Midfielders pumping up the volume

As many coaches will tell you, statistics do not tell the whole story of a game of football.

But they certainly can be a story in themselves.

With the power of GVL Data, we can highlight the Goulburn Valley League stars who have pumped up the volume in various statistics categories this season, starting with disposals.

Across the first 11 rounds of the campaign, three players have broken the 40-disposal barrier in a single match, while a total of nine players have produced matches of 38 disposals or more.

Billy Cooper’s round nine performance against Shepparton United stands above the pack thus far, racking up 41 touches at happy hunting ground Tatura Park.

The star Bulldog secured 32 uncontested possessions, 12 uncontested marks and 17 handball receives during the game, showcasing his ability to find space throughout the fixture.

He kicked the football a mammoth 31 times across the clash, with 23 of those effective.

Tatura teammate Tom Sullivan joined Cooper in the 40 club in round 10, notching up 22 kicks and 18 handballs against Seymour.

Sullivan secured 18 ground ball gets and nine clearances during the contest.

Rochester’s Chris Jansen is the other midfielder to compile 40 disposals in a single match this season, achieving the feat in round four against Shepparton United.

His 29 kicks and 11 handballs helped him secure 11 clearances and six inside 50s, as well as boot three goals.

Mooroopna’s Jack Hunt has breached the top 10 twice in this category — racking up 39 touches in round one and 38 in round three — while BJ Squire, Will Martiniello and Kyle Clarke all have 39-disposal performances under their respective belts this campaign.