It is an age-old cliche for coaches at any level to point to a ‘‘team effort’’ when attempting to describe why their side came out on top in any given match.
But Mansfield mentor Chad Owens could have been forgiven for leaning on the mantra after Saturday’s crucial triumph over Shepparton in Goulburn Valley League round 16 action.
The GVL Data stats sheet tells a clear team-first tale for the Eagles, with 17 players racking up at least 10 disposals ― but only three snaring more than 19, and none over 23.
Frazer Dale (23 disposals), Brett Mahoney (22) and Harry Mahoney (20) led the way for the visitors at Deakin Reserve in a 7.8 (50) to 11.12 (78) triumph over the Bears.
Shepparton v Mansfield TEAM LEADERS
MARKS INSIDE 50
Mansfield
Lachlan Murphy-Dale - 5
Cam Arnold - 4
Ben Christopher - 4
Shepparton
Trent Herbert - 3
DISPOSALS
Shepparton
Adam De Cicco - 41
Jonty Wardle - 29
Xavier Stevenson - 27
Mansfield
Frazer Dale - 23
Brett Mahoney - 22
Harry Mahoney - 20
For Shepparton, Adam De Cicco’s 41 touches led the way from Jonty Wardle (29) and Xavier Stevenson (27) as it won the disposal count 311-282.
In fact, the Bears won most of the statistical categories across the clash ― but Mansfield’s dominance in marks inside 50 (18-9) and scores from turnovers ― 8.5 (53) to 2.4 (16) ― saw it claim victory on the scoreboard.
Lachlan Murphy-Dale (five), Cam Arnold (four) and Ben Christopher (four) led the individual marks inside 50 for Mansfield, while Trent Herbert (three) stood tall in attack for the Bears.
Shepparton v Mansfield KEY STATS
MARKS INSIDE 50
Mansfield - 18
Shepparton - 9
SCORES FROM TURNOVERS
Mansfield - 8.5 (53)
Shepparton - 2.4 (16)
DISPOSALS
Shepparton - 311
Mansfield - 282