GVL Data | Kyabram ruckman posts big numbers in win over Swans

By Zac Standish

Aug 31, 2022

In strong form: Kyabram ruckman Zac Norris was a standout at the weekend.

The influence of a dominant ruckman can never be understated.

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And with his team needing to win on Saturday afternoon to secure a place in the Goulburn Valley League finals series, Kyabram’s Zac Norris came to the fore with an epic performance against Shepparton Swans.

From dominating the ruck contests to doing the dirty work in and around the contest, Norris’ game was about as complete as you are likely to see from a ruckman at GVL level.

So through the power of GVL Data, let’s delve a little deeper into what made the Bombers’ big man’s performance so special.

Matched up against Swans youngster Will Dwyer, Norris made sure to utilise his years of experience in the ruck contests, winning 34 hit-outs to his counterpart’s 12 to give the Bombers’ midfield first look at the footy.

The influence of the big man’s tap work resulted in the Kyabram on-ball brigade having a field day, winning the clearance count 37-28.

But the impact of Norris far exceeded his ability to win hit-outs.

Of the Bombers’ 37 clearances, he won an astounding 12, five more than any other player on the ground.

He was also prolific in his ability to find the ball, ending the day with 24 disposals (20 of which were contested), winning 18 ground ball gets and taking five marks.

With ball in hand he was equally as damaging operating at 83 per cent efficiency by hand and foot.

Completing a standout day at the office, Norris had a major influence forward of the ball, sending Kyabram inside 50 on nine occasions and setting up three of his teammates for scores.

To put this performance in perspective, for the season Norris averages 14.9 disposals, 10.7 contested possessions, 8.8 ground ball gets, 5.2 clearances and 26.1 hit-outs — meaning he more than doubled his regular output in a host of key indicators.

And with a match-up against star Euroa ruckman Andrew Smith billed for this weekend’s elimination final, Kyabram would need a similar performance from its big man if it is to keep its season rolling into the semi-finals.