Sam Petrevski-Seton | Midfielder or Defender?
Source: afl.com.au
Written By Ari Stamatakos
Who is Sam Petrevski-Seton?
Sam Petrevski-Seton, the Halls Creek Cowboy, was drafted pick 6 in the 2016 AFL draft.
‘Samo’ was drafted initially, as Danielle Balales wrote on the Carlton website in 2016 as a “silky mid, that can also play at half-forward and kick a goal or two, is an exceptional user of the ball – on both feet!”.
He first featured against Richmond in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since, only missing 3 games in his 4 year career. In recent years, he has reduced his minutes playing off the half forward line and has solely become a midfielder, where he has produced some incredible performances.
However in the Teague era, he has played a role across half back, which has been under the spotlight in recent weeks, with many criticising his performances. Dale Amos in a recent interview on the Blues Footy Podcast commented on the fact that “Samo can play anywhere” and “he’s also going to have the capacity to be able to play as a mid”. This sparked questions, as many believe he is better utilised in the midfield where he is able to use his ball skills in more attacking and dangerous areas.
However, others prefer his set up play from deeper on the ground, as well as his ability to act as a shutdown defender on the opposition’s small forwards. But where does he play his best footy?
Source: afl.com.au
Midfield vs Defence
Following David Teague’s 2019 takeover, Samo was played in the defensive part of the ground in 10 of the 11 remaining games of the year.
Comparatively, in the previous 11 games, he only spent 4 of those in the back half of the ground.
He never quite achieved the heights of the Round 5 game against the Western Bulldogs, as expected, considering the role was much different, but he still managed some above par performances, most notably in the Blues narrow win over the Dockers where he managed 23 touches and 1 goal, and against the West Coast Eagles where he collected 22 touches going at 95% efficiency.
Interesting to note, his disposal efficiency in games where he played off the half back line and the games where he played in the midfield were separated by only an average of only 0.5 percent. There are two sides of the game when defending - the ability to generate run, as well as being able to lock down his direct opponent, and in all the games where Petrevski-Seton played off the half back line, his direct opponent each game kicked a combined of 6 goals 4 behinds, with the most being Nick Hind who kicked 2.1 in Carltons narrow win on the MCG. He managed to finish the 20109 season with an average of 19 touches going at 70% efficiency.
Exclusively in Defence
Sam Petrevski-Seton entered the 2020 season still playing off the half back line, which confused many, considering Tom Williamson, Nic Newman, Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson were all ready and fit to play. This confusion turned to criticism early as many believed his performances weren’t up to scratch.
At the time of writing, having 316 AFL rating points, which is marked as above average by the AFL rebutting that statement. Many were confused about what role he is playing - is he a lock down defender who shuts down the oppositions best small forward? Is he an attacking threat where we can use his ball skills to drive attacks?
Well as for the former, his average of 2 tackles a game for a defender are considered above average by the AFL, and his average of 9 pressure acts are considered average.
He has conceded a combined score of 11.1 via his direct opponent this season with Jason Castagna contributing the most to that tally with his 3 goal hall in round 1.
His average of 0.4 contested defensive one-on-ones and 0.9 spoils a game is considered below average.
His score involvements at 2.1 a game is considered average, score launches of 0.9 a game above average, 2 rebound 50s a game below average and an average of 158.8 metres gained below average.
Overall, he is averaging 13 disposals a game whilst going at 75 percent by both hand and foot, but solely kicking wise, he is averaging 72% efficiency in which all are considered average
What do the coaches think?
In the aforementioned Dale Amos interview with the Blues Footy Podcast, the topic of Sam Petrevski-Seton was brought up and Amos said “He may spend significant time in the midfield as time progresses.”
This makes one think that this move for Petrevski-Seton is only temporary as we try and find a place for him in the team, to try and get more versatility in his game or if the coaching staff thinks that he is going to be a contributor in both aspects of the game. Another quote that came out of that interview is that “Samo can play anywhere”, this has been shown throughout his whole career as he has played nearly every position in his time with the blues and has consistently produces good performances.
Source: afl.com.au Round 1 Match Gallery
Where does Sam Petrevski-Seton play his best footy?
Well that question is still yet to be answered as he has played great games in every position he has played.
He is still 22 and for near enough all of his career he has been playing in a losing team, so only time will tell what is Petrevski-Seton best position or where he plays his best footy, but one thing is for sure, he is going to be a very good player in the near future, weather that’s him playing off the half back line, or playing in the guts.
