One percenter (Australian rules football)

In Australian rules football, the term "one percenter" refers to actions that are not statistically recorded but significantly contribute to the team's performance. These actions are often defensive or team-oriented, focusing on disrupting the opposition, protecting teammates, and applying pressure.

While definitions can vary slightly, key characteristics of a one percenter include:

• Physical Pressure: Applying tackles, bumps, shepherds (legally protecting a teammate running for the ball), and spoils (knocking the ball away from an opponent, even if it means sacrificing possession).

• Chasing and Harassment: Putting pressure on the opposition by chasing, tackling, and limiting their time and space with the ball.

• Sacrificial Acts: Putting one's body on the line, such as diving on the ball, taking a hit to protect a teammate, or running hard defensively to close down space.

• Team-Oriented Play: Prioritizing the team's needs over individual statistics, such as handballing to a better-positioned teammate instead of taking a shot at goal.

While not directly measured on a traditional stat sheet, coaches and analysts increasingly acknowledge the importance of one percenters. They are often considered indicators of effort, teamwork, and a player's willingness to contribute to the overall team success, even without individual accolades. Some teams and media outlets track these actions internally using proprietary metrics.