A side that could turn it on at will. Many old-timers suggest this was the type of team who could have gone undefeated if they really wanted to.
4.) Hawthorn 1989. The Hawthorn side of ’89 was their best in one of the most powerful eras in history. The Hawks reached their zenith in ’89. They went 21-3, with a percentage of 149.5, had champions everywhere and at their best, were simply unstoppable. I rate them the 4th best of 118 premierships sides. However, unlike Essendon of 2000, or Collingwood of 1929, they didn’t quite have the aura of being totally invincible. Their loss to the Bears holds them back a spot.
5.) Essendon 1950. Tempted to put them higher, but number 5 is fair enough. Here was a team that was near invincible. Just look at their record: 19-1, with a percentage of 159.2. With Coleman at his peak, Dick Reynolds and Hutchison lurking, this was the best Essendon side in their golden era. At the time, many rated this side alongside the 1929 Magpies team as the best of all time.
6.)Geelong 2007. A fantastically dominant team in '07, winning the Grand Final be a record margin, having a percentage for the year over 160% from 25 games. Only great teams can do that. A team, who used skillful, attacking "corridor" midfield play, complimented with a group of players in the mid 20's who have played over 100 games giving them the perfect mix of youth and experience. 21-4, a percentage over 160% and three finals wins by a total of 230 points.
7.) Geelong 2011 A dominant team who didn't have any flat-spots finishing 22-3 with a percentage of 157%. The second oldest premiership side in history meant a wealth of mature bodies and experience. 3 easy finals wins, and a tough defence. More of a long kicking game plan with a defensive edge to it than the flags sides of 2007 and 2009, but perhaps a little less dominant overall than the 2007 side which is ranked one spot higher
8.) Carlton 1908. Carlton’s first golden era produced three great sides, the best of which was the 1908 side. Jack Worrall became the first ever coach, and propelled the Blues to 19-1, with a percentage of 173.7%. Old timers still hold this side as the greatest, and if modern coaching techniques were applied, no doubt they would still be hard to beat in the present day.
9.) Melbourne 1955. Marginally behind the 1956 side, this Melbourne side went 17-3 with a percentage of 150.3%, and showed the makings of a team that would continue to dominate for years to come. The 1955 Melbourne side was heralded as one of the all time greats. A great even spread of talent with no reliance on individuals - a hallmark of the Melbourne teams of this era
10.) Hawthorn 1988. Only behind their ‘89 team due to their inferior defence which conceded 200 points more than the ’89 model. This great team was ruthless, skilled and efficient, and amassed a 21-3 record. Many believe they peaked in ’88, but I believe the Hawks reached their absolute zenith in 1989. Deserve their ranking as the 9th best out of 118.
11.) Collingwood 1927. After losing the Grand Final in 1925 and 1926, this side was ready to peak. They amassed a 17-3 record, with many superstars, proving they could be a champion team and a team of champions. With Coventry kicking 97 goals, and his brother winning the Brownlow, the 1927 side featured the Magpies greats close to their best.
12.) Geelong 1952. Although other teams have amassed superior records, this Geelong side was still one of the greatest in history. They won the premiership in the middle of an unbeaten run that would stretch to 26 consecutive games into the following season, and their attacking, free-flowing style of play became a Geelong tradition. Their 18-2-1 record (140.2%) was a testament to their greatness. Geelong’s best ever side until 2007.
13.) Carlton 1995. This great side had it all - experience, hardness, skill, and a willingness to win. Amassing a 23-2 record with a percentage of 140.6% they played with a professionalism that no club had previously matched. Incredibly, did not lose to a finalist all year. They didn’t quite have the same aura of invincibility as some of the sides in the top 10, but their almost unbeatable record alone ensures them a high ranking.
14.) Carlton 1979. With a 21-3 record and a percentage of 138.9%, and three narrow, spaced losses, this team didn’t have any obvious weaknesses. They nearly blew it in the Grand Final, but their performances through the year were worthy of one of the all time great sides. A rampant mosquito fleet, with a bevy of big name stars all over the field.
15.) Essendon 1985. Sheedy's team peaked to such an extent that they blew away the opposition with a 21-3 record, and were hailed as one of the grea sides of all time. With no apparent weaknesses, a top ruckman, onballers, options everywhere in attack, and a solid defence, this side ranks as one of the greats. Their three losses were all substantial which takes a little away from them, but I still rate them at number 15 out of 118.
16.) Collingwood 1928 Slightly behind their 1929, and 1927 sides the '28 side was one of the greats but perhaps not that far ahead of the other contenders that year. Finished with a 17-3-1 record, and a percentage of 132.5%. Right smack-bang in the middle of the Magpies most famous era. Won the Grand Final by 33 points. Gordon Coventry kicked 89 goals.
17.) Melbourne 1960 This Melbourne side amassed a 16-4 record but with the players at their disposal, that record arguably didn’t do them justice. This was a side that could have easily gone through the season losing only one or two games. In their 7th consecutive Grand Final, they kept Collingwood to only 2.2.14.
18.) Essendon 1911 Under the guidance of the first super-coach, Jack Worrall, who previously led the Blues to three consecutive premierships, the Same Old's as they were known at the time amassed a 17-2-1 record with a percentage (including finals) of 173.3%! The two losses were by 3 and 8 points. Unlucky not to be higher.
19.) Melbourne 1959 Another Demons super-side from their golden era. Not talked about in the same breath as 1955, 56, but this side, along with 1960, were at roughly the same level. The team has a 15-4-1 record from 20 games, winning two finals by 44 and 37 points
20.) Carlton 1907 A great side that would become even better one year later. This side topped the ladder with a percentage of 155.7%. Coached by the first VFL coach, the great Jack Worrall, the Carlton 2007 side was one of the greats.
21.) Hawthorn 1986 Just when it seemed the era was coming to and end in 1985, the experienced ruthless Hawks bounced back in 1986 to finish minor-premiers with 18 wins, and crushed Carlton by 42 points in the Grand Final. The difference between a young Jason Dunstall kicking 77 goals from 22 games in 1986, compared to his 132 in 1988 and 138 in 1989, is essentially the difference between the rankings of where those teams sit compared to this one.
________________________________________________________
22. Essendon 1962
23. Geelong 1937
24. Fitzroy 1913
25. Fitzroy 1899
26. South Melbourne 1933
27. Collingwood 2010
28. Essendon 1901
29. Geelong 1925
30. Port Adelaide 2004
31. West Coast 1992
32. Richmond 1974
33. Brisbane 2002
34. Fitzroy 1898
35. Carlton 1906
36. Collingwood 1902
37. South Melbourne 1909
38. South Melbourne 1918
39. Essendon 1984
40. Richmond 1967
41. West Coast 1994
42. North Melbourne 1996
43. Hawthorn 2013
44. Geelong 2009
45. Hawthorn 1971
46. Richmond 1932
47. Collingwood 1930
48. Hawthorn 2014
49. Melbourne 1957
50. Melbourne 1964
51. Essendon 1946
52. Geelong 1951
53. Collingwood 1936
54. Geelong 1931
55. Collingwood 1903
56. Carlton 1914
57. Collingwood 1919
58. Carlton 1915
59. Hawthorn 2008
60. Brisbane 2001
61. Richmond 1980
62. Carlton 1981
63. Carlton 1972
64. Essendon 1949
65. Carlton 1982
66. Geelong 1963
67. Hawthorn 1961
68. Hawthorn 1983
69. Carlton 1987
70. Richmond 1934
71. Brisbane 2003
72. Richmond 1969
73. Melbourne 1939
74. St.Kilda 1966
75. Collingwood 1953
76. Carlton 1968
77. Hawthorn 1991
78. Sydney 2012
79. Carlton 1947
80. Richmond 1920
81. Essendon 1923
82. Essendon 1942
83. Melbourne 1926
84. Richmond 1973
85. Essendon 1965
86. West Coast 2006
87. Melbourne 1941
88. Fitzroy 1905
89. Fitzroy 1944
90. Carlton 1970
91. Carlton 1938
92. Richmond 1943
93. Collingwood 1935
94. Collingwood 1990
95. Collingwood 1958
96. Essendon 1924
97. Melbourne 1940
98. Hawthorn 1978
99. North Melbourne 1975
100. Hawthorn 1976
101. North Melbourne 1977
102. Essendon 1993
103. Collingwood 1910
104. Essendon 1897
105. Adelaide 1998
106. Fitzroy 1904
107. Fitzroy 1922
108. Adelaide 1997 (like any flag side they were good, but there were many better)
109. Sydney 2005 (workmanlike, needed everything to go right)
110. Essendon 1912 (stole it off South Melbourne)
111. Melbourne 1948 (stole if off Essendon)
112. Carlton 1945 (percentage of only 106% and came from 4th, as war ended.)
113. Footscray 1954 (a modest win-loss record in a very even year)
114. Kangaroos 1999 (Worst defence of the top-10 teams. Percentage of 115%)
115. Richmond 1921 (stole it off Carlton)
116. Collingwood 1917 (war years)
117. Melbourne 1900 (came from 6th and helped by finals system)
118. Fitzroy 1916 (war years. Won wooden spoon and flag)
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