Cody Atkinson and Sean Lawson examine the most basic stoppage in the game and how West Coast's approach is boosting their score but also leaving headaches for the cellar-dwellers.
Unpacking the mysteries of AFL 's centre bounces and how West Coast 's aggressive style is a plus and minus for the EaglesFor a brief second, the chaos that is modern football is forgotten and the focus is on the person in lime green holding the pill.
Despite this, Sydney won the game 104 to 78, leaving the Eagles with just five wins from their last 50 games. That record is equal to the current North Melbourne side, the inaugural GWS outfit or the Fitzroy team just before they merged with Brisbane.While the broad mechanics of the centre bounce set-up are common for all teams — one ruck, three midfielders inside the square — the precise strategies tend to differ across the league.
The ABC has analysed data since 2021 to categorise not only where the first disposal occurs post-tap, but also where it goes and the eventual result of the clearance. Over the past three-and-a-bit seasons, the greatest amount of success has come from disposals that begin ahead of the centre circle. That makes sense — it's closer to goal, and usually has fewer opposition players in the way.
The first handball at centre bounces is directed into the player's back right quadrant about 10 per cent more often than the left, and those handballs generate about 12 per cent more successful scoring chains. This may suggest midfielders and rucks, mostly being right-handed, are better at using the ball effectively in this direction.
Last year, Luke Shuey was the most damaging player from centre bounces in the league. Shuey only won 20 first possessions, but 10 of them ended in scores — a very dangerous rate.This year, Harley Reid has created three goals and a behind with his centre bounce first disposals, leading the league so far. It's very early days, but his ability to gather the ball, take a tackle and deliver the footy has already been on display.
Volume of centre-bounce wins also matters. While West Coast damages sides when they can win the ball from centre bounces, they usually lose more than they win. When coupled with their defensive issues from the middle, it can lead to real problems.
Afl Centre Bounces Scores West Coast Rucks Data Analysis
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