2011 we came 2nd and were beaten by the same team 3 times to prove they were better twice by large margins. We were the 2nd best team. Who cares? Runner up is the 1st loser.We were at the peak of our powers the day we killed North Melbourne by the record 110+ points in the wet on the MCG in 2011 about half way in to the season, so I'd say we flying half way though what would've been the 10,11,12 dynasty.
I've never seen a team greater than the one than ran out that day in the wet. The skills on display in the wet were the best I've ever seen.
Re: 2012' do you think Luke Ball and Darren Jolly were critical to ultimately winning the 2010 flag. Do you think Alan Didak, in an All Australian year, was a highly valued contributor to the 2010 flag ? Who would you have played as the back up ruck/3rd tall forward in 2012 ? Pointless comparing to 2011 where we were 2nd best, just compare to our flag year.
If the players loved Malthouse so much, why did they get smashed in their last ever 1/4 with him as senior coach?