top of the ladder with a 21–1 record, and proceeded to win its three finals matches, including the Grand Final when it defeated by 60 points, to win its 16th VFL/AFL premiership. The club's overall 24–1 record set and, as of 2021, holds the record as the best for a completed season in VFL/AFL history, breaking the previous record of 19–1 set by Carlton (1908), Collingwood (1929) and Essendon (1950). The win secured the Western Bulldogs' place in the 2000 finals series. The Bulldogs lost the final match of the home-and-away season to finish seventh on the ladder, and subsequently lost its elimination final against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. The club would struggle in the ensuing years, with Wallace resigning as coach with one round remaining in the 2002 season, followed by claiming the wooden spoon in 2003. Defensive strategies became more common in the AFL in the years following the game, with spare defenders and strong defensive zones becoming regular strategies within a few years. See also 2000 AFL season Miracle on Grass References External links Match statistics from AFL Tables Match report from the Herald Sun The 'super-flood' | Bombers v Bulldogs, 2000 | AAMI Classic Last Two Mins | AFL on YouTube 2000 Australian Football League season Australian Football League games Essendon Football Club Nicknamed sporting events Western Bulldogs