How to compare players fairly

Make the question the same for both players

Start with both full names, one statistic and one season. Keep the finals selection, opponent and venue filters the same. Comparing one player’s career to another player’s best season gives the numbers different meanings.

The Player Comparisons page is another place to compare two players. Whichever route you use, read the selected period before drawing a conclusion. If you change a filter, check it applies to both sides.

Decide whether games played should matter

Use totals to compare output across the selected period. Use per-game averages to compare output per appearance. Neither is always the better measure: they answer different questions.

For example, a player with more appearances can lead the disposal total while another leads the average. Try changing “averaged more disposals” to “had more total disposals” with the same names and year, then compare the game counts as well as the answer.

Keep small samples in view

One strong game can move a short-term average a long way. A finals-only comparison might cover one match for one player and four for another. State that difference when you share the result.

On a wider average leaderboard, a minimum-appearance condition can help. It does not remove every difference between players. Time on ground, substitutes, injuries and role changes can still affect the numbers.

Use a second search to explain the difference

After comparing Nick Daicos and Caleb Serong on average disposals in 2024, compare their total disposals using the same year and finals scope. If the rankings differ, look at appearances before assuming either answer is wrong. More games can outweigh a smaller per-game return.

For a recent-form comparison, decide whether you want the same calendar period or the same number of appearances. “Last five games” for each player may cover different dates if one missed matches. A named season and round range is a different comparison, with potentially unequal appearances.

When you share the comparison, include the measure, period and game counts where available. “Higher disposal average in the selected 2024 games” tells someone what was measured. “Better player” adds a judgement that the disposal figures alone cannot establish.

Do not ask one statistic to settle everything

Disposals measure involvement with the ball; they do not by themselves decide who played better. A forward and an inside midfielder have different jobs. Pick a measure that fits the part of their play you want to compare, and use other statistics for context.

For comparisons across eras, check when the statistic began being recorded. A missing early-career period can make a career total incomplete. Use a common covered period where possible, and keep that limit alongside the result.

Set up the Player Comparisons page

Open Player Comparisons from the left menu and select Player A and Player B. Start with a season and leave the other filters open. The page presents per-game averages and a stat breakdown, so you can examine several measures together instead of repeating a separate question for every column.

The controls include venue, opponent, player team, round type and result. Select regular season or finals when you want one stage, or wins, losses or draws when you want a result split. Use the player-team selection carefully when comparing someone who changed clubs; you may otherwise remove appearances you intended to include.

Choose the Basic stat set for a shorter comparison, or Advanced (all stats) for the wider set. More columns do not automatically make the conclusion stronger. Start with the measures relevant to the players’ jobs, then check the game counts and coverage of any newer statistics.

Use the profiles to explain what you see

When one player’s average stands out, open their profile rather than stopping at the comparison. Season statistics show the broader record, opponent and venue splits show how it varies, and the game log lets you inspect individual appearances. The Trends tab provides another view of form over time.

For a midfielder, you might read clearances, contested possessions and tackles alongside disposals. For a forward, goals, marks inside 50 and shots at goal can answer different parts of the question. Use the glossary to check definitions. A statistic can describe one part of a role without measuring all of the player’s contribution.

Try a related question

• Who averaged more disposals in 2024, Nick Daicos or Caleb Serong? ↗
• Who had more total disposals in 2024, Nick Daicos or Caleb Serong? ↗