Set to do battle for a place in the Goulburn Valley League grand final on Sunday, Mansfield will need all of its stars to fire if it is to overcome Euroa at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve.
One player that is crucial to victory is Ben Christopher, with the forward having a memorable season in Eagles colours.
Through the power of GVL Data, Christopher’s standout year is clear to see.
Yet to miss a game of the 2022 campaign, the talent has averaged 2.4 goals, 5.8 marks and 3.2 tackles a game.
His average number of inside 50s is 3.7, with 12.6 disposals and 6.9 contested possessions making for a strong attacking operator.
A key player in the Eagles’ forward line, Christopher produced his best game in round 15 against Benalla, picking up 20 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 marks, nine inside 50s and five goals.
While playing this type of game in a preliminary final may be unrealistic, Christopher will need to perform near his best if the Eagles have a chance of winning.
When Mansfield faced Echuca in finals week one, the number 11 failed to score, with his side falling, with a similar outcome when he failed to score against Euroa in round nine.
Despite the correlation between Christopher failing to score and Mansfield losing only being for these two games, it’s clear that a big showing is needed to help his side across the line.
Ben Christopher v Benalla (round 15)
Disposals 20
Contested possessions 14
Marks 10
Tackles 5
Inside 50s 9
Goals 5
Ben Christopher 2022 Season Averages
Disposals 12.6
Marks 5.8
Inside 50s 3.7
Goals 2.4
Behinds 1.5
Score assists 1.8