In the not-so-distant past, the AFL was a league dominated by a handful of powerhouse clubs. The likes of Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, and Collingwood seemed to have a monopoly on success, with other teams struggling to break into the top tier.
But in recent years, the landscape of the AFL has begun to shift. We are now seeing a much more even competition, with a wider range of teams challenging for the premiership each year.
One of the most noticeable trends in the AFL in recent years has been the rise of the underdog teams. Clubs like the Western Bulldogs, Richmond, and St Kilda have all enjoyed unexpected success in recent seasons, proving that anything is possible in the AFL.
These underdog teams have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league, and they have helped to create a much more unpredictable competition.
At the same time that the underdog teams have been rising, the traditional powerhouse clubs have been struggling to maintain their dominance.
Teams like Hawthorn, Geelong, and Sydney have all experienced a decline in their fortunes in recent years. They are still competitive, but they are no longer the unbeatable teams they once were.
This decline has been due to a number of factors, including injuries, retirements, and a change in the game style.
The AFL has introduced a number of new rules in recent years, and these rules have had a significant impact on the game.
Rules such as the 6-6-6 rule and the protected zone have made it more difficult for teams to score goals, and they have also helped to slow down the game.
These rules have had a leveling effect on the competition, and they have made it easier for underdog teams to compete with the powerhouse clubs.
It is still too early to say whether the end of team domination in the AFL is a permanent trend. However, the signs suggest that the league is heading in that direction.
The rise of the underdog teams and the decline of the powerhouse clubs are both indications that the AFL is becoming a more even competition.
This is good news for fans, as it means that there is more excitement and uncertainty in the league. It also means that any team can win the premiership, which makes the AFL one of the most unpredictable sports in the world.