One percenter (Australian rules football)
A one percenter (1%er) is a statistic kept in Australian rules football, and relates to a variety of actions which benefit the team, but are infrequent or defensive.
History
In 1995, one percenters were recorded by statistician Paul Callery during the 1995 AFL Season on Magic 1278AM Radio in Melbourne.[1]
Definition
There are four actions which constitute a one percenter according to official AFL statistics: knock-ons, spoils, smothers, and shepherds.
Spoil
A spoil is preventing an opposition player from taking clean possession of a pass from a team-mate. This is most usually done by punching the ball away from the contest. In the 2011 semi-final against Sydney, Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson compiled an AFL record 21 spoils.[2]
Knock-ons
A knock-on is using the hand, either clenched or open, to tap the ball to the advantage of a team-mate, without ever taking possession of the football (except out of the ruck). It has the same advantage as a quick handpass or kick, but is not recognised as a disposal because the player never has possession.
Smother
A smother is the act of using the arms or body to get in the way of an opponent's kick, as it leaves the player's boot. A player who smothers the ball is generally seen diving across in front of the kicking player, hoping to trap the ball as it is kicked. Smothers sometimes lead to turn-overs, but not always.
Shepherd
A shepherd is the legal act of preventing an opponent from obtaining the ball or tackling a team-mate.
Other one percenters
References
- ^ @rhettrospective (10 October 2023). "Paul "The Count" Callery introducing them on Magic 693s footy broadcast in 1995. And here's the proof" (Tweet). Retrieved 11 October 2023 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ Macgugan, Mark (17 September 2011). "Hawk defenders have no fear". Retrieved 10 January 2013.
External links
- Checking Skills – from the International Australian Football Council Archived 23 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine