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The game is changing, and it’s changing fast. It’s scary to think that it’s been four years since Geelong’s last premiership, but in those four years the game has evolved beyond comparison.
New rules have been introduced, some great, others detrimental to the spirit of the game – such as the no blocking rule which brings discrepancies against the good old shepherd.
But rules aren’t the only thing changing in the AFL. The major change is constant: strategy. The same strategy that allowed the Cats dynasty from 2006 to 2012 can’t function in today’s game, simply because the game has evolved.
If you look at strategy like an immunisation, the body is exposed to a harmful virus that can weaken the body and cause damage, however overtime the body builds up a resistance to it and works out how to overcome the virus until eventually the virus which once meant death or serious illness and pain causes barely any pain at all.
The same goes for strategy.
The once lethal strategy that Geelong implemented that brought them three premierships between 2007 and 2011 is now not as effective as it once was, due to the evolution in AFL strategy.
This does not mean the strategy doesn’t ever produce results, as shown in round three when the Cats triumphed over the suns, it just means that without further evolution to their game, the strategy that won them premierships will over time become less and less effective.
So with all this in mind, and the evolution of game being a primary thought, who are 2015’s AFL ‘superpowers’, and why?
Although it is still early in the season it is clear there are so far four teams that are a cut above the rest – whether this continues will depend solely on their ability to implement successful and forward thinking strategy.
Superpower 1: Hawthorn
The Hawks have possibly the smoothest line up of players in the league, with the likes of Cyril Rioli, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis, and Jarryd Roughhead, just to name a few. What sets Hawthorn apart from the league is their ability to be incredibly dangerous, rolling the dice while maintaining completely in control.
Superpower 2: Fremantle
The Dockers line-up is spectacular: Nathan Fyfe, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale. Three names that will form the future of the Fremantle Dockers. If Fremantle continue to build a strategy that allows those three player to cut loose upon the opposition and to run and carry Fremantle can build an incredible dynasty that could last as long as they keep evolving.
Superpower 3: Sydney
Everyone knows that the Swans have to feature on this list due to the fact that they have some of the leagues most potent big forwards all on one list. Adam Goodes, Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippet. The Swans are here to stay with a depth that can be matched by few clubs in the AFL.
Superpower 4: Adelaide
The 2015 Crows have been a long time in the making, with a list of players building up over the last few years that rivals even Sydney. In the past the crows have had coaches that are focussed on mirroring the Geelong strategy, which was good at first, however as mentioned earlier the league has evolved beyond it.
What makes the 2015 Crows an AFL superpower is that now they have a forward thinking strategy that is quite frankly a couple years ahead of most of the league. Adelaide don’t have the Hawks smoothness, or Sydney’s big name forwards, but what they do have is dangerous players who can flip a game on its head single handedly, and they have lots of them.
Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield, Eddie Betts, Brodie Smith, Sam Jacobs, not to mention the skipper Taylor Walker. Possibly the most underrated player just mentioned is Brodie Smith, who is ranked number one in the AFL for most metres gained running with the ball, and everyone knows just how important run and carry is in today’s competition.
Can these four teams build (and continue to build) dynasties, only time and future seasons will tell.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.