Statistically Speaking: Round 2

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review Round 2 by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

Brisbane young gun Ben Keays has reinvented himself as a forward in 2019, and he proved his worth on Saturday with a bag of goals against the GIANTS at Burpengary. The 22-year-old finished with 20 disposals, seven marks, booted 6.1 and amassed 156 Champion Data ranking points in the Lions’ big victory. He also had a disposal efficiency rate of 85 per cent in his first NEAFL game of the season.

RANKINGS RULER

The evergreen three-time NEAFL MVP Matthew Payne topped the Champion Data ranking points in Round 2 after his strong performance in a defensive role for Aspley. Payne, 33, was one of their best in a loss to Southport, collecting 34 disposals (14 contested), five inside 50s and seven rebound 50s for a total of 159 points.

ROOKIE WATCH

Brisbane’s Keidean Coleman had a day out against the GIANTS on Saturday. The Lions’ U19 Academy member had 24 disposals, 10 marks, six inside 50s and a goal as the Lions ran riot in a 95-point victory a Burpengary. Unlucky not to get drafted in 2018, Coleman will put his best foot forward this year in the hopes of making his AFL dream a reality.

REBOUND POWER

Sydney University tore NT Thunder apart when rebounding out of the back half. The Students only had one more clearance for the game, but it was their spread from defence which proved damaging. The Students had 11 score launches from defensive 50, resulting in 41 points scored (the most of any team in Round 2). Students’ half-back Adam Gulden, who finished the game with 33 disposals and seven rebound 50s, also had an incredible 17 score involvements – the equal most of any player in Round 2 alongside Brisbane’s Corey Lyons.

HOODOOS OVER

There were a few relieved faces at Southport and Redland this weekend when some droughts were broken. The Sharks had their first win at Voxson Oval (formerly Graham Rd) against Aspley in nearly seven years, and the Bombers tasted victory at home for the first time since Round 19, 2017 when they upset the Demons at Scottsdale Park.

HOODOOS CONTINUE

It was an unlucky week for NT Thunder after suffering a big loss to Sydney University. Not only was it the ninth straight loss to the Students since early 2016, but it means they remain winless at Blacktown in six attempts dating back to their first match at the venue in 2011.

HOT START FOR GOALKICKERS

The NEAFL goalkicking race has certainly got off to an exciting start with some big hauls being kicked this week. Sydney Uni’s Tristan Davies (seven goals), Brisbane’s Ben Keays (six) and Redland’s Matt Hammelmann (five) all enjoyed big days in front of the sticks. Davies leads all-comers after the opening two rounds with 12 majors, ahead of Southport’s Mitch Johnson (nine) and last year’s winner Hammelmann (eight).