The Bombers' struggles this year are mirrored in the statistics, with their start and finish to games particularly damaging. Their fourth-quarter results are the second worst in the competition and although some of that can be attributed to the youth in the squad, it is also a concern in terms of their fitness and ability to run out games. They have won seven out of 15 third terms, which makes that their best quarter, but even then they have battled to make the most of their dominance near goal. That has been a problem throughout the whole year, and over the past seven games the Bombers have averaged eight goals a game. 

First quarters
Won: 6 
Score: 34.36 (240) 
Differential: -32 
AFL ranking: 12

Second quarters 
Won: 5 
Score: 41.35 (281) 
Differential: -71 
AFL ranking: 15

Third quarters 
Won: 7 
Score: 42.43 (295) 
Differential: -51 
AFL ranking: 12

Fourth quarters
Won: 3 
Score: 36.35 (251) 
Differential: -130
AFL ranking: 17

Scoreless quarters, 2015: One: Fourth quarter v Sydney Swans, round one

Goalless quarters, 2015: Four: Fourth quarter v Sydney Swans, round one; third quarter, v Fremantle, round six; first quarter v Geelong, round 10; second quarter v Geelong, round 10 

Best quarter, 2015: 7.4 (46), third quarter v Brisbane Lions, round eight 

Best quarter since 2010: 15.4 (94), first quarter v Gold Coast, round six, 2011 

Quirky stat 
Essendon's scoring accuracy improves as quarters go on this year. In the first 10 minutes the Bombers score at 50 per cent, from the 10 to 20-minute marks they score at an accuracy of 57 per cent, and they score at an accuracy of 65 per cent in the time-on period. - Callum Twomey

The Dockers' first-quarter dominance was a feature of their play when they won the first nine games of the season, but it is as much to do with their defence as their attack. They kicked six goals in the first term last week against Carlton. It was only the second time they have kicked six goals or more this season and they have kicked five goals three times. But teams can't score against Fremantle in the opening term. In the first eight rounds they did not concede more than two goals in an opening term. Only Richmond (eight goals in round 10) and Hawthorn (four goals in round 15) have got hold of them. 

First quarters
Won: 8
Score: 57. 31 (373) 
Differential: +119 
AFL ranking: 1 

Second quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 44. 40 (304) 
Differential: +49 
AFL ranking: 5 

Third quarters
Won: 11 
Score: 43. 33 (291) 
Differential: +56 
AFL ranking: 6 

Fourth quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 42. 51 (303) 
Differential: +57 
AFL ranking: 5 

Scoreless quarters, 2015: None

Goalless quarters, 2015: Three: third quarter v Sydney Swans round four; fourth quarter v Essendon, round six; second quarter v Hawthorn, round 15

Best quarter, 2015: 9.2 (56), first quarter v West Coast, round three 

Best quarter since 2010: 10.4 (64), third quarter v North Melbourne, round 10, 2010 

Quirky stat 
Fremantle has won the contested possession count in 42 quarters this season - six more quarter wins than any other side. - Alex Malcolm

Geelong is ranked second in the AFL for points scored versus points conceded in first quarters, getting the jump on their opponents 10 times in opening terms this season. The Cats might start full of running, but their problem has been maintaining it across the course of a game. After half-time is where the figures become alarming for Chris Scott's men. Geelong is placed 11th in third quarters won and 15th in winning final terms, with the club having won just four final terms for the year. If the Cats are to make the finals for the ninth straight year, their consistency throughout games will need to improve markedly. 

First quarters
Won: 10 
Score: 54.30 (354)
Differential: +85 points
AFL ranking: 2

Second quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 42.38 (290)
Differential: +5 points
AFL ranking: 9

Third quarters
Won: 5 
Score: 48.33 (321)
Differential: -50 points
AFL ranking: 11

Fourth quarters
Won: 4 
Score: 35.38 (248)
Differential: -90 points
AFL ranking: 15

Scoreless quarters, 2015: None

Goalless quarters, 2015: One: second quarter v North Melbourne, round four 

Best quarter for season 2015: 7.1 (43), third quarter v Carlton, round eight; 7.1 (43), first quarter v Collingwood round six

Best quarter since 2010: 12.1 (73), second quarter, round 19 v Melbourne, 2011; 11.7 (73), third quarter v Port Adelaide, round four, 2010

Quirky stat
Geelong has outscored its opposition by a total of 57 points in the opening 10 minutes of games this season – ranked No.1 in the competition. - Ben Guthrie

Contrary to popular opinion, Gold Coast is actually running out their matches well. Although they've played with one of the youngest teams in the competition for much of the season, the Suns are ranked 11th in fourth-quarter point differential and has won the final term in seven of its 15 matches. They are often competitive in the opening quarter but are getting blown away in terms two and three, losing an average of 20 points a match in those periods. It could be a lack of concentration, a lack of discipline, or the opposition putting the foot down, but whatever the case, Gold Coast has to improve its football through the middle of matches to stay competitive.

First quarters
Won: 5 
Score: 40.39 (279) 
Differential: -60 
AFL ranking: 17 

Second quarters 
Won: 3 
Score: 30.39 (219) 
Differential: -143 
AFL ranking: 17

Third quarters
Won: 5 
Score: 35.38 (248) 
Differential: -165 
AFL ranking: 18

Fourth quarters
Won: 7 
Score: 51.37 (343) 
Differential: -27 
AFL ranking: 11

Scoreless quarters, 2015: None

Goalless quarters, 2015: Three: second quarter v West Coast, round seven, third quarter v Collingwood, round eight; second quarter v Sydney Swans, round 10

Best quarter, 2015: 8.2 (50), last quarter v North Melbourne, round 14

Best quarter since 2010: 8.7 (55), third quarter v Western Bulldogs, round 10, 2014

Quirky stat 
Gold Coast has won the disposals count in just 12 of its 60 quarters played so far this season – ranked last. - Michael Whiting

Whatever coach Leon Cameron is saying at the half-time break is doing wonders for the Giants – the third term is clearly their best quarter going by the statistics in 2015. The best example was the carnage they unleashed on Melbourne in round two in Canberra. GWS booted nine goals for the term that day, their highest-scoring quarter ever, turning a 27-point half-time deficit into a 26-point advantage by three-quarter time. In saying that, maybe Cameron should use his half-time speech before the game, as the Giants are notoriously slow starters. They're ranked 14th in the League and interestingly enough, went goalless in the opener against the Demons that same day in round two.

First quarters
Won: 7 
Score: 41.51 (297) 
Differential: -37 
AFL ranking: 13 

Second quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 45.52 (322) 
Differential: +23 
AFL ranking: 8

Third quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 56.51 (387) 
Differential: +99 
AFL ranking: 4

Fourth quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 47.43 (325) 
Differential: -33 
AFL ranking: 12

Scoreless quarters, 2015: One: second quarter v West Coast round five

Goalless quarters, 2015: Six: first quarter v Melbourne, round two; second quarter and last quarter v West Coast, round  five; fourth quarter v Adelaide, round eight; fourth quarter v North Melbourne, round 12; third quarter v St Kilda, round 15

Best quarter, 2015: 9.2 (56) third quarter v Melbourne, round two

Best quarter since 2010: 9.2 (56) third quarter v Melbourne, round two 

Quirky stat
Jeremy Cameron ranks second for scoreboard impact in second halves of games, contributing a total of 208 points. - Adam Curley

The Giants put the Demons to the sword in their massive round two comeback. Picture: AFL Media

It's called 'the premiership quarter' for a reason, and there's little surprise that the raging flag favourites have dominated the third term this year (won 14, lost one). Hawthorn boots an average of 35 points in the third quarter, more than doubling their opponents' score (17 points). It's becoming nearly impossible to stop Alastair Clarkson's in-form and versatile outfit. In their past six games, the Hawks have piled on more than 100 points – including a combined 261 points in hammerings of flag challengers Fremantle and the Sydney Swans over the past fortnight. The theory that West Coast could be the main threat to the Hawks' three-peat is supported by the total quarters won by the powerhouse clubs. Hawthorn tops the list (47), followed by the Eagles (41), Fremantle (37) and the Swans (35). 

First quarters
Won: 10 
Score: 52.43 (355) 
Differential: 72 
AFL Ranking: 3

Second quarters 
Won: 11 
Score: 53.55 (373) 
Differential: 107 
AFL Ranking: 3

Third quarters
Won: 14 
Score: 81.43 (529) 
Differential: 271 
AFL Ranking: 1

Four quarters
Won: 12 
Score: 62.55 (427) 
Differential: 177 
AFL Ranking: 2

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: One: First quarter v Sydney Swans, round eight

Best quarter, 2015: 9.3 (57), second quarter v Western Bulldogs, round three.

Best quarter since 2010: 11.3 (69), fourth quarter v Port Adelaide, round 20, 2012

Quirky stat
Since 2010, Hawthorn has won the disposals and inside 50 counts in 47.5 per cent of quarters – ranked No.1. The Hawks have gone on to win 90 per cent of these quarters, the best record of any side. - Travis King

The Demons' inability to stick with their opponents for a whole game has cost them once again this season but their fast starts show effort is not an issue. Three shocking third quarters against Greater Western Sydney in round two, Hawthorn in round seven and Essendon in round 15 distort the figures, and they have managed to put together nine quarters of five goals or more already this season, a marked improvement on 2014 when they managed to kick five goals or more in a quarter just six times. The Demons are a much more balanced outfit and their low ranking in final quarters is due to their youth, having played six first-year players and used 37 players this season. The trend remains encouraging but there is plenty of work ahead.

First quarters
Won: Eight 
Score: 43.39 (297) 
Differential: -12 
AFL Ranking: 11

Second quarters
Won: Seven 
Score: 42.30 (282) 
Differential: -23 
AFL Ranking: equal 12

Third quarters
Won: Four 
Score: 37.42 (264) 
Differential: -160 
AFL Ranking: 17

Fourth quarters 
Won: Six 
Score: 32.42 (234) 
Differential: -92 
AFL Ranking: 16

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: Five times: third quarter v Greater Western Sydney, round two; last quarter v Fremantle, round five; second quarter v Sydney Swans, round six; last quarter v Collingwood, round 10; third quarter v Brisbane Lions, round 16.

Best quarter, 2015: 6.1 (37), third quarter v Geelong, round 12

Best quarter since 2010: 12.2 (74), last quarter v Greater Western Sydney, round four, 2014

Quirky stat 
Melbourne has won 50 more contested possessions than its opposition in opening quarters this season to be ranked second behind Fremantle. It is ranked 10th, 13th and 11th across the final three quarters for the contested possession differential. - Peter Ryan

The Roos have regularly put themselves behind the eight-ball with slow starts in 2015. Only Richmond, Gold Coast and Carlton have won fewer first quarters than North's six, while only the Blues, Suns, Brisbane Lions and St Kilda have worse scoring differentials than North's -40 in opening terms. The Roos have been able to work their way back into matches in the middle terms, ranking seventh in differentials in both second and third quarters. However, they have dropped off again in final quarters, when they have been outscored by a differential of -25 (10th in the AFL). Tellingly, two of North's four goalless terms came in fourth quarters, in the 12-goal losses to Adelaide in round one and Fremantle in round eight.

First quarters
Won: 6 
Score: 41.40 (286) 
Differential: -40 
AFL ranking: 14 

Second quarters 
Won: 6 
Score: 53.34 (352) 
Differential: +25 
AFL ranking: 7 

Third quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 52.45 (357) 
Differential: +10 
AFL ranking: 7 

Fourth quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 52.46 (358) 
Differential: -25 
AFL ranking: 10 

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: Four: Fourth quarter v Adelaide, round one; fourth quarter v Fremantle, round eight; third quarter v Collingwood, round nine; first quarter v Gold Coast, round 14 

Best quarter, 2015: 8.2 (50), second quarter v Brisbane Lions, round two 

Best quarter since 2010: 9.7 (61), first quarter v St Kilda, round 10, 2013 

Quirky stat
Ben Cunnington has won the most clearances in third quarters in the AFL since 2013 (114) - Nick Bowen

The Roos trudge off the MCG after conceding nine goals in a quarter to Collingwood. Picture: AFL Media

The Power might need to take a serious look at what they do during half-time breaks, because the players rarely come out firing in the third quarter. They start games like a team possessed and are one of the League's best sides in opening terms. But that success tends to dry up quickly, with their opposition making ground until the Power fight back to a small degree in the final quarter. It reflects exactly what coach Ken Hinkley has previously stated – the consistency just isn't there this year. His players are continually beaten for the majority of quarters but rally late, often when the result is already decided.

First quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 51.38 (344) 
Differential: +50 
AFL ranking: 5

Second quarters
Won: 6 
Score: 52.32 (344) 
Differential: -9
AFL ranking: 11

Third quarters
Won: 4 
Score: 39.40 (274)
Differential: -89 
AFL ranking: 15

Fourth quarters
Won: 6 
Score: 46.30 (306) 
Differential: +15 
AFL ranking: 7

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: Three: last quarter, Sydney Swans, round two; last quarter, Hawthorn, round four; first quarter, Richmond, round eight.

Best quarter, 2015: 50 points, first quarter, Hawthorn, round four

Best quarter since 2010: 62 points, second quarter, Richmond, round 22, 2010

Quirky stat
This season Port Adelaide has been outscored by 138 points in the opening 20 minutes of quarters, but has outscored its opposition by 105 points in time-on. - Harry Thring

BY THE NUMBERS: The Power at Etihad

The Power celebrate a win over Hawthorn in the year's most topsy-turvy game. Picture: AFL Media 

Richmond's starts haven't been identified as a big issue because the club has recovered and got itself into a position to finish top four. The Tigers' poor starts, however, nearly cost them that chance. Every loss they have had this year, they have ended the first quarter behind. It hasn't been by big margins, kicking 11.16 to their opponents' 16.14, but its enough to put them on the back foot. Conversely, the Tigers are ending matches impressively, winning 11 of 15 fourth quarters. The exception was in round 16 when St Kilda came from 52 points behind at three-quarter time to nearly cause a boil over, eventually losing by 16 points.        

First quarters
Won: 5 
Score 39.45 (279) 
Differential: -5 
AFL ranking: 10th

Second quarters
Won: 11 
Score 50.44 (344) 
Differential: +79 
AFL ranking: 4th

Third quarters
Won: 6 
Score 42.39 (291) 
Differential: -26 
AFL ranking: 10th

Fourth quarters
Won: 11 
Score 50.48 (348) 
Differential: +94 
AFL ranking: 3rd

Scoreless quarters, 2015: one, third quarter v Port Adelaide, round eight

Goalless quarters, 2015: four: last quarter v Melbourne, round four; first quarter v Geelong, round five; third quarter v Port Adelaide, round eight; last quarter v West Coast, round 12

Best quarter, 2015: 8.4 (52), last quarter v Brisbane Lions, round three

Best quarter since 2010: 11.5 (71), second quarter v Greater Western Sydney, round 22, 2013 

Quirky stat 
Richmond has had 14 fewer inside 50s than its opposition in the first 20 minutes of quarters – ranked No.8. It has won the count by 74 in the time-on period of quarters – ranked No.1. – Nathan Schmook

The Saints have staked their claim as a team that can never be written off, with coach Alan Richardson instilling a never-say-die attitude in his young players. The Western Bulldogs know this all too well. In round six the Saints kicked 12 goals to three after half time to win by seven points. Then in round 13 they got within a goal after trailing by 21 points in the fourth quarter. The final quarter is clearly the best quarter for St Kilda, with teams never truly comfortable against the rebuilding team, particularly at Etihad Stadium, where their running game excels.   

First quarters
Won: 7 
Score: 41.51 (297) 
Differential: -53 
AFL ranking: 15th

Second quarters
Won: 7 
Score 49.35 (329) 
Differential -53 
AFL ranking: 14th

Third quarters
Won: 4 
Score 45.38 (308) 
Differential -59 
AFL ranking: 13th

Fourth quarters
Won: 7 
Score 47.40 (322) 
Differential -6 
AFL ranking: 9th

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: two: second quarter v Western Bulldogs, round six; first quarter v Greater Western Sydney, round 15

Best quarter, 2015: 8.3 (51), fourth quarter v Essendon, round 14

Best quarter since 2010: 10.4 (64), second quarter v Greater Western Sydney, round 22, 2012

Quirky stat 
St Kilda has a contested possession differential of +4.1 in winning quarters this season and a differential of -5.4 in losing quarters. The total differential of +9.5 in wins against losses is the biggest of any side. – Nathan Schmook

The statistics show that the Swans might take a quarter to get going – their only two goalless quarters of the year have been the opener in round one against Essendon and the same term against Hawthorn last week – but when they do they're hard to stop. They're ranked first for scoring differential in the second term with West Coast – they kicked 6.3 against the Giants in round three, their best of the season, and have kicked 52.44 in second quarters, while keeping the opposition to 30.44. The third term is the only one in which the Swans have been outscored, but it's only been a small differential. 

First quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 45.37 (307) 
Differential: +26 
AFL ranking: 6

Second quarters
Won: 12 
Score: 52.44 (356) 
Differential: +132 
AFL ranking: 1 (equal)

Third quarters
Won: 7 
Score: 47.47 (329) 
Differential: -10 
AFL ranking: 8

Fourth quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 43.43 (301) 
Differential: +52 
AFL ranking: 6

Scoreless quarters, 2015: Nil

Goalless quarters, 2015: Two, first quarter v Essendon, round one; first quarter v Hawthorn, round 16

Best quarter, 2015: 7.4 (46) fourth quarter v Essendon, round one 

Best quarter since 2010: 11.4 (70) third quarter v North Melbourne, round three, 2013

Quirky stat
Since 2013, Josh Kennedy has averaged 7.8 disposals per game in opening quarters – ranked No.1 in the competition in this time. - Adam Curley

The Eagles' second halves have been exceptional. They have won 12 third quarters out of 15 and are the best final-quarter team in terms of scoring differential. Teams that are playing West Coast need to establish a healthy first-term lead or they will struggle. The Dockers held a 52-point quarter-time lead in the round three derby and only won by 30 points. North Melbourne had a three-goal lead at quarter-time in round 10 and won by 10 points. The exception was Adelaide. The Crows led by 14 points at quarter-time in round 15 but the Eagles kicked 8.7 to 0.1 in the second term to put the game away.  

First quarters 
Won: 8 
Score: 49. 49 (343) 
Differential: +11 
AFL ranking: 7 

Second quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 50.60 (360) 
Differential: +132 
AFL ranking: 1 (equal)

Third quarters
Won: 12 
Score: 68.43 (451) 
Differential: +184 
AFL ranking: 2 

Fourth quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 68.48 (456) 
Differential: +254 
AFL ranking: 1 

Scoreless quarters, 2015: None

Goalless quarters, 2015: One, first quarter v Fremantle, round three

Best quarter, 2015: 12.0 (72), third quarter v Gold Coast, round seven 

Best quarter since 2010: 12.0 (72), third quarter v Gold Coast, round seven, 2015

Quirky stat
Josh Kennedy and Jamie Cripps have kicked the first goal after half-time five times each this season. Both are ranked equal first for scoring the first goal after half-time. - Alex Malcolm

The Eagles clocked the best quarter of the year so far - a 12-goal belting of the Suns. Picture: AFL Media

The Bulldogs have lost more quarters than they've won in 2015 (27 won, 32 lost), but their first quarters have really set the game up for them. Being the competition's fourth youngest side is probably a contributing factor to why they've struggled in final quarters, as young bodies tend to run out of steam. But in a quirk, the Dogs' barnstorming round 15 win over the Suns saw them kick the season's second biggest final quarter score.

First quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 50.36 (336) 
Differential: +66 
AFL ranking: 4

Second quarters
Won: 6 
Score: 38.42 (270) 
Differential: -23 
AFL ranking: 12

Third quarters
Won: 8 
Score: 52.52 (364) 
Differential: +71 
AFL ranking: 5

Fourth quarters
Won: 9 
Score: 47.34 (316) 
Differential: -43 
AFL ranking: 13

Scoreless quarters, 2015: None

Goalless quarters, 2015: One, last quarter v Hawthorn, round three

Best quarter, 2015: 10.2 (62), last quarter v Gold Coast, round 15

Best quarter since 2010: 10.3 (63), first quarter v Port Adelaide, round 22, 2011

Quirky stat
Jason Johannisen ranks 52nd in the competition for effective metres gained in first halves, but he ranks second in the competition across second halves behind Heath Shaw. - Ryan Davidson