Three in the opening four rounds, we've had. Surely, comes the cry, this is some sort of record!
The only record is that it's the first time there have been three draws in four rounds at one venue, in this case the MCG.
It's also interesting to note that there have been three draws in eight games at the MCG — and four draws in 12 games at the home of football, if you go back to last year's Grand Final.
As for three draws in the opening four rounds, well, it's happened twice — but on both occasions it was over a century ago, when men were men and scores were lower.
In 1911, there was one draw in the opening round and two draws in round two. Then there were no more draws for the season.
In 1914, there were two draws in the opening round and another one in round four. Then there was another draw mid-season, making it four all-up.
One of the draws from the two seasons under review, 1911 and 1914, was between Essendon and Carlton. It was in round one, 1911.
According to The Age report on the game, "fully 20,000 visited the East Melbourne ground, where the great rivals of last year again tried conclusions".
In an uncanny flip on last Saturday's events, two of Carlton's best players, Jim Marchbank and Jack Wells, were lost to knee injuries during the 1911 clash.
Essendon apparently was overly rough, leading to several Carlton injuries. Essendon was also inaccurate. The score at half-time was 4.5 (29) to 1.10 (16) in the Blue boys' favour.
A dogged scrap ensued in the second half before the teams drew level with five minutes remaining. The ball then bobbled around the centre, according to The Age, with both teams "splendid in defence".
This superbness in defence left the two sides locked at the final siren; Carlton kicked 6.9 (45) and Essendon 5.15 (45).
Essendon considered a protest because one goal umpire had signalled a point that was overruled by a boundary umpire. But nothing came of it.
Both The Age and The Argus declared that Carlton was the moral victor, which is also another flip to emerge from last Saturday's match, when Essendon was considered the unlucky team.
The average numbers of draws a season is 1.13. The season that has shown the greatest diversion from that figure is the 1921 season, when there were five draws.
In that season, Essendon played in two draws as did Carlton. We'll watch with interest when the Blues and Bombers play each other again in round 18.
1911
Round one: Essendon 5.15 (45) v Carlton 6.9 (45)
Round two: Geelong 7.12 (54) v Melbourne 7.12 (54)
Round two: Carlton 10.6 (66) v South Melbourne 10.6 (66)
1914
Round one: Collingwood 8.8 (56) v Carlton 6.20 (56)
Round one: Geelong 8.13 (61) v Essendon 8.13 (61)
Round four: South Melbourne 8.4 (52) v Collingwood 7.10 (52)
Round 12: Essendon 6.18 (54) v St Kilda 8.6 (54)
1921
Round one: Essendon 11.12 (78) v Melbourne 12.6 (78)
Round four: Carlton 5.20 (50) v Fitzroy 6.14 (50)
Round five: St Kilda 12.18 (90) v Melbourne 13.12 (90)
Round five: South Melbourne 10.10 (70) v Carlton 10.10 (70)
Round 17: Essendon 10.14 (74) v Fitzroy 11.8 (74)
