Identifying footballers who have worn a specific jersey numeral for a particular Australian Rules Football club is a common point of interest. In this instance, the focus lies on individuals who have donned the number 12 guernsey while representing the Collingwood Football Club. This can be of interest to fans, historians, and those tracking player statistics.
Analyzing the lineage of athletes who have worn this jersey number provides insight into the club’s history, player development strategies, and the evolving roles within the team. Examining the tenures, achievements, and playing styles of these individuals can offer valuable context for understanding Collingwood’s overall performance and its impact on the sport.
The subsequent article will delve into specifics relating to players who have proudly sported this particular number for Collingwood. This will include player profiles, significant contributions, and potentially an analysis of how the role associated with that number has evolved within the team structure over time.
1. Player Statistics
Analyzing the statistical performance of Collingwood players who have worn the number 12 guernsey offers valuable insights into their contributions to the team and the overall evolution of the club. These statistics provide objective measures of individual effectiveness and can reveal trends in playing styles and team strategies.
-
Games Played and Goals Kicked
The number of games played reflects a player’s longevity and consistency within the team. Goals kicked are a direct indicator of offensive impact, especially for forwards or midfielders who contribute significantly to the scoreboard. Examining the ratio of goals per game for players wearing number 12 throughout different eras can illustrate changes in team offensive strategies or individual player roles. For instance, a higher goals-per-game average in the 1980s compared to the 2010s might suggest a shift in the team’s focus towards a more diversified scoring approach.
-
Disposals and Effective Disposal Rate
Disposals represent the total number of times a player possesses and distributes the ball. The effective disposal rate, calculated as the percentage of disposals that directly contribute to advancing the team’s position or scoring opportunities, offers a more nuanced understanding of a player’s impact. A high disposal count combined with a low effective disposal rate may indicate a player who gains possession frequently but struggles to make meaningful contributions. Analyzing these metrics for number 12 players can highlight changes in the midfield’s playmaking effectiveness over time.
-
Tackles and Intercepts
Tackles and intercepts showcase a player’s defensive contributions. Tackles indicate a player’s ability to pressure the opposition and regain possession, while intercepts demonstrate anticipation and reading of the play. Comparing these statistics for number 12 players who occupied different positions (e.g., defender vs. midfielder) reveals the variety of defensive roles and how they have been performed. For example, a number 12 playing as a half-back might be expected to have a higher intercept count than a forward.
-
Marks and Contested Marks
Marks represent a player’s ability to catch the ball cleanly, while contested marks highlight success in aerial duels against opposing players. These statistics are particularly relevant for key forwards and defenders. Analyzing the number of contested marks taken by number 12 players gives insight into their aerial dominance and their ability to win crucial one-on-one contests. A higher contested mark count indicates a strong aerial presence and a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations.
By examining these key statistical facets across various players who have worn the number 12 guernsey for Collingwood, a comprehensive understanding emerges regarding their contributions, the evolving roles within the team, and the overall historical context of the club. The numbers provide a tangible link to the past, allowing for informed comparisons and appreciation of the players who have represented Collingwood in that number.
2. Role Evolution
The role assigned to players wearing the number 12 guernsey for Collingwood has demonstrably evolved over the club’s history, mirroring broader shifts in Australian Rules Football tactics and player specialization. This evolution is not merely a superficial change but a reflection of how the game demands different attributes and skill sets from players filling that specific position. For instance, early players wearing number 12 might have primarily served as traditional full-forwards, focused almost exclusively on goal-kicking. As the game became more strategic and less reliant on isolated individual brilliance, the role associated with the number 12 could have transformed into that of a versatile midfielder or a running half-forward, required to contribute both defensively and offensively. This evolution is directly attributable to changes in coaching philosophies, increased emphasis on fitness and running capacity, and the introduction of more complex game plans.
Consider, for example, the contrast between a player from the 1950s predominantly stationed near the goal square versus a modern-day player covering extensive ground in the midfield. The former’s primary function would be to receive the ball in scoring position and convert opportunities. The latter, however, would be expected to win contested possessions, deliver the ball accurately to teammates, apply defensive pressure, and occasionally contribute to the scoreboard. This requires a broader skill set and higher levels of athleticism. This demonstrates how the player wearing number 12 adapts to evolving tactical requirements, emphasizing the dynamic nature of player roles. Furthermore, the analysis of player statistics, such as disposals, tackles, and marks, further contextualizes the impact of this evolution.
In conclusion, understanding the transformation of the role associated with number 12 Collingwood players offers valuable insight into the broader evolution of the game. The historical analysis reveals the shifting priorities and tactical approaches employed by the club. Identifying these changes and their underlying causes helps contextualize the contributions of individual players who have proudly worn the number 12 guernsey. Despite the differences across eras, each player has uniquely contributed to the clubs legacy within the confines of their specific historical context and the demands placed upon them by the evolving sport.
3. Historical Significance
The historical significance intrinsically tied to individuals who have worn the number 12 guernsey for the Collingwood Football Club extends beyond mere player statistics or on-field performance. It represents a tangible link to the club’s heritage, reflecting pivotal moments, evolving playing styles, and the broader societal context that has shaped Australian Rules Football. The selection of a particular player to wear the number, especially in moments of strategic importance or team transition, can signify a deliberate effort to honor past achievements or to usher in a new era. For example, if a player who embodies the traditional Collingwood values is given the number 12 after a period of relative instability, this decision can be viewed as a symbolic attempt to reconnect with the club’s roots and identity. The performance of players in this jersey, especially during landmark games or premiership seasons, further cements the number’s historical weight.
Examining the players who have donned the number 12 reveals patterns in team selection philosophies. The guernsey could have been consistently assigned to players representing a particular playing style, such as hard-running midfielders or reliable defenders. This consistent association contributes to the perception of the number, imbuing it with certain expectations and connotations within the club’s supporter base. Understanding this historical significance also allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the pressures and expectations placed upon subsequent players who are chosen to wear the same number. They inherit not only the physical jersey but also the weight of past performances and the associated legacy. Ignoring the number’s historical context risks overlooking these important psychological and cultural dimensions that influence a player’s performance and contribution.
The examination of the historical significance linked to the number 12 guernsey at Collingwood allows for a deeper understanding of the clubs evolving identity, the strategic decisions that have shaped its success, and the cultural values that resonate with its supporter base. While individual performance is crucial, it is the interwoven narrative of past players and their contributions that ultimately elevate the number 12 beyond mere numerical identification. Understanding this legacy is vital for both players and fans alike, fostering a stronger connection to the club’s history and providing a valuable framework for future performance and team development. The absence of this historical perspective diminishes the rich tapestry of the Collingwood Football Club.
Concluding Remarks on Number 12 Collingwood Players
This exploration has illuminated the multi-faceted significance of those who have represented the Collingwood Football Club wearing the number 12 guernsey. The analysis has encompassed individual player contributions, the evolution of positional roles, and the broader historical context that shapes the club’s identity. Through statistical analysis and historical examination, a nuanced understanding has emerged regarding the players’ collective impact.
Further research into specific players and their contributions to landmark games may provide additional insights into the lasting legacy associated with this jersey number. Understanding the historical lineage linked to specific guernsey numbers remains crucial for both fans and players in appreciating the profound heritage of Australian Rules Football.
