Reading the HUN on line this morning and looking through the Port match stats, and there were a few surprises.

First surprise: Clint Bartram had 7 disposals at 100% efficiency. This year, he might be able to replicate the small back pocket role of Matty Whelan

Second: Sylvia (12 disposals at 83%)and Grimes (9 disposals at 89%) would indicate that grimes must have a decent go in the midfield this year.

Third: Watts had 8 disposals at 88% which is a great stat for a major forward.

Fourth: Nicholson, Dunn, McDonald and Blease had 100% efficiency but had low stats so the effieiceny impact is reduced

Fifth: Bail, J MacDonald, Rivers & Moloney were in the 50% efficieny area. Not good enough. Only one with any excuse is Bail becuase he is young and has only a few games under his belt. For Moloney, he is going to have to be careful - Jones, Gysberts, Tapscott, Blease and others will be pouring pressure on him for his spot.

Trengove: Only 67% efficiency but continues to get himself into the right places.

What I find really interesting about this game and the stats, is that it looks like our forward line was the most efficient. In the last few years our backline has strengthened up and our midfield recruiting looks exciting, but maybe our forward line of Watts, Jurrah, Green, Dunn, Maric, Petterd, Wonna etc... could funtion at a better rate earlier than anticipated. Add in the possibility of Jamar resting down there, and someone like Cook or Howe adding more marking strength and we can go into games with other teams having to plan well to cover all the options:

Any thoughts?

Any thoughts?

It's a rubbish statistic. Every now and then it reflects what happens but there is no context to the disposals. For example just about every time Macdonald got the ball he was surrounded by players in congested situations. Also, just because someone doesn't hit a player directly with a pass doesn't mean it is "ineffective". Kicking the ball out in front to space is often just as effective in many situations.

I agree about it not being a totally accurate stat for the backline and mids, but efficiency in the forwrd line is essential. Having said that, Melbourne's forwards rated high in disposal efficiency but kcicked 2.5 in the last half of the Port game. Maybe you are right. However, those players in the 50% area need to examine their game.

Terrible analysis of useless stats.

Terrible analysis of useless stats.

correct

I agree about it not being a totally accurate stat for the backline and mids, but efficiency in the forwrd line is essential. Having said that, Melbourne's forwards rated high in disposal efficiency but kcicked 2.5 in the last half of the Port game. Maybe you are right. However, those players in the 50% area need to examine their game.

Every player needs to examine their game.

Of the ten goals kicked by Melbourne four were the direct result of long kicks into the forward line by Sylvia. Often he just slammed the ball on his foot, but with targets in the forward line along with his penetrating kicking he didn't need to worry about pin-pointing passes. It was simple yet highly effective football which put the defenders under pressure and gave the forwards the best opportunity.

I am a huge Moloney fan but gee he needs to think before he kicks. The match was in the balance and he kicked it to Maric who had 3 blokes on him, not good enough from a VC

Terrible analysis of useless stats.

I concur

That's always been typical of Moloney's disposal.

Nothing new.

Terrible analysis of useless stats.

Tell it like it is.. don't hold back now.

Stats are useless in any case. They are for nerds.

I am a huge Moloney fan but gee he needs to think before he kicks. The match was in the balance and he kicked it to Maric who had 3 blokes on him, not good enough from a VC

Framing it from an Adelaide perspective however, he kicked it to Maric who had two teammates alongside him.

I am a huge Moloney fan but gee he needs to think before he kicks. The match was in the balance and he kicked it to Maric who had 3 blokes on him, not good enough from a VC

He had a total of 4 kicks for the night. 4 kicks in a game that doesn't even matter. I think you should at least wait until the season starts before saying its not good enough.

Stats are not useless.

But the effective disposals stat is.

I also consider that stat useless.

I thought Moloney did what he is required to do quite well. I accept his long kicks to suspect positions as long as he bulldozers away efficently and effectively. It has taken me a few years to accept my position...

I think the stats sheet doesn't quite tell the full story.

Often it depends on where and when the stat is accumulated. An ineffective disposal in the backline can be twice as damaging as one in the forward line. Likewise, 3 good kicks in junk time aint worth 1 good kick under pressure.

The best scholars of the game probably use their vision/experience first and the stats sheet second when forming opinions on performance. Both add depth but only one is truly important.