- May 23, 2016
- 10,761
- 9,548
- AFL Club
- West Coast
I don't mean overall performance or ladder position of course, but which team - at their best - has the highest performance level, even if their base level might be lower. You can measure that with pressure (tackles, spoils, etc), possessions, effective disposals, speed of ball movement, metres gained, and of course goals and scoring shots. Which side is the most 'unbeatable' when on? Champion Data probably have stats, but just going by the eye test.
I think clearly Brisbane and GWS take the top 2 positions, though IMHO you could make a case the Giants best is as good or even better. The 3rd quarter vs Sydney and Hawthorn imo were the most electric by any team this year. They do have I think maybe the lowest floor of any top 8 sides along with GC and Freo.
Clearly Brisbane always turned it on when they needed to, and imo the fact their best is that much better than Geelong or Collingwood, was why they won. People criticise Sydney 2024 as chokers, but the Lions threatened to surpass that margin vs the Cats, and would have if not for early inaccuracy and a few junk time goals. Very similar scoreline to last year. Maybe they are just that much better.
Third might be left of field, but I'm going to actually say the Dockers. Looked unstoppable in the last quarters vs Collingwood and Hawthorn.
Then, and it may surprise some, Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn, and maybe Gold Coast. Their peaks are still high, but Collingwood in particular fell away. In 2023 their best was the best, or equal to the Giants, whereas in 25 it was similar to 24 imo.
Geelong and Hawthorn got broken even when hot, and relied a lot on a few key players like Newcombe and Dangerfield. GC could also pile on high scores for passages, but often didn't play 4 quarters.
The goal for clubs like Freo or GWS I think is conditioning and running out games. Fix that and they could be scary.
I think clearly Brisbane and GWS take the top 2 positions, though IMHO you could make a case the Giants best is as good or even better. The 3rd quarter vs Sydney and Hawthorn imo were the most electric by any team this year. They do have I think maybe the lowest floor of any top 8 sides along with GC and Freo.
Clearly Brisbane always turned it on when they needed to, and imo the fact their best is that much better than Geelong or Collingwood, was why they won. People criticise Sydney 2024 as chokers, but the Lions threatened to surpass that margin vs the Cats, and would have if not for early inaccuracy and a few junk time goals. Very similar scoreline to last year. Maybe they are just that much better.
Third might be left of field, but I'm going to actually say the Dockers. Looked unstoppable in the last quarters vs Collingwood and Hawthorn.
Then, and it may surprise some, Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn, and maybe Gold Coast. Their peaks are still high, but Collingwood in particular fell away. In 2023 their best was the best, or equal to the Giants, whereas in 25 it was similar to 24 imo.
Geelong and Hawthorn got broken even when hot, and relied a lot on a few key players like Newcombe and Dangerfield. GC could also pile on high scores for passages, but often didn't play 4 quarters.
The goal for clubs like Freo or GWS I think is conditioning and running out games. Fix that and they could be scary.
