For the first time since 2004, all 5 States with AFL teams are represented in the finals series
For the first time since 2004, all 5 States with AFL teams are represented in the finals series
2025
New South Wales - Giants
Queensland - Lions (Suns TBD)
South Australia - Crows
Victoria - Cats, Magpies, Hawks
West Australia - Dockers
2004
New South Wales - Swans
Queensland - Lions
South Australia - Power (Premiers)
Victoria - Saints, Cats, Demons, Bombers
West Australia - Eagles
It's also interesting how the 'powerhouse' teams have shifted a fair amount in the past 20 years. From a WA perspective, the Eagles dominated for so long and have been wooden spoon contenders for the past 5 years. Such a dramatic drop.
I remember the Saints being huge from around 2004-2010. It's a genuine shame they didn't get their flag.
Except bloody Geelong are always towards the top! (and Sydney to a lesser extent)
I don't really follow the AFL super closely, but IIRC 2004 was around the time the Lions had their threepeat. And then after losing the grand final on the 4th chance, didn't they basically drop into the wilderness until earlier this decade?
The Lions were probably a bit of a special case. They had their threepeat 2001-2003. But they were a bit of a super-team having merged with Fitzroy in the late 90's.