GVL Data ǀ Two-way midfielders a precious commodity

By James Kleeman

Aug 4, 2022

Brick wall: Shepparton United’s Joel Serra lays a a tackle on Tatura’s Che Walls. Serra is one of the league leaders in tackles per game this year.

A midfielder with a strong all-round game, a reliable ball winner and superb user of the footy, is any coach’s dream.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

It’s their unique ability to defend and attack — to provide a pivotal link in a scoring chain or to lay a vital tackle that sets these players apart.

Averaging over 20 disposals and registering more than five tackles per game this year, with the power of GVL Data, the sports desk at The News has identified several players which fit nicely into this category.

A dynamic Dees duo emerge as leaders.

Shepparton United’s Adam Pigatto leads the way to average a whopping eight tackles per game while also managing 22.4 touches.

Close behind is his Demons teammate Joel Serra, who averages 6.4 tackles and 25.4 disposals.

Pigatto has produced blistering performances in the Dees’ engine room on a number of occasions this year, a 30-disposal and 14-tackle game against Shepparton a fortnight ago a clear highlight of his year.

At a glance

Adam Pigatto in 2022

Disposals: 22.4

Tackles: 8

Contested possessions: 9.8

Ground ball gets: 7.7

Handball receives 7.8

Seymour’s young gun Ben Rigoni has showcased his clear two-way capabilities this season, picking up 24.3 disposals but also registering 6.3 tackles.

Echuca’s tackling machine Sam Willoughby has also exercised his two-way running for the Murray Bombers this year with 20.9 and 6.2, an impressive feat in a side which prefers to keep the ball in their hands.

Mansfield midfield weapon Patrick Marks rounds out the top five performers, chalking up 23.8 disposals and 5.8 tackles a game.

It’s clear to see why Mansfield leads the league for total tackles this year (934), Eagles half-back Jayden Howes and skipper Brett Mahoney also feature prominently in tackling averages with 6.4 and 5.2.

Mooroopna skipper Matt Deane and Shepparton youngster Jed Warrin are also league leaders in the tackling department this year, but register just shy of 20 disposals per game.