Finals Week 1 Win-Loss (2000-16)

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Since the new AFL top-eight system was introduced in 2000, upsets have occurred in the First Elimination Final more often than any other match in the first week of the finals.

The eighth-placed team has beaten the fifth-placed team on eight occasions with Adelaide breaking the 8-8 deadlock last year when they defeated North Melbourne by 62 points.

It’s a good omen for West Coast who head into this year’s finals series as the eighth-placed team.

The Eagles face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval and in a further boost for West Coast, they have won five of their six matches at the ground.

Conversely, the second qualifying final has produced the fewest surprises with the third-placed team beating the second-placed team on just four occasions. So history is well and truly against Richmond as they face Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

Finals Week 1 Win-Loss (2000-16) 

First Qualifying Final

First – 12 wins

Fourth – 5 wins

Second Qualifying Final

Second – 13 wins

Third – 4 wins

First Elimination Final

Fifth – 9 wins

Eighth – 8 wins

Second Elimination Final

Sixth – 11 wins

Seventh – 6 wins