Bizkit, the loss to GC Round 2 this year was one of the 2 games in which Fyfe had 30+ since Round 14 2015. As posted recently elsewhere, the loss appeared to be a breakdown in the new game plan with many turnovers. Turnovers and kicking accuracy aside, statistically, Freo went well and won most areas of that game. The other midfielders did not contribute much. Fyfe was the only 30+ disposal winner. Barlow, D.Pearce, C.Pearce and Mundy had below par performances averaging just 17 disposals each between them.
“Once Johnno and Elvis were injured (Johnno in our first loss of the season to Richmond and Elvis towards the end of the season) we struggled so the 'data' would go against you in that instance.”
Elvis was injured in Rounds 6 & 7. Freo won both games.
Freo lost Round 10 (our first loss) but as stated already Johnno was injured after Richmond already had the matching winning lead, Freo actually made up ground after Johnno left the field. That was also the 2nd worst performance for the Freo midfield in the first 13 games of the season (going by combined midfielder disposals).
Johnno missed 8 games, Freo won 7 of them. The one loss was vs Hawthorn Round 15 when Fyfe was injured and the Freo midfield had one of it's worst combined disposal counts.
Elvis missed 6 games for the season. Freo won 3 and lost 3. In the 3 they lost, Freo’s midfield again performed badly with very poor combined disposal numbers. The midfield performed well in the three wins.
“If Freo had more possessions last season than GWS …” No Bizkit, not if, they did. Now you are even questioning the recorded statistical facts. Another great example of you dismissing evidence contrary to your opinion. Players capable of 30+ touches are generally quality players … which is exactly my point that GWS have so many of them … Freo do not.
I listed 10 GWS players. 7 of them are classed as midfielders. Treloar was another who played in 2015 but left. I stand by Smith and Stevie J (forwards) as they are both more than capable of playing midfield and racking up high possessions. Even Shaw, a defender has had 30+ disposals 5 times in 2015-16. None of our defenders appear capable of that.
I have not written off any of the young players you listed. But claiming they will be quality midfielders capable of 30+ disposals is yet to be seen. Like KPPs, quality midfielders are rare and also hard to come by. Since Roly arriving (end of 2011), Neale is the only one we have managed to draft (we have traded in D.Pearce and Bennell). It’s still a bit early, but I think A.Pearce is close to a quality KPP also drafted in that time.
Each week we start with 22 players. Generally 6 or 7 are tall KPPs (including the ruck as a tall KPP). That leaves 15 to 16 other players. Generally speaking, the best of those other players are in the midfield and the rest elsewhere. Mundy may have been drafted as a defender and Fyfe as a forward, but as soon as they are proven to be good enough, they become midfielders. Players drafted as midfielders who aren’t good enough to play midfield, often end up on a flank, eg. Sutcliffe & Sheridan. So generally speaking, you need a higher percentage of midfield type players than KPPs on your list. Again, I struggle with your logic Bizkit. No team in the AFL would have a higher percentage of tall KPPs (plus rucks) over their midfield type players.
For you to question why I pick 30 disposals as a benchmark for a quality player/midfielder does concern me. I would have thought that needed no explanation to most. If any player is consistently able to get 30+ disposals in AFL then they are a quality prized player likely to be used in the midfield, because that’s where most of the best players play. Go have a look at the top50 as voted by the players and tell me just how many of the top rated players are midfielders and how many are KPPs.
