We are looking back at the best teams of the modern era and asking you โ who is the greatest?
Weโve put 16 of the best sides from the 1980s onwards in a head-to-head elimination tournament where the winner will be voted by you!
There are two groups and four matchups in each section. The winner of each group advances to the grand final.
The winner of the polls, as voted by you, will determine who will advance to the next round where we will post an article showing the upcoming matchups.
Teams from the 80s will face off with teams of the 2000s to create some of the best dream clashes we could imagine. Some old rivalries are reignited from different eras and some of the positional matchups are incredible.
This is a look at each teamโsย individual season,ย not the clubโs dynasty or period over multiple years. Some dynasties have been incredible, but we are focusing on the best season in those successful periods.
Now, onto the semi finals!
GROUP 1
Brisbane (2003) vs Geelong (2009)
Geelong have been matched against teams that play a very similar game style right the way through this tournament. Attacking, fast and fluid ball movement has been a trademark of their fixtures.
Brisbane would use their physicality in an attempt to slow down the Cats and draw them into more of a scrappy and inside contest.
Brisbane are capable of playing on the outside but their clear preference would be to win the contested ball and lots of it. Similarly, Geelong can hold their own on the inside but would want to run and spread at every chance.
Brad Ottens will be key if he can feed the Geelong mids first. Joel Selwood would be met at the bottom of the pack by Michael Voss, Gary Ablett Jr would hopefully go head-to-head with triple crown winner Simon Black, while Jimmy Bartel's attacking skills would be countered by Nigel Lappin's ability to run both ways.
Matthew Scarlett would resume his rivalry with Alistair Lynch, while Tom Harley and Jonathan Brown would meet again. Lucky us have seen these matchups before so we know we would get a good contest.
Cameron Mooney would have Mal Michael for company all day and may find that too much to shrug off. The unique Steve Johnson would be tracked by either of or even both Scott brothers at times. They would get into Stevie J and test his resolve and patience.
The true test of this contest would be whether the ball stays on the inside or finds its way to the wide expanses.
VOTE IN THE POLL BELOW
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GROUP 2
Essendon (2000) vs Hawthorn (2013)
An arch rivalry finds itself a new and unique chapter.
No better place to start than the coaches' box - the tactical battle between Alistair Clarkson and Kevin Sheedy is one between two of the all time greats.
Starting in the 2013 Hawks' forward line as Lance Franklin will be faced with Dustin Fletcher, who would make it hard for Buddy to get in clear space all day. Fletcher's closing speed would be crucial with Franklin's ability to burst away. Cyril Rioli may find himself on the end of plenty of physical attention from the Bombers defence and mainly Dean Solomon.
A crucial battle will be between Luke Hodge and James Hird would take place, with the two captains to battle for superiority. Whoever wins this matchup would take their team close to victory.
Sam Mitchell's clearance ability would be unrivalled and may give the likes of Franklin and Jarryd Roughead first choice. Matthew Lloyd would keep Brian Lake occupied and prevent him from intercepting at will. Lake would need to pick his moments. Scott Lucas may be able to exploit an undersized Hawks defence.
The 2013 Hawks would need to bring their unsociable style of play and maintain that for four quarters or they could themselves being physically overwhelmed.
VOTE IN THE POLL BELOW
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