Richmond has the best defence in the competition, Champion Data stats revealHerald Sun
April 24, 2017 12:14pmRICHMOND’S small forwards are generating plenty of buzz in 2017 — and with good reason.
The Tigers have a totally new game style and are creating more forward-half turnovers than any other team. But it’s not the only reason they are 4-0.
Champion Data analysis the key numbers ahead of tonight’s huge game against Melbourne.
NEW AND IMPROVED TIGERSRichmond has changed the way it plays completely this season — preferring to defend higher up the ground — which is having great success after four rounds.
Last season, the Tigers won the inside-50 count just three times, the fewest of any side. This season, they haven’t lost the count in a game, and rank fourth for inside-50 differential and second for time in forward-half differential.
Their ability to score and create turnovers has also improved dramatically. They have generated the third-most points from turnovers, and have been the second-hardest side to score against from turnovers — after ranking 14th in both areas last season. More importantly, they are creating turnovers close to goal, creating the most forward-half turnovers and scoring the most points from these turnovers.
Richmond’s ball movement both offensively and defensively has also improved significantly. They are the hardest side to move the ball against (after ranking 14th in 2016) and offensively they rank fifth for ball movement (ranking 15th in 2016).
2017 (RANK) 2016 (RANK)Points for 106.5 (4th) 77.9 (15th)
Points against 75.2 (1st) 98 (15th)
Points from turnovers 65.5 (3rd) 46.3 (14th)
Pts conceded from turnovers 43.8 (2nd) 59.6 (14th)
Points diff from turnovers 21.8 (4th) -13.3 (14th)
Inside 50 differential +7.5 (4th) -9.7 (15th)
Time in forward half +6:27 (2nd) -7:53 (15th)
Fwd half turnovers created 31.8 (1st) 20.2 (16th)
Points from fwd half turnovers 43.5 (1st) 26.4 (13th)
% of scores launched from fwd half 58.2% (2nd) 48.8% (11th)
RICHMOND DEFENCEWhat may have been lost in the opening month of the season is just how effective Richmond’s defence has been, conceding the fewest points of any side.
The Tigers are conceding 75 points per game — ranked No.1 and the fewest points Richmond has conceded in the opening four rounds since 1971.
Richmond has been the hardest side to score against when going inside 50, conceding a score just 41 per cent of the time. They have been the hardest to punish a turnover against, conceding a score from 17.6 per cent of their turnovers.
Across the entire ground, Richmond has been the hardest side to move the ball against, defending opposition ball movement 126 per cent above the AFL average. They have also been the hardest side to move the ball against from a stoppage and turnover chain.
TAKE NANK TO THE BANKToby Nankervis is the No. 2 ranked ruckman in the competition this season, averaging 109 SuperCoach points a game. His main strength is the ability to get involved around the ground, rating above average for disposals, clearances, and elite for goals. Nankervis is also the No. 1 ranked interceptor marker for his position.
TOBY NANKERVIS 2017 AVE RATING
SuperCoach points 109 Elite
Disposals 14.5 Above average
Contested possessions 8.8 Above average
Marks 3.8 Above average
Intercept marks 2.5 Elite
Hitout win percentage 32% Poor
Hitout to advantage win percentage 13% Below average
Clearances 4 Above average
Goals 0.8 Elite
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