An American in need of help...?

I've been watching AFL on the web for the past week or so... learned to overcome my own cultural biases (ie. uniforms - we don't generally wear such short shorts in the States), and take in the match with an open mind (even and including the so-so video quality, but as an ice hockey fan, I've learned to follow the puck -- unlike many in the States)



Like the open, flowing, attacking play, the appropriate contact (learned that AFL cleaned things up a bit, cool with me. Too much dirty play in the NFL.) Also like the acrobatic marks, as I've seen many a great catch in American football.



And, I can't mention this enough. Like the scoring, and the attacking nature of the game. Sure there are more defensive teams, just as the NBA have the Detroit Pistons, but it's not the chicken-poop defensiveness that is so prevalent in association football.



Here's my question... as a newcomer to the game, what stats should I look for when considering the best forwards? midfield players? and backs?An American in need of help...?
Welcome to the world of Aussie Rules Football!



When considering the best forwards you should look for goals, marks, points [negative], and their ability to run their opponent out.



With midfielders, you should consider clearances, disposals, inside 50s, goal assists, tackles, and turnovers.



For backs, you should consider marks, disposals, and turnovers.



The best forwards are usually those who can play on almost every opponent, whether tall or short. They should also be able to kick plenty of goals, and minimal behinds. They should be able to get to the ball from a clean kick, which is marking. In the occasion that they were not able to mark, they should be able to get hold of the footy and outrun their opponent to kick a goal on the run.



The best midfielders should be able to get center clearances, or shepard the ball off to their own players in the right direction. They should also be able to get disposals, or making correct use of the ball. Inside 50s are important because a midfielder delivers the ball to the forwards inside the 50 m arch. Goal assists should also be considered, because if a player gets a goal assist, then they basically set up the goal. Tackles are very important because midfielders need to take possesion of the ball any how (without violating the rules, of course). Turnovers are when the ball is in the possesion of an opposing team, and suddenly they are forced to cough up the footy to the other team.



Backs? They need to mark. They should always be a step ahead of the forwards, because thats their job [lol]. Disposals are also important, as I said, they need to make proper use of the ball, especially in such a dangerous area (opposing team's 50). Turnovers are important because they could make something out of nothing for their team just by getting the footy from the opposing team.



{I know its a LONG answer... thats the only way I could explain it!}
NRL is dying pal (yeah im talking to you up there). afl gets bigger crowds in brizzy for home and away games than nrl does for finals. figure it out..



My american friend you should take a look at who attacks the ball the hardest and applies the most pressure in your teams forward line. stats are great but misleading at times. the good sides appy better pressure and create more scoring opportunitiesAn American in need of help...?
Best forwards:

- Goals kicked (Compared to behinds, showing how accurate they are)

- Tackles laid , to see how much pressure they are applying to their defenders

- Marks (contested mainly)

Midfielders

- Disposals

- Possessions

- Kicks/Handballs to advantage

- Tackles

- Goals

- Clearances

- Contested posessions

- Goal assists



Backs

- Tackles (mainly)
AFL IS THE GREATEST GAME ON THE EARTH:



look :



Fowards: Kick goals, out muscle their opponent %26amp; run around in the 50



Midefilders: Clearences, Inside 50's, dispoals, assists,tackle ,ect.

Rucks: Roving, Hit Outs, Crumming



Backs: Fist th ball away, Tackle, Mark ect.An American in need of help...?
Great answer ! ^