Conversion is critical in the AFL. Whether you're seen as a premiership contender or a cellar-dweller, the stat that matters is how you impact the scoreboard.

The ability to utilise possession when moving forward is an art. Even some of this season's best sides were unable to capitalise at times - and it cost them their campaign.

The chain between midfield and attack must be in sync, with both inside 50 delivery and goal accuracy playing part in 'getting the job done'.

Geelong v Essendon - 2021 AFL Community Series
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats
kicks for goal during the AFL Community Series match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on March 06, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

A forward feeds off his teammates. Spearing at a pass into the hot spot or managing to get out the back of a contest and onto a long kick over the top. A forward can make or break your premiership dream.

But in order to have these barometers giving your side a chance at all, the battle in the engine room must be won.

Clubs can dominate the midfield week-in, week-out and come to no avail in the premiership points column.

First use of the ball is key. But the best use is paramount.

With this in mind, we've taken a look into the TOP THREE clubs that were able to capitalise most on their forward 50 entries and turn those opportunities into goal.

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1. Brisbane (24.49%)

333 goals
1,360 inside 50s

The Lions were primed for a premiership tilt in 2021 off the back of a major coup last off-season, acquiring Bombers forward Joe Daniher to Brisbane.

Daniher joined a tantalising attacking third that included the likes of Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and Lincoln McCarthy, further strengthening an already tenacious forward structure.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Eric Hipwood of the Lions gestures during the 2017 AFL round 17 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on July 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Add in the midfield ensemble of Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage and Jarryd Lyons and suddenly the picture becomes quite clear.

The Lions ranked 2nd in the league this season for inside 50 entries while amassing the most goals by any side throughout the year - capitalising on an influx of attack.

Brisbane's ability to quickly turn from defence to attack is what had them placed among the top four at season's end, while their goalkicking accuracy was the final blow to their opponents.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Jarryd Lyons of the Lions controls the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on August 10, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The aforementioned Daniher (46 goals, 32 behinds), Cameron (55, 33) and McCarthy (36, 15), as well as spearhead Daniel McStay (28, 10) and young gun Zac Bailey (31, 18), were pivotal in having the Lions convert their chances.

A smooth transition from midfield through to their forward-line had the Lions humming throughout 2021.

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