Player Rater

3rd August 2011 Category: Statistical Analysis

Image: Slattery Media Group

Last week, Geelong fans were doubting the return of big man Cam Mooney. A week on and Mooney looks well placed to find a spot in the Cats finals team after kicking 5 goals against Melbourne at the weekend. The fact that playing Melbourne on Saturday was the equivalent of playing the Corio under 14’s is largely irrelevant. Mooney’s got his swagger back.

It’s not the first time this season Melbourne has helped turn a season. Back in round 9, Melbourne faced off against St Kilda. The Saints at the time were on a 3 game losing streak and had won just 1 of their first 7 games. St Kilda beat Melbourne, and the victory sparked a run of 7 wins from their next 9.

The player that got his swagger back that day… Brendon Goodard, with a season high 37 touches and 9 Marks.

Goddard had endured a tough start to the season, his form from 2010 had all but disappeared and talk of a move to one of the league’s new franchises had dissipated as his stock dropped.

In the seven games leading up to the game against Melbourne, Goddard averaged 20.2 disposals a game, well down on the 28.8 disposals a game he averaged in 2010.

Throughout the 25 games Goddard played last season not once did he get less than 20 touches. By round 9 this season Goddard had already had 3 games where he failed to reach the 20 touches mark.

Since playing Melbourne, though, Goddard has recaptured form. In the last three weeks alone, Goddard has averaged over 32 possessions a game.

Goddard's 2011 Per Game Averages:

Disposals - Round by Round - 2011: