With the SA double-header half done, I thought it would interesting to have a look at some stats by ground. This is for the 157 games from 2000-2006 (includes finals). These numbers won't really tell you anything you don't already know:
1. Interstate record shocking - 27.3% win/loss ratio; for against % is 75.8%
2. Record at VIC grounds markedly better (45.2%), but still obviously poor
3. Football Park and Subiaco records combine for a miserly 3 wins from 19 starts, with only a 10% return at FP
4. MCG is our preferred VIC hunting ground over Docklands and the Cattery
5. 21% of games played interstate
6. Should we be requesting a relocation to Perth to be based at the WACA?!
| Ground | Games | % won |
| WACA | 1 | 100.0% |
| SCG | 4 | 50.0% |
| MCG | 76 | 47.4% |
| Gabba | 7 | 42.9% |
| Docklands | 45 | 42.2% |
| Kardinia Park | 3 | 33.3% |
| Subiaco | 9 | 22.2% |
| Football Park | 10 | 10.0% |
| Stadium Aust | 1 | 0.0% |
| York Park | 1 | 0.0% |
| Total | 157 | 41.4% |
| Interstate | 33 | 27.3% |
| VIC | 124 | 45.2% |
(sorry, but the columns wouldn't stay in line for me) -
fixed, Modsquad
Yes, the strongest opposition since 2000 have been the Lions, Swans, Port and the Eagles which would contribute to the way the results have fallen. However, the figures do reinforce that to be a consistent finals competitor in this new world order, we need to grasp the national concept and playing on the road. We are not even close currently. We need to seriously review the way we approach roadtrips and work out where we are losing it in terms of preparation, the mental side, "acclimatisation" (if there is such a thing when we're mainly talking about an hour plane ride), diet, support staff, accommodation, familiarisation with facilities, etc.
For crying out loud, it's only Adelaide and Perth, it's not like they're on the equator or in the Antartic Circle or that they don't speak the same language...C'mon Tiges, demystify playing interstate once and for all, both on and off the field!