The numbers that show Reilly O’Brien deserves another shot in the ruck for the Crows
Reilly O’Brien’s game against Geelong will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons. But for a 23-year-old playing his third AFL game, his numbers prove he deserves another go.
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Reilly O’Brien’s game against Geelong will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons.
At a crucial time in the third quarter as Adelaide were making their charge, the 23-year-old, in the side replacing an injured Sam Jacobs, sprayed a set shot for goal out on the full from 20 metres out.
In the same quarter, a sublime piece of tap-work by Geelong’s Rhys Stanley, which resulted in a Patrick Dangerfield clearance and long-range goal, highlighted his struggle at the centre bounce.
But for a 23-year-old playing his third AFL game – and first for 963 days – his numbers prove he deserves another go.
Especially given last week’s SANFL season opener was his first full game since June last year.
O’Brien, who missed the second-half of 2018 after season-ending shoulder surgery, recorded 10 hitouts-to-advantage – equal to Stanley – and three more than Jacobs had against the Swans.
Of the 10, only two were from the centre bounce, compared to Stanley’s six, but he competed well around the ground.
And the 202cm big man was involved when the ball was on the deck, tallying six clearances and three tackles, among 15 pressure acts.
In the first two rounds, Jacobs recorded a total of five clearances, matching his average of 2.5 per game in 2018 and made three tackles.
While many will be quick to point out his horrible set shot, O’Brien’s third quarter was his best.
As he continued to compete, Adelaide gained ascendency in the middle, winning 28 more disposals and four more clearances to record an inside-50 differential of +11.
And O’Brien’s most-influential moment came late in the term.
With three minutes on the clock, at a boundary throw-in at half-back, O’Brien used his strength to outmuscle Esava Ratugolea, take the ball out of the ruck and break away from the stoppage.
He kicked long to a contest at half-forward, Adelaide won the groundball and a Lachie Murphy goal put the Crows within nine points.
Jacobs is still, by some margin, the No. 1 ruckman but did Adelaide lose as a result of his absence? No.
The ruckman’s craft is far-more advanced than O’Brien’s and, as a result, Adelaide’s midfield is always given a chance and is rarely worked-over by the dominance of an opposition big man.
Jacobs, who turned 31 on Wednesday, averages more than 13 disposals across his 198-game career and, in a standout 2014, averaged 16 disposals, four marks and 115 SuperCoach points per game.
But all Jacobs’ key numbers were down last year.
Jacobs averaged 12 disposals, 2.5 marks and 84 SuperCoach points in 2018.
Last Thursday, O’Brien tallied 11 disposals, three marks and 85 points.
Jacobs will be better off for the break and it’s unlikely his apprentice will take his job anytime soon. But he deserves a proper chance.
HOW THEY COMPARE
Sam Jacobs (R1 & 2); Reilly O’Brien (v Geel)
Ranking Points: 69; 85
Disposals: 9.5; 11
Marks: 1.5; 3
Hitouts: 35.5; 28
Hitouts-to-Advantage: 9; 10
Clearances: 2.5; 6
Score Involvements: 5; 5
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