Melbourne Storm has been named Australasia’s (Australia and New Zealand) Best Sporting Team in 2020, for the second consecutive year, having also won the NRL premiership for the second time in four years.
Platinum Asset Management (Platinum), together with GAIN LINE Analytics (GAIN LINE), presented their Australasia Best Sporting Team (ABST) analysis today.
Every game in every sport in Australasia that conducts an ongoing home/away or equivalent competition that included Australian teams has been analysed subject to the competition criteria. The annual analysis, based on rolling five year outcomes (2016-2020), has grown to 18 competitions, including 7 women’s competitions, and the unisex Oceanic Pro League (esports). Over 8,000 individual matches were included in the dataset analysed.
ABST brings an analytical approach to how relationships within teams (‘cohesion’) are important drivers of outcomes; this is often overlooked as conventional analysis tends to study talent and leadership. ABST hopes to start a new conversation about greatness, reward success and unearth some hidden gems.
While there were small movements among the leaders from 2019, Crusaders (Rugby Union), who won our original long term analysis (1994-2018), closed the gap at the top after winning Super Rugby Aotearoa, their fourth title in a row. The top five is rounded out by Sydney FC (soccer), NSW Breakers (women’s cricket) and Richmond (AFL), all of whom look like they could be forming dynasties in their particular sports.
GAIN LINE measured cohesion in NRL, Super Rugby and AFL; the three teams highlighted have the highest TWI (Team Work Index) score for their competition, which is GAIN LINE’s measure for cohesion created via organisational governance.
2020 was an unusual year for Australasian sport due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions. It was perhaps no coincidence for adherents of GAIN LINE’s theories around cohesion to see NRL Winners Melbourne Storm, AFL grand finalists, Richmond and Geelong, and netball champions Melbourne Vixens operating in Queensland-based ‘bubbles’, forgoing interaction with families and friends, though developing intense team spirit, and extra time to focus on the detail
Platinum has worked with GAIN LINE previously with regard to what makes a team successful and this has led to a focus on our own team cohesion as a key driver of success. In recognition of Melbourne Storm’s success, they were today presented with the opportunity to make a donation to a charitable cause.
The club has chosen to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation, an Australian charity dedicated to brightening the lives of sick kids. In creating over half a million Starlight Experiences each year, they make a positive impact through bringing fun, joy and laughter to help sick children.
ABST evolved from Platinum and GAIN LINE working together. It seeks to measure and recognise success while emphasising that the way a team is built is critical. Governance is pivotal to corporate outcomes and is a key component of our investment process. It is also critical in developing our own team to deliver better client outcomes.
For the criteria and results of the top 25 overall, top 3 by sport and top 3 by state/country, please go to the following link: www.platinum.com.au/abst2020
