Best team of the 21st Century?

[PerthBoy86]

Dunno if this question has been asked, but what do you think is the best team since 2000? Okay let's make this a two part question:

Best team of any season and;

Greatest football 'dynasty' of the 2000s.


I'd say Essendon in 2000 might be contender of the best side of any year, but in terms of a 'dynasty', a team that was successful over a number of years, I actually still think the Brisbane Lions of the first half of the 2000s. Not just the three in a row, but they just had an air of invincibility I haven't seen as much in others. The other contenders would undoubtedly be Geelong and Hawthorn, and at times Geelong did seem similarly unbeatable, but they couldn't string two in a row, not that it detracts. I don't think the Lions actually finished Minor premiers during their reign, oddly enough...Hawthorn's 3 peat is certainly impressive too, but I felt last year, for instance, they just weren't quite as dominant as the Lions were. They did what they had to do, though, and Clarko is definitely a very smart coach who knows how to win.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Honourable mentions to Sydney and Collingwood and even West Coast for always being in the mix too.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

In my completely unbiased opinion I'd say the Brisbane Lions

 

[Xenthor]

Melbourne 2011

 

[Xenthor]

Actually Melbourne anytime between 2009-13

 

[Dixie Flatline]

The London Monarchs are the best team of the 21st century.

 

[Guardian Hawk]

Dunno if this question has been asked, but what do you think is the best team since 2000? Okay let's make this a two part question:

Best team of any season and;

Greatest football 'dynasty' of the 2000s.


I'd say Essendon in 2000 might be contender of the best side of any year, but in terms of a 'dynasty', a team that was successful over a number of years, I actually still think the Brisbane Lions of the first half of the 2000s. Not just the three in a row, but they just had an air of invincibility I haven't seen as much in others. The other contenders would undoubtedly be Geelong and Hawthorn, and at times Geelong did seem similarly unbeatable, but they couldn't string two in a row, not that it detracts. I don't think the Lions actually finished Minor premiers during their reign, oddly enough...Hawthorn's 3 peat is certainly impressive too, but I felt last year, for instance, they just weren't quite as dominant as the Lions were. They did what they had to do, though, and Clarko is definitely a very smart coach who knows how to win.

There is probably 50 threads on this topic over the last 12-18 months if you are interested to search.

FWIW, Essendon clearly the best single season (Geelong '08 may have trumped if they won the GF).

As for best dynasty there is no 'right' answer, only opinions. One thing I will say though is that Brisbane having an 'air of invincibility' I think is the effect of time (and many on here being young when Brisbane were dominant) as the facts suggest otherwise. I mean, consider:

• Brisbane were never minor premiers (as you said) and finished higher than Port once between 2001-2004 (Geelong and Hawthorn were both minor premiers multiple times and were the clear best side all year in certain seasons)
• Even in finals, Brisbane went 1-1 with Port (with Port winning the most important one - '04 GF).
• Brisbane won 48 regular season games and 9 finals in their three-peat. Hawthorn won 52 regular season games and 9 finals in theirs. If you include the year each side lost the GF, the win-loss favours Hawthorn even further (Geelong's win-loss even better depending on the year).
• Hawthorn's percentage over the three peat is also far ahead of Brisbane's (Geelong moreso in their flag years).
• Over the 3 GF's, Brisbane's cumulative winning margin is 85 pts, which includes a 9 pt escape over an average Collingwood side that only won 13 games. Hawthorn's cumulative margin is 124 points (an average winning margin of 41 pts in Grand finals).
• If you include the GF each side lost, Hawthorn's cumulative drops to 114 after being minor premiers, leading in the last and choking against Sydney by 10 pts in 2012. Brisbane's cumulative drops to 45 after being smacked by the minor premiers by 8 goals in the GF.
• Of course, there is the minor point that Hawthorn also won an flag additional only a couple of years earlier.

Not saying Brisbane is the wrong answer, just that them being more invincible is literally incorrect considering they were beaten more often, won their games by smaller margins, had less dominant records over their opposition and were closer to being beaten on GF day.

 

[dockshark]

As if there's any competition.

Hawthorn.

 

[snooplions]

There is probably 50 threads on this topic over the last 12-18 months if you are interested to search.

FWIW, Essendon clearly the best single season (Geelong '08 may have trumped if they won the GF).

As for best dynasty there is no 'right' answer, only opinions. One thing I will say though is that Brisbane having an 'air of invincibility' I think is the effect of time (and many on here being young when Brisbane were dominant) as the facts suggest otherwise. I mean, consider:

• Brisbane were never minor premiers (as you said) and finished higher than Port once between 2001-2004 (Geelong and Hawthorn were both minor premiers multiple times and were the clear best side all year in certain seasons)
• Even in finals, Brisbane went 1-1 with Port (with Port winning the most important one - '04 GF).
• Brisbane won 48 regular season games and 9 finals in their three-peat. Hawthorn won 52 regular season games and 9 finals in theirs. If you include the year each side lost the GF, the win-loss favours Hawthorn even further (Geelong's win-loss even better depending on the year).
• Hawthorn's percentage over the three peat is also far ahead of Brisbane's (Geelong moreso in their flag years).
• Over the 3 GF's, Brisbane's cumulative winning margin is 85 pts, which includes a 9 pt escape over an average Collingwood side that only won 13 games. Hawthorn's cumulative margin is 124 points (an average winning margin of 41 pts in Grand finals).
• If you include the GF each side lost, Hawthorn's cumulative drops to 114 after being minor premiers, leading in the last and choking against Sydney by 10 pts in 2012. Brisbane's cumulative drops to 45 after being smacked by the minor premiers by 8 goals in the GF.
• Of course, there is the minor point that Hawthorn also won an flag additional only a couple of years earlier.

Not saying Brisbane is the wrong answer, just that them being more invincible is literally incorrect considering they were beaten more often, won their games by smaller margins, had less dominant records over their opposition and were closer to being beaten on GF day.

Home-ground advantage is a significant factor. You've beaten all interstate sides at your homeground, Brisbane beat both Essendon and Collingwood at their home-ground. Unless Hawthorn win again this year then I'd say it'd be neck and neck or brisbane on top due to that factor. I am biased however.

 

[billy fragos]

Never seen this thread before

 

[M Malice]

it's deja vu all over again.

 

[Donakebab]

2000 was the final year of the twentieth century.

 

[NathanMX]

The Lions were truly awesome. They had a gear no other team could find for almost 4 whole seasons. I remember we beat them a few times in the regular season but come the finals they pulled their fingers out and buried us along with a bunch of others most notably the Pies in 03. Give other teams the thought they have a chance then take it away mercilessly.

 

[Jesslc]

Actually Melbourne anytime between 2009-13

That was one looooong edition of the blame-game featuring J.Watts.

 

[Barry_Badrinath]

There is probably 50 threads on this topic over the last 12-18 months if you are interested to search.

FWIW, Essendon clearly the best single season (Geelong '08 may have trumped if they won the GF).

As for best dynasty there is no 'right' answer, only opinions. One thing I will say though is that Brisbane having an 'air of invincibility' I think is the effect of time (and many on here being young when Brisbane were dominant) as the facts suggest otherwise. I mean, consider:

• Brisbane were never minor premiers (as you said) and finished higher than Port once between 2001-2004 (Geelong and Hawthorn were both minor premiers multiple times and were the clear best side all year in certain seasons)
• Even in finals, Brisbane went 1-1 with Port (with Port winning the most important one - '04 GF).
• Brisbane won 48 regular season games and 9 finals in their three-peat. Hawthorn won 52 regular season games and 9 finals in theirs. If you include the year each side lost the GF, the win-loss favours Hawthorn even further (Geelong's win-loss even better depending on the year).
• Hawthorn's percentage over the three peat is also far ahead of Brisbane's (Geelong moreso in their flag years).
• Over the 3 GF's, Brisbane's cumulative winning margin is 85 pts, which includes a 9 pt escape over an average Collingwood side that only won 13 games. Hawthorn's cumulative margin is 124 points (an average winning margin of 41 pts in Grand finals).
• If you include the GF each side lost, Hawthorn's cumulative drops to 114 after being minor premiers, leading in the last and choking against Sydney by 10 pts in 2012. Brisbane's cumulative drops to 45 after being smacked by the minor premiers by 8 goals in the GF.
• Of course, there is the minor point that Hawthorn also won an flag additional only a couple of years earlier.

Not saying Brisbane is the wrong answer, just that them being more invincible is literally incorrect considering they were beaten more often, won their games by smaller margins, had less dominant records over their opposition and were closer to being beaten on GF day.

Agreed with all of this. Just wanted to point out that Brisbane were 2-1 against Port in finals.

2001 QF - win
2002 PF - win
2004 GF - loss

 

[Dom PC]

There is probably 50 threads on this topic over the last 12-18 months if you are interested to search.

FWIW, Essendon clearly the best single season (Geelong '08 may have trumped if they won the GF).

As for best dynasty there is no 'right' answer, only opinions. One thing I will say though is that Brisbane having an 'air of invincibility' I think is the effect of time (and many on here being young when Brisbane were dominant) as the facts suggest otherwise. I mean, consider:

• Brisbane were never minor premiers (as you said) and finished higher than Port once between 2001-2004 (Geelong and Hawthorn were both minor premiers multiple times and were the clear best side all year in certain seasons)
• Even in finals, Brisbane went 1-1 with Port (with Port winning the most important one - '04 GF).
• Brisbane won 48 regular season games and 9 finals in their three-peat. Hawthorn won 52 regular season games and 9 finals in theirs. If you include the year each side lost the GF, the win-loss favours Hawthorn even further (Geelong's win-loss even better depending on the year).
• Hawthorn's percentage over the three peat is also far ahead of Brisbane's (Geelong moreso in their flag years).
• Over the 3 GF's, Brisbane's cumulative winning margin is 85 pts, which includes a 9 pt escape over an average Collingwood side that only won 13 games. Hawthorn's cumulative margin is 124 points (an average winning margin of 41 pts in Grand finals).
• If you include the GF each side lost, Hawthorn's cumulative drops to 114 after being minor premiers, leading in the last and choking against Sydney by 10 pts in 2012. Brisbane's cumulative drops to 45 after being smacked by the minor premiers by 8 goals in the GF.
• Of course, there is the minor point that Hawthorn also won an flag additional only a couple of years earlier.

Not saying Brisbane is the wrong answer, just that them being more invincible is literally incorrect considering they were beaten more often, won their games by smaller margins, had less dominant records over their opposition and were closer to being beaten on GF day.

Ahh...not going to go through it all, but Brisbane smashed Port a few times in the finals over the 01-03 period. Certainly wasn't once.

Brisbane travelled every second week. Thats compared to the Hawks who haven't travelled to Brisbane for an away game since 2008

Brisbane also lead at half time in the 2004 GF. If Brisbane had rightfully played their PF at home that year it could have been a different 2nd half.

Brisbane also had 3 brownlow medalists playing in their midfield... it helps.

That's all I'll say.

 

[bugalugs213]

Bit hard to go past the 2014 West Indies 20/20 team

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Threepeat and four flags in the 2000s.

There's your answer.

 

[Mateyman]

There is probably 50 threads on this topic over the last 12-18 months if you are interested to search.

FWIW, Essendon clearly the best single season (Geelong '08 may have trumped if they won the GF).

As for best dynasty there is no 'right' answer, only opinions. One thing I will say though is that Brisbane having an 'air of invincibility' I think is the effect of time (and many on here being young when Brisbane were dominant) as the facts suggest otherwise. I mean, consider:

• Brisbane were never minor premiers (as you said) and finished higher than Port once between 2001-2004 (Geelong and Hawthorn were both minor premiers multiple times and were the clear best side all year in certain seasons)
• Even in finals, Brisbane went 1-1 with Port (with Port winning the most important one - '04 GF).
• Brisbane won 48 regular season games and 9 finals in their three-peat. Hawthorn won 52 regular season games and 9 finals in theirs. If you include the year each side lost the GF, the win-loss favours Hawthorn even further (Geelong's win-loss even better depending on the year).
• Hawthorn's percentage over the three peat is also far ahead of Brisbane's (Geelong moreso in their flag years).
• Over the 3 GF's, Brisbane's cumulative winning margin is 85 pts, which includes a 9 pt escape over an average Collingwood side that only won 13 games. Hawthorn's cumulative margin is 124 points (an average winning margin of 41 pts in Grand finals).
• If you include the GF each side lost, Hawthorn's cumulative drops to 114 after being minor premiers, leading in the last and choking against Sydney by 10 pts in 2012. Brisbane's cumulative drops to 45 after being smacked by the minor premiers by 8 goals in the GF.
• Of course, there is the minor point that Hawthorn also won an flag additional only a couple of years earlier.

Not saying Brisbane is the wrong answer, just that them being more invincible is literally incorrect considering they were beaten more often, won their games by smaller margins, had less dominant records over their opposition and were closer to being beaten on GF day.

"Air of invincibility" isn't really just wins vs losses though

 

[Guardian Hawk]

"Air of invincibility" isn't really just wins vs losses though

I suppose. But being invincible means unbeatable and Brisbane were beaten (much) more often than the two other teams in the discussion which says to me that this "air" is either erroneous or has grown through the passage of time as often happens.. I mean, they only won 14 games in 2003 and lost a final. That's not invincible.

It's a moot point though as I am perfectly happy with the opinion that Brisbane were the best.

 

[yyou]

To paraphrase the great Steven Wright,
I'm having amnesia & déjà vu at the same time
I think I've forgotten this before
(Or something similar)

 

[carlton]

Carlton

 

[underthestars]

st kilda rnd 1-19 2009.

 

[Hammer#8]

Was old enough to have seen every team since 2000 and I think my top two are:

Geelong 2007. Dominated the AA selection, won almost every individual and team award for the year, just looking at each position of their best 22 that year and it just oozes class.

Essendon 2000. A forgotten force, they had all the right blend of talent, skill, toughness and dominance. Just a very talented group that all seemed to hit their peak in the one year. You could handpick one or two quarters of football they played in that year and its just stunningly good.

Besides Brisbane there's a bit of a gap after that. Brisbane were a great, great team and maybe just get nudged out. But I'm not counting premiership tallies, I'm counting the best individual side.

 

[Spyder]

Norf 2016.