For the first time this Goulburn Valley League season Rochester is set to take on Mansfield.
The Saturday afternoon clash at Rochester’s Moon Oval is sure to be an interesting encounter, with the Tigers looking to rejoin the top six and Mansfield aiming to lock in a finals berth.
With no previous game to look back on, the team at The News has harnessed the power of GVL Data to have a look at how the teams stack up and attempt to paint a picture as to how Saturday’s game might unfold.
When it comes to the data, both sides are eerily close in a number of categories.
In the disposal column Rochester sits higher with an average of 308.6 a game, while Mansfield averages 302.3.
It is equally as close when it comes to contested possessions, with the Eagles leading the Tigers 125 to 119, while Mansfield also lead the number of marks 85.3 to 79.8.
On the scoreboard, the figures are close, with Rochester averaging 11.8 goals a game and Mansfield 12.2.
The average number of hit-outs is just 0.9 apart, while Mansfield convincingly beats its opponent when it comes to tackling and Rochester has the upper hand when it comes to clearances.
What this data tells us is that Saturday’s game should be a close one, with both sides enjoying plenty of the ball.
With hit-outs relatively even, Mansfield will need all of its tackling power to stop Rochester’s clearances and both sides will need to be at their best on the day to secure the win.
Rochester vs Mansfield averages after 12 games
Disposals
Rochester - 308.6
Mansfield - 302.3
Contested possessions
Rochester - 119.8
Mansfield - 125.2
Tackles
Rochester - 53.4
Mansfield - 63.8
Clearances
Rochester - 34.6
Mansfield - 32.8
Goals
Rochester - 11.8
Mansfield - 12.2