📊 Statistically Speaking: Round 16

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review Round 16 by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

If Canberra vice-captain Mitch Maguire was out of form heading into Round 16, there is no question he was back with a bang in the Demons demolition of NT Thunder. Maguire was unstoppable at UNSW Canberra Oval, leading the way with a game-high 44 disposals. Adding to his disposal count was 12 marks, four clearances, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s, five tackles, three goals and an incredible 18 unique score involvements for a total of 168 Champion Data ranking points. Bravo, Mitch!

RANKINGS RULER

Tom Nicholls was back in the Gold Coast line-up this week and he picked up where he left off. Despite the SUNS going down to the Lions at the Gabba, Nicholls made an outstanding contribution with 51 of Gold Coast’s 52 hit-outs (the Suns won that statistic 52-35), plus 19 disposals (16 of which were contested), four marks, seven clearances, four inside 50s and three tackles. Nicholls’ performance amounted to 170 Champion Data ranking points.

ROOKIE WATCH

We’ve been waiting all season for Canberra rookie Kel Evans to show us what he’s made of, and he didn’t disappoint on Saturday where he was one of the Demons’ best against NT. The Mulrooney medallist finished with 30 disposals, 12 marks, nine inside 50s and four goals in a superb performance.

SO CLOSE YET SO FAR

Redland was involved in another heart-stopper on Saturday when they lost an epic battle with Southport by three points. It was Redland’s fourth loss this season by 10 points or less after Sydney (seven points in Round 3), Southport (six in Round 8), and the GIANTS (10 in Round 11). It also adds another chapter in what is a growing rivalry with Southport. Six of their last eight encounters have been decided by four goals or less.

RECORDS TUMBLE

It was a day of records for Canberra on Saturday in what was skipper Aaron Bruce’s NEAFL games record-breaking match. But they obliterated several other records along the way. The 145-point victory was Canberra’s biggest in its history, plus it’s highest score of 28.19 (187).

In addition, the Demons side recorded 503 disposals. which was only the third time in NEAFL history a team has recorded 500 or more disposals in a game. You have to go a long way back for when it last happened, too. Sydney recorded 503 disposals against Eastlake in Round 8, 2014, with the only other instance being the GIANTS, who hold the record with 516 disposals against Sydney University in Round 20, 2013.

Lastly, Jordan Harper was also amongst the action with 43 disposals, but added 19 score involvements to his name as well, which is a season-high for an individual so far in 2019.

KNOWING YOUR ANGLES

Aspley was kicking goals from all angles on Saturday against the GIANTS, providing some pretty handy highlights in Round 16 in the process. The Hornets kicked eight of their 16 goals from a 45-degree angle or greater. Only one side has kicked more goals from angles in 2019 when Brisbane, who was also playing the GIANTS at the same venue, kicked nine in Round 14.

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).