Player Rater

16th August 2011 Category: Statistical Analysis

Image: Slattery Media Group

Breaking down the performance of the Suns' top recruits.

Gary Ablett: A+

The overriding doubt with Ablett’s move, was his ability to lead a young team. The visual evidence suggests that Ablett has handled the extra responsibility as well as any first year captain. On an individual level, Ablett’s performance has been equal to, or greater, than his previous two seasons with Geelong.

• Ablett's disposals have dropped and his tackles are up - a mark of the team having less possession.
• Ablett is having to win more of his own ball than last season - contested possessions and frees-for up.
• Ablett’s playing style has changed slightly - he’s having to play more direct, and with less support - kicks per game steady and handballs per game well down.

Nathan Bock: A

Bock is the league leader in rebounds off 50 - over the past 5 games, he’s averaged 11.2 rebounds per-game. His performance throughout July and August has lead to talk of All Australian selection. Bock has provided stability for a lightweight Sun's defence.

• Bock is winning significantly more of his own ball and taking responsibility for distributing once he gets it - both his contested possessions and rebounds off 50 are well up.
• Bock is one of the few recruit to have held steady marking numbers and increased contested marks.

Michael Rischitelli: B+

Coming off a career year for the Lions, Rischitelli started the season well but has faded slightly over the past month. The drop may be due to his extra workload with the Suns.

• Rischitelli has made slight improvements in tackles, clearances and contested possessions, the rest of his numbers remain steady with last season.

Jared Brennan: B

Brennan made a positive start to the season but has struggled with injuries in the second half of the season. Known predominantly as an attacking player with the Lions, Brennan's become a more accountable player with the Suns.

• Improved tackle numbers and an increase in contested possessions are good signs for Brennan. 

Campbell Brown: B

Brown’s great gift to the Suns is his contribution to establishing a positive club culture. His hardness and commitment is unquestioned, and on that front he's delivered as expected. Performance wise, Brown’s numbers are steady with his last season at Hawthorn.

• Brown's Player Rating has dropped significantly from 2010 to 2011.

Jarrod Harbrow: C+

Like Rischitelli, Harbrow signed for the Suns on the back of a career best season in 2010. In 2011 most of Harbrow's stats have either held steady or dropped.

• Harbrow drop off in inside 50's is an indication of his increased defensive responsibility.
• Harbrow has suffered a significant drop in disposal numbers.

Josh Fraser: B+

Fraser’s career looked finished at the end of 2010 and without the addition of the Suns, may have been forced into retirement. Fraser’s contribution to the Suns in 2011 has exceeded expectation - statistically he’s back to the level he was at in 2006/2007. 

• Fraser has improved in all the key areas for a ruckman - improved hitout numbers, more contested possessions and more marks.