In fact his disposal average has increased compared to the same time last year and so too have many other key areas.
After five rounds, Swallow is averaging a little more than 28 possessions a game (28.2), compared to 26 in 2011. He continues to the lead the way with a club-best 141 disposals for the year and is ranked 8th in the AFL for total disposals and average disposals per game.
Liam Anthony is just two touches behind Swallow’s total on 139 at North and is ranked 13th in the competition for total and average disposals.
Swallow’s best games were against Gold Coast (31 disposals) and Geelong (30 disposals) but he’s yet to eclipse his career best 34 possession mark from Round 23 against St Kilda last year.
Even more impressive about the new captain’s start to 2012 is his work at stoppages. He leads the AFL with 42 clearances and is five clear of Gary Ablett (who has played one less game) and Lenny Hayes (37). Swallow’s is 22 clear of the next best at North in Jack Ziebell, who missed the first two matches.
One of the most highly regarded statistics in the game is contested possessions and Swallow is also excelling again in this area sitting 7th in the league with 72 for the year so far. Brownlow favourite Swan Josh Kennedy leads the way with just 12 more on 84.
Swallow’s stats:
AFL totals (and rank)
Clearances | Contested Possessions | Disposals | Handballs |
42 (1st) | 72 (7th) | 141 (8th) | 84 (2nd) |
2011 (First 5 games)
Opponent | Disposals | Kicks | Handballs | Tackles |
WCE | 26 | 11 | 15 | 6 |
COLL | 20 | 6 | 14 | 7 |
FREO | 31 | 15 | 16 | 5 |
RICH | 32 | 15 | 17 | 5 |
PORT | 22 | 6 | 16 | 3 |
Average | 26.2 | 10.6 | 15.6 | 5.2 |
2012 (First 5 games)
Opponent | Disposals | Kicks | Handballs | Tackles |
ESS | 26 | 10 | 16 | 5 |
GWS | 29 | 14 | 15 | 3 |
GEEL | 30 | 14 | 16 | 4 |
SYD | 25 | 9 | 16 | 6 |
GCS | 31 | 10 | 21 | 4 |
Average | 28.2 | 11.4 | 16.8 | 4.4 |
