Apples and oranges? Comparing player performances between the Australian Football League and second-tier leagues

This study developed a model to determine the extent to which player performance objectively differs between various Australian football (AF) leagues. Champion Data (CD) ranking points were obtained during the 2016-2019 seasons, for all players across the Australian Football League (AFL) and the 10 main second-tier AF leagues. Data pertaining to each player's age, playing position and the AF leagues in which they competed in were also collected. Phase One investigated the difference between the AFL and the senior second-tier leagues in which AFL affiliate teams participate. Post-hoc tests indicated that objective player performance was substantially different between the AFL and each of the four senior second-tier leagues (effects ranging from 16.8 to 21.6 CD ranking points). Phase Two investigated the difference between the second-tier leagues from which players are traditionally drafted by an AFL club. Post-hoc tests indicated that objective player performance was substantially different between the four senior second-tier leagues as well as the under-18 national championships, in comparison to each of the reserve and under-18 state leagues. Professional sporting organisations may utilise the methods provided here as an example of what could be implemented to support decisions regarding player contracting, recruitment and team selection.