AFL Premiership Hangover
Q: How many of the last four AFL premiership teams have made the finals the next season?
A: Just the one – Melbourne in 2022
The Last Four AFL Premiers: A Look at Their Follow-Up Seasons
Winning the AFL premiership is the pinnacle of success but maintaining that level of excellence year after year is no easy feat. Let’s delve into the performance of the last four AFL premiers and see how they fared in the season following their grand final triumph.
2023: Collingwood Magpies
Collingwood's 2023 premiership was a dramatic and hard-fought victory, marking a return to the top for a storied club. The Magpies' season was characterized by resilience and close wins culminating in a thrilling grand final. However in 2024 Collingwood faded late in the season and finished 9th.
2022: Geelong Cats
Geelong’s 2022 premiership was a triumphant culmination of a strong season, with the Cats securing their flag with a dominant grand final performance. However, their 2023 campaign didn’t follow suit. Despite a strong squad, Geelong struggled with injuries and consistency, finishing 12th and missing the finals. This fall from grace highlighted the difficulty of maintaining top-level performance in the AFL.
2021: Melbourne Demons
Melbourne’s 2021 premiership was a long-awaited success, ending a 57-year premiership drought. Yet in 2022 they faced challenges in replicating their form. Melbourne ended up making it to the finals but falling short of the premiership decider. Their performance was solid, but it highlighted the difficulty of sustaining top form in a highly competitive league.
2020: Richmond Tigers
Richmond’s 2020 premiership was achieved in a season marked by the challenges of COVID-19. The Tigers were dominant throughout the season and in the grand final. However, their 2021 season saw them falter, finishing 12th and missing the finals. Injuries and a highly competitive environment played a role in their inability to defend their title, showcasing how quickly fortunes can change in the AFL.
Conclusion
The performance of AFL premiers in the following season underscores the challenges of maintaining peak performance in a highly competitive league. From Collingwood's quest to defend their title to the struggles faced by Geelong, Melbourne, and Richmond, the volatility of AFL success is evident. Each of these teams experienced varying degrees of difficulty in following up their premierships, illustrating the immense pressure and competition that defines the sport. For fans and clubs, these fluctuations add to the excitement and unpredictability of the AFL season.