Grand Final day: the biggest day of the footballing calendar, where you can, if you’re so inclined, spend the entire day watching pre-game discussions, entertainment, the game itself, and then all the washup.

And with such a big day comes a big lot of gloriously pointless statistics. Jumper numbers that win premierships, the number of flags won by captains whose names start with L, and people named Walker playing in Grand Finals – all of these are amongst the stats that you’ll find in this bumper blog post, lovingly compiled by your favourite teenage journalist. Hope you enjoy.

Contents

Previous Premierships

Richmond

Adelaide

The Club Grand Final Player Leaderboard

On Captains’ Names, and Precedents

Brownlow Monday, Winners Sunday?

Winning Flags In Their Prime

The Individual Stat Leaderboards (Game)

Scores to Get (or Not)

On Coaches’ Names, and Precedents

Jumper Streaks & Droughts

Combined Team Droughts

Echoes of Names Gone Past

Margin Milestones

The Individual Stat Leaderboards (Total)

The Three-Club Flag Club

Bite Size Statistics

The Final Prediction

Acknowledgements

Previous Premierships

Richmond

1920: The Tigers’ first premiership was also revenge for the previous season, where they had lost to Collingwood in the Challenge final. Except for two mid-season losses in a row, the Tigers had a perfect season, and outplayed the Magpies in an even match to win their first. Richmond 7.10 (52) d Collingwood 5.5 (35)

The Tigers’ first premiership was also revenge for the previous season, where they had lost to Collingwood in the Challenge final. Except for two mid-season losses in a row, the Tigers had a perfect season, and outplayed the Magpies in an even match to win their first. Richmond 7.10 (52) d Collingwood 5.5 (35) 1921: Back to back for Richmond, this time beating Carlton in the Challenge. The Tigers kicked one goal in the first half on a wet day, but George Bayliss rescued the game in the third quarter and Max Hislop ’s defensive lunge stopped Carlton’s last attack in a close game. Richmond 5.6 (36) d Carlton 4.8 (32)

Back to back for Richmond, this time beating Carlton in the Challenge. The Tigers kicked one goal in the first half on a wet day, but rescued the game in the third quarter and ’s defensive lunge stopped Carlton’s last attack in a close game. Richmond 5.6 (36) d Carlton 4.8 (32) 1932: Another close final against Carlton, in front of a record crowd. Filled with hard clashes and high marks, the two Strang s were crucial ( Doug kicked four goals and George was their best), and goals in succession by Jack Anderson and Skinny Titus sealed a win. Richmond 13.14 (92) d Carlton 12.11 (83)

Another close final against Carlton, in front of a record crowd. Filled with hard clashes and high marks, the two s were crucial ( kicked four goals and was their best), and goals in succession by and sealed a win. Richmond 13.14 (92) d Carlton 12.11 (83) 1934: Against South Melbourne, the game was over by three-quarter time. After thrashing Geelong in a semi-final, the Tigers raced away to a ten goal lead, with Gordon Strang’s high marking, Jack Titus’ six goals, and a great defence on Bob Pratt [1] led to the Tigers scoring the highest Grand Final score yet. Richmond 19.14 (128) d S Melbourne 12.17 (89)

Against South Melbourne, the game was over by three-quarter time. After thrashing Geelong in a semi-final, the Tigers raced away to a ten goal lead, with Gordon Strang’s high marking, Jack Titus’ six goals, and a great defence on led to the Tigers scoring the highest Grand Final score yet. Richmond 19.14 (128) d S Melbourne 12.17 (89) 1943: An even season led to an even Grand Final, with Richmond beating Essendon by just a goal. Crucial in Richmond’s win was Dick Harris , kicking seven of their twelve goals from the pocket; as well as Jack Dyer , whose opponent Dick Reynolds said he won the Grand Final for them. Richmond 12.14 (86) d Essendon 11.15 (81)

An even season led to an even Grand Final, with Richmond beating Essendon by just a goal. Crucial in Richmond’s win was , kicking seven of their twelve goals from the pocket; as well as , whose opponent said he won the Grand Final for them. Richmond 12.14 (86) d Essendon 11.15 (81) 1967: The first Tiger Grand Final since 1944 had them up against Geelong, with 109,000 watching a high-scoring game. Despite ruckman Neville Crowe copping a suspension in the build-up [2] , Richmond played a fast paced game to beat the Cats by nine, with Bill Barrot having 26 kicks and Royce Hart taking a screamer. Richmond 16.18 (114) d Geelong 15.15 (105)

The first Tiger Grand Final since 1944 had them up against Geelong, with 109,000 watching a high-scoring game. Despite ruckman copping a suspension in the build-up , Richmond played a fast paced game to beat the Cats by nine, with having 26 kicks and Royce Hart taking a screamer. Richmond 16.18 (114) d Geelong 15.15 (105) 1969: At the time the most-attended game in history, Richmond’s defense won the day, holding Carlton to two points for the entire last term. Apart from the third quarter, Richmond were on top throughout the game, with their rovers and defenders shouldering most of the workload. Michael Green was best on ground for the third week in a row, capping off a great finals series. Richmond 12.13 (85) d Carlton 8.12 (60)

At the time the most-attended game in history, Richmond’s defense won the day, holding Carlton to two points for the entire last term. Apart from the third quarter, Richmond were on top throughout the game, with their rovers and defenders shouldering most of the workload. was best on ground for the third week in a row, capping off a great finals series. Richmond 12.13 (85) d Carlton 8.12 (60) 1973: For the third time in five years, Richmond played Carlton on Grand Final day. An eight-goal second quarter gave Richmond a lead they never relinquished, with Neil Balme playing a hard game at full-forward, Kevin Sheedy kicking three goals, and Kevin Bartlett sitting best on ground with 27 kicks. Richmond 16.20 (116) d Carlton 12.14 (86)

For the third time in five years, Richmond played Carlton on Grand Final day. An eight-goal second quarter gave Richmond a lead they never relinquished, with playing a hard game at full-forward, kicking three goals, and sitting best on ground with 27 kicks. Richmond 16.20 (116) d Carlton 12.14 (86) 1974: For the second time, Richmond notched up back to back flags. Where the second quarter won the game in ‘73, the final quarter did it in ‘74, with Barry Richardson kicking four of his five goals in the last term. Kevin Sheedy was again crucial, Kevin Bartlett again had 27 kicks. Déjà vu, and how good is it? Richmond 18.20 (128) d N Melbourne 13.9 (87)

For the second time, Richmond notched up back to back flags. Where the second quarter won the game in ‘73, the final quarter did it in ‘74, with kicking four of his five goals in the last term. Kevin Sheedy was again crucial, Kevin Bartlett again had 27 kicks. Déjà vu, and how good is it? Richmond 18.20 (128) d N Melbourne 13.9 (87) 1980: Richmond’s last premiership triumph was also its most crushing. The second highest Grand Final score ever, Collingwood were never in with a chance as Kevin Bartlett and David Cloke outscored the Magpies on their own. Future premiership success looked assured, but fans are still waiting 37 years later. Richmond 23.21 (159) d Collingwood 9.24 (78)

Adelaide

1997: After breaking Bulldog hearts in the preliminary final, they broke St Kilda’s in the grand final. Andrew McLeod took eleven marks in a Norm Smith winning performance, and Malcolm Blight putting Darren Jarman forward paid off, the midfielder kicking five goals in the last term. Adelaide 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.16 (94)

After breaking Bulldog hearts in the preliminary final, they broke St Kilda’s in the grand final. took eleven marks in a Norm Smith winning performance, and putting forward paid off, the midfielder kicking five goals in the last term. Adelaide 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.16 (94) 1998: This could have been a carbon copy of the previous year – beating the Dogs in a prelim, Jarman kicking a bag, and Andrew McLeod winning a Norm Smith Medal. The only difference is this time was against North, who could have buried the Crows were it not for bad kicking. Back to back, the leaders of the football world. Adelaide 15.15 (105) d N Melbourne 8.22 (70)

The Club Grand Final Player Leaderboard

All of the players for today are novice Grand Final players, having never appeared on stage for the big dance – the first time this has happened since 1898, the first Grand Final. This means that Adelaide and Richmond will each gain 22 new players on their list of players to have played in a Grand Final.

For Adelaide, this brings their tally up to 49, lifting them up two spots on the ladder to 14th, overtaking Brisbane and their archrivals of Port. Richmond’s tally, meanwhile, will increase to 205, putting them in fourth over Sydney and Geelong.

List of clubs by Grand Final players

Collingwood, 341 Carlton, 273 Essendon, 264 Sydney, 203 Geelong, 186 Richmond, 183 Melbourne, 177 Hawthorn, 152 Fitzroy, 113 St Kilda, 103 N Melbourne, 94 West Coast, 77 W Bulldogs, 61 Pt Adelaide, 34 Brisbane, 29 Adelaide, 27 Fremantle, 22

On Captains’ Names, and Precedents

The opposing captains, Trent Cotchin and Taylor Walker, have never played in a Grand Final, and have the chance to stake their claim as the first Trent or Taylor to captain a premiership. In addition, our victorious captain will be the sixth T to win a flag – following on in the footsteps of Tod Collins, Ted Baker, Terry Daniher (who did it twice), Tony Shaw, and Tom Harley (again, twice). This will bring T to equal fifth on the list, but still a long way behind J on 15.

Premierships by captains, based on first name initial

J, 15 (John Nicholls 3, Jim Flynn 2, John Beckwith 2, John Worsfold 2, Jim Caldwell, Jack Bisset, Jack Dyer, Jack Clarke, James Hird, Jarrad McVeigh) D, 14 (Dick Reynolds 4, Dan Minogue 2, Don Scott 2, Dick Wardill, Dave Smith, Don Cordner, Darrel Baldock, David Parkin, David Dench) M, 13 (Michael Tuck 4, Michael Voss 3, Mike Fitzpatrick 2, Mark Bickley 2, Murray Weideman, Mark Thompson) S, 9 (Syd Coventry 4, Syd Barker snr 2, Stephen Kernahan 2, Sam Mitchell) A, 8 (Allan La Fontaine 3, Alec Sloan 2, Alan Belcher, Alf Baud, Alex Jesaulenko) B, 8 (Bill Walker, Billy Dick, Bert Chadwick, Brighton Diggins, Bob Chitty, Barry Davis, Bruce Monteath, Barry Hall) C, 7 (Charlie Ricketts, Con McCarthy, Chris Lethbridge, Cliff Rankin, Charlie Sutton, Chris Judd, Cameron Ling) L, 7 (Luke Hodge 3, Lardie Tulloch 2, Lou Richards, Leigh Matthews) T, 7 (Terry Daniher 2, Tom Harley 2, Tod Collins, Ted Baker, Tony Shaw) F, 6 (Fred Flanagan 2, Fred Elliott, Fred Hughson, Fred Wooller, Fred Swift) R, 6 (Ron Barassi 2, Royce Hart 2, Reg Hickey, Roger Dean) G, 5 (Gerald Brosnan 2, George Stuckey, George Angus, Graham Arthur) W, 4 (Wayne Carey 2, Wal Johnson, Warren Tredrea) N, 3 (Noel McMahen 2, Nick Maxwell) P, 3 (Percy Bentley 2, Percy Wilson) E, 2 (Ern Henfry, Easton Wood) H, 2 (Harry Collier 2) K, 1 (Ken Fraser)

For this match, both captains have their name start with the same letter. Interesting as that is, it’s not unprecedented. It’s happened before in 2010 (Nick Maxwell and Nick Riewoldt),[3] 2005 (Barry Hall and Ben Cousins), 1986 (Michael Tuck and Mark McClure),[4] 1966 (Darrel Baldock and Des Tuddenham), 1956, 1955 (Noel McMahen and Neil Mann both times), 1948 (Don Cordner and Dick Reynolds), and 1925 (Cliff Rankin and Charlie Tyson).[5] So this is the ninth occasion both captains have had the same first initial.

When it comes to surnames, however, there’s a difference. Cotchin’s fellow C captains have won 14 premierships, with Syd Coventry leading the charge with four. This puts them second on the all-time table, just behind the B captains (who include Gerald Brosnan, Ron Barassi, and Mark Bickley) on 17. Taylor Walker’s W’s, however, are behind on eight, with John Worsfold the only multiple winner.

Premierships by captains, based on surname initial

B, 17 (Brosnan 2, Barker snr 2, Bentley 2, Beckwith 2, Barassi 2, Bickley 2, Belcher, Baud, Baker, Bisset, Baldwick) C, 14 (Coventry 4, Collier 2, Carey 2, Collins, Caldwell, Chadwick, Chitty, Cordner, Clarke) H, 12 (Hodge 3, Hart 2, Harley 2, Hickey, Hughson, Henfrey, Hird, Hall) M, 10 (Minogue 2, McMahen 2, McCarthy, Monteath, Matthews, Mitchell, Maxwell, McVeigh) S, 9 (Sloan 2, Scott 2, Stuckey, Smith, Sutton, Swift, Shaw) D, 8 (Daniher 2, Dick, Diggins, Dyer, Dean, Davis, Dench) T, 8 (Tuck 4, Tulloch, Thompson, Tredrea) W, 8 (Worsfold 2, Wardill, Walker, Wilson, Weideman, Wooller, Wood) F, 7 (Flynn 2, Flanagan 2, Fitzpatrick 2, Fraser) R, 7 (Reynolds 4, Ricketts, Rankin, Richards) L, 5 (La Fontaine 3, Lethbridge, Ling) J, 3 (Johnson, Jesaulenko, Judd) N, 3 (Nicholls 3) V, 3 (Voss 3) A, 2 (Angus, Arthur) K, 2 (Kernahan 2) E, 1 (Elliott) P, 1 (Parkin)

(If you’re more interested in coaches, then you can find their stats here.)

Brownlow Monday, Winners Sunday?[6]

With almost no pressure on him after Patrick Dangerfield’s suspension, Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin swooped to a record breaking Brownlow win on Monday night. Martin picked up 36 votes, the most for a season ever, and was best on ground in half the games he played this year.

So the obvious question is now can he pick up two medals in a week, adding a premiership to the trophy cabinet?[7] And what does history have to say about that?

27 players have won a Brownlow in a season their team played in a Grand Final,[8] with Ivor Warne-Smith the first in 1926 and Dane Swan the last in 2011. Out of those players, 12 of them (44%) would win a premiership in that year. So it’s so close to half that it’s effectively meaningless.

And while no Richmond player has been in Martin’s position, it’s worth noting that both times a medallist has come up against Adelaide, their team has lost. So an omen to avoid.

Brownlow Medallists whose teams played in the Grand Final that year

Year Medallist Club Grand Final 1926 Ivor Warne-Smith Melbourne WIN v Collingwood 1927 Syd Coventry Collingwood WIN v Richmond 1929 Albert Collier Collingwood WIN v Richmond 1939 Marcus Whelan Collingwood LOSS v Melbourne 1946 Don Cordner Melbourne LOSS v Essendon 1947 Bert Deacon Carlton WIN v Essendon 1951 Bernie Smith Geelong WIN v Essendon 1965 Ian Stewart St Kilda LOSS v Essendon 1966 Ian Stewart St Kilda WIN v Collingwood 1974 Keith Greig N Melbourne LOSS v Richmond 1978 Malcolm Blight N Melbourne LOSS v Hawthorn 1979 Peter Moore Collingwood LOSS v Carlton 1986 Robert DiPierdomenico Hawthorn WIN v Carlton 1987 John Platten Hawthorn LOSS v Carlton 1989 Paul Couch Geelong LOSS v Hawthorn 1993 Gavin Wanganeen Essendon WIN v Carlton 1997 Robert Harvey St Kilda LOSS v Adelaide 1998 Robert Harvey St Kilda LOSS v Adelaide 2000 Shane Woewodin Melbourne LOSS v Essendon 2001 Jason Akermanis Brisbane WIN v Essendon 2002 Simon Black Brisbane WIN v Collingwood 2003 Nathan Buckley Collingwood LOSS v Brisbane 2005 Ben Cousins West Coast LOSS v Sydney 2006 Adam Goodes Sydney LOSS v West Coast 2007 Jimmy Bartel Geelong WIN v Pt Adelaide 2009 Gary Ablett Geelong WIN v St Kilda 2011 Dane Swan Collingwood LOSS v Geelong

Winning Flags In Their Prime

Because all of us stats-minded football fans are, at heart, maths nerds, we always seem to take special interest in prime numbers. For those who’ve forgotten, these are numbers that have no factors apart from themselves and 1 – you can divide 6 by 2 or 3, but you can’t divide 7 by anything.

2017 is the sixteenth prime year in VFL/AFL history – the last one was 2011, and the next will be 2027. Out of the fifteen previous Grand Finals, Carlton has appeared in a massive seven of them, three more than anyone else. The three flags that they’ve won in these years are tied for first with Geelong and Essendon.

Richmond and Adelaide each have one flag win in a prime year, but Richmond has played in three compared to the Crows’ one. Whichever team wins, they will become the fourth team to win multiple prime flags. After the game, Adelaide’s two appearances will tie them with South Melbourne and St Kilda, while Richmond’s four will bring them level to Essendon and Collingwood, who have a slightly embarrassing 0-4 record.

Grand Finals in prime years

1901: Essendon 6.7 (43) d Collingwood 2.4 (16)

1907: Carlton 6.14 (50) d S Melbourne 6.9 (45)

1913: Fitzroy 7.14 (56) d St Kilda 5.13 (43)

1931: Geelong 9.14 (68) d Richmond 7.6 (48)

1933: S Melbourne 9.17 (71) d Richmond 4.5 (29)

1949: Essendon 18.17 (125) d Carlton 6.16 (52)

1951: Geelong 11.15 (81) d Essendon 10.10 (70)

1973: Richmond 16.20 (116) d Carlton 12.14 (86)

1979: Carlton 11.16 (82) d Collingwood 11.11 (77)

1987: Carlton 15.14 (104) d Hawthorn 9.17 (71)

1993: Essendon 20.13 (133) d Carlton 13.11 (89)

1997: Adelaide 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.16 (94)

1999: N Melbourne 19.10 (124) d Carlton 12.17 (89)

2003: Brisbane 20.14 (134) d Collingwood 12.12 (84)

2011: Geelong 18.11 (119) d Collingwood 12.9 (81)

Most premierships/Grand Finals in prime years

PREMIERSHIPS GRAND FINALS[9] Pos Team No. Pos Team No. 1 Essendon 3 1 Carlton 7 Carlton 3 2 Essendon 4 Geelong 3 Collingwood 4 4 S Melbourne 1 4 Geelong 3 Richmond 1 Richmond 3 Adelaide 1 6 S Melbourne 2 N Melbourne 1 St Kilda 2 Brisbane 1 8 Fitzroy 1 Fitzroy 1 Hawthorn 1 Adelaide 1 N Melbourne 1 Brisbane 1

The Individual Stat Leaderboards (Game)

Everyone likes to see new records. But it’s unlikely that anyone’s going to kick nine goals tomorrow, so we’d have to settle for something.

Look no further, for I have looked at the top three for all sorts of individual statistics, be they interesting (disposals), important (hitouts), or useless (clangers, free kicks for.)

Individual stats records for Grand Finals

Stat 1st 2nd 3rd Disposals (1965-)[10] 39, Simon Black (BL), 2003 37, Kane Cornes (PT A), 2004 37, Jordan Lewis (HAW), 2014) Goals (1897-) 9, Gordon Coventry (COLL), 1928 9, Gary Ablett (GEEL), 1989 8, Dermott Brereton (HAW), 1985 Behinds (1965-) 8, John Hendrie (HAW), 1976 7, Arnold Briedis (NM), 1977 6, Hugh Mitchell (ESS), 1965 Hitouts (1966-) 44, Aaron Sandilands (FREM), 2013 39, Clark Keating (BL), 2002 38, Justin Madden (ESS), 1986 Tackles (1987-) 16, Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), 2010 15, Ryan O’Keefe (SYD), 2012 14, Lenny Hayes (ST K), 2010 Clearances (1998-) 16, Brett Ratten (CARL), 1999 14, Josh Fraser (COLL), 2003 11, Chris Judd (WCE), 2005 11, Brad Sewell (HAW), 2012 Clangers (1998-) 8, Brent Guerra (HAW), 2008 7, Quinten Lynch (WCE), 2006 7, Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), 2011 7, Josh Kennedy (SYD), 2012 7, Michael Barlow (FREM), 2013 Frees For (1965-) 10, Don Scott (HAW), 1971 8, Bill Picken (COLL), 1977 7, Billy Brown (RICH), 1967 7, Bill Picken (COLL), 1979 7, Kevin Morris (COLL), 1979 7, Russell Ohlsen (COLL), 1980 Frees Against (1965-) 8, Des Tuddenham (COLL), 1970 7, Carl Ditterich (ST K), 1965 7, Graham Farmer (GEEL), 1967 7, Michael Patterson (RICH), 1967 7, John Nicholls (CARL), 1968 7, Don McKenzie (ESS), 1968 7, David McKay (CARL), 1973 7, Stephen Icke (NM), 1977 7, Mark McClure (CARL), 1979 7, Trevor Keogh (CARL), 1979

If you’re looking for the most by one player in all their Grand Finals, that’s down here.

Scores to Get (or Not)

A little stat a few of my Twitter comrades try to track is unique scores – as an example, the preliminary final was the first game to end 136-75.[11] So I looked through all of the Grand Finals that have been played to see what possible scores would be the first to happen in a Grand Final.

Richmond scores 91 on average, which is close to a potential score of 93. Adelaide’s average of 110, meanwhile, is near 112. Other likely scores that could be made include 97, 99, and 106.

List of scores that have never been made in a Grand Final

1-12, 15, 18-22, 24, 28, 42, 49, 59, 93, 97, 99, 106, 112, 117, 118, 120, 123, 126, 129, 130, 136, 142, 145-147, 149, 153-158, 160-162, 164-169, 171-176, and every score higher than 178.

On the other hand, the teams could try and go with the crowd. The most common Grand Final score is 89, which has happened eight times (1934, 1936, 1948, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2008, and 2016). Considering that it’s the average score for 2017, it’s in with a decent chance of happening again.

That record could be equalled, though, if one of the sides scores either 68 (1922, 1931, 1940, 1986, 2009, and 2010 twice) or 85 (1916, 1938, 1947, 1969, 1982, 1992, and 2006). Given replays no longer exist, 89 can’t be beaten for another year.

On Coaches’ Names, and Precedents

Both teams have novice Grand Final coaches: Richmond’s Damien Hardwick is in his seventh season as a coach, while Adelaide’s Don Pyke came to the helm in 2015. And both would be the first Damien or Don to coach an AFL premiership, but would not be the first D coach to. Dan Minogue, coaching Hardwick’s club Richmond, won the 1920 and 1921 premierships; Dick Reynolds coached Essendon to four titles in 1942, 1946, 1949, and 1950; David Parkin won flags at both Hawthorn (1978) and Carlton (1981, 1982 and 1995); and Denis Pagan is the most recent, leading North to the 1996 and 1999 premierships. So whoever wins tomorrow will win the 13th flag for D coaches. Since two of them have had the initials DP, that’s a good omen for Pyke.

However, they’re still a long way off the 23 won by J coaches. Jock McHale and Jack Worrall have won thirteen between them, enough to beat out all the Ds, and the others include John Kennedy, Jack Dyer, and John Worsfold.

Premierships by coaches, based on first name initial

J, 23 (Jock McHale 8, Jack Worrall 5, John Kennedy 3, John Coleman 2, Jack Bisset, Jack Dyer, John Nicholls, John Worsfold, John Longmire) D, 12 (Dick Reynolds 4, David Parkin 4, Dan Minogue 2, Denis Pagan 2) A, 11 (Allan Jeans 4, Alastair Clarkson 4, Alan Joyce 2, Alex Jesaulenko) M, 8 (Mick Malthouse 3, Malcolm Blight 2, Mark Thompson 2, Mark Williams) N, 7 (Norm Smith 5, Norman Clark 2) P, 7 (Percy Bentley 3, Phonse Kyne 2, Percy Parratt, Paul Roos) R, 7 (Ron Barassi 4, Reg Hickey 3) F, 6 (Frank Hughes 5, Fred Hughson) T, 5 (Tom Hafey 4, Tony Jewell) L, 5 (Leigh Matthews 4, Luke Beveridge) C, 4 (Charlie Ricketts, Cliff Rankin, Charlie Clymo, Charlie Sutton) K, 4 (Kevin Sheedy 4) B, 3 (Bert Howson, Bert Chadwick, Brighton Diggins, Bob Davis) G, 2 (George Angus, George Holden) S, 2 (Syd Barker snr 2) V, 1 (Vic Belcher) C, 1 (Chris Scott)

Like with the captains, both coaches have the same letter to start their first name. This is a surprisingly common occurrence, last happening as recently as 2015, when Alastair Clarkson and Adam Simpson battled. This has also occurred in 2007 (Mark Thompson and Mark Williams), 1999 (Denis Pagan and David Parkin), 1994, 1992 (Mick Malthouse and Malcolm Blight both times), 1980 (Tony Jewell and Tom Hafey), 1936, and 1935 (both times Jock McHale and Jack Bissett), making this the ninth occurrence, just like with the captains. But, this is the first time where the first initial of the coaches and the captains has matched.

A Richmond win would enable Hardwick to join the great list of coaches whose surnames started with an H (Frank Hughes, Tom Hafey, and Reg Hickey, amongst others), and gain them their 16th flag, moving to be just one behind the M coaches. Don Pyke and his Ps would reach equal sixth with the Js.

Premierships by coaches, based on surname initial

M, 17 (McHale 8, Matthews 4, Malthouse 3, Minogue 2) H, 15 (Hughes 5, Hafey 4, Hickey 3, Hughson, Howson, Holden) B, 14 (Barassi 4, Bentley 3, Blight 2, Barker snr 2, Bissett, Beveridge, Belcher) S, 11 (Smith 5, Sheedy 4, Sutton, Scott) C, 10 (Clarkson 4, Coleman 2, Clark 2, Clymo, Chadwich) J, 8 (Jeans 4, Joyce 2, Jesaulenko, Jewell) P, 7 (Parkin 4, Pagan 2, Parratt) R, 7 (Reynolds 4, Roos, Ricketts, Rankin) W, 7 (Worrall 5, Worsfold, Williams) K, 5 (Kennedy 3, Kyne 2) D, 3 (Dyer, Diggins, Davis) A, 1 (Angus) L, 1 (Longmire) N, 1 (Nicholls) T, 1 (Thompson)

And lastly, if Pyke’s Adelaide wins, he will be able to set the record for the shortest name of a premiership coach. Currently a tie between Jack Dyer, Tom Hafey, and Paul Roos (all eight letters), the seven in ‘Don Pyke’ will make a record that’s hard to beat.

(If you missed the captains section, then their stats are here.)

Jumper Streaks & Droughts

Some jumper numbers are used more than others. Every team seems to have a player running around in the number 7, but you rarely see 41s on the field. Despite this, there aren’t that many long streaks of jumper numbers at the moment. Only six jumper numbers have appeared in the last five premiership sides.

The longest streak at the moment is nine years, which has been held by the number 5. Every year since 2008, the premiership side has had a player in that number – be it Sam Mitchell, Travis Varcoe, Nick Maxwell, Ryan O’Keefe, or Matthew Boyd. If Richmond win today, then Brandon Ellis will continue the streak.

Current jumper premiership streaks

9 years: 5

8 years: 20

6 years: 9, 14

5 years: 10, 24

4 years: 6, 16, 17

3 years: 4

2 years: 12

1 year: 11, 18, 21, 23, 29, 30, 35, 38, 39, 42

Every player on the ground is wearing a jumper that’s won a flag, most of them in the last two years. But there are a few exceptions. Nobody’s won a flag in number 13 since 2011, giving Taylor Walker the chance for success; Nick Vlastuin’s #1 hasn’t been worn in a flag for a decade; and at the other end, if Richmond salute, then Jason Castagna will be the first #46 to win a premiership since Chris Mew in 1983.

Player jumpers, and last premierships

# Adelaide Richmond Last player 1 Nick Vlastuin Steven King, 2007 2 Brad Crouch Dylan Grimes Jarryd Roughead, 2015 3 Riley Knight Dion Prestia Jordan Lewis, 2015 4 Josh Jenkins Dustin Martin Marcus Bontempelli, 2016 5 Brandon Ellis Matthew Boyd, 2016 6 Jake Lever Shaun Grigg Luke Dahlhaus, 2016 8 Jake Kelly Jack Riewoldt Taylor Duryea, 2015 9 Rory Sloane Trent Cotchin Jake Stringer, 2016 10 Shane Edwards Easton Wood, 2016 11 Paul Seedsman Jack Macrae, 2016 12 Daniel Talia David Astbury James Frawley, 2015 13 Taylor Walker Tom Lonergan, 2011 14 David Mackay Bachar Houli Clay Smith, 2016 15 Kyle Hartigan Luke Hodge, 2015 16 Luke Brown Toby McLean, 2016 17 Daniel Rioli Tom Boyd, 2016 18 Eddie Betts Alex Rance Fletcher Roberts, 2016 20 Hugh Greenwood Josh Dunkley, 2016 21 Rory Atkins Jacob Townsend Tom Liberatore, 2016 22 Andy Otten Josh Caddy Luke Breust, 2015 23 Charlie Cameron Kane Lambert Jordan Roughead, 2016 24 Sam Jacobs Shane Biggs, 2016 25 Tony Nankervis Ryan Schoenmakers, 2015 26 Richard Douglas Liam Shiels, 2015 27 Tom Lynch Matthew Spangher, 2014 29 Rory Laird Tory Dickson, 2016 33 Kamdyn McIntosh Cyril Rioli, 2015 34 Jack Graham Alex Johnson, 2012 35 Nathan Broad Caleb Daniel, 2016 40 Dan Butler Nick Smith, 2012 44 Matt Crouch Corey Enright, 2011 46 Jason Castagna Chris Mew, 1983

Regardless, there are a few droughts that will continue on. The 36 worn by Dane Swan will reach a seven-year drought, Shaun Rehn’s 52 will reach twenty next year, and if Richmond win, then the longest drought in the league will fall to the number 48, last worn by David Calthorpe in 1993.

Jumper droughts

*drought will continue only if Adelaide wins, ^only if Richmond wins

34 years: 46 (Chris Mew)*

24 years: 48 (David Calthorpe)

23 years: 50 (Ryan Turnbull)

19 years: 52 (Shaun Rehn)

15 years: 43 (Beau McDonald)

10 years: 1 (Steven King)*

7 years: 36 (Dane Swan), 47 (Jarryd Blair)

6 years: 13 (Tom Lonergan)^, 31 (James Podsiadly), 44 (Corey Enright)^, 45 (Cameron Ling)

5 years: 34 (Alex Johnson)*, 37 (Adam Goodes), 40 (Nick Smith)*, 41 (Shane Mumford)

4 years: 32 (Jonathan Simpkin)

3 years: 27 (Matthew Spangher)^

2 years: 15 (Luke Hodge)^, 19 (Jack Gunston), 25 (Ryan Schoenmakers)*, 26 (Liam Shiels)^, 28 (Paul Puopolo), 33 (Cyril Rioli)*

1 year: 5 (Matthew Boyd)*, 7 (Lachie Hunter), 10 (Shane Edwards)*, 11 (Jack Macrae)^, 16 (Toby McLean)^, 17 (Tom Boyd)*, 20 (Josh Dunkley)^, 24 (Shane Biggs)^, 29 (Tory Dickson)^, 30 (Joel Hamling), 35 (Caleb Daniel)*, 38 (Dale Morris), 39 (Jason Johannisen), 42 (Liam Picken)

Alas, the stance of the numbers 49 and 51 as premiership-less will continue.

Combined Team Droughts

Neither of the teams has won a premiership in the 21st century, with Adelaide’s last being 1998 and Richmond’s being 1980. The 19-year distance is quite a bit, considering the closeness we’ve had in recent years. So what Grand Final has been the longest since either team won a premiership, and how long do these droughts extend?[12]

The one thought the list below makes clear is that it’s very rare for these droughts to extend for a long time. Out of the 119 grand finals that have happened, a whopping 60 of them (50.4%) include the previous year’s premier. 84 Grand Finals (70.6%) have had a premier from the last three years, 97 (81.5%) one from the last five, and just 5 Grand Finals haven’t included a team that won in the last decade.

And while the 19-year drought of 2017 ties with 1996, the two of them are just edged out by 2010. The two combatants for the year, Collingwood and St Kilda, had won a total of two premierships in the last fifty years (St Kilda’s in 1966, Collingwood’s in 1990), making it the least successful Grand Final pairing ever.[13]

20 years: 2010

19 years: 2017, 1996

12 years: 1962

11 years: 2005, 1932

8 years: 1995, 1966, 1942, 1913

7 years: 2000, 1997, 1979, 1961, 1945, 1926

6 years: 1993, 1992, 1980, 1954, 1931, 1927, 1925

5 years: 1990, 1983, 1971, 1914, 1904, 1902

4 years: 2016, 2012, 1975, 1967, 1964, 1946, 1901

3 years: 2007, 1999, 1986, 1968, 1965, 1939, 1922

2 years: 2009, 1994, 1991, 1988, 1981, 1977, 1972, 1970, 1963, 1959, 1955, 1949, 1948, 1938, 1935, 1919, 1910

1 year: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1989, 1987, 1985, 1984, 1982, 1978, 1976, 1974, 1973, 1969, 1960, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1947, 1944, 1943, 1941, 1940, 1937, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1923, 1921, 1920, 1918, 1917, 1916, 1915, 1912, 1911, 1909, 1908, 1907, 1906, 1905, 1903, 1900, 1899, 1898

Echoes of Names Gone Past

Out of the forty-four players who will line up tomorrow for the Grand Final, nineteen of them will be the first players with their surname to appear in a Grand Final. In contrast, twenty-five of them will add to a well-worn path:

Matt and Brad Crouch (Adelaide) are successors to Sydney’s Jared , who gathered 19 touches in their 2005 win over West Coast.

and (Adelaide) are successors to Sydney’s , who gathered 19 touches in their 2005 win over West Coast. Riley Knight (Adelaide) will be hoping to echo Jack ’s result in his first Grand Final, kicking a goal for Collingwood as they beat South Melbourne in 1936. Jack played in two more, the 1938 and 1939 losses.

(Adelaide) will be hoping to echo ’s result in his first Grand Final, kicking a goal for Collingwood as they beat South Melbourne in 1936. Jack played in two more, the 1938 and 1939 losses. Josh Jenkins (Adelaide) brings back a 94-year old name; the first Jenkins to play in a Grand final since Essendon’s Tommy did in 1923, beating Fitzroy. Josh will also be aiming for the regular appearances of Ern , who played in six of Fitzroy’s over the 1890s and 1900s.

(Adelaide) brings back a 94-year old name; the first Jenkins to play in a Grand final since Essendon’s did in 1923, beating Fitzroy. Josh will also be aiming for the regular appearances of , who played in six of Fitzroy’s over the 1890s and 1900s. Plenty of Martins have played in Grand Finals before Dustin (Richmond) – Frank Martin appeared in Carlton’s 1921 loss; Peter ’s first season for Collingwood in 1901 included a loss to Essendon; Jim and George both appeared in a win and a loss for the Dons, with Jim playing another for Fitzroy; Ray played in four for Richmond in the 1930s; Des ended his career with the Tiger’s 1942 loss; and Alan was on a half-back flank next to Ted Whitten in 1954. And that’s excluding those who’ve had the first name Martin ( Pike , Gotz , Cross , Bolger , and Mattner ).

appeared in Carlton’s 1921 loss; ’s first season for Collingwood in 1901 included a loss to Essendon; and both appeared in a win and a loss for the Dons, with Jim playing another for Fitzroy; played in four for Richmond in the 1930s; ended his career with the Tiger’s 1942 loss; and was on a half-back flank next to Ted Whitten in 1954. And that’s excluding those who’ve had the first name Martin ( , , , , and ). Brandon Ellis (Richmond) appears in the tradition of three others of his name. Unfortunately for him, only one of them, Xavier , is a premiership player, winning the 2008 flag with Hawthorn. Of the other two, John lost one with Essendon and Reg lost one for St Kilda. [14]

, is a premiership player, winning the 2008 flag with Hawthorn. Of the other two, lost one with Essendon and lost one for St Kilda. Jake Lever (Adelaide) has a counterpart with Harry , a player in St Kilda’s 1913 loss to Fitzroy.

(Adelaide) has a counterpart with , a player in St Kilda’s 1913 loss to Fitzroy. Plenty of Kelly s have played in the game before Jake (Adelaide) – Harvey played in three in a row for Carlton in the 1900s (and another for South); Joe turned out for the same club in a 1932 loss; Craig had fourteen touches for Collingwood in 1990; James was in all of Geelong’s 2007-09-11 victories; Pat appeared in North Melbourne’s first Grand Final; Brian ended his South Melbourne career in the infamous Bloodbath; and of course there is Brownlow medallist Paul .

s have played in the game before (Adelaide) – played in three in a row for Carlton in the 1900s (and another for South); turned out for the same club in a 1932 loss; had fourteen touches for Collingwood in 1990; was in all of Geelong’s 2007-09-11 victories; appeared in North Melbourne’s first Grand Final; ended his South Melbourne career in the infamous Bloodbath; and of course there is Brownlow medallist . Shane Edwards (Richmond) is the sixth Edwards to play in a Grand Final, after Tyson (Adelaide), Allan (Collingwood), Brendan (Hawthorn), Bert (Richmond) and Arthur (Footscray). Combined the Edwards have played in nine Grand Finals for five wins.

(Richmond) is the sixth Edwards to play in a Grand Final, after (Adelaide), (Collingwood), (Hawthorn), (Richmond) and (Footscray). Combined the Edwards have played in nine Grand Finals for five wins. Crows captain Taylor Walker shares company with Tristen (Collingwood), Peter (Geelong), Jack (Geelong), and two Bill s (Essendon and Fitzroy respectively).

(Collingwood), (Geelong), (Geelong), and two s (Essendon and Fitzroy respectively). In what came as a surprise to me, Eddie Betts (Adelaide) shares the name with Gerald , who had two kicks for Collingwood in each of the 1977 Grand Finals.

(Adelaide) shares the name with , who had two kicks for Collingwood in each of the 1977 Grand Finals. Hugh Greenwood (Adelaide) is hoping his first Grand Final is better than Ken ’s was, a player for Carlton in their 1962 loss.

(Adelaide) is hoping his first Grand Final is better than ’s was, a player for Carlton in their 1962 loss. Rory Atkins (Adelaide) is the second Atkins, following Bert , who played in South Melbourne’s loss to Carlton in 1907. [15]

(Adelaide) is the second Atkins, following , who played in South Melbourne’s loss to Carlton in 1907. “J. Townsend ” has appeared in Grand Finals before, with John kicking three goals for Melbourne as they beat Collingwood in 1964. This time, it’s Jacob , for Richmond.

” has appeared in Grand Finals before, with kicking three goals for Melbourne as they beat Collingwood in 1964. This time, it’s , for Richmond. It’s a fairly even contest between the number of Grand Finalists whose first name is Cameron and those whose last name is. The last-namers are set to gain another with Charlie (Adelaide), following in the tradition of Ernie (Essendon), David (Geelong), and Jim (South Melbourne). The first namers can call upon Clayton , Sutcliffe , Ling , Mooney , and McDonald , giving them a 5-4 lead after this match.

and those whose last name is. The last-namers are set to gain another with (Adelaide), following in the tradition of (Essendon), (Geelong), and (South Melbourne). The first namers can call upon , , , , and , giving them a 5-4 lead after this match. Richmond’s Kane Lambert will be hoping he plays in as many Grand Finals as Harold and Chris did, playing seven and five respectively for Essendon.

will be hoping he plays in as many Grand Finals as and did, playing seven and five respectively for Essendon. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide) takes over the mantle from Danny (Essendon) as the most recent Grand Finalist named Jacobs. Danny himself had taken it from Graeme (Melbourne).

(Adelaide) takes over the mantle from (Essendon) as the most recent Grand Finalist named Jacobs. Danny himself had taken it from (Melbourne). Tom Lynch (Adelaide) should hope for the success of Alastair , three-time premiership player for Brisbane. If he can’t have that, he should at least have Quinten ’s results (one win for West Coast), and try to avoid Phil ’s (a loss for St Kilda).

(Adelaide) should hope for the success of , three-time premiership player for Brisbane. If he can’t have that, he should at least have ’s results (one win for West Coast), and try to avoid ’s (a loss for St Kilda). A laird was originally the owner of a large Scottish estate, and was a rank roughly equal to esquire. It was also the surname of Chris , who played in South Melbourne’s 1918 premiership. 99 years later, will Rory (Adelaide) do the same?

, who played in South Melbourne’s 1918 premiership. 99 years later, will (Adelaide) do the same? Kamdyn , if Richmond win, will be the third McIntosh to get a premiership – Norm played in Richmond’s 1921 title, and Ashley in West Coast’s wins of 1992 and 1994 (but also the 1991 loss).

, if Richmond win, will be the third to get a premiership – played in Richmond’s 1921 title, and in West Coast’s wins of 1992 and 1994 (but also the 1991 loss). Plenty of Graham s have played in a Grand Final, but usually as a first name. Richmond’s Jack will join Ian (Collingwood), Ben (Geelong), Ricky (Geelong), Jack (South Melbourne) and Jim (South Melbourne) in having Graham for a surname.

s have played in a Grand Final, but usually as a first name. Richmond’s will join (Collingwood), (Geelong), (Geelong), (South Melbourne) and (South Melbourne) in having Graham for a surname. Dan Butler (Richmond) would be wanting to join Sam (West Coast) as a premiership player.

(Richmond) would be wanting to join (West Coast) as a premiership player. But surely the record for the most players of one name has to be 15, with a 16th coming. Luke Brown (Adelaide) shares his name with a great of the game, Jonathan , who, before becoming a breakfast radio host, was a forward for Brisbane in their 2001-3 hat-trick. In addition, there’s Ted (Carlton), Fraser (Carlton), Vin (Carlton), Peter (Carlton), Leigh (Collingwood), Nathan (Collingwood), Gavin (Collingwood), Greg (Essendon), Paul (Geelong), John (Geelong), Campbell (Hawthorn), Billy (Richmond), and Tony (St Kilda). And also Charlie Brown , who wasn’t just a Peanuts character, but played in four Grand Finals for Collingwood. [16]

(Adelaide) shares his name with a great of the game, , who, before becoming a breakfast radio host, was a forward for Brisbane in their 2001-3 hat-trick. In addition, there’s (Carlton), (Carlton), (Carlton), (Carlton), (Collingwood), (Collingwood), (Collingwood), (Essendon), (Geelong), (Geelong), (Hawthorn), (Richmond), and (St Kilda). And also , who wasn’t just a Peanuts character, but played in four Grand Finals for Collingwood. And, unsurprisingly, Jack Riewoldt (Richmond) shares the name of his cousin Nick, as Daniel Rioli (Richmond) does with Cyril.

Margin Milestones

After the section on new scores to make, the obvious question is how margins work for it. And the answer is: we’re in with a pretty good shot.

Richmond outscored their opponents by an average of 14 points a game in the home and away season, which is pretty close to 16, which would be a new margin. If we wanted a close game, then we could also hope for a margin of 8, 19, 21, or 23.

On the other hand, if you’re a supporter of one team who wants to see your side romp it in, then 62, 76, 93, and 109 would also be first time margins.

List of margins that have never been made in a Grand Final

8, 16, 19, 21, 23, 34, 36, 45, 47, 52, 54, 58, 59, 62, 64-72, 74-77, 79, 81, 82, 84-95, 97-118, and every margin above 120

But if uniqueness is overrated for these two sides, they could go for one of the most common Grand Final margins. There are four margins that have happened four times – 1 (in 1899, 1947, 1966, and 2006), 4 (1900, 1921, 1964, and 2005), 15 (1898, 1938, 1944, and 2013), and 35 (1917, 1965, 1998, and 1999). In addition, a margin of 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 27, 28, or 30 would lead to a tie for first.

And if the teams end up with a 22-point final margin, it’ll be the second year in a row that’s happened. The only previous margin streak was in 1998 and 1999, when both Grand Finals ended in a 35-point margin.

So, it gives the statistically-minded among us a score to aim for – if the match ends with a score of 118 to 97, it’ll be the first time either of those scores have come up in a Grand Final and the first decided by 21 points.

The Individual Stat Leaderboards (Total)

Given none of these players have played a Grand Final before, it’s extremely unlikely that any of them will be on this list after tomorrow. But looking at these stats could give them something tomorrow.

Stat Top Five Disposals (1965-) 162, Michael Tuck (HAW), 11 games 157, Kevin Bartlett (RICH), 7 games 146, Robert DiPeirdomenico (HAW), 8 games 140, Gary Ayres (HAW), 8 games 137, Leigh Matthews (HAW), 7 games Goals (1897-) 35, Gordon Coventry (COLL), 10 games 25, Dermott Brereton (HAW), 8 games 23, Jason Dunstall (HAW), 5 games 23, Jack Mueller (MELB), 6 games 20, Dick Lee (COLL), 7 games Behinds (1965-) 16, Kevin Bartlett (RICH), 7 games 16, Dermott Brereton (HAW), 8 games 13, Leigh Matthews (HAW), 7 games 12, Arnold Briedis (NM), 5 games 10, Phil Baker (GEEL/NM), 4 games Hitouts (1966-) 120, Darren Jolly (SYD/COLL), 5 games 106, Clark Keating (BL), 4 games 97, Brad Ottens (GEEL), 4 games 88, Simon Madden (ESS), 4 games 85, Peter Jones (CARL), 6 games Tackles (1987-) 34, Lenny Hayes (ST K), 3 games 32, Sam Mitchell (HAW), 5 games 29, Shaun Burgoyne (PT A/HAW), 6 games 27, Alan Toovey (COLL), 3 games 26, Luke Ball (ST K/COLL), Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), and Simon Black (BL), all 4 games Clearances (1998-) 27, Luke Ball (ST K/COLL), 4 games 27, Sam Mitchell (HAW), 5 games 24, Jordan Lewis (HAW), 5 games 22, Dane Swan (COLL), 3 games 22, Shaun Burgoyne (PT A/HAW), 6 games Clangers (1998-) 19, Darren Jolly (SYD/COLL), 5 games 18, Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), 4 games 17, Lance Franklin (HAW/SYD), 5 games 16, Chris Johnson (BL), 4 games 15, Leigh Brown (COLL), 3 games Frees For (1965-) 26, Bill Picken (COLL), 5 games 23, Michael Tuck (HAW), 11 games 22, Robert DiPierdomenico (HAW), 8 games 20, Don Scott (HAW), 4 games 19, Wayne Schimmelbusch (NM), 6 games Frees Against (1965-) 23, Dermott Brereton (HAW), 8 games 22, Don Scott (HAW), 4 games 21, John Nicholls (CARL), 6 games 20, Alan Martello (HAW/RICH), 5 games 19, Leigh Matthews (HAW), 7 games

If you missed the records for a single Grand Final, they’re up here.

The Three-Club Flag Club

Damien Hardwick is on the verge of joining a very exclusive club on the weekend, being involved in premierships with three different football clubs. This would make him just the fourth person in AFL history to achieve this.

The first to do it was Ron Barassi – he won several flags with Melbourne (in 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, and 1964), before transferring to Carlton as captain-coach and managing them to glory in 1968. After several seasons at Carlton, he moved to North Melbourne, and became their first premiership coach in 1975, founding a prestigious club.

Barassi was alone in the club until 2001, when he was joined by Leigh Matthews. The coach of Brisbane’s 2001 triumph, Matthews had previously played in Hawthorn’s 1971, 1976, 1978, and 1983 premierships, and then coached Collingwood to the 1990 flag. So that made two.

In 2010, the duo became a trio with Mick Malthouse. After being traded mid-season to Richmond from St Kilda, he won their 1980 flag, but left the Tigers at the start of 1983 to coach Footscray. Later, he would move to West Coast and coach their maiden premiership, before finally bringing a drought-breaking win to Collingwood.

Hardwick played in two premierships in his career – Essendon’s 2000 triumph, and Pt Adelaide’s 2004 win (in his last game) – and has a chance to gain a third premiership at Richmond, and join this club.

Bite Size Statistics

Those marked with a * appeared in my 2016 Grand Final preview, which I’ll put somewhere on the website one day.

The most players with surnames starting with S in a Grand Final is 10 , in 2015 (five players from each side).*

, in 2015 (five players from each side).* On the flipside, 1902, 1927, 1928, 1930, and 1960 had zero players start with S.*

players start with S.* This is the first Grand Final since 2003 where both teams scored 100 points in their preliminary final.

where both teams scored 100 points in their preliminary final. Last year’s Grand Final was the eighth to have both teams reach a prime number score, joining 1903, 1904, 1910, 1933, 1990, 2004, and 2015.*

to have both teams reach a prime number score, joining 1903, 1904, 1910, 1933, 1990, 2004, and 2015.* If Adelaide win, Paul Seedsman will be the second ex-Collingwood player to wear #11 in an Adelaide premiership – Brett James was the first, in 1997.

will be the second ex-Collingwood player to wear #11 in an Adelaide premiership – was the first, in 1997. The longest streak of unique premierships is six years. From 1963 to 1968, and 2003 to 2008, no team won more than one premiership.*

years. From 1963 to 1968, and 2003 to 2008, no team won more than one premiership.* Out of the fourteen players to kick seven or more goals in a Grand Final, four of them were on the losing team ( Tom Reynolds 1943, Dermott Brereton 1985, Gary Ablett 1989, and Stephen Kernahan 1993).

of them were on the losing team ( 1943, 1985, 1989, and 1993). Mick Grace is the only person to win multiple flags for multiple teams, winning the 1898-99 Fitzroy flags and 1906-07 Carlton premierships.*

is the to win multiple flags for multiple teams, winning the 1898-99 Fitzroy flags and 1906-07 Carlton premierships.* Eight of Geelong’s nine premierships have been in odd numbered years.*

of Geelong’s nine premierships have been in odd numbered years.* The most scoring shots in a Grand Final by one player is 11 , by Ted Fordham (7.4 in 1965), Kevin Bartlett (7.4 in 1980), Leigh Matthews (6.5 in 1983) and Stephen Kernahan (6.4 in 1993).

, by (7.4 in 1965), Kevin Bartlett (7.4 in 1980), Leigh Matthews (6.5 in 1983) and Stephen Kernahan (6.4 in 1993). Bill James (Richmond) has the shortest career to include a premiership. He played one game, the 1920 Grand Final.*

(Richmond) has the shortest career to include a premiership. He played game, the 1920 Grand Final.* The shortest two-premiership career is that of George Rawle , who played 19 games for Essendon from 1923-1925.*

, who played games for Essendon from 1923-1925.* And Albert Lauder (Collingwood) has the shortest three-premiership career, playing 36 games across three seasons, including the 1928, 1929, and 1930 premierships.*

(Collingwood) has the shortest three-premiership career, playing games across three seasons, including the 1928, 1929, and 1930 premierships.* In the 1976 Grand Final, John Hendrie (Hawthorn) kicked eight behinds (and two goals), the most in a Grand Final.

(Hawthorn) kicked behinds (and two goals), the most in a Grand Final. The next year, in the drawn game, North’s Arnold Briedis kicked seven without a goal.

The Final Prediction

Despite all the momentum that Richmond has, Adelaide has been the best team all season and just have more firepower than the Tigers. It’ll be close for a half, but Adelaide will begin to pull away in the third quarter and end up winning comfortably. Adelaide 16.13 (109) d Richmond 11.16 (82). Norm Smith: Josh Jenkins.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to everyone who contributed stats to this section and gave support. In alphabetical order, and with links to their Twitter accounts where possible, thanks to: Tony Corke (@MatterOfStats), Lucas Garth, Andrew Gigacz, Harry (@hazza9990), Col Hutchinson (of the AFL Record), Josh Pinn, @sirswampthing, and @strauchanside.

[1] This was in the season when he scored 150 goals.

[2] An interesting echo from the past, hey?

[3] Not just the same starting letter, but the same name. That’s the only time it’s happened with the two captains.

[4] I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think of Troy McClure (the actor on The Simpsons) when I came across his name.

[5] While it doesn’t quite fit, the opposing captains in 1968 were John Nicholls and Don McKenzie, which is impressive rhyming.

[6] Yes I know the Grand Final is on Saturday but I had to make it rhyme!

[7] A Norm Smith would also make it two (or three if they win), but nobody’s won a Norm Smith and a Brownlow in the same year. Yet.

[8] I’m excluding Harry Collier, who only got his 1930 Brownlow fifty years later (he’d lost it on a countback), and Sam Mitchell, who only became the 2012 Brownlow winner when Jobe Watson returned his.

[9] These don’t include the 2017 Grand Final yet.

[10] This figure is how long the stats have been tracked since.

[11] If you’re interested in American football, the Twitter account @NFL_Scorigami tracks how likely each game is to end in a unique score as it goes on, and what the most likely one will be. It’s pretty cool.

[12] For premiershipless teams, they have a drought dating back to the year before they joined the AFL.

[13] And, in possible proof that neither of them wanted to end the streak, they played out a draw the first week.

[14] Because there’s other letters in it, I couldn’t include the delightfully named Spiro Malakellis of Geelong.

[15] Bert Atkins also had a nearly ten-year layover between his 32nd and 33rd game, the fifth longest in League history.

[16] Also Billy Brownless (Geelong) and Morton Browne (Hawthorn), who couldn’t be included because they’re names aren’t identical.