More than ever before AFL players are scrutinised by the media. And, since the advent of the net, the media has included people like us, scattered all over the globe, catching snippets of play, highlight reels, 0100 am replays, stats sheets and match reports. (And some lucky few get to go to the games).
Often we tend to rely very heavily upon the Stats.
Now we all acknowledge that stats can be deceiving, a kick is not always good, prissy little handballs build up the numbers and little else, but they are (if their limitations are understood) and indication of how a player is travelling.
But - I thnk one stat (perhaps two) is desparately needed to given all the others meaning.
Time on the ground. When pettifer gets 4 possessions is that a good game or a bad game? Well if he had 90 minutes of game time its rubbish, but if he had 15 minutes its not bad. Now I know people do collate this info I just wonder why it never seems to make it into the papers etc.
PS. My other potential stat would be no of times changed. 30 minutes of gametime might sound a lot but ifs its comprised of 6 five minute bursts you can understand why a player might find it hard to get into a game.
Often we tend to rely very heavily upon the Stats.
Now we all acknowledge that stats can be deceiving, a kick is not always good, prissy little handballs build up the numbers and little else, but they are (if their limitations are understood) and indication of how a player is travelling.
But - I thnk one stat (perhaps two) is desparately needed to given all the others meaning.
Time on the ground. When pettifer gets 4 possessions is that a good game or a bad game? Well if he had 90 minutes of game time its rubbish, but if he had 15 minutes its not bad. Now I know people do collate this info I just wonder why it never seems to make it into the papers etc.
PS. My other potential stat would be no of times changed. 30 minutes of gametime might sound a lot but ifs its comprised of 6 five minute bursts you can understand why a player might find it hard to get into a game.