Re: 2017 Jim Park Medal Analysis:
Reply #12 –
I wouldnt be so sure guys.
There are stats that mean a lot to teams that the average punter wont be privy to unless they go searching.
Dale Thomas is currently sitting 6th in our team for metres gained this season in our team.
A stat that is very important to getting the team going forward of centre. The top 6 at the Blues:
1. Sam Docherty
2. Marc Murphy
3. Bryce Gibbs
4. Kade Simpson
5. Patrick Cripps
6. Dale Thomas
He is also sitting 9th in our team for score involvements.
13th for intercept posessions,
3rd for Marks taken (which indicates hes getting to where the ball is frequently as his contested stats are not very high).
The other thing that I can see is that his team mates seem to like him, and are trying to involve him as much as possible.
Now, Ive seen just by watching him for a few minutes at a time that he is a smart player who gets to where the ball is, and has a high workrate with lots of repeat efforts at putting defensive pressure on. The only thing really letting him down is his ball use by foot and I would say based on his disposal efficiency (higher than a few in our team who most consider undroppable at the minute at an overall 66%, Bryce Gibbs is travelling at 59%) is that he is only letting us down at critical moments which is highlighting the poor disposal more than anything else.
He isn't what he once was, but I think we need to learn the lesson of Brock Mclean. He too was a footballers footballer, who could get to where the ball was going even though his leg speed didnt show he was worth it, and on current form is still worth playing. Its important that the MC who ask people to perform roles, seem to be happy enough with his work at the minute, but at the same time, it doesn't say anything about whether or not he will go on with it next season.
We will see how the rest of the year pans out, but there are positives he is providing our team which is all we can really hope for.