Often it is the offensive weapons in a side which draw the most plaudits.
But strong defensive acts are what win you big games, and with the launch of GVL Data we can now delve right into the statistical categories that make defenders tick.
Spoils are a defender’s bread and butter — and Shepparton stalwart Ted Lindon is going through plenty of loaves this Goulburn Valley League season.
The often long-sleeved Bear is averaging a competition-high 5.7 spoils per game — recorded as affecting 51 spoils across the campaign thus far.
Mansfield’s Jack Hutchins has 38 to his name back in second position, while Seymour’s Lachlan Waite (35), Shepparton Swans’ Isaiah Jones (34) and Echuca’s Aiden Mills (33) round out the top five.
But a spoil is not the only trademark of a premium defender.
While there is no category for ‘swatted handballs’, it is safe to say they would fall under the broad swathe of one percenters.
Lindon also leads that category, notching 66 for the season.
The Shepparton star has 100 rebound 50s for the year — also a league-high — and his 30 intercept marks place him in the top five to this stage of the season.
Season Totals Spoils
Ted Lindon (Shepparton) 51
Jack Hutchins (Mansfield) 38
Lachlan Waite (Seymour) 35
Isaiah Jones (Shepparton Swans) 34
Aiden Mills (Echuca) 33
Season Totals AT A GLANCE
Ted Lindon
Shepparton
Spoils 51
One percenters 66
Rebound 50s 100