As the AFL’s official data collectors, Champion Data typically spit out some spot-on analysis.

But their ranking of the reigning premiers has left plenty of punters puzzled.

In an article published by the Herald Sun, the league’s statisticians ranked the strength of each club’s list going into season 2019.

Melbourne were at the top, with Adelaide and Richmond close behind.

The Eagles came in at No.11, and Fremantle (17th) fared even worse, coming in ahead of only Gold Coast.

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The Dockers’ position might be understandable when you consider they’re going through a rebuild - though how they’re not better than at least Carlton is questionable - but after beating the other 17 teams to the cup last season, the Eagles’ ranking is baffling.

The problem, according to Champion Data’s analysis, lies in the midfield.

While West Coast’s forward (fifth) and defensive (eighth) depth is solid, their midfield unit is ranked 15th in the competition.

Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo and Andrew Gaff only rated in the top 11-35 per cent of midfielders in 2018, contributing to the low score across the board.

The results drew a predictable response:

2019 CHAMPION DATA LIST RANKING

1. Melbourne

2. Adelaide

3. Richmond

4. Essendon

5. Collingwood

6. Geelong

7. GWS

8. North Melbourne

9. Hawthorn

10. Brisbane

11. West Coast