In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with West Coast at Domain Stadium in Perth, we’ve examined some of the key statistical components that could influence the match.
• Ward of the West: In the GIANTS’ last three matches at Domain Stadium in Perth, Callan Ward has accumulated 29 touches on each occasion. The GIANTS’ co-captain will be looking to improve even further on that number to help his side record their first win on the ground.
• Western shoot-out: It could be a good ol’ fashioned western shoot-out tomorrow with both sides gaining a reputation for producing high scores. The Eagles are ranked number one for overall points scored this season, averaging 104 points per game. The GIANTS are hot on their heels, ranked third for scoring with 99 points per game.
• Marking Mark: Dangerous forward Mark LeCras will receive close attention from the GIANTS defenders who will be looking to curb his influence. LeCras is fifth in the AFL for scoring assists and has kicked 11 goals thus far in 2015. Will it be the experienced Joel Patfull or up-and-coming Nick Haynes who get the big task?
• Clearance is Key: On a big ground like Domain Stadium both sides will be eager to get first use of the ball. Around stoppages the GIANTS have the advantage sitting sixth overall for clearances while West Coast sit 13th in the AFL this season.
• Coleman Chances: The Coleman Medal race could take an interesting turn this week with some of the big contenders going head to head at opposite ends of the ground. The league leader Josh Kennedy (16 goals) is the man to catch but forwards Cam McCarthy (13 goals), Jeremy Cameron (11 goals) and Mark LeCras (11 goals) are not far away.
• Defensive Rock: With the addition of Joel Patfull and some key defenders back from injury this season the GIANTS have considerably tightened their backline. The GIANTS are ranked fifth for least points conceded with 74.5 per game. In 2014 their average points conceded per game was 105. Co-captain Phil Davis has been exceptional, sitting fourth in the AFL for 1 percenters this season.
• Handball Happy: The GIANTS are ranked first for handballs in 2015 with a total of 737, averaging 184.2 per game. The Eagles are ranked sixth with 673 at 168 per game. Don’t be surprised if you see the GIANTS use their pace and link through the midfield by hand before kicking forward.
• Last Time We Met: The GIANTS last clashed with West Coast in round eight of 2014 and were comfortably beaten by the Eagles - 30.8 (188) to 12.5 (77). The GIANTS average a losing margin of 99 points against West Coast.
The GIANTS play the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium in Perth on Saturday, May 2 at 7.40pm (AEST).
