The numbers have shown one the most underrated aspects of success in franchise Twenty20 cricket: roster consistency.
Data obtained by AAP indicated the top three teams in this year's Big Bash League finals have used the least amount of players over the past three years.
Each of the Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder have used just 26 regular players over the past three summers, in a show of limited squad movement.
This year's other two finalists in fourth-placed Adelaide (28) and Hobart (31) have used the next least, while perennial strugglers Brisbane (37) and Melbourne Renegades (33) have used the most.
The Melbourne Stars have used 32, ranked sixth after finishing this summer's competition in the same position.
The figures only include players that have featured in three or more matches, removing those who filled in for one or two matches during COVID-19 outbreaks recently.
"The consistency of the team, everyone knows each other's roles, it's a huge help," Thunder batsman Alex Ross told AAP.
"If you look at the best teams around the world in franchise cricket, generally the teams haven't changed so much.
"The old stalwarts at Chennai (in the IPL). The Sixers have won the last two, Perth are always around the mark.
"You don't get that all that often in T20 cricket. You can have a poor year and all of a sudden the team half changes."
Roster consistency was a hallmark of Shane Bond's philosophy as Thunder coach between 2018 and 2021, before he stood down last April citing pandemic difficulties.
That approach has been continued by Trevor Bayliss, with players also embracing his direct nature and a strategy centred around ensuring risks are worth their rewards.
But the overall philosophy is part of the reason the bulk of the Thunder's squad view Sunday's knockout final against Adelaide as part of finishing the job after three straight finals appearances.
"Bondy definitely practised what he preached behind the scenes," Ross said.
"To know what each other do, it's a lot easier to go out and perform and trust that everyone else will do their job.
"If you feel comfortable in your role, the chance of you going out and performing are much higher.
"Teams that can hold on to their key players and build a culture around that, definitely go further in the competitions."
PLAYERS USED BY BBL CLUBS IN PAST THREE YEARS (ladder position in 2022)
Perth Scorchers: 26 (1st)
Sydney Sixers: 26 (2nd)
Sydney Thunder: 26 (3rd)
Adelaide Strikers: 28 (4th)
Hobart Hurricanes: 31 (5th)
Melbourne Stars: 32 (6th)
Melbourne Renegades: 33 (8th)
Brisbane Heat: 37 (7th)
