The Saints found themselves in 10th at the conclusion of the Goulburn Valley League season, a record of 3-15 reflecting a difficult year for Will Martiniello and Mark McKenzie’s men.
That being said, the season was never going to be about the number of wins and losses for Benalla, rather, where and how it could improve game to game.
With GVL Data at its disposal, The News sports team has decided to take an in-depth look at how each club fared across the year.
Where the Saints were undone this year becomes clear for all to see.
Without key forward targets for the better part of the year, Benalla was ineffective going forward and ranks second last in the competition for total inside 50s (566) and third last for forward 50 marks (146).
Defending was also an area where Benalla lacked, averaging a lowly 43.1 tackles and 13.7 spoils a game to find itself bottom of the league in these categories.
Ball movement lacked in multiple areas, as the Saints ranked second last in the competition for average effective handballs (80.7), fourth last for disposals (285.6) and was third in the league for average clangers (26.4).
But from a largely disappointing year held to Benalla’s high standards, a variety of positives emerge.
The experience of former coach Jake Pallpratt and half-back operator Samuel Harris held Benalla in good stead down back on a few occasions.
The Saints ranked first in rebound 50s, with Harris (7.1) and Pallpratt (6.7) cruising in at third and fourth for average rebounds in the competition.
Hit-outs were an obvious area where the Saints excelled, thanks to their star ruckman Josh Marchbank, who led this category from start to finish this year, averaging 41.6 a game.
And it was no secret that midfield trio Will and James Martiniello and Chris Welsh excelled, with all three finding themselves in the top 10 for average disposals this season.
While the results weren’t there this year, there’s a lot for Martiniello and McKenzie to look back on and be proud of.
With a raft of stars re-signed and set to come on board next year, there’s already a lot to look forward to in the Rose City in 2023.
Key stats
Benalla in 2022 (averages a game)
Disposals 285.6
Contested possessions 113.7
Uncontested possessions 175.8
Marks 82.9
Clearances 32.6
Hit-outs 47.4
Tackles 47.4
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