Gold Coast Suns' Petracca thrives in midfield but has been pushed forward
Statistics show Petracca's Player Rating hits 18 or higher when he plays midfield 55% of the time, but drops to 10 when stationed forward more.
Christian Petracca's form declined as Gold Coast's season wore on, finishing goalless with 12 disposals in a loss to Brisbane. Data reveals a clear pattern: when Petracca attends 55% or more centre ball-ups, his Player Rating exceeds 18.
When he spends more than 55% of time forward, that rating drops to 10. Early in the season, playing forward just 31% of the time, Gold Coast sat 7-4.
After the bye, with Petracca forward 56% of the time, the Suns fell to 1-10. Coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged he has not yet found the right way to use him.
Why it mattersHow Hardwick deploys Petracca next year will shape Gold Coast's success as two star players prepare to test free agency.
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