Assistant Coach Murray Davis says the desire and work-rate of first year midfielder Rhys Mathieson is exceptional.
The Lions have blooded seven debutants in 2016 with Josh Schache, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson, Jarrad Jansen, Eric Hipwood, Matthew Hammelmann and Reuben William all pulling on the maroon, blue and gold for the first time in senior football.
In just his fourth game, Mathieson was among the best in the Lions’ loss to the Gold Coast SUNS on Saturday with 24 possessions (10 contested), seven inside 50s and five clearances, while Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product Eric Hipwood kicked four goals (to total 8 goals in just his third senior game).
“We think as a coaching group they’re doing a terrific job,” Assistant Coach Murray Davis told the Vero Coaches Wrap.
“Rhys is playing through the midfield and he is doing some terrific things through there.
“His desire for the contest and his work rate and just his willingness to put his head over the ball is encouraging.”
Davis explained that through heat mat technology, the club is able to track where each player earns their possessions – highlighting the exceptional work rate of the first year player.
Heat map from Vero Coaches Wrap showing where Rhys Mathieson get's his possessions outside of centre bounces.
“The heat mat which all clubs have access to basically shows where Rhys is getting the majority of his possessions outside of centre bounce.
“The red indicates where he is getting the majority of the ball and the yellow just outside that also. It doesn’t show where he is running to, he’s obviously covering more ground than just that area.
“His midfield coach in Simon Black would cover this off with him."
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