Are the Tigers really off the boil? The stats say no - AFL.com.au

Are the Tigers really off the boil? The stats say no

Nathan Schmook  May 2, 2015 10:00 AM

WHILE critics have been quick to jump on Richmond after its 2-2 start to the season, the Tigers' performances have left the League's official number crunchers scratching their heads.

The nature of their two losses, to the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, has put pressure on the club, which was seen to have the softest opening draw in the competition.

But across four matches, there are a number of statistical trends highlighted by Champion Data that would suggest the Tigers aren't completely off their game. 

When compared with their winning run between rounds 15 and 23 last year, the Tigers have this season improved their differentials in kicking efficiency, inside 50s, time in forward half and points from stoppages – all key performance indicators.

So why have they struggled to the point of producing a round-four performance that coach Damien Hardwick labelled "insipid"?

Part one of the answer is at the coalface, where the Tigers have gone from the No.1 team for clearance differential between rounds 15-23 last season to No.9 this year (dropping from +6.7 to +0.5).

They are also forcing fewer stoppages in their forward half – down from 41.4 a game to 32.5 – and getting fewer scores from that source as a result.

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Are the Tigers really off the boil? The stats say no - AFL.com.au