The stats
AFL games: 15
Disposals per game: 12.6
Marks: 1.8
Kicks: 6.5
Tackles: 5.8
Total goals: 19
Review
In his six previous years at the club, Paul Puopolo had never played less than 20 games.
But a midseason groin injury to the durable small forward in 2017, meant the 29-year old managed 15 games this year.
Puopolo set a new career-high average in tackles this year with 5.8 a game, almost one tackle more than his previous best.
While his goal kicking rate of 1.3 a game was the second best of his career, behind 2016’s average of 1.6.
‘Poppy’ was able to play the final two games of the year in a sign that he will be ready to attack another big preseason in 2018.
A word from: Adem Yze
“It was obviously a big loss when ‘Poppy’ went out of the team this year. Our tackling numbers clearly went down when he was out of the side. We know that that is his strength to provide that forward pressure.
“It was really good for him to be able to get back in late in the year. But it was a frustrating middle part of the year for him, when he got that sore groin.
“We obviously know what he can do and how important he is to our team so we just hope he can have a nice pre-season, get his groin right and have a massive year next year.”
