We all love a good debate over a few beers. Or chardonnays, if you are an Eagles supporter (like me).

To read this column and get full banter benefit, I'd ask you to keep a couple of things in mind.

Can defensive prowess win a premiership - a timeless question for Ross Lyon and the Dockers. Credit:Getty Images

1. Statistical models by definition are an abstraction from reality and numbers can only tell part of the story...the rest of the story is yours to tell.

2. If you end up reading this in Sydney, feel free to seek me out and buy me a beer (I will not say no to AFL/stats talk + beer)