Contenders Analysis - 2025 Cpl

Visual analysis showing which teams are true contenders (can win the title) or pretenders (may have had a few good wins but will not win the championship) based on their offensive and defensive performance.

Contenders Overview

Defense

HFX

Both

FOR

ATO

Neither

YRK

VAL

PAC

VFC2

Offense

CAV

Offense (top) vs Defense (left) - Top third performance

True

Defense

Offense

Neither

Analysis Summary

True Contenders

Defensive Contenders

Offensive Pretenders

Pretenders

Based on top 3 teams (top third) for offense and defense metrics

Defensive Contenders

Strong defense, weak offense - rely on low-scoring games

HFX

#5 • 5th offense • 3rd defense

True Contenders

Strong offense and defense - championship material

FOR

#1 • 2nd offense • 1st defense

ATO

#2 • 1st offense • 2nd defense

Pretenders

Weak offense and defense - unlikely to compete

YRK

#4 • 4th offense • 5th defense

VAL

#6 • 7th offense • 8th defense

PAC

#7 • 8th offense • 6th defense

VFC2

#8 • 6th offense • 7th defense

Offensive Pretenders

Strong offense, weak defense - inconsistent performers

CAV

#3 • 3rd offense • 4th defense

Legend

Quick Guide

True Contenders: Strong offense & defense

Defensive Contenders: Strong defense, weak offense

Offensive Pretenders: Strong offense, weak defense

Pretenders: Weak offense & defense

Methodology

• Teams divided into thirds based on total teams
• Top third for offense = highest average points for
• Top third for defense = lowest average points against
• Quadrants determined by offense/defense tier placement

Quadrant Meanings

• True Contenders: Strong offense & defense
• Defensive Contenders: Strong defense, weak offense
• Offensive Pretenders: Strong offense, weak defense
• Pretenders: Weak offense & defense

Data Explanation

F: Average points scored per game (offense metric)

A: Average points conceded per game (defense metric)

#: Current ladder position

Teams are categorized based on their performance relative to other teams in the competition. True contenders typically have both strong offensive and defensive capabilities, while pretenders may excel in one area but struggle in the other, or struggle in both areas.