Saints shine as stats reveal finals heroes

AS A thrilling GFL season came to a close last weekend, the standout performers have been revealed, with the statistics showcasing the talent and intensity that defined an entertaining finals series.

St Mary’s small defender Keidan Rayner was awarded the Frank Fopiani Medal for best afield in the team’s premiership-claiming victory over St Joseph’s, picking up 13 disposals at 77 per cent, including five intercept possessions and five 1 per centers.

Rayner played a shutdown role on livewire Joeys forward Hunter Lewis, holding him to just seven disposals, the equal-least on the ground.

Saints recruit Ryan Pendlebury, brother of Pies legend Scott, racked up 36 touches in the win, including 15 rebound 50s. Young ruck Fletcher Hughes impressed with 13 touches, nine tackles and eight clearances to go with his 46 hit-outs.

For Joeys, Joseph Chaplin picked up 27 disposals (17 contested), 11 clearances and a goal to make him the highest-ranked player despite the loss. James Gow had 32 touches and 11 clearances, while Luke Webb’s 25 disposals consisted of 23 kicks to go with his six score involvements.

Outside of the grand final clash, Newtown & Chilwell’s Mitch Diamond averaged 30.5 disposals in the side’s straight sets exit, while Colac’s Ben McCarthy averaged 28.5 (19.5 contested) in his two finals.

Tigers ruck Zachary Zdybel averaged 130.7 ranking points in his three finals, and Braden Hocking averaged 119 for the Eagles.

Micah Robb (Colac) and Paddy Dowling (St Mary’s) led all goalkickers across the finals with five each.