In honour of the NFL season's start and the beginning of the AFL finals, we compiled a cross-code comparison linking each AFL side to their closest NFL counterpart.
These comparisons are based on every metric you can think of; recent success, historic success, club status, current projections, future projections, similar-type players, recent list changes, method of play, and even just general vibes.
Some clubs have shockingly fitting comparisons while others need to be slightly reached for.
Nevertheless, here is our list of who every AFL fan should support this NFL season.
Carlton Blues
Dallas Cowboys
This is probably the most fitting cross-code comparison that exists in sports.
Both sides last won the big dance in 1995.
They are the two most heavily discussed teams with the most vocal fanbases in either league.
Both sides are routinely eliminated from the competition in heartbreaking style year on year.
Both have the most debated position in their sport; Carlton's senior coach and Dallas' quarterback.
Even their method of play is similar, with emphasis on defence led by some top-tier talent in Jacob Weitering and Micah Parsons.
Offensively, both tend to bully the opposition and grind out territory.
The Cowboys' offensive line is one of the NFL's strongest and creates ample opportunity for the likes of Tony Pollard and Dak Prescott to run and throw for bulk yardage.
Carlton's midfield is similarly dominant at stoppage, where Patrick Cripps and George Hewett win contests and feed Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra on the outside.
Both sides even have the yips in front of goal, with Harry McKay and Brett Maher each succumbing to the pressure of set shots and field goal kicks in recent times.
After years of boasting quality lists, the Blues and the Cowboys look set to finally contend for glory this season and beyond.
