Disposals stat

[mcniall]

Just a thought... given the modern brand of footy (where teams rapid-fire handballs to nearby teammates in quick succession, or kick the ball backwards/sideways in an attempt to "switch") isn't it high time that we all moved on from "disposals" as a meaningful statistic?

In Essendons case, we've been challenged all year (until the last couple of weeks at least) to win clearances and generally contested possessions, so doesnt make sense to value those things higher than "total disposals".

I think most people (commentators particularly) just look at total number of possessions to determine who's playing/played a "good game".

[WHWSSweep]

Couldn't agree more. Look at a player like Tom Mitchell who racks up 50 odd touches, but what does he actually do with it? He is not damaging in the slightest sense.

I like to look at metres gained to gauge a players impact and performance. I think it's a relatively new stat, but it gives me a better understanding/snapshot of impact on the game

[shaggs72]

Spot on chaps. I deadset wanna spew everytime I hear what a ball magnet Mitchell is. How many times has he racked up 60 possessions in a losing side? What does that say?

Disposals on their own are 100% overrated.

[WHWSSweep]

Disposal efficiency is a better stat too - how effective are your ball skills efc?

[dfs79]

The night Tom Mitchell had 50 against Collingwood he gained a total of 309 metres.....at an average of 6 metres gained per disposal

[WHWSSweep]

Spot on, what does that tell you? It tells me his impact was limited at best. Now compare that stat with some of Zachy Merretts games this season when he had a lot less of the ball (by comparison) and it paints a very different picture...