GAME of Thrones has captivated television audiences around the world and Aussies are just as enamoured by their footy. But which ‘house’ is each AFL club’s equivalent and where do they stand in the quest to take the ‘Iron Throne’?

“Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb. They refuse, they cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.” — Petyr Baelish aka ‘Littlefinger’

News_Image_File: The banner of House Stark / North Melbourne

House Stark — North Melbourne

The men of the north, a club with a noble history still holds some clout despite recent threats of being wiped out by the AFL/Kings Landing (including a hostile takeover bid by House Baratheon). Despite regularly flattering to deceive and some heavy losses, ‘The Shinboners’ spirit is not dead, it never dies, similar to the proud northerners of House Stark whose motto ‘Winter is coming’ sends a stern warning to those who challenge them.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Barathon / Carlton

House Baratheon — Carlton

A club in the heart of Melbourne that is disdained by their neighbours, the Blues are a house wracked by internal squabbles and powerplays. Just as Stannis enlisted the talents of Melisandre the red witch, Stephen Kernahan looked for his own X-factor — Mick Malthouse — to boost the Blues’ flag hopes, though the partnership is yet to really bear fruit. Their Battle of Blackwater was the Round 3 obliteration by Essendon that forced the Blues to retreat to Dragonstone (or Visy Park).

News_Image_File: The banner of House Lannister / Collingwood

House Lannister — Collingwood

The most powerful, but most despised, house in all the land with access to a seemingly limitless supply of funds. The young king Joffrey (Nathan Buckley) was fast-tracked to power by the scheming puppet master Cersei (Eddie McGuire) who allegedly orchestrated the untimely demise of the previous king. This formidable group likes to think it rules the footy realm, even while rivals insist that their bloodlines and records in important battles give them better claim.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Greyjoy / Fremantle

House Greyjoy — Fremantle

The blue collar team of Western Australia, Fremantle prides itself on this point of difference compared to the powerhouse West Coast Eagles. Far from disadvantaged by its remoteness from the centre of power, Fremantle thrives in tough home conditions.

News_Image_File: Balon Lyon is the man who holds the key to Fremantle’s success.

Just as the ambitious Balon Greyjoy uses his hold on the Iron Islands to further his quest for power, these men from the home of iron ore, led by no-nonsense coach Ross Lyon, are hoping to go one step further and claim that elusive premiership in 2014.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Martell / Port Adelaide

House Martell — Port Adelaide

Despite being a proud flag-winning club, Adelaide’s second team struggles to be taken seriously and always seemed to be the underdog no matter where it sat on the ladder. Under new leader Ken Hinkley, they’ve shown recent signs of ambition as they try to take a shorter route to the Iron Throne than many might have expected. Not a great ruling force. Yet.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Arryn / Western Bulldogs

House Arryn — Western Bulldogs

News_Image_File: Western Bulldogs youngsters are finding their feet under the guidance of the club’s veterans.

Like Robin Arryn’s hungry and far-too-old-for-that-kind-of-thing kid, the Western Bulldogs are determined to get every last drop out of ageing stars Daniel Giansiracusa, Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy, as younger stars are blooded, poised to step up in good time. At least that’s the plan...

News_Image_File: The banner of House Tully / Essendon

House Tully — Essendon

Essendon, like House Tully, has been brought down a peg recently, but still holds an important place in the grand scheme of things. It’s apt they are now led by a man who lives and breathes the essence of the club in Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson. Wise old hands Jobe Watson and Dustin Fletcher will be key to steering the ship to calmer waters from here.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Targaryen / Sydney

House Targaryen — Sydney

Rising from the ashes of South Melbourne in the early ’80s, the Swans were (storm)born in Sydney with the help of a few secret weapons (or fire-breathing dragons) along the way, in Warwick Capper, Tony Lockett, Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes. They rose to regain the throne when they won the flag in 2005. Since then the fire in the belly first ignited by Paul Roos with the return of ‘The Bloods’ mentality still burns strong, leading the Swans to victory again in 2012. They find themselves once again exiled on the outer following controversial decisions to buy a two-man mercenary army (Kurt Tippett and Buddy Franklin) but, like Daenerys, might just be taking the long road to glory.

News_Image_File: The banner of House Tyrell / Hawthorn

House Tyrell — Hawthorn

A young, capable team, has continued to meet big expectations season upon season as a premiership contender. They may be defending AFL champions, but this vicious bird of prey is ruthless and has no intention of slowing down. Like the wealthy House Tyrell, Hawthorn just keep on “Growing Strong”.

IF GAME OF THRONES WAS SET IN MELBOURNE

THE REST

Wildings — Gold Coast Suns

Headed by Garry Ablett, the Suns live beyond the wall of where Aussie Rules reigns supreme. No longer a dormant small force, they’ve become a menace to those south of the Queensland border with surprise raids on unsuspecting, more favoured foes, claiming valuable scalps along the way.

The Night’s Watch — Brisbane

Guarding the wall and charged with keeping Gold Coast from being the best team in Queensland, is Brisbane, the true champions of the North. They’ve proven their worth with their incredible premiership run in 2001-03, but are being seriously challenged by those pesky Wildlings, current QCup holders, the Suns.

Others aka White Walkers — Melbourne

Just like their team mascot (and the terrifying White Walkers) Melbourne are mythical creatures with whispers of threats so far completely unfounded.

The Qartheen — Geelong

Sitting between Westeros, and the rest of the world, is Qarth, a city by the sea and guarded by a great fortress with inhabitants capable of magic. Sound familiar?

House Redwyne — Adelaide

House Redwyne from The Arbor is known for producing the best wine in all the Seven Kingdoms, just as the Crows hail from the famed wine-producing state of South Australia. A powerful club with massive membership and always a worthy challenger, they may be a quiet force, but a force nonetheless in the premiership race.

The Faith Militant — St Kilda

Holy men who are fearsome warriors, the Faith Militant historically make trouble for nobles and royalty, and that is exactly what this ‘lesser’ Melbourne club does for the leviathan clubs of the league. Supporters have a reputation for fanaticism and implacable hatred of those that don’t share the faith.

House Mallister — West Coast Eagles

Known as the ‘Wardens of the West’, the Mallisters’ home is the ‘Cape of Eagles’. They have long been great enemies of those from House Greyjoy (Fremantle) due to their constant feuding. To their rivals they are an arrogant bunch who hold themselves above others based on past glories.

House Baelish — GWS

A house of one, led by Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish, a number not greatly beaten at many a home game of the AFL’s newest ‘House’. Formerly the Master of Coin at King’s Landing, Baelish received great wealth and used it wisely, just like GWS who have splashed cash in search of players to kick-start their dreams of power.

Second Sons — Richmond

A mercenary army of rag tag warriors, the Second Sons have never held real power beyond their many battles. They may often stand victorious, but have little to show for it when the smoke clears. Similarly, Richmond has had moments that make the Tigerland faithful believe, but remain strugglers. The Tiger fight is led by Jack Riewoldt, their very own Daario.