Wanted to bump this thread in light of our premiership win.
After round 19 we were last on the list as posted with a deficit of 62 (the next worst was -36 to GWS)
We are a statistical anomaly. What a disgrace:
https://www.triplem.com.au/sport/afl/news/round-19-afl-free-kick-differential-ladder
Last 4 rounds was 72 for v 76 against. So better, even including the Geelong 28/17 against in round 22. Still a differential of 66 though.
Finals was 68 for v 62 against which looks about right but we did win them all pretty easy.
Huge lift if we get that sort of ratio this year.
The main point is that we should expect a much better deal from the umpires this year after proving we are the best team in the competition.
In the same way that the Brownlow medallists (and yes, we've got the current one here too) and top teams get preference from the umpires IMO, I hope we get a much better deal than last year.
Mind you, I'm not holding my breath since I also believe that the AFL knows our supporters will always turn up so they don't need to protect us like they do with Bullies, Lions, Carlton and North.
Add in the threat of Eddie going ballistic on radio Monday morning if the Maggies don't get a good run and the home town bias/intimidation for West Coast and you have the top 6.
St Kilda, Melbourne and Gold Coast get the AFL umpires support to prop up their club and supporters while Fremantle, Adelaide, Geelong and Sydney have the home town factor and we're at 13.
Perhaps after the finals this year, our supporters regularly become as intimidating as the interstate clubs.
