Sharks fans are grinning like Cheshire cats at their Tolman acquisition.
The Sharks are averaging 24pts/game without their key playmaker so the old Tolman stifling the attack chestnut doesn’t seem to hold much weight other than amongst semen soaked armchair experts.
We 100% should’ve retained him for another year or 2 especially considering the laziness and sheer lack of defensive steel amongst the remaining middle forwards at the club. Let’s have a look at the numbers comparing the work of Tolman from the bench for the Sharks against our 4 x Props so far this year;
TOLMAN
2021 averages: 110m per game, 32 tackles per game @ 98% efficiency
OGDEN
2021 averages: 84m per game, 19 tackles per game @ 91% efficiency
HETHERINGTON
2021 averages: 92m per game, 25 tackles per game @ 88% efficiency
TOOMAGA
2021 averages: 74m per game, 23 tackles per game @ 93% efficiency
NAPA
2021 averages: 63m per game, 21 tackles per game @ 92% efficiency
Disgraceful numbers from our middles who have not stepped up to the plate. Many here won’t like to admit it but we are sorely missing Tolmans middle craft, particularly the extra work he got through, communication and cover defence. Our defence has been downright embarrassing and the loss of Tolman is a big reason for this.
Let’s hope Thompson stays fit as he’s by far our best middle forward, but we desperately need the others to step up.