Re: AFL Rd 13 2024 Post Game Celebrations - Carlton vs Essendon
Reply #100 –
You could probably say the same about most footy stats viewed in isolation, but hitout stats are particularly fraught because the ruckman is only part of the stoppage process; his success relies in part on the ability of his midfielders and their combined efforts to win the ball and get an effective disposal away. His success also involves nullifying the opposition ruck’s ability to direct the ball to his preferred zones and, with his midfielders, preventing the opposition from winning possession and getting an effective disposal. Stats can’t measure all of that.
De Koning was influential around the ground as well as being part of an effective stoppage process. He was clearly best on ground despite “losing” the hitouts and HTAs, and not laying a tackle.