The HTA% stat is also dependent on actually winning hitouts
AFLStatsPro sets out some good stats on this (see Marshall below). The HOW% (% of hitouts won) is the relevant stat. He dominated against Lobb but has struggled more against better rucks (although even only a 34% HOW against Bellchambers is slightly concerning in hindsight - I didn't look at these stats prior to bringing him in). Only 7% and 30% and Collingwood and Melbourne last year (unclear if that was directly against Grundy/Gawn or not)
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Compare this to the other rucks. Preuss and Gawn are a scary combo this round with their HOW%.....
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The main thing going for Marshall this year is his follow up work, evident by his Clearances and CP stats (only second to Grundy this year and better than Gawn). Be interesting to see if he can keep those up despite losing more hitouts possibly against Gawn/Preuss. Still did well against McEvoy/Ceglar who both seem to have good HOW% as well.
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Hope that helps people still tossing up Marshall. I'm reasonably bullish he'll work out personally, don't want to be seen as putting people off. I got him hoping that he can average 100+ until his bye and then will re-assess.