Pure Footy: Stats gurus David King and Daniel Hoyne analyse stats, trends ahead of the 2022 AFL grand final

Some incredible numbers underlines why Geelong is the team to beat in the grand final — and a young star is at the forefront. WATCH the bumper grand final edition of Pure Footy.

Geelong’s defence has been impenetrable all season long – and one “ridiculous” stat underlines why they are the team to beat in the 2022 grand final.

Champion Data analyst Daniel Hoyne revealed on this week’s grand final preview on Pure Footy that the Cats have conceded just three marks in one-on-one contests since round 18.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE OF PURE FOOTY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

The Cats rank second in the competition for all defensive aspects of their game in the last six weeks and revelation Sam De Koning has been a pivotal part of their backline brick wall.

The young key defender hasn’t been outmarked in any of his 19 one-on-ones contest in this period — neither has Jake Kolodjashnij (11 contests) or Zach Guthrie (eight).

Sam De Koning hasn’t been outmarked in his last 19 1-on-1 marking contests. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Jake Kolodjashnij has also been impenetrable. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“In Geelong’s last 73 one-one-contests, they have been out-marked three times. That is a ridiculous return,” Hoyne said.

“This defensive group is providing intercept ability, but also when they need to, has the ability to completely shut-out and deny a mark from a 1-on-1 contest.”

In this week’s bumper episode, Hoyne and David King also lift the lid on the main threat to the Cats and the one thing that the Swans need to bring in order to have a chance on grand final day.