📊 Statistically Speaking: Round 12

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review Round 12 by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

Aspley ruckman Jake Spencer was formidable against NT Thunder on Saturday night, guiding his side to an important 52-point victory in Alice Springs. Spencer collected 20 disposals, 11 marks, 46 hit-outs (12 to advantage), and hit the scoreboard with two majors to be the Hornets’ best performer on the ground.

RANKINGS RULER

Sydney young gun James Rowbottom made an emphatic statement about his potential on Saturday against Canberra. The current NEAFL MVP Award leader was sensational in a best-on-ground display. His stats were ridiculous – 31 disposals (21 contested) at an impressive 80% efficiency, 11 clearances, eight inside 50s, seven tackles, two score assists and three goals. Rowbottom’s match totalled 190 Champion Data ranking points - not bad for a first-year draftee who is still only 18.

ROOKIE WATCH

Speaking of young guns, Canberra defender Angus Baker had another outstanding match this week. The Rising Star nominee led the Demons with 35 disposals at an elite 85% efficiency, plus 12 marks and eight rebound 50s in the Demons’ eight point loss. Baker, who is also in top 10 leaderboard of NEAFL MVP votes, sits third in the competition for total disposals behind Southport’s Tyler Roos and Aspley’s Matthew Payne. In his past five matches, Baker’s had no less than 29 disposals each game.

BERRY GOOD

Brisbane draftee Tom Berry had arguably his best match in Brisbane colours on Saturday. Known as a competitive beast, team player and strong tackler, Berry showcased all of those qualities with 26 disposals (12 contested), three clearances, five inside 50s and a whopping 14 tackles. Berry led the round for total ‘positives’ of any player and his 14 tackles were the most in any game by a single player so far this season. To top it off, Berry is now ranked third in the competition for total tackles.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Sydney University pair Bailey Stewart, 20, and Jake Bartholomaues, 22, are mixing it with the best in the competition when it comes to the important contested possession count. The pair had great games on the weekend coming up against the might of a Brisbane side featuring 19 AFL-listed players. Stewart (32 disposals, 18 contested) and Bartholomaues (31 disposals, 19 contested) now sit fourth and fifth respectively in the league. The only player who had more contested possessions this round was Rowbottom.

RED CENTRE CURSE

Alice Springs has been NT Thunder’s secondary home ground since the competition’s inception, but it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground of late. Thunder’s loss to Aspley on Saturday night stretches their winless streak at the venue even further, having not won at TIO Traeger Park since Round 18, 2015.

LIONS ONSLAUGHT

Brisbane were electric in the third quarter of their clash against the Students. The Lions kicked 11.3 (69) to 0.1 (1) to turn a 34-point lead to 102 in one quarter. Not surprisingly, the 69 points was the highest total in a single quarter from any team this season, beating Canberra’s 63 points they kicked against NT Thunder in the first quarter of their Round 8 clash at TIO Stadium.

Don’t forget to download our free NEAFL App, featuring live Champion Data stats, player bios and more! Available now from the Google Play and Apple stores.

Have your say! Follow the NEAFL on Twitter (@neaflofficial), Instagram (@neaflofficial) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/neaflofficial).