The King's Birthday long weekend provides footy fans with plenty of blockbuster action in Round 13.
So, let's delve into the key statistic your club has to master to secure the four points in a high-stakes weekend of footy.
Adelaide vs Richmond – clearances
Adelaide's campaign for a finals berth in 2024 hangs by a thread, as their midfield was comfortably beaten by the Hawks last Saturday. The Crows are ranked seventh in the competition for clearances however (37.8 per game), highlighting they still have a capable midfield unit.
The Crows have a real opportunity to rebound strongly against Richmond, as the Tigers are ranked 18th for clearances, at 30.8 per game.
It's not all doom and gloom for Yze's men however, as the inclusions of Tim Taranto, who averages a team-best 5.2 clearances, as well as Shai Bolton, bolster their midfield depth for Thursday night.
Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane – centre clearances
Despite being ranked third for total clearances in the AFL, Brisbane are shockingly 15th when it comes to centre clearances.
In last year's match versus the Bulldogs, centre clearances were the defining factor, as a +8 differential in the Bulldog's favour resulted in a 14-point victory. Even more alarmingly, the Lions only recorded four centre clearances for that entire match.
In a season where the Lions have struggled to reach their best, the star-studded midfield of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley will have to lift to overcome the in-form Dogs.
The Bulldogs, ranked seventh for centre clearances, have a strong chance to re-enter the top eight if their midfield continues its commendable performances of late.
Hawthorn vs GWS – ground ball gets
Hawthorn's last six weeks of form have been impressive, and it comes largely off of their ground ball gets. James Worpel and Jai Newcombe have been leading the way, whilst Dylan Moore is averaging 2.2 GBG inside 50, the 12th-best of all AFL players. In the last five games alone, Hawthorn average 96.8 per game, surpassing their current season average.
However, with the likes of Tom Green and Josh Kelly, as well as Toby Greene lurking inside 50, GWS have equally been a quality GBG team. In 2024, the Giants are ranked third for GBGs per game, with 94.5.
Both sides hold stacked midfield groups and dangerous general forwards, indicating the ground ball gets will be key to whoever wins this evenly-matched contest.
West Coast vs North Melbourne – tackles
North Melbourne's best opportunity for a win thus far is this weekend's matchup against the Eagles, and the Kangaroos will need to bring the heat. There's no better way to demonstrate hunger for a win than applying defensive pressure, and North Melbourne are more than capable.
Ranked seventh for tackles per game, the Roos average 67.4. Contrastingly, the Eagles average an AFL-worst 61.5.
This presents North Melbourne with the opportunity to rattle West Coast with early heat on the ball. The loss of Harley Reid, who is statistically the league's best tackle-breaker, to suspension is a blessing for North Melbourne in their hunt for their first win in 2024.
With Tristan Xerri and Hugh Greenwood averaging 7.3 and 6.3 tackles respectively, the Kangaroos have the cavalry required to apply physicality against West Coast this Saturday.
St Kilda vs Gold Coast – intercept marks
The Saints' ball movement is primarily a slowed, deliberate approach, highlighted in their high levels of uncontested possessions and uncontested marks (222.8 and 97.4 respectively). However, when their ball movement is stagnated by a well-structured defence, the Saints are prone to bombing it down the line.
This situation will be ideal for the Suns, who lead the league in intercept marks per game, as well as intercept possessions in general. The breakout year of Mac Andrew, as well as consistency from Sam Collins, has been vital in Gold Coast's brilliance down back, with both players averaging just under nine intercepts per game.
St Kilda's Callum Wilkie will be important for the Saints' defence, in a likely role against the in-form Ben King. Averaging 7.5 intercept possessions per game, Wilkie's efforts will be crucial for a Saints victory.
Sydney vs Geelong – goal assists
It is public knowledge that the Swans' team chemistry is at an elite level, with gun players such as Errol Gulden, Oliver Florent and Will Hayward turning down rival offers and higher salaries to stick in Sydney.
Their chemistry is also evident on-field, averaging an AFL-best 10.7 goal assists per game. Gulden, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney lead the way, each averaging approximately one a game.
However, Geelong is another selfless side, ranked second behind Sydney by the slimmest of figures. The Cats feature Gryan Miers, who broke the goal assists record in a home-and-away season in 2023, as well as rising youngster Oliver Dempsey – both average a goal assist per game this season.
The Swans have been the clear best side to start 2024, however Geelong's team chemistry may be an uncontrollable factor that can assist the Cats in an upset. Sydney is humming along however, and their committed group will only continue to rise to the challenge.
Essendon vs Carlton – tackles
In a King's Birthday Eve clash, with two of the league's biggest clubs in hot form, this match presents as an intense, physical contest.
Carlton has the edge if it's a hotly contested footy, ranked fifth for tackles per game (38.9). The Bombers average 36.3, ranking them tenth in the comp.
However, with the likes of Zach Merrett and Jye Caldwell averaging over five tackles a game, Essendon still have the firepower to apply defensive pressure on the Blues.
In a predicted fiery contest, pressure on the ball carrier will be key to winning on Sunday night.
Collingwood vs Melbourne – tackles inside 50
The Magpies and Demons similarly lack a key forward target on their list currently, and with respective elite key defenders of Darcy Moore and Steven May, scoring opportunities lie in pressure on loose play.
Melbourne's Shane McAdam and Kade Chandler have been significant for the Demons forward 50 pressure, averaging 2.3 and 1.8 inside 50 tackles per game respectively. In the 92-point loss last week however, both these players only laid one tackle in the forward half.
Collingwood are superb with forward 50 tackling, ranking fourth in the league with 12.3 per game. Despite the long injury list, Lachie Schultz and Beau McCreery, who average 1.8 and 1.5 tackles inside 50 respectively, are available to play the Demons. Their pressure on Monday will be key to Collingwood avoiding the start of a losing streak.
