Consistent injuries and a lack of continuity with its senior side made season 2022 a tough one for Tatura.
Recording three victories, the Bulldogs would finish their campaign in 11th spot on the ladder, while introducing a whole host of youngsters to the rigours of senior football.
So what worked and what didn’t for Paul Kirby’s men this year?
Well through the power of GVL Data we’re able to delve into the season that was for Tatura like never before.
And with one glance of the Bulldogs’ season statistics it is clear where their main problem was.
Around the contest.
Tatura was by far the worst contested ball team, averaging 102.3 a game, 11.3 less than 11th-ranked Benalla.
As a result of this, the Bulldogs found themselves chained to the bottom of the competition’s rankings in other key indicators such as ground ball gets and clearances, with their midfield being overawed by other more experienced units.
Unable to win the ball at the coal-face, they then struggled to get the ball into their attacking half, averaging 31.5 inside 50s a game to be the second worst team in this category.
Subsequently, scoring became a massive issue for this young side, with its return of 709 points for the season the lowest of any side — while it also only managed 5.9 marks inside 50 a game (once againt the worst of any team), showing a lack of a consistent target in attack.
Key Stats
Tatura in 2022 (averages a game)
Disposals 269.2
Contested possessions 102.4
Uncontested possessions 173.2
Marks 73.6
Clearances 29.1
Ground ball gets 81.5
Tackles 47.4
Inside 50s 31.5
Points scored 709
Despite all these negatives there were some positives for the Tatura faithful to take away from the season.
And they largely stemmed from the play of star utility Billy Cooper, who claimed the league’s MVP award after an incredibly consistent campaign.
One of the competition’s most prolific ball-winners, Cooper averaged a whopping 30.8 disposals, 23.4 uncontested possessions, 9.4 handball receives, 7.6 rebound 50s and 6.9 marks, while delivering the ball at a respectable 67 per cent by foot.
The Dogs also showed at their best they can deliver an exciting brand of football, with the prime example being in round 16 where they chalked up 98 points to beat an in-form Shepparton Swans.
So while 2022 was without doubt a year to forget at Tatura Park, with new coach Paul Barnard set to take the helm, there is reason to be optimistic of a revival in 2023.
At a glance
Billy Cooper’s standout season
Disposals 30.8 (a game)
Uncontested possessions 23.4
Handball receives 9.4
Rebound 50s 7.6
Marks 6.9
Kicking efficiency 67 per cent