Melbourne Heart FC’s increased attack on the ball and defensive pressure has seen the Club make its mark on the Hyundai A-League’s statistical charts.

Melbourne Heart FC-s increased attack on the ball and defensive pressure has seen the Club make its mark on the Hyundai A-League-s statistical charts.

The Red and White currently lead the competition in tackling efficiency 88.6 per cent, highlighting Head Coach John van ‘t Schip-s emphasis on regaining possession in transition, with the Club-s nearest rival, Gold Coast United, sitting well behind on 84.7 per cent.

Midfielder Wayne Srhoj meanwhile heads the league in the same statistical category, successfully dispossessing his opponent in 95.2 per cent of tackle laid, while Fred sits fourth at 95.2 per cent.

However, Heart remains anchored to the foot of the competition in passing efficiency and completed passes, as the side-s increasingly direct approach results in a higher tempo brand of football.

In the Golden Boot race, Dugandzic-s late strike in Perth saw him rise to equal-second with five goals, four behind Besart Berisha, while the 22-year-old is also ranked equal-third in goal assists alongside team mate Aziz Behich.

Heart By The Numbers

Goals – Mate Dugandzic (5)
Assists – Aziz Behich and Mate Dugandzic (3)
Shots – Mate Dugandzic (20)
Passes Completed – Matt Thompson (309)
Minutes Played – Michael Marrone (990)