While the ladder only shows one win in five games under Craig’s tutelage, Melbourne’s pressure around the ball has been much improved and reflected in its tackling numbers.
Ranked 16th in tackles per game before Craig took over, an extra 11 on average has bumped the Demons up to third since Round 13.
| Round | Average tackles per game |
| 1-12 | 59.4 |
| 13-17 | 70.2 |
| Differential | +11.8 |
The extra pressure has allowed Melbourne to repel more of its opponents entries inside forward 50.
Similar to the tackling statistic, the Demons’ rebound 50 rate has increased markedly under Craig.
It was 17th in the competition, but over the last five matches has shot up to a respectable ninth.
| Round | Rebound 50 rate (%) |
| 1-12 | 66.0 |
| 13-17 | 72.9 |
| Differential | +6.9% |
The rebound 50’s have led to an increased rate of scoring from the defensive 50.
The ‘score launches’ statistic measures where each scoring shot originates from on the field.
Given Melbourne’s proficiency coming out of the back half, it is no surprise that it ranks third in the competition since Round 13 for score launches from defensive 50.
| Round | Score launches from defensive 50 (%) |
| 1-12 | 19.2 |
| 13-17 | 23.2 |
| Differential | +4% |
From kick-ins, Melbourne has the best points differential in the competition since Round 13.
While some of it can be chalked down to opponents’ inaccuracy resulting in chances to rebound, the fact remains the Demons have conceded just one scoring shot from a kick-in in the last five weeks.
| Points from kick ins | Points conceded from kick ins | Differential |
| 28 | 6 | 22 (1st) |
Meanwhile Jack Watts has been revitalised in the forward line. Melbourne is looking for the number one pick more than any other forward since Craig stepped in.
| Player | Inside 50 target (total, Rounds 13-17) |
| Jack Watts | 33 |
| Chris Dawes | 22 |
| Jack Fitzpatrick | 18 |
| Jeremy Howe | 17 |
But while Watts is target number one, it’s Jack Fitzpatrick who has had the most scoreboard impact.
Having kicked 10 goals of his own in the last five weeks, he’s has also had a hand in five others.
| Player | Scoreboard impact (points, Rounds 13-17) |
| Jack Fitzpatrick | 94 |
| Jack Watts | 81 |
| Jeremy Howe | 71 |
