Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to determine the relationship between a team numerical advantage during structured phases of play and match event outcomes in professional Australian football. The secondary aim was to quantify how players occupy different sub-areas of the playing field in match play, while accounting for match phase and ball location. Spatiotemporal player tracking data and play-by-play event data from professional players and teams were collected from the 2019 Australian Football League season played at a single stadium. Logistic regression analysed the relationship between total players and team numerical advantage during clearances and inside 50’s. Total players and team numerical advantage were also quantified continuously throughout a match, which were separated into three match phases (offence, defence, and stoppage) and four field positions (defensive 50, defensive midfield, attacking midfield, and forward 50). Results identified an increased team numerical advantage produced a greater likelihood of gaining possession from clearances or generating a score from inside 50’s. Although, an increased number of total players inside 50 was likely associated with a concomitant decrease in the probability of scoring, irrespective of a team numerical advantage. Teams were largely outnumbered when the ball was in their forward 50 but attained a numerical advantage when the ball was in the defensive 50.
Highlights
Team performance in invasion sports is dependent on outcomes emanating from continual interactions between teammates and opponents [1]
The majority of intercepts were obtained in the D50 and DM with an even number of players or a team numerical advantage
The likelihood of generating a clearance increased if a team was able to obtain a numerical advantage at the stoppage, regardless of field position
Summary
Team performance in invasion sports is dependent on outcomes emanating from continual interactions between teammates and opponents [1]. Players are constantly required to regulate their positioning to either generate offensive opportunities in an attempt to score or to preserve defensive stability [2] Analysis of this information can be used to describe tactical team behaviour and performance outcomes [2, 3]. By examining how players occupy different subareas on a playing field at different timescales, an assessment of how players adjust their movement behaviour to increase offensive efficacy or instigate disarray in opposition defensive structures can be determined [2,3,4]. This may be attained by producing a team numerical advantage by outnumbering the opposing team [2, 3].
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