The identifier refers to a specific player affiliated with a prominent Australian Rules Football club. It comprises the sport’s governing body abbreviation, the team’s name, and a numerical designation often associated with individual athletes. As an example, it uniquely labels a participant within a squad roster.
This type of identifier holds significance for several reasons. It aids in player recognition, facilitates statistical tracking, and contributes to team branding and merchandising efforts. Historically, assigned numbers have sometimes become synonymous with particular players, achieving iconic status within a club’s history and culture.
Understanding the individual who has been designated this numerical representation allows for a deeper exploration of the player’s on-field performance, career trajectory, and contribution to the team’s overall success. Subsequent analyses will focus on career stats, notable achievements, and impact on Collingwood.
1. Player Identification
The assignment of a unique number, such as the one in question, serves as a foundational element in player identification within the Australian Football League (AFL). This numerical designation transcends mere labeling; it functions as a key identifier across various organizational and media platforms.
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Official Roster Management
The numerical identifier is integral to managing team rosters. It allows coaches, administrative staff, and league officials to differentiate players for team selection, injury tracking, and compliance with league regulations. This eliminates ambiguity and streamlines operational processes.
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Statistical Data Compilation
Statistical data collection and analysis depend heavily on accurate player identification. The number links performance metrics (e.g., disposals, goals, tackles) to the correct individual. This data is essential for performance evaluation, strategic planning, and external reporting.
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Broadcast and Media Integration
Television broadcasts, online media outlets, and print publications use the number to identify the player during matches and in subsequent coverage. Graphics, commentary, and written articles rely on this designation to ensure viewers and readers can readily identify the athlete being referenced.
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Merchandising and Fan Engagement
The number plays a significant role in merchandising. Jerseys, memorabilia, and other items often feature the player’s number, allowing fans to express their support and loyalty. The number thereby becomes a symbol of the player’s identity and connection with the supporter base.
The numerical identifier is therefore far more than a simple designation; it underpins essential operational, analytical, and commercial activities within the AFL and specifically for the Collingwood Football Club. Its effective management contributes to the smooth functioning of the sport and the enhancement of fan engagement.
2. Statistical Performance
The statistical output of an Australian Football League player wearing the Collingwood guernsey, and specifically identified by the number 40, provides a measurable assessment of their contribution to the team. The following points outline key facets of that performance.
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Statistical performance is assessed through various KPIs directly relating to on-field actions. These metrics include disposals (kicks and handballs), marks, tackles, goals, and behinds. These indicators provide a quantitative measure of the player’s involvement in the game. Analysis of KPIs reveals strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness within the team structure. Improvement or decline in these areas over time informs player development strategies and team selection decisions.
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Efficiency Metrics
Beyond raw numbers, efficiency metrics evaluate the effectiveness of a player’s actions. Examples include disposal efficiency (percentage of disposals that are effective), contested possession rate (success in winning the ball in contested situations), and tackle efficiency (successful tackles versus missed tackles). These metrics provide a more nuanced understanding of a player’s performance than simple accumulation of statistics. Analyzing efficiency highlights areas where a player excels or needs improvement, assisting coaches in optimizing their on-field role.
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Impact Measures
Statistical data can be analyzed to determine a player’s overall impact on the game’s outcome. Metrics such as score involvements (times a player is directly involved in a score), metres gained (distance the player advances the ball), and pressure acts (applying defensive pressure to opponents) are used. Impact measures reveal how a player’s actions translate into tangible benefits for the team, contributing to winning or losing. This analysis helps in understanding the true value of a player beyond basic statistics.
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Comparative Analysis
Individual statistical performance gains greater meaning when compared against teammates, opposing players, and league averages. This allows for contextualization of the player’s contribution. Comparisons may focus on specific positions (e.g., comparing a key defender’s intercept marks against other key defenders) or overall performance (comparing total disposals against other midfielders). This analysis helps determine relative strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas for targeted development and informing team strategy.
These facets, viewed collectively, offer a comprehensive understanding of the statistical profile for any player with the identifier in question. Analysis of the statistical performance of the individual occupying that identifier offers valuable insight into that person’s contribution to the Collingwood Football Club.
3. Career Progression
The career progression of an AFL player, specifically when referring to a player identified as Collingwood’s number 40, is a multifaceted process involving development stages, performance benchmarks, and strategic decision-making by the club. Initial entry often begins with selection in the AFL draft, followed by a period in the club’s developmental squad. Sustained performance at that level and the demonstration of required skills lead to opportunities at the senior level. An example is a player demonstrating exceptional tackling ability in the Victorian Football League (VFL), the tier below AFL, before being selected for a senior game.
The number 40, in this context, is a consistent identifier that allows for objective tracking of this progression. Analysis of game statistics, such as disposals, marks, and goals, across seasons provides quantifiable evidence of improvement or stagnation. This information informs coaching strategies, contract negotiations, and ultimately, the player’s future within the club. If a player consistently fails to meet performance expectations, it can lead to reduced playing time, or ultimately, delisting from the club. Conversely, consistent high performance may result in contract extensions and increased leadership responsibilities.
Understanding career progression within this framework is crucial for both the player and the organization. It allows the player to focus on specific areas for development and provides the club with the information needed to make informed decisions about the player’s role within the team and their long-term value. The career path of an individual occupying that number provides a case study in player development, talent management, and the competitive demands of professional Australian Rules Football. The identifier allows the club to examine trends, spot potential and optimize resources.
afl Collingwood number 40
This exploration has examined the multifaceted significance of the identifier, illuminating its function in player identification, statistical tracking, and career trajectory analysis within the Collingwood Football Club. The numerical designation provides a crucial link between the individual athlete and various aspects of the organization, from on-field performance evaluation to commercial branding.
The continued assessment of players holding this designation remains essential for understanding the dynamic nature of AFL talent management. Further investigation into the performance and impact of those individuals will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Collingwood’s team strategy and player development programs. Future analyses may focus on the socio-economic background of those players or their psychological attributes in a competitive environment.
