IT SHOULD be no surprise that the two top teams on the ladder, Richmond and West Coast, also lead the competition for total quarters won this season.

But there are some surprises within the statistics that point to some clubs making the most of their dominance during games and others not quite capitalizing on it.

Melbourne, who sits in 10th position on the ladder with four wins so far this season, has won more quarters (17) than all but the Tigers, Eagles and Adelaide. It highlights the Demons' growing confidence and their build after a slower start to the year.  

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But Hawthorn, placed in fourth position on the ladder after a 5-2 start to the year, is outside the top eight for quarters won so far this season, showing the Hawks' ability to step up when a game is up for grabs. 

As expected, the bottom four clubs on the ladder – Carlton, Brisbane, St Kilda and Essendon – are also the worst in the competition for quarters won this year, with all having won fewer than 10 quarters for the season.  

Total quarters won

North Melbourne has surprised this season and is setting itself up for competitive performances in the first quarter. The Kangaroos have the best record in first terms of any side this competition, winning five of seven, and also conceding fewest points of any club (an average of 13 an opening term). 

Brisbane is lumped towards the bottom of the ladder and can point to its first quarters as a key factor, with the Lions yet to claim a win in that period. They have also conceded more than double the points they have managed to score themselves, often leaving them too much work to do after the first break.

First quarters won

The Eagles have been solid starters in games but have put the foot down in the second term to be completely dominant before the half-time break.

Adam Simpson's men hold the best record of any side in any period of the game with their second terms, with a percentage of 280.82.

They have averaged 29 points in the second quarter and conceded on average just 10, meaning they have headed into half-time holding a lead in all bar their round one loss to Sydney (when they trailed by 26 points).

Second quarters won

Essendon's third-quarter woes have been the focus of much attention and scrutiny, and for good reason given the Bombers have given up half-time leads the past two weeks to be overrun in the third quarter.

The Bombers haven't won a third term yet, a problem they don't seem to have any solution to. On the other hand, Geelong and Port Adelaide have been strong after the main break, winning all bar one third term, while it has also been a strong time of the game for the Hawks and Dees. 

Third quarters won

Gold Coast's start to the season has seen the Suns play in Cairns, Melbourne, twice in Perth, once in Brisbane, once in Adelaide and then most recently in Ballarat.

It's a tiring schedule that no doubt is having an effect on the younger Suns line-up, who sit last for last quarter performances this year. They have won just one final term but been also heavily outscored as well. 

Fourth quarters won