In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with the Brisbane Lions at Spotless Stadium, we’ve examined some of the key statistical components that could influence the match.
Home Sweet Home - The Brisbane Lions have never played on Spotless Stadium, visiting the venue for the first time on Sunday. This is the first clash between the two sides in Sydney although the Lions have a poor record in the Harbour City, losing their past four. The GIANTS are unbeaten at home this year with wins over Melbourne and Gold Coast at StarTrack Oval, Canberra and victories against Hawthorn and Adelaide at Spotless Stadium.
Game Style - The GIANTS have been extremely efficient when disposing the ball in 2015, ranked third for disposal efficiency at 75 per cent compared to the Lions ranked 11th at 72 per cent. The GIANTS are ranked number one in the AFL for handballs with 1608 for the year at an average of 179 per game. The GIANTS are ranked second in 2015 for uncontested possessions with an average of 251 per game, while the Lions have struggled in this area, ranked 15th at 207 per game.
Quarter by Quarter - Both the GIANTS and Brisbane are ranked similarly in terms of first quarter scoring with the GIANTS having scored 181 points in first terms for the year, ranked 10th in the AFL. The Lions are just behind, sitting in 12th place, having scored 179 points in first quarters so far this year. There’s a big difference though, in final quarter scoring with the GIANTS in eighth spot, having scored 22 points more than their opposition in the fourth quarters while the Lions are in 17th with a -83 differential.
Running Hot - Jeremy Cameron has been back to his best in 2015 after an injury-plagued year last year. He’s kicked 29 goals for the year, already equalling his total season hauls in 2012 and 2014. He sits third on the Coleman Medal tally behind West Coast’s Josh Kennedy and Adelaide’s Eddie Betts. Cameron has kicked 149 goals in his career and could hit the 150 milestone against the Lions.
Last Time We Met - Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton kicked seven goals between them in the GIANTS' win over the Lions in 2014, while Callan Ward was best on ground with 31 possessions. Last year’s clash was a historic night for the GIANTS at the Gabba - the club’s first win away from home and at the time, their highest ever score and biggest winning margin. If the GIANTS win on Sunday, they’ll record their seventh win for the season, making it their most successful season in history.
The GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions on Sunday afternoon at Spotless Stadium at 1.10pm and kids come FREE. Click here to get your tickets now.
