📊 Statistically Speaking: Round 13

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review Round 13 by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

Sydney University midfielder Jake Bartholomaeus had a monster game against the GIANTS on Friday night where he was named best on ground in the Students’ two-point loss. The 21-year-old was a man on a mission, collecting 35 disposals, six marks, seven clearances, six inside 50s and a whopping 15 tackles in a superb match.

RANKINGS RULER

Other day, another Matthew Payne masterclass as the Hornets veteran yet again topped the ranking charts. Payne destroyed Canberra in the midfield and was unstoppable with 33 disposals, which included 23 contested possessions. The three-time NEAFL MVP also amassed 14 clearances, eight inside 50s, three score assists and a goal to finish the match with 177 Champion Data ranking points.

ROOKIE WATCH

Southport midfielder/forward Jamison Shea produced another solid performance on Saturday to put himself in the mix for a NEAFL Rising Star nomination. The 21-year-old was named amongst the Sharks’ best in their 15-point win over NT Thunder after 20 disposals (11 contested), five marks and four inside 50s. Since joining Southport this year, the Victorian-born Shea has kicked 10 goals in eight matches and continues to build at this level.

PRESSURE FOOTBALL

Sydney University and the GIANTS played out one of the best matches of the season so far in what a tough, contested game of football with an exciting finish. The evidence is in the tackle count, with 215 tackles laid over the course of the game. Four players had 10 tackle or more – Bartholomaeus (15), GIANTS duo Aiden Bonar and Daniel Lloyd (13 each) and Students young gun Bailey Stewart (11). Bartholomaues’ total was the highest by an individual player this season, beating Brisbane’s Tom Berry who had 14 against Sydney Uni last week.

MASTER OF INTERCEPTS

Canberra defender Angus Baker was a shining light for the Demons on Saturday in their shock 80-point loss to Aspley. Baker had 14 intercepts amongst a team-high 29 disposals, which included 16 contested possessions, nine marks, eight tackles and six rebound 50s. Baker is the intercept king of the competition and is ranked No.1 in the NEAFL with a total of 107 intercepts (average of 9.7 per game).

ASPLEY MAKES CANBERRA PAY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Aspley went to another level on Saturday when they tore the Demons apart from the opening bounce. Not only were they winning the midfield battle, but also punishing Canberra on the rebound. The Hornets scored 93 of their 139 points from turnovers to rub further salt in to the wound.

NICHOLLS IN TOP FORM

Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls has flown a little under the radar this season, but he’s producing some big numbers showing how valuable he is to the side. Nicholls led the contested possession count (14) for the SUNS on Saturday, in a match where he had 18 disposals, 53 hit-outs, 10 clearances and six tackles in Gold Coast’s 27-point win over Sydney. Overall, Nicholls is ranked 7th in the NEAFL for contested possessions (the only key position player in the top 10), 1st in hard ball gets, 3rd in hit-outs, 4th in hit-outs to advantage, and 1st in clearances.

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