Adelaide and Port Adelaide have used the fewest players so far in 2017
MAINTAINING a stable line-up has often correlated to premiership glory. We look at how many players every club has used — and how that could translate to September success.
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PREMIERSHIP glory has often correlated to maintaining a stable line-up.
And that’s why Adelaide, and perhaps their cross-town rival, Port, look well-placed for grand final glory. If history is any guide, anyway.
While the number of players used by AFL clubs can vary on a range of factors — injury and a club’s position on the premiership clock are two obvious ones — a look back shows that success can be traced to which clubs are able to maintain a steady line-up during the course of a season.
From the mighty Brisbane Lions’ historic threepeat side, to the recent Hawthorn dynasty, it seems evident most clubs who make it to the big dance enjoy stable teams — ie, using among the fewest number of players throughout the course of the season in the competition.
The Western Bulldogs of 2016 were perhaps an exception to the rule. But then again, so was their unlikely flag as they rose from seventh at the end of the home and away season.
Could this year’s ‘players used’ stat be a crystal ball to what we’ll see on Grand Final day?
There is plenty of hype around St Kilda now after the Saints notched up their fourth-straight win with a devastating performance against Richmond on Saturday night.
The Saints are now in the eight and their exciting brand of footy is as dangerous as any when up and running.
Alan Richardson’s team has had that continuity vital to achieve the ultimate success, using just 31 players so far this season — the third least in the competition.
Could the Saints be on their way to a deep September run alongside current top four teams Adelaide and Port Adelaide?
On Wednesday full back Nathan Brown said he sees similarities with St Kilda and the 2010 Collingwood premiership team.
“We’re at a good place here at the Saints, we’ve got a slot to build,” he said.
“The sky is the limit for us. It’s up to the players where we want to take it.”
Take a look back at the past grand finalists (below) and where they ranked for players used.
And then scroll further down to see how the 2017 contenders rank.
PAST GRAND FINAL NUMBERS
Adelaide has enjoyed the fewest number of new faces this season, with just 29 Crows playing senior footy under Don Pyke.
Port Adelaide rates next-best, the Power having just one more than the Crows.
Meanwhile, Josh Battle debuts for St Kilda on Friday night, making him just the 32nd Saint to take the field at senior level.
Does fewer faces translate to success in September? Only time will tell in one of the most even AFL seasons on record.
PLAYERS USED THIS YEAR
Originally published as Adelaide and Port Adelaide have used the fewest players so far in 2017
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