Aphex, used by a handful of AFL clubs in their list management and recruiting departments, ranks every player in the competition based on their projected WAR (Wins Against Replacements).
That comes from a formula devised by Australian-based baseball scouts Jon Deeble and Brett Ward.
The tool uses competition-wide data to find the on-ground value of every player in the League, and ranks them on how many wins per season they bring to their team.
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Aphex ranked nine high-profile recruits; Paul Chapman, Stewart Crameri, Dal Santo, Lance Franklin, Shane Mumford, Jared Polec, Heath Shaw, Tyson and Vince to see who measured the best.
Each club with the program uses its own weightings to determine the value of a player, but these are Aphex's own weightings and they found Dal Santo to bring in the most wins for his new side.
The 30-year-old, who crossed clubs as a restricted free agent last season, had actually lifted his WAR from 2013, when he had a consistent season with the Saints.
"Dal Santo has been very consistent with his WAR over the past five years and is continuing to put up some good numbers. I think North Melbourne would be very happy with their recruiting of players this past off-season," Ward told AFL.com.au.
Vince, on the back of his 41-disposal and three-goal game against the Kangaroos, was ranked second, ahead of his teammate Tyson, who had significantly increased his WAR in his first full season at AFL level.
While Aphex keeps projected WARs confidential, the player's value is adjusted after every game he plays and on a year-by-year basis, with the higher the WAR the better.
It has also developed the capacity to break down the WAR into big games or finals, so good performances in higher-stake games are reflected.
Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin placed fourth of the group, but the statistical program suggests he is on track to have one of his best seasons if he keeps going at the pace and points average he has set in the first half of the year.
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Ward noted Franklin's off-field presence was not included in his WAR, but clearly part of his appeal for the Swans.
"People keep asking if Franklin is worth what Sydney are reportedly paying him, but you can't judge it on the on-field figures alone. How much extra does his presence bring in advertising? How many more people go to the Swans' games just to watch him?" Ward said.
"The roar of the crowd when he gets the ball certainly suggests they are all very supportive, and with the extraordinary things he does each week why wouldn't you want to go and watch him?
"Plus, if Sydney win the flag this year and if Franklin's presence is a big part of that, what is that worth in extra game receipts, future memberships, merchandise and future sponsors?"
Jared Polec was fifth having joined Port Adelaide after quitting the Brisbane Lions, with Shaw sixth and Chapman seventh, despite playing only 10 games.
Crameri, who the Dogs lured on a four-year contract, was eighth, with Mumford's place at the bottom of the batch affected by only playing eight games – the lowest tally of the group. As the WAR is solely based on what a player does on the field, his figure was weakened.
But, evidenced by the Giants' better efforts when he is fit, Mumford's monetary value per game – another thing measured by Aphex – is higher than others on the list.
Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
Ward noted Franklin's off-field presence was not included in his WAR, but clearly part of his appeal for the Swans.
"People keep asking if Franklin is worth what Sydney are reportedly paying him, but you can't judge it on the on-field figures alone. How much extra does his presence bring in advertising? How many more people go to the Swans' games just to watch him?" Ward said.
"The roar of the crowd when he gets the ball certainly suggests they are all very supportive, and with the extraordinary things he does each week why wouldn't you want to go and watch him?
"Plus, if Sydney win the flag this year and if Franklin's presence is a big part of that, what is that worth in extra game receipts, future memberships, merchandise and future sponsors?"
Jared Polec was fifth having joined Port Adelaide after quitting the Brisbane Lions, with Shaw sixth and Chapman seventh, despite playing only 10 games.
Crameri, who the Dogs lured on a four-year contract, was eighth, with Mumford's place at the bottom of the batch affected by only playing eight games – the lowest tally of the group. As the WAR is solely based on what a player does on the field, his figure was weakened.
But, evidenced by the Giants' better efforts when he is fit, Mumford's monetary value per game – another thing measured by Aphex – is higher than others on the list.
Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
