📊 Statistically Speaking: Finals Week 1

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review the Elimination Finals by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

Justin McInerney lit up the stage at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday to inspire his side to an incredible come-from-behind victory. McInerney, 19, was the Swans’ best with 19 disposals (12 contested), seven clearances, 10 inside 50s and the match-winning goal when he gathered the ball on the wing, took three bounces and nailed it on the run from 50m. Bravo.

RANKINGS RULER

Sydney University midfielder Jake Bartholomaeus kicked off his career as a NEAFL MVP winner with another excellent display against the Swans, leading the Champion Data ranking points this week with 147. Bartholomaeus, 22, collected 29 disposals, (14 contested), eight clearances, six inside 50s, 11 tackles and booted 1.2 in the Students’ heartbreaking loss.

ROOKIE WATCH

Swans Academy member Errol Gulden was playing just his second NEAFL game on Saturday, but the AFL Draft prospect never looked out of place. Named among his side’s best, the 17-year-old collected 18 disposals (10 contested), six tackles and three clearances in a terrific display.

FORMIDABLE DEFENCE

Key to Aspley’s victory on Saturday against the GIANTS was a huge performance from their backline as they restricted a strong line-up to just six majors. Liam Dawson was among those who continually picked off the GIANTS attacking forays, finishing the day with 24 disposals, 11 marks and 11 intercepts. The former Brisbane Lion collected the second-highest Champion Data ranking points total of the week with 139.

TACKLE KING

Sydney’s Sam Wicks hasn’t been afraid of the tough stuff in the clinches this season, and Saturday was no different as the rookie laid a huge 16 tackles to go with his 21 disposals, seven clearances and seven inside 50s. Wicks’ tackle count was the equal highest of the season, joining Aspley’s Jono Giles who also had 16 against Southport in Round 16. Incredibly, it was the sixth time this season Wicks has had 10 tackles or more in a single game.

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