Vince and the Jones boys had 100 possessions between them apparently?

Not many cheapies or one-twos in that lot at all, but my question is how many of them are truly effective and advance the team cause. Are these 100 worth 60? I watch the game, and then see that stats...and something doesn't fit.

Someone here said Dom Tyson had 16, and N Jones had 33. I don't think the latter was double the player.

I'd rather Cross, Tyson and Viney getting in 80 times; rather than Vince and the Jones boys getting it 100 times. I reckon they 'create'. They (Tyson & Cross) draw players rather than wait for teammates to lead. Cross gets full value for every possession. Tyson is silk; and Viney at least busts a gut breaking a line.

Edited April 26, 201411 yr by TGR

Very interesting concept, but I disagree that Cross, Tyson, and Viney are the guys who produce the highest value per possession.

Nathan Jones has become a very reliable kick, and he's so good at finding space for himself, waiting patiently, and drilling a pass to a teammate (however, I never would have dared say that 4 years ago). I'd argue that his possessions are the most valuable in the team, and I imagine many Demonlanders would agree with that. I think Matt Jones is likewise becoming very reliable with the ball in hand. Before his form slump, Jack Watts would be in a similarly category, as would Chris Dawes, Colin Garland, and Lynden Dunn (their possessions I'd argue are worth more than double than those of Terlich, McDonald, Bail, Byrnes, etc.)

Cross, Tyson, and Viney's possessions are very valuable, but because they are so often buried under the pack they don't always end up in the hands of teammates. I'm generalising, but you could argue that for every one or two opportunities they create (by getting the ball out of the pack), they waste a touch by losing possession or forcing another stoppage.

I think a more useful exercise is trying to equate the value of a hitout, or a tackle, or a shepherd, in relation to a possession.

Matt Jones has improved this yr, gives 100% every week and would be one of the first players picked each week.

Very under rated player.

Melbourne have about 4 players whose possessions are gold, whether you like the player or not.

If N Jones, Watts, Dunn and Viney were to get over 80 possessions combined each game, then we'd be standing in fantastic stead.

Cross and Tyson both have question marks in my opinion over their possession. Tyson is improving but turns the ball over a little bit too much. Vince is also fantastic, but i wont include him in that group above.

Dom Tyson will go down as one of the best players to wear a Melbourne jumper in the past 20 years. He makes other players better, which is a remarkable achievement for a kid who has played 20-something games.

In the coming years, I look forward to Dom developing a tank that can see him clock up the kms that is standard for the AFL's best. When that happens, he should be in the Top 2 or 3 of the competition.

The fact that the current Football Department have the runs on the board in terms of developing players with great potential and turning them in to stars of the competition gives me great confidence that Tyson will reach the levels I am expecting him to reach. Even if Roos leaves at the end of next season (I doubt he will), that'll still add another 35-odd games to Dom's resume, getting him up near that 60-70 game mark that industry believes is the experience level that players will start to consistently perform at high levels.

Salem, Viney, Toumpas and even Tregove should become very good friends of Dom's - he has the ability to make them very, very good players.

The fab 4 in a few years. Tyson, Viney, Toumpas, Salem..... The future.

Dom Tyson will go down as one of the best players to wear a Melbourne jumper in the past 20 years. He makes other players better, which is a remarkable achievement for a kid who has played 20-something games.

In the coming years, I look forward to Dom developing a tank that can see him clock up the kms that is standard for the AFL's best. When that happens, he should be in the Top 2 or 3 of the competition.

The fact that the current Football Department have the runs on the board in terms of developing players with great potential and turning them in to stars of the competition gives me great confidence that Tyson will reach the levels I am expecting him to reach. Even if Roos leaves at the end of next season (I doubt he will), that'll still add another 35-odd games to Dom's resume, getting him up near that 60-70 game mark that industry believes is the experience level that players will start to consistently perform at high levels.

Salem, Viney, Toumpas and even Tregove should become very good friends of Dom's - he has the ability to make them very, very good players.

A good positive thoughtful post Billy, well done, agree fully.

Viney is usually good at disposing of the ball but a few of his kicks and handballs on Saturday night were trash, well below what he normally shows.

Edit: DE of 55% and 6 clangers, well below his best.

Edited April 27, 201411 yr by Django

Viney is usually good at disposing of the ball but a few of his kicks and handballs on Saturday night were trash, well below what he normally shows.

Edit: DE of 55% and 6 clangers, well below his best.

I have never been as impressed as others with Vineys disposal even since juniors, he will get better though.

Edited April 27, 201411 yr by Tyson_Viney_Toumpas

Viney is usually good at disposing of the ball but a few of his kicks and handballs on Saturday night were trash, well below what he normally shows.

Edit: DE of 55% and 6 clangers, well below his best.

You are right, Viney is usually good with his disposal.

But Viney (like Garland) is one of a few to break a line. He will give a Dustin Martin fend-off and take them on. It is this attempt to break a line that actually creates overlap. We have so many introverted non-line-breakers, that we make it so easy to defend us when we are trying to attack.

Many supporters/media will hang their hat on Viney's disposal efficiency of 55%. I will look at this workrate and courage to take on the tackler and break a line and draw more opponents to him.

The fab 4 in a few years. Tyson, Viney, Toumpas, Salem..... The future.

Hopefully we still have Nathan Jones in that list instead of Toumpas.

Hopefully we still have Nathan Jones in that list instead of Toumpas.

Nah he'll go to GWS!

Possession numbers of player v player are only meaningful if they play the same role. Many of Cross's possessions are in traffic as he tries to get a contested ball out to another player. Many of his are therefore 'invisible' and don't appear to have the same value as a Bernie Vince long kick. In short, the only time you should compare one player's possessions with another is you participate in Dreamteam.