Closest weekend of finals in memory?

[SimonH]

There were 4 SANFL/AFL finals played this weekend, which would seem pretty common for the first week or two of finals, even going right back to VFL days.

What's unusual is that 3 of the 4 winners this weekend, were behind within 10 minutes of full time (based on reports for the SA games-- I didn't witness them).

Can anyone else recall a finals weekend where so many of the winners went so close to losing? (Quarter-by-quarter scores may not cut it-- will have to rely on people's memories here.)

[spell_check]

There were 4 SANFL/AFL finals played this weekend, which would seem pretty common for the first week or two of finals, even going right back to VFL days.

What's unusual is that 3 of the 4 winners this weekend, were behind within 10 minutes of full time (based on reports for the SA games-- I didn't witness them).

Can anyone else recall a finals weekend where so many of the winners went so close to losing? (Quarter-by-quarter scores may not cut it-- will have to rely on people's memories here.)

Well, both of the Port/Central and North Melbourne/Hawthorn extra time matches in 1994 occured on the same day!

[FlyingHigh]

There were 4 SANFL/AFL finals played this weekend, which would seem pretty common for the first week or two of finals, even going right back to VFL days.

What's unusual is that 3 of the 4 winners this weekend, were behind within 10 minutes of full time (based on reports for the SA games-- I didn't witness them).

Can anyone else recall a finals weekend where so many of the winners went so close to losing? (Quarter-by-quarter scores may not cut it-- will have to rely on people's memories here.)

Well, both of the Port/Central and North Melbourne/Hawthorn extra time matches in 1994 occured on the same day!

From memory Centrals were 2 goals up deep into time-on that day too.

[nickname]

Spelly, is the average winning margin of our finals so far (7.25 points) any sort of record prior to the Preliminary Final? And would you know what the lowest average winning margin across a SANFL finals series is?

[spell_check]

Spelly, is the average winning margin of our finals so far (7.25 points) any sort of record prior to the Preliminary Final? And would you know what the lowest average winning margin across a SANFL finals series is?

I would only use the first question to final five systems, as using it against the final four would mean just two matches (three with the draws in 1933 and 1969). It is a record for a final five system, beating the record set two years ago of 8.5 points on average.

The second question is 11 points, for the 1933 finals series. One match was a draw.

For a final five system, 1995 holds the record with 20.2 points on average. 2007 is next with 20.8.

[nickname]

Great stuff, thanks spelly.

[spell_check]

The average margin is now just 6.8 points over five matches.

The record up to the PF was 12 points, set in 2007.

And this is set to become the closest final five series on record, the Grand Final would have to be decided by 87 points or more for it not to be.

If it were to include the final four system, the margin has to fall under 21 points.

[nickname]

Fine work spelly, I think you should bump this thread over to the main board.

[spell_check]

I'd like to, but I don't think it belongs there (following the stats facts topics are in here only)

[dedja]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry knowing my team has contributed to history!

[SnappyTom]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry knowing my team has contributed to history!

Just join the masses in laughter!

ST...

[spell_check]

Ok, including the final four and five systems since 1931, this year ranks third:

1933 11.0
1945 11.8
2009 12.0
1954 13.5
1965 15.0
1964 18.5
1940 18.8
1961 19.0
1963 19.0
1995 20.2

For just the final five system, it's easily first:

2009 12.0
1995 20.2
2007 20.8
1999 21.5
1985 24.8
1997 24.8
1977 25.0
1974 25.7
1976 27.2
2005 28.3