📊 Statistically Speaking: Round 9

In our weekly column, Statistically Speaking, we scoured the Champion Data stats to review Round 9 by the numbers.

STAR PERFORMER

Southport co-captain Andrew Boston stood up on the big stage against Aspley as the Sharks triumphed in a brilliant match which resembled finals-like atmosphere and intensity. Boston was a contested beast in the middle, with 20 of his 29 disposals contested. He also added nine clearances and five tackles to his stats sheet as Southport won a thriller by 11 points.

RANKINGS RULER

There is something about Matt Hammelmann and playing in the Northern Territory that the former Brisbane Lion loves so much. For the second year in a row, Hammelmann booted nine goals against NT Thunder, but this year’s performance was off the charts. Hammelmann had a team-high 22 disposals, including 16 marks (five contested) to go with his 9.4 in front of the sticks. He also led the round for score involvements with 16, generating 207 Champion Data ranking points.

ROOKIE WATCH

Canberra young gun Harry Carr was impressive against Sydney Uni as the Demons secured an important 24-point victory. In his third season with Canberra, the emerging forward is starting to produce some good footy at NEAFL level. On Saturday, Carr booted four goals – including a freak snap whilst being tackled to the ground which rolled through – in one of his best games for the club so far.

BOMBERS HISTORIC WIN

It took nine long years, but Redland has finally beaten NT Thunder at TIO Stadium. The Bombers are no stranger to winning in the Territory, winning three out of four games at Traeger Park in Alice Springs, but have always struggled in Darwin. Up until their breakthough 21-point victory on Saturday, Redland has lost seven consecutive matches by an average of 55 points.

SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE

Illustrating how tight it was in the midfield battle between Southport and Aspley, both teams won the most amount for points from stoppages for the round. The Hornets and Sharks both kicked 56 points from stoppages. To put that into perspective, stoppage kings Brisbane have averaged 53 points so far this season. In a quirk for both Southport and Aspley, they actually conceded the most points from stoppages this round, too.

WILL BRODIE UNRIVALLED

They may not have gotten the four points, but Will Brodie continues to prove he is one step above the best when it comes to winning the contested ball. Brodie added another 26 disposals to his tally against the GIANTS on Saturday, with 16 of those contested. He also had 11 clearances – the equal best for the round alongside Apsley’s Matthew Payne. Brodie leads the competition for average contested possessions (16 per game) and clearances (nine) for players who’ve played four games or more.

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