Team movement patterns with and without ball possession in Australian Football League players

This study assessed the relationship of GPS derived movement patterns (integrated with match footage), separated into time with and without ball possession, and team performance in elite Australian football. Time spent running < 14 km. h(-1), > 14 km. h(-1), > 19 km. h(-1) and > 24 km. h(-1) were used, plus when the ball was in dispute or dead. Games and quarters were separated by win/loss, and further categorized by player position. In wins compared to losses, no significant difference existed between time spent with and without ball possession across full games. Within quarters, time spent with possession was significantly greater than without possession in winning quarters. In game and quarter wins, % time spent at > 14 km. h(-1) with possession was significantly lower than in losses, whilst % time spent > 19 km. h(-1) and > 14 km. h(-1) without possession was significantly greater in quarter wins than losses. Forwards had a greater % of time spent at > 14 km. h (-1) with possession, defenders a greater % without possession, and midfielders had the most balanced profile. Overall, in winning quarters, teams had a greater amount of possession and time spent at > 14 km. h (-1) without ball possession, which was a significant predictor of success.