goldcoastfc.com.au has looked at the key numbers from the 2017 JLT Community Series and picked out some of the most interesting.
34
The number of players used by Rodney Eade in this year’s JLT Series, the least he has used in his three pre-season campaigns at the club. The veteran mentor used this year’s series to get game time into those who are in the mix for his best 22 for round one, rather than feature players not in consideration.
412
The total number of interchanges made by the SUNS in their three JLT Series games, the most of any team. The coaches utilised 164 rotations under searing conditions in Mackay, with management of player loads the priority.
219
The number of minutes played by 2014 Club Champion David Swallow in this year’s JLT Series. After not playing a game in 2016, the West Australian built up his game time across each of the three games, with 55 against Brisbane, 73 against Essendon and 91 against the Western Bulldogs. Swallow is virtually a new recruit for the SUNS and will play a vital part in 2017.
34.5
Disposals per game for Aaron Hall in the JLT Community Series, the best average in the competition ahead of West Coast’s Sam Mitchell (33.5 disp. per game). Hall collected 33 touches against the Brisbane Lions, rested against the Bombers before finishing with 36 disposals against the Western Bulldogs.
1595
Hall also led the pre-season competition in metres gained (1595m), an incredible statistic given he only played two games. After collecting nine Brownlow votes in the first three games in 2016, the Tasmanian looks set to rack up some big numbers early in 2017 and will be crucial to Gold Coast’s success.
201.3
Handballs per game for the Gold Coast SUNS, ranked second in the pre-season competition. The SUNS ranked 14th in the AFL in 2016 with 160 handballs per game, with premiers Western Bulldogs ranked first. It suggests a shift in Eade’s game plan this season with his side looking to utilise the handball and spread around stoppages to improve vastly in 2017. Given they ran at 83.6% efficiency across the JLT Series (6th in the AFL), we may see a lot more of it in the premiership season.
46
The number of centre bounces attended by recruit Michael Barlow across the pre-season series, the most of any Gold Coast player. Touk Miller (45) and Pearce Hanley (43) were next on the list and with Aaron Hall, Will Brodie, Jesse Lonergan, David Swallow, Jarryd Lyons and Gary Ablett all rotating through the centre square, the extent of the SUNS’ newly found depth within its engine room is evident.
