Demon is best small forward in the comp: Luff

Champion Data’s Glenn Luff has used a number of key performance indicators to find the most valuable small forward of the 2017 season thus far, and it is a player that almost no-one would’ve guessed.

While talking on SEN’s Pure Footy, Luff has concluded that Jeff Garlett is the most efficient small forward in the AFL at the moment, using measures such as forward half pressure points, groundball gets inside 50, forced turnovers and average goals scored to make his decision.

He has expressed that pressure points in the forward half is the most effective indicator to measure the value of small forwards in the modern game.

“He’s an elite player under our measurements and he’s averaging only 10 disposals per game...He’s doing exactly what a forward is supposed to be doing,” Luff said.

Of the 50 small forwards in the AFL, Garlett’s pressure points are higher than any other in his position this season.

“He is averaging 39 pressure points in the forward half, last week he had 80 overall with 70 in the forward half,” Luff said.

The KPI indicators for small forwards created by Champion Data show that it is a measure of quality over quantity in this position.

Luff was steadfast in his view, even when SEN footy analyst David King questioned how a player that averages 10 disposals per game could be the AFL’s best small forward.

“He averages 2.5 groundball gets inside 50 per game, his pressure is number one in the competition, he forces the most turnovers from his pressure in the game, he has an accuracy of 74% and he’s kicking 2.5 goals per game,” Luff replied.

Jeff Garlett and his Demons hope to build on their impressive performance last week as they face North Melbourne at the MCG this Sunday afternoon.