<P> The concept of a `` grand '' final gradually evolved from experimentation by the Victorian Football League ( VFL ) in the initial years of competition following its inception in 1897 . During the 19th century , Australian football competition adopted the approach that the team on top of the ladder at the end of the home - and - away series was declared the premiers . However , the fledgling VFL decided that a finals series played between the top four teams at the end of the season would generate more interest and gate money . For 1897 , the VFL scheduled a round robin tournament whereby the top four played each other once and the team that won the most matches was declared the winner . </P>
<P> The concept of a `` grand '' final gradually evolved from experimentation by the Victorian Football League ( VFL ) in the initial years of competition following its inception in 1897 . During the 19th century , Australian football competition adopted the approach that the team on top of the ladder at the end of the home - and - away series was declared the premiers . However , the fledgling VFL decided that a finals series played between the top four teams at the end of the season would generate more interest and gate money . For 1897 , the VFL scheduled a round robin tournament whereby the top four played each other once and the team that won the most matches was declared the winner . </P>
how many drawn grand finals have there been in vfl / afl history
how many drawn grand finals have there been in vfl / afl history
four
four