In 2015 Andrew Gaff stamped himself as a truly elite player by claiming his first All Australian blazer. He has always been a tireless worker and in 2016 he, arguably, took his game to new heights.
Gaff chalked up career high averages in disposals, rebound-50s and uncontested possessions per game. In 2016 he had set a new AFL record for handball receives (359) and at the end of the year ranked eighth in total disposals (657) and fourth in total kicks (372).
2016 season highlights
Kicks: 23 vs Essendon, Rd 15
Handballs: 21 vs Adelaide Crows, Rd 23
Disposals: 41 vs Adelaide Crows, Rd 23
Marks: 7 vs Richmond, Rd 4
Tackles: 5 vs Hawthorn, Rd 2
Goals: 2 vs Essendon Rd, 15
AFL Fantasy: 131 vs Essendon, Rd 15
Matches to remember:
Round 8 v St Kilda
The Eagles were on from the start against the Saints, who stood no chance of reeling in the home side after it booted nine goals to one in the first quarter. Gaff was in fine running form and ended the day with 36 disposals to be one of the best on ground. Gaff fired the ball inside 50 on eight occasions, rebounded from the defensive 50 twice and had four clearances.
Round 22 v Hawthorn
In what was the Eagles’ biggest game of the season, Gaff delivered a masterful performance against the three-time reigning premiers. With the Eagles bursting out of the nocks and completely stifling the Hawks, Gaff’s two-way running was a feature throughout the night. He amassed 38 disposals, laid three tackles, had six inside-50s, three rebound-50s, four clearances and one goal assist.
Round 23 v Adelaide
Gaff was hitting his straps and it was no surprise West Coast were doing the same. On the Adelaide Oval on a Friday night the Eagles running machine burned the Crows with his relentless work rate. Gaff was easily the highest possession winner on the ground with 41, but it was his work inside that was eye catching. He had seven clearances and 15 of his possessions were contested, showing he was more than just an outside runner. He also stuck two tackles, sent the ball inside 50 three time and out of the defensive arc twice.
