Brisbane, Collingwood, Geelong, and Hawthorn are considered the top four clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL) this century. Since 2000, at least one of these teams has reached the grand final in all but seven seasons. Geelong has made the preliminary finals six times in the last seven years and is now heading to its third grand final in five years.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon recently acknowledged the issue of lopsided games in the league, noting that the gap between the top and bottom teams appears to be widening. This situation presents a challenge for the AFL, as there is no single explanation for the sustained success of these four clubs.

Fans often point to factors like the draft system, list management, and father-son selections. For instance, reigning premiers Brisbane have three father-son picks on their roster: Jaspa Fletcher and brothers Will and Levi Ashcroft. The club's location in Queensland allows it to operate somewhat outside the Melbourne media spotlight, which can be advantageous. Brisbane has successfully attracted players like Sam Draper and Oscar Allen, promoting its environment as a key selling point. Players often highlight the appeal of the sunny climate, with one stating, "fresh air, sunshine, what's not to love?"

Under coach Chris Fagan, Brisbane has reached the finals seven times in nine years and is now competing in its third consecutive grand final. Hawthorn, known for its vibrant culture, features players like Jack Gunston, who continues to perform well in his 16th season. The club embraces a lively atmosphere, often playing to the music of rapper Travis Scott during games. However, the team maintains high standards, as evidenced by coach Sam Mitchell's decision to drop high-profile player Jack Ginnivan for a key match.

Collingwood, with its storied history, plays in marquee games such as ANZAC Day and King's Birthday, drawing large crowds at the MCG. The club has made 46 grand final appearances, more than any other team, and boasts 16 VFL/AFL championships. Recently, Collingwood fielded the oldest team in a final, with an average age of 28.8 years.

Geelong, which has already secured a spot in the upcoming grand final, promotes a culture of "relaxed professionalism." The club's ability to attract players for less money is a significant factor in its success. Star forward Jeremy Cameron exemplifies this, balancing his football career with a popular YouTube channel showcasing his hobbies.

New recruit Jack Martin praised Geelong's culture, stating, "In terms of culture, I think Geelong gives you a fair bit of autonomy. You actually look forward to coming into the footy club and being at work." Gryan Miers noted that in his seven years with Geelong, he has played in six preliminary finals, highlighting the club's consistent success.

The financial advantages of playing for Geelong, including sponsorships and leadership opportunities, further enhance its appeal to young players. While the top four clubs have access to the best talent, the reasons behind their success are complex and multifaceted. The lifestyle offered by Geelong, the allure of Collingwood, the sunny environment in Brisbane, and the dynamic culture at Hawthorn all contribute to their elite status. The ongoing debate about how to elevate struggling teams in the league continues, but the success of these clubs suggests that the answers may lie in more personal and human factors.