Melbourne, Sydney, Odds and Evens

[Thunder Shaker]

There is a well-known curiosity in football that says the Demons only have good seasons in even-numbered years. This has held true since 1997.

Now the Swans seem to be involved in another.

It goes like this: In even-numbered years, the Swans are involved in a lot of close games (decided by 13 points or less) and lose the majority of them. In odd numbered years, the Swans are involved in relatively few close games and win about half of them.

13 points was chosen for the cut-off because this accentuates this curiosity the best.

2000: The Swans won three close games by 1, 12 and 12 points, but lost seven close games by 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 13 points.

(2001: The Swans won one by 10 points, and lost one by 2 points)

2002: The Swans won two close games by 3 and 7 points, drew one, and lost seven close games by 2, 2, 2, 6, 10, 11 and 13 points.

(2003: Won one by 8 points, lost one by 4 points)

2004: In the first seven rounds, the Swans have won one close game by 6 points, but have lost four close games by 2, 10, 12 and 13 points.

Bogey teams: Essendon (losses by 2, 2 and 13 points, Richmond: losses by 6, 6 and 13 points)

I hope it's not going to continue....

[treespirit]

Interesting stats. I was wondering on Sunday if we were becoming the next 'Melbourne'.

[Go Swannies]

I think (and hope) that Roos is too smart to let this midset develop. It's only three games we've lost. There are 15 (or 18!) to go.