The Best of the Best: Ranking GDFNL Premiership Sides Since 2000
This Saturday the GDFNL season gets underway in style with our commentary team of Dale Smyth, Archie Burley and Richard ‘Grubby’ Cations calling the Round 1 clash between Bannockburn and reigning premier North Geelong.
The opening bounce doesn’t just signal the start of a new season.
It marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century for our proud competition.
Over the past 25 years, eight clubs have etched their names into premiership history, with Bell Post Hill setting the benchmark through a remarkable era that delivered seven flags and ten straight grand final appearances.
But as a new season begins and the next chapter unfolds, one question naturally rises above the rest.
Which was the greatest premiership side of the century?
We put that debate to our commentary team.
Each submitted their top ten lists and, after combining the three, we enter the 2026 season with a definitive ranking of the greatest GDFNL premiership sides of the century (so far).
We also congratulate our honourable mentions - click here to see the list
10. 2023 - Inverleigh 15.5 (95) defeated Thomson 4.8 (32)
63 POINTS
Coach: Chris Moore
How they did it:
Third on ladder to Thomson and Bell Post Hill.
Qual final win 9.11 (65) to Bell Post Hill 4.9 (33)
Semi-final win 11.7 (73) to Thomson 9.10 (64)
9. 2015 - Bell Post Hill 21.23 (149) defeated North Geelong 9.10 (64)
85 POINTS
Coach: Brent Grgic
How they did it:
Minor premier.
Semi-final win 18.13 (121) to Inverleigh 7.10 (52)
8. 2008 - Thomson 12.16 (88) defeated Bell Post Hill 11.8 (74)
14 POINTS
Coach: Glenn Wallace
How they did it:
Minor premier.
Semi-final win (120) to Bannockburn (71)
7. 2002 - North Geelong 12.19 (91) defeated Corio 13.11 (89)
2 POINTS
Coach: Russell Hearn
How they did it:
Finished first on the ladder.
Semi final loss 11.10 (76) to Corio 15.9 (99)
Prelim win 15.10 (100) to Thomson 4.10 (34)
6. 2018 - Thomson 10.13 (73) defeated Inverleigh 5.13 (43)
30 POINTS
Coach: Reece Holwell & Brent Taylor
How they did it:
Second on ladder to Inverleigh.
Qual final loss 11.8 (74) to Bell Post Hill 12.12 (84)
Semi-final win 13.11 (89) to Geelong West 9.10 (64)
Preliminary final win 12.14 (86) to Bell Post Hill 5.13 (43)
5. 2003 - Bannockburn 10.10 (70) defeated Thomson 5.13 (43)
27 POINTS
Coach: Darren Ryan
How they did it:
Finished third on the ladder behind Corio and Thomson
Qual final loss 10.13 (73) to Thomson 15.16 (106)
Semi final win 13.16 (94) to Belmont Lions 10.7 (67)
Prelim win 15.17 (107) to Corio 13.12 (90)
4. 2006 - Thomson 13.10 (88) defeated Bannockburn 11.5 (71)
17 POINTS
Coach: Tom Harriot
How they did it:
Undefeated minor premier.
Semi-final win (90) to Bannockburn (77)
3. 2001 - Werribee Centrals 19.7 (121) defeated Bannockburn 7.14 (56)
65 POINTS
Coach: Andrew Howlett
How they did it:
Finished third on the ladder to Bannockburn and Corio.
Qual final loss 10.15 (75) to Corio’s 11.12 (78)
Semi final win 20.8 (128) to Thomson 16.13 (109)
Prelim win 16.13 (109) to Corio 12.13 (85)
2. 2010 - Bell Post Hill 21.23 (149) defeated Werribee Centrals 6.10 (46)
103 POINTS
Coach: Brent Grgic
How they did it:
Second on ladder to Werribee Centrals.
Qualifying final win (99) to Bannockburn (61)
Semi-final win (132) to Werribee Centrals (64)
1. 2000 - Werribee Centrals 13.10 (88) defeated Bannockburn 11.9 (75)
13 POINTS
Coach: Andrew Howlett
How they did it:
Finished second on the ladder to Bannockburn.
Qual final win 18.10 (118) to Thomson 11.8 (74)
Semi final loss 10.6 (66) to Bannockburn’s 18.10 (118)
Prelim win 30.30 (210) to Thomson 9.14 (64)
