THE WAY AFL clubs measure pressure have evolved rapidly in the past five years as the correlation between pressure applied and winning becomes stronger.
The analysis goes well beyond just tackles, spoils and smothers, with Champion Data introducing pressure points in 2011.
The points system is a key tool for clubs and awards appropriately weighted points for each of the four 'pressure acts'.
Points are awarded for corralling (1.2), chasing (1.5), closing (2.75) and physical pressure (3.75).
Who applies the most heat in each area of the ground for your club? Here's what AFL.com.au's Michael Whiting had to say:
Backline: Veteran full-back Daniel Merrett is showing his younger defenders the way, ranked fourth in the entire competition with 12.2 pressure points a game. He has little help though, with the team ranked 17th in that area of the ground.
Midfield: Captain Tom Rockliff has had an up-and-down season, but his pressure hasn't wavered. Rockliff is ranked sixth in the AFL (42.1), but the Lions midfield is ranked 15th.
Forwards: The Lions' forward-half pressure is currently ranked 18th, but vice-captain Dayne Zorko has led by example in his small stints in the front half, averaging 10.5 pressure points a game.
Pressure king: Dayne Zorko – ranked fourth in the AFL with 59.5 a game.
