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'.
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.
3. Western Bulldogs (23.93%)
329 goals
1,375 inside 50s
There have been little onlookers can fault about the Bulldogs' deep, star-studded midfield this season, having flexed their extensive list of A-grade talent this season.
Headlined by skipper Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Beveridge's engine room has had his side purring into a Grand Final berth and one win away from glory.
The Bulldogs' led the league this season for both clearances and inside 50 entries, which led to Beveridge's side ranking as the top attacking team in 2021.
Led by Josh Bruce's 48 goals and 21 behinds, the Dogs' attack were able to capitalise on the accurate and constant entry from the middle of the park.
The Bulldogs tussle with Melbourne's equally dominant midfield in Saturday's Grand Final will influence the outcome of the season-decider, as will the accuracy on their entry and chances in front of goal.
Should the contest be as tight as many assume, the premiership may come down to the Dogs' ability to convert on their chances.
2021 AFL Club's Conversion Rankings:
1. Brisbane - 333 goals from 1,360 inside 50s - 24.49%
2. Sydney - 303 goals from 1,243 inside 50s - 24.38%
3. Bulldogs - 329 goals from 1,375 inside 50s - 23.93%
4. West Coast - 257 goals from 1092 inside 50s - 23.53%
5. GWS - 279 goals from 1,194 inside 50s - 23.27%
6. Essendon - 281 goals from 1,210 inside 50s - 23.22%
7. Port Adelaide - 294 goals from 1,289 inside 50s - 22.81%
8. Carlton - 250 goals from 1,107 inside 50s - 22.58%
9. Geelong - 295 goals from 1,311 inside 50s - 22.50%
10. Melbourne - 302 goals from 1,343 inside 50s - 22.49%
11. Richmond - 253 goals from 1,130 inside 50s - 22.39%
12. Hawthorn - 239 goals from 1,072 inside 50s - 22.29%
13. Collingwood - 225 goals from 1,025 inside 50s - 21.95%
14. St Kilda - 237 goals from 1,121 inside 50s - 21.14%
15. Adelaide - 230 goals from 1,097 inside 50s - 20.97%
16. North Melbourne - 210 goals from 1,041 inside 50s - 20.17%
17. Fremantle - 219 goals from 1,123 inside 50s - 19.50%
18. Gold Coast - 201 goals from 1,072 inside 50s - 18.75%
