The numbers don't always paint the full picture, but they always help to, and in round 15, these players backed up the data.
Veteran defender Cameron Valentine led Echuca's rear-guard response against Euroa at the weekend, continuing an impressive stretch of form with 23 disposals, 11 contested possessions, and six intercept marks.
Midfielder Jack Evans was also a key player for the Murray Bombers in the 32-point win, notching a season-best performance with 34 disposals.
Meanwhile, Joe Atley hardly missed a beat after serving a one-week suspension, a shining light in Rochester's loss to Benalla.
Atley collected 30 disposals and nine clearances to carry on what has been an excellent season, but the performance of his midfield contemporary Will Martiniello swung the advantage the Saints' way at Moon Oval.
Over at Kyabram Reserve, the Bombers responded from an upset defeat to comfortably account for Tatura by 56 points.
Leading the charge was Liam Ogden, who in his first season back at the club for some time has been an instrumental cog in Kyabram's charge to finals. This time, Ogden collected 30 disposals, eight marks, and five clearances, helping the Bombers move two games clear in third spot.
Kyabram has a week off with the split-round before travelling to Mooroopna to face the Cats.
GVL star performers (round 15)
Cameron Valentine (Echuca): 23 disposals, 11 marks, six intercept marks, one goal
Jack Evans (Echuca): 34 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six marks
Joe Atley (Rochester): 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions, nine clearances
Will Martiniello (Benalla): 29 disposals, 20 contested possessions, six tackles, nine clearances
Liam Ogden (Kyabram): 29 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight marks, 134 ranking points