The SANFL percentage system

[Zathrus]

I reckon that if teams finished on the same premiership points in a season, the breakdown should be:
* For and Against Difference

If it remains equal, go for:
* Most Points For

If, somehow, they are still unable to be split, go for:
* Least Points Against

If the For and Against difference is the same....

and the Points For is the same...

won't that mean the Points against would be the same ????

[Zathrus]

If the KISS principle is to apply the AFL is easiest. Points for divided by points against

[Psyber]

If the KISS principle is to apply the AFL is easiest. Points for divided by points against

True, but I think it loses some of the capacity to indicate how you are doing - kicking 68% of all scores in your matches is very clear compared to say 121% of everybody else's scores...

[nickname]

Both systems show a bias towards defence.

In 2 games where the margin is 20 points, both systems reward the winner of the lower scoring game over the higher scoring game.

I think that's a good thing though r&b, and much better than a simple 'points for/points against' differential because a 20 point margin when the scores are 9.6 (60) to 5.10 (40) is proportionately much bigger (i.e as a percentage of either team's score) than when the scores are 20.15 (135) to 17.13 (115). A 20 point win in appalling conditions shouldn't have the same percentage value as a 20 point win on a fast dry track because it's, arguably, harder to achieve .

[therisingblues]

A percentage based system or a simplified points F and A differential?
The system that rewards the dominant side is surely the answer, not one that just rewards high scoring.
Imagine Central wrestling a victory against Glenelg at Elizabeth, in perfect conditions 150 to 110. Then imagine the following day, Sturt beating South 60 to 30 at Noarlunga in a miserable downpour.

[Mr66]

This discussion/arguing over the percentage system (either one) reminds me of Winston Churchill's 'democracy' quote.
"It may not be perfect, but its the best system we have".