And that is the play of up-and-coming defender Lachlan Waite.
Often tasked with curtailing the league’s premier key forwards, Waite has been stoic in his efforts and a major part of Seymour’s revival in the back half over the second half of the season.
But it is not only his defensive ability that makes him such a pivotal player for the Lions, with Waite’s ability to intercept and damage the opposition with ball in hand making him the prototypical modern defender.
So through the power of GVL Data, let’s dissect what has been a breakout season for the reliable defender.
Partnering the likes of Tom Martin, Dylan Scopel and Seamus Feery in the Seymour defence, Waite has taken the role of chief interceptor and thrived.
Averaging 2.9 intercept marks per game, Waite ranks sixth in the competition in this category, and finds himself among seasoned stars such as Lachie Smith, Jack Hutchins and Andrew Riordan at the top of the list.
At a glance
Lachlan Waite in season 2022
Disposals: 17.3 per game
Marks: 7.4
Intercept marks: 2.9
Kicking efficiency: 79 per cent
One-percenters: 5.6
Spoils: 4.4
This translates to him being one of the league’s premier markers of the ball, averaging a cool 7.4 per game.
A product of the Lions’ prominent kick-mark game, this figure sees him ranked seventh in the competition (of all players who have played five or more games) and one of four Seymour players in the top 10.
His ball use is also superb, sporting a kicking efficiency of 79 per cent while winning 17.3 disposals per game.
On the defensive side, Waite makes life difficult for opposing forwards, making 4.4 spoils per match and committing 5.6 one-percenters.
So as Seymour prepares for one last push towards September, expect Waite to be well and truly at the forefront as he continues to develop into one of the league’s premier defenders.
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