With the 2019 AFL season nearly a third of the way through, North Media has taken a look at some of the players making their mark on the stat sheet.

Pittard & Polec make an impact 

The Jasper Pittard inclusion in the Jared Polec trade last October came as somewhat of a surprise, but the former Power player has well and truly justified his recruitment. 

The 28-year-old has proven to be one of the Roos’ most reliable defenders so far in 2019, with the stats telling the story.

After seven rounds, Pittard leads the Roos for marks (49), one percenters (46) and spoils (42).

The defender has also shown his ability to read the play, ranking first at the club in intercept marks (16) and second in intercept possessions (41).

He also sits fourth for effective kicks (65). 

Polec likewise has been a great acquisition, leading the way in two key statistical categories.

The winger has the most metres gained (3175), and has shown his outstanding foot skills with the most effective kicks (74) for the Roos.

Cunnington’s dominance

Ben Cunnington has well and truly asserted his possession as one of the finest inside midfielders in the AFL in 2019, and the stats show why.

Cunnington’s 127 contested possessions are more than twice as many as the next best Roo, Jack Ziebell (57), and place him second in the league behind Patrick Cripps. 

The tough midfielder also leads the Roos for total disposals (207), as well as effective disposals (157). It’s no secret that Cunnington is one of the best in the league by hand, and he leads the competition for handballs (150).

The 27-year-old has been the barometer this year, and he has led the way in pressure acts (127) and score involvements (46).

Cunnington has been a clearance machine for North in 2019, with his 60 clearances second in the league, while he leads the competition in stoppage clearances (39). 

Higgins' continued excellence

Back-to-back Syd Barker medalist Shaun Higgins has started the 2019 season in fine fashion.

Higgins’ ability to find the footy has gone to another level this year, with the silky midfielder averaging the fourth-most disposals in the league (32.8), and the third-most effective disposals (24.3). 

Turner’s important contribution

Kayne Turner’s contribution to the North Melbourne forward line has always been about more than hitting the scoreboard, and the stats show why. 

Turner leads the club for goal assists with 7, placing him ninth in the AFL. 

Turner is also the Roos’ most prolific tackler so far in 2018, with 26.