The Australian Football League has been the stage for thrilling rivalries and unforgettable moments for well over a century. While the sport never truly took off on a global scale such as soccer, rugby, and cricket, Aussie Rules is still comfortably the most watched sport in Australia. In recent weeks, it’s been the NRL that has been gathering plenty of attention courtesy of the Penrith Panthers claiming their fourth straight Premiership just a matter of weeks ago.
However, just like the Western Sydney outfit over in rugby league, the AFL also has its fair share of dominant teams. Collingwood, Essendon, and Carlton have all claimed 16 titles between them and they are locked in a three-way battle at the summit of the footy Mount Rushmore. This season though, they were all usurped by the league’s newest power, the Brisbane Lions.
The Reigning Champions
Led by the brilliance of superstars such as Will Ashcroft and Joe Daniher, The Gabba outfit managed to make it to their second straight Grand Final this season. And unlike last year where they fell at the final hurdle to the heavyweight Collingwood, they would make no mistakes. They managed to knock off the Minor Premier Sydney Swans at the MCG to claim their first Premiership title since their famous three-peat at the turn of the millennium.
Sensational displays from Callum Ah Chee and Kai Lohmann handed the Lions one of the most dominant showpiece finals in history, ultimately triumphing 9.6 (60) -18.12 (120). Now however, with footie safely tucked on the shelf until the 2025 season gets underway next March, supporters are looking for a way to pass the time between then and the new campaign. Luckily, we have found the perfect way for one to keep busy.
Keeping Busy During the Off-Season
As Aussies sit around twiddling their thumbs in anticipation of their heroes returning to the field, popular online pokies site Ignition Casino has stepped up the plate to provide their punters with a bucket load of sports-themed slots that will surely keep them entertained. If that wasn’t enough, they have also provided perhaps the best casino bonus in Australia, offering up to $3,000 in bonus money throughout the AFL’s off-season.
With the Australian sporting summer turning to cricket and the impending test series between the Baggy Greens and India, the Cricket Legends pokie is one that certainly whets the appetite. With its immersive graphics and cricket-themed bonuses, this pokie features multiple reels and paylines, as well as special bonus rounds for additional wins.
Ultimately, this slot game captures the essence of the scorching boxing day test at the MCG while offering opportunities for potential winnings through its unique features. And the best part of it all is that players can win significant jackpots, making it ideal for those looking for high-stakes, high-rewards entertainment.
Although the cricket season is only just beginning, soon it will be nearly over, and while you can continue playing Cricket Legends should you wish, we imagine your attention will turn back toward the AFL and its new campaign, here are the three most dominant teams in the history of the league, and whether they can return to former glories in the upcoming campaign.
Collingwood
Collingwood has long been a powerhouse in Aussie Rules ever since the top league’s creation way back in 1896. The club’s golden era spanned from the late 1920s to the early 1930s, when they won four consecutive premierships from 1927 to 1930, a feat unmatched in the history of the AFL. After claiming their 13th title in 1958 however, the Magpies would embark on an almighty barren spell spanning 32 years.
That came to an end in 1990 as the Woodsmen ended their drought, before embarking on another 20-year dry spell that came to an end in 2010. Under the leadership of coach Mick Malthouse and captain Nick Maxwell, Collingwood ended their premiership top spot hiatus by defeating St Kilda in a dramatic Grand Final replay after the first match ended in a draw.
This victory reinvigorated their fan base and reminded the AFL world of Collingwood’s enduring legacy. Their most recent triumph was a record-tying 16th victory in 2023, and they will be aiming to become the outright record holders next season.
Essendon
Essendon has also enjoyed significant plenty of success throughout its history. Their early dominance was evident in the post-war period, capturing premierships in 1942, 1946, 1949, and 1950 thanks to an unmatched team spirit cultivated under the leadership of legendary coach Dick Reynolds. The Bombers claimed back-to-back titles in the 1980s, before winning another in 1993, making them the team to beat throughout the 1990s.
At present, however, Essendon is currently without a Premiership title since 2000. That year, Kevin Sheedy and captain James Hird transformed the Bombers into a formidable force, losing just once all season and winning the grand final with a resounding victory against Melbourne. They made it to the MCG showpiece again the following year but were beaten by the Brisbane Lions and have been without a Grand Final appearance since.
Carlton
Carlton’s golden era came much more recently than their two adversaries. The Blues dominated during the 1970s and 1980s, a period when they clinched five premierships under the guidance of coaches such as Ron Barassi and David Parkin. The on-field brilliance of players such as Alex Jesaulenko made the club a dominant force.
However, they are now without a championship since 1995, when they defeated Geelong at the backend of a stellar campaign. In recent years, they have faced plenty of challenges, and they will be hoping their ongoing drought ends sooner rather than later.
