Many, many years ago, maybe 30 years now, I read an analysis by a Melbourne Uni Math Professor. He was postulating that in most AFL seasons you could greatly reduce the field of genuine Premiership contenders after Round 6 in any given season. I can't remember the exact criteria he used, so I will make up my own!
Not many teams come from outside the 8 in one season, to win the flag the next. Richmond finished 13th in 2016, and won the flag in 2017. Not many other examples springing to mind, but I'm sure there are others.
So let's start with the teams that made the finals in 2023. The information below is taken from season 2012 to 2023.
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11 of the past 12 Premiers had lost no more than 2 games by Round 6. The other lost 3.
10 of the past 12 Premiers had a percentage over 110% at Round 6.
When not separating teams using %, but just wins, 10 of the last 12 Premiers were =6th or higher after Round 6.
When using that same ladder not separated by %, 11 of the last 12 Premiers had recorded at least one win against a top 8 team by Round 6.
9 of the last 12 Premiers had a 50% or better record against those same top 8 teams by the end of Round 6.
Using those 5 criteria, this years Premier should be one of: Port, Melbourne, Carlton or Sydney.
It will be interesting how it stacks up this season.