Jon Ralph says two key stats could pose a problem for former Hawthorn midfielder Billy Hartung’s chances at finding a new club via delisted free agency.
Despite the 22-year-old playing 56 games for the Hawks across the past three seasons, Ralph says his tackling and contested possession numbers could be a knock on his hopes of a finding a new home.
“I know he was unlucky not to win a flag, but you dig a little deeper,” he told SEN’s The Run Home.
“Even though he kicks it at 68 per cent (efficiency), he is the second worst tackler of all midfielders out there. He has the second worst contested possession of all midfielders out there.”
David Schwarz however says these numbers mean little to an outside running midfielder like Hartung is, believing that tackling isn’t the be all and end all of a successful football side despite the success of the past two premiers, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, playing a pressure-first game.
“You need a mix. You need outside run. You need someone who is going to be out wide. You need an Andrew Gaff. You need your list to be diverse,” the former Melbourne forward said.
“I’m not as convinced on tackling as other people are. Why tackle when you’ve got the footy? If you’re a prolific accumulator of the footy, you’re not going to tackle nearly as much.
“Billy Hartung will get another opportunity.”
The delisted free agency period will start on Wednesday and end on November 26.